A mapping error on India’s Census 2027 self-enumeration portal triggered concern after a retired Indian Air Force officer reported that Pasighat, a town in Arunachal Pradesh, was incorrectly displayed as “Medog,” which lies across the Line of Actual Control in China. The issue gained rapid attention online, with several users expressing concern over the sensitivity of such an error, especially given the geopolitical context of Arunachal Pradesh.
The discrepancy was flagged by retired Group Captain Mohonto Panging Pao, who noticed the incorrect label while attempting to complete his self-enumeration on the portal. He pointed out that Pasighat, located in East Siang district, was being mapped as Medog, a Chinese town. His post quickly circulated on social media, with many users interpreting the error as a serious lapse, particularly at a time when territorial issues between India and China remain sensitive.
The incident assumes added significance because China has, in the past, attempted to rename locations in Arunachal Pradesh, which it claims as part of its territory. India has consistently rejected such claims, reiterating that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country. In this context, even a technical mapping error on an official platform drew strong reactions, with some users calling for stricter oversight and questioning the use of third-party mapping services.
Following the online backlash, the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India clarified that the issue was a technical error linked to the map service provider used on the portal. Authorities stated that the problem was promptly escalated and resolved on the same day. The portal relies on third-party digital mapping tools to auto-tag locations, which can sometimes lead to inaccuracies if not properly calibrated.
Officials emphasised that the error did not reflect any change in official boundaries or government position and was purely a technical glitch. The swift correction was aimed at preventing further confusion, particularly as the Census 2027 marks India’s first fully digital enumeration process, introducing features such as self-enumeration for citizens.
The episode highlights both the opportunities and risks associated with digitising large-scale national exercises. While digital platforms improve efficiency and accessibility, they also require high levels of accuracy, especially when dealing with geographically and politically sensitive regions. Ensuring data integrity and reliable mapping systems will be critical as India moves forward with its digital census initiative.
