Manipur Deputy CM questions authenticity of population figures

Correspondent
IMPHAL, DECEMBER 23

[dropcap]D[/dropcap]eputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam today claimed that India’s total population should be more than 1.22 billion(Census 2011).
“I think there must be some uncounted population as the country always faces shortage of food grains despite the report of increase in the production every year,” says Gaikhangam who also holds the home portfolio.
“I’m not sure whether the Census authority includes the floating population such as those in railway platforms, etc, in the cities,” he questioned.Seeking clarification from the Census authority of the country in this regard, Gaikhangam expressed the need to have a correct Census report so that the country’s economy can be improved.
Gaikhangam was speaking at the award and medal distribution ceremony for the State and Central officials for their outstanding contribution in Census 2011 at the Classic Hotel in Imphal on Monday.
Expressing the need to organize more awareness programme on Census, he also appealed the general public to give positive response during the forthcoming Census operations in the region.
The State chief secretary, PC Lawkunga and principal secretary (Home), Dr J Suresh Babu also spoke on the occasion, while Director of Census operations, Manipur, Yambem Thamkishore tendered the vote of thanks.
In his speech, the state chief secretary Lawkunga appealed the officials to work as a team with mutual understanding and cooperation.
“The Chief Secretary is nothing but a coordinator of government departments”, he said. He added proper coordination and cooperation is the key of all success in a different environment filled state like Manipur. Stating that Manipur is a place where poverty was hidden unlike other parts, Principal Secretary Suresh Babu highlighted the need to do some good works for the general public in their service career.
Altogether, around 30 state and central government officials who were engaged in the Census 2011 operation were honoured with medals and citations during the day’s gathering.