Nagpur: After a gap of nearly 16 years since the last headcount in 2011, the national Census will finally roll out in Nagpur from May 1, with the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) gearing up to deploy 6,000 enumerators and 1,000 supervisors across the city. The exercise, delayed beyond its mandated 10-year cycle, will this time be largely digital and conducted in two phases.Municipal commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari, who chaired a review meeting with in charge officers and assistant commissioners on Thursday, termed the Census a “national duty” and directed all departments to ensure full participation. He announced that a dedicated Census Cell will be set up at the NMC headquarters to coordinate implementation, monitor progress, and compile data.“In the first phase, from May 1 to 15, citizens will be allowed to self-declare details online. From May 16 onwards, field enumeration will begin, with door-to-door verification expected to continue for about a month, likely until mid-June,” additional municipal commissioner Vasumana Pant told TOI after the review meeting.Officials said each enumerator will be assigned a specific jurisdiction and will be required to complete household coverage within a fixed timeline. The civic body will conduct multiple rounds of training for in charge officers, assistant commissioners, teachers, supervisors, and master trainers to ensure smooth execution of the digital and field processes.Chaudhari made it clear that there will be no tolerance for delay or negligence. Weekly reviews will track progress, and disciplinary action will be initiated against employees found shirking responsibilities.As per the 2011 Census, Nagpur’s population stood at 24,05,665, including 12,25,405 males and 11,80,260 females. Officials said the updated data will form the backbone of planning for infrastructure, housing, welfare schemes, and civic amenities over the next decade.“Everyone has to participate. This is a national exercise and there will be no excuse,” Chaudhari said, signalling that the civic machinery must treat the long-pending Census with urgency and seriousness.
