West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Friday that the state census will be conducted from August 1 to the end of February next year. The statement was made during a press briefing in Kolkata, where Adhikari emphasized the importance of the census for policy planning and resource allocation.
Chief Minister's Remarks
Adhikari noted that India has made considerable progress in census operations in recent years, leveraging technology and streamlined processes. He stressed that West Bengal needs to catch up with other states to ensure accurate demographic data. The census will cover all districts of the state, with enumerators visiting households to collect information on population, housing, and socioeconomic indicators.
Implementation Details
The state government has mobilized a large workforce for the census, including temporary staff and volunteers. Training programs have been conducted to ensure data accuracy and adherence to privacy norms. The census will also use digital tools for real-time data entry and monitoring.
Adhikari urged citizens to cooperate with enumerators and provide accurate information. He highlighted that the census data will help in formulating welfare schemes, infrastructure projects, and development programs. The previous census in West Bengal faced delays due to logistical challenges, but the current administration aims to complete the process on schedule.
Historical Context
The last national census in India was conducted in 2011, and the 2021 census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Several states have since conducted their own censuses to update records. West Bengal's census will provide critical data for the state's planning and development initiatives.
Adhikari also called for transparency in the process, promising that the data will be made publicly available for research and analysis. He expressed confidence that the census will be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
