Kohima, April 22 (MExN): In a twin push for digital governance and identity registration, IT equipment was distributed to selected villages while Aadhaar enrolment for children aged 0–5 years was launched in Kohima on Wednesday.
The programme was organised by the Office of the District Economics & Statistics Officer, Kohima, at the District Economics & Statistics Office.
Secretary and Chief Registrar of Births & Deaths Akunu Meyase handed over IT equipment to representatives of selected villages and stressed the importance of accurate and timely registration of vital events.
She said birth and death registration has been mandated online since 2022, with the aim of achieving a fully digital system. Describing such records as critical legal documents establishing identity and existence, she noted that absence of these records could result in lack of legal recognition.
Meyase added that reliable civil registration data forms the basis of government planning and policymaking. Computers, printers and internet connectivity support were distributed to facilitate online registration in 26 villages under Kohima district and 10 villages under Tseminyu district.
Director and Additional Chief Registrar of Births & Deaths Neidilhou Keditsu said the initiative was aimed at strengthening the civil registration system in the State. He noted that Nagaland adopted online birth and death registration in 2022 in line with national standards, with support from Unique Identification Authority of India.
While appreciating registrars, especially from Kohima and Tseminyu, he observed that death registration levels remain low and called for efforts to achieve universal coverage. He also highlighted the need for suo moto registration, standardised data collection and efficient implementation.
Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, who also serves as District Chief Registrar of Births & Deaths, formally launched Aadhaar enrolment for children aged 0–5 years.
He said governance begins at the village level and urged village leaders to ensure proper enumeration during the upcoming Census. Referring to limited population growth recorded in the 2011 Census, he said the forthcoming exercise must be conducted with greater accuracy. The first phase of the Census is scheduled to begin in July and will cover rural and urban households, he added.
Buchem further said Aadhaar has become essential for accessing various government schemes, including health insurance and welfare benefits, and urged village leaders to create awareness and encourage enrolment among those yet to obtain Aadhaar.
Earlier, District Economics & Statistics Officer and District Registrar of Births & Deaths, Kohima, Theyieneinuo Belho, chaired the programme and highlighted the need to strengthen registration systems at the grassroots level.
The event was held under the theme: Secure Your Child’s Future with Aadhaar – Baal Aadhaar: A Unique Identity for Every Little One.
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