JAMMU, Jan 21: Preparations for the next nationwide census have gathered momentum in Jammu and Kashmir, with House Listing Operations set to be carried out across the Union Territory from June 1 to June 30. Officials said the exercise will form a crucial first step of Census 2027, with self-enumeration by citizens beginning 15 days ahead of the field operations.
The schedule was finalised during a meeting of the Union Territory Level Census Coordination Committee, held here under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo. Officials said the formal notification for the House Listing Operations is expected to be issued by January 31.
To ensure a smooth and citizen-friendly self-enumeration process, the administration will deploy technical assistants and charge officials during the 15-day preparatory period. These officials will guide households in filling out details digitally, helping familiarise people with the new system before enumerators begin door-to-door visits.
During the meeting, Director Census Operations for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Amit Sharma gave a comprehensive presentation on the framework and key features of Census 2027, which will be India’s first fully digital census. Officials said the presentation outlined major technological and procedural innovations aimed at improving accuracy, transparency, and efficiency.
Among the notable features highlighted were the Census Management and Monitoring System, the provision for self-enumeration by citizens, and the inclusion of caste enumeration. The sequencing of activities, including training of personnel, self-enumeration, house listing, and population enumeration, along with detailed timelines, was also explained to the committee.
Stressing the importance of strong field-level execution, the meeting approved the fast-track hiring of manpower at the Union Territory, district, and charge levels for Census 2027. Deputy commissioners have been directed to set up District Level Census Cells and nominate officers responsible for coordination, training, and supervision. Instructions were also issued for the timely identification and deployment of master trainers, supervisors, and enumerators.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo emphasised the need for close coordination between the civil administration and the census directorate to ensure that the exercise is conducted smoothly and accurately. He directed all deputy commissioners to extend full logistical and administrative support at every stage of the process.
The chief secretary assured that the Jammu and Kashmir Government would provide full cooperation to ensure the timely and successful completion of the census exercise, which is expected to play a critical role in policy planning, resource allocation, and governance over the coming decade.
Officials said the adoption of digital tools and self-enumeration marks a significant shift in how census operations will be conducted, placing greater emphasis on citizen participation while strengthening monitoring and data management mechanisms.