Raiganj, Sept. 21 -- Around 40 families residing at Kantor Dealer Para in Mahipur area of Raiganj block in North Dinajpur district were allegedly left out of the ongoing census exercise, triggering concern among the residents. The families claimed that census officials did not visit their homes during the first phase of the enumeration and that their houses were also not marked with identification numbers.
The residents have approached local authorities seeking clarification and urged officials to ensure that all eligible families are included in the census records. Gabinda Barman, a resident of Kantor Dealer Para, said: "The first phase of the census was conducted from August 16 to 31. Census officials visited homes in different areas, but they did not visit our village.
Even our houses were not marked with numbers. Most of us are engaged in agricultural work. We are worried that if we are not included in the census, we may face difficulties in accessing various government facilities." Dipak Barman, Pradhan of Mahipur Gram Panchayat, said: "The matter was immediately brought to the notice of block officials after the gram panchayat received information that around 40 families had been left out. The block officials assured us that necessary steps would be taken immediately to address the issue."
Block officials said the alleged exclusion was linked to a problem concerning the preparation of the map used for guiding census personnel during the enumeration process. As a result, the officials conducting the exercise reportedly failed to cover the particular locality.
Subrata Ghosh, Block Development Officer of Raiganj, said: "The subject was brought to our notice and officials are acting to complete the enumeration of the remaining households."
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.