J&K gears up for two-phase Census with preparations in Full Swing

Census plays critical role in formulation of policies: Director Census Ops

Jammu Tawi, Apr 26: Extensive preparatory activities, including freezing of administrative boundaries, development of digital platforms, and training of field functionaries, have been completed to ensure smooth conduct of Census operations, to be conducted in two phases in Jammu and Kashmir, a top official said on Sunday.

The Chief Principal Census Officer (CPCO) and Director Census Operations (DCO), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Amit Sharma highlighted the importance of Census data, stating that it forms the backbone of governance and plays a critical role in formulation of policies, targeted delivery of welfare schemes and optimal allocation of resources across sectors such as health, education, infrastructure and social development.

Sharma has been assigned the task of handling census operations of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, and highlighted the roadmap and significance of Census 2027, describing it as a transformative national exercise that will redefine data-driven governance in the country during his keynote address in an important event held in Jammu.

He emphasised that Census 2027 will play a crucial role in shaping India’s development trajectory and strengthening evidence-based governance.

Addressing a special gathering as Chief Guest at a Health Talk organised by Rotary Club Jammu City in association with Fortis Hospital, Gurugram, the CPCO stated that Census 2027 will be India’s first fully digital and paperless Census, aimed at generating accurate, real-time, and granular data for effective policy planning and governance.

He informed the gathering that the Census will be conducted in two phases in Jammu and Kashmir, with the first phase of House Listing Operations (HLO) and Housing Census scheduled from June 1 to 30, 2026, preceded by a self-enumeration window from May 17 to 31, 2026.

The second phase, Population Enumeration (PE), will be undertaken in February 2027, while snow-bound areas will be covered earlier in September 2026 as per the notified timelines.

Elaborating on the digital framework, Sharma said that data collection will be carried out through mobile applications equipped with in-built validation checks, ensuring accuracy and consistency.

He added that citizens will have the option to participate directly through a dedicated Self-Enumeration portal, making the Census more inclusive, accessible, and transparent.

He noted that reliable data is essential for addressing emerging challenges and ensuring inclusive growth.

Amit further informed that extensive preparatory activities, including freezing of administrative boundaries, development of digital platforms, and training of field functionaries, have been completed to ensure smooth conduct of Census operations.

On data security, Sharma assured that robust safeguards have been put in place, including end-to-end encryption, secure transmission protocols and certified data centres designated as Critical Information Infrastructure, ensuring complete confidentiality of individual data under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948 and he requested public not to share any vital information like bank account number, credit card number, PAN, Aadhaar or any other detail other than the answers to questions asked in HLO and PE.

Calling for active public participation, Sharma urged citizens, especially all Rotarians in all districts of J&K and Ladakh, to create awareness amongst their circles to cooperate with enumerators during field visits and make use of the self-enumeration facility to ensure accurate and complete data collection.