Aizawl, April 16: Officials in Mizoram have confirmed that all refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing in the state will be included in the upcoming national census, underscoring that the exercise is intended solely to capture population data and is not linked to citizenship verification.
At a press conference, representatives from the Directorate of Census Operations stated that individuals from Myanmar and Bangladesh, as well as those displaced from Manipur, would be counted if they are living in rented accommodation or relief camps during the enumeration period. The clarification comes amid ongoing demographic exercises across the country.
Deputy Director Jamil said the inclusion of displaced populations is essential to accurately reflect demographic realities and resource utilisation within the state. According to figures provided by the Home Department, Mizoram is currently hosting more than 28,000 refugees from Myanmar, approximately 2,300 from Bangladesh, and nearly 7,000 displaced persons from Manipur.
The first phase of the census, covering house listing and housing data, commenced on April 1, with a digital self-enumeration facility available until April 15. From April 16 to May 15, enumerators will carry out door-to-door surveys using mobile applications under the canvasser method, alongside verification of online submissions.
Officials added that the second phase, scheduled for February next year, will involve detailed population enumeration, including data on age, gender, education, language and marital status. A limited online enumeration window is also expected to be introduced during this stage.
