CS Dulloo sets in motion Population Enumeration Phase of Census-2027 in snow-bound areas of J&K

Srinagar :Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Saturday chaired a meeting of the Union Territory Level Census Coordination Committee (UTLCCC) to review and finalize preparations for the second phase of Census-2027, involving Population Enumeration in snow-bound and otherwise inaccessible areas of J&K.
The meeting besides Director, Census Operations, J&K and Ladakh, Amit Sharma was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Planning, Development & Monitoring Department; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu/Kashmir; Secretary, Rural Development Department; Director, School Education, Kashmir; Senior functionaries of the Directorate of Census Operations, besides Deputy Commissioners from the concerned districts through virtual mode.
Speaking on the occasion Chief Secretary mandated district administrations to prioritize the timely appointment of Enumerators and Supervisors for Phase-II of the Census, emphasizing the selection of individuals with technological proficiency to facilitate a smooth digital enumeration process. Comprehensive training for all personnel is essential, ensuring they are well-versed in the questionnaire, digital applications, and protocols to minimize errors during the enumeration. Public awareness campaigns are to be intensified, particularly in remote and snow-bound areas, to inform residents about the enumeration schedule and the self-enumeration facility. The Chief Secretary also highlighted the importance of timely honorarium disbursement for personnel involved in both phases of the Census and called for an effective monitoring mechanism to oversee the process. Amit Sharma, Director of Census Operations for J&K and Ladakh, presented a detailed operational plan for Phase-II, which includes a self-enumeration period from August 17 to August 31, 2026, followed by door-to-door enumeration from September 1 to September 30, 2026. The Census Moment is set for October 1, 2026, with a revisional round for verification from October 1 to October 5, 2026. The enumeration will encompass 95 Administrative Charges and 4,146 tentative Enumeration Blocks, focusing on snow-bound sectors. The enumeration will utilize the ‘Census 2027–PE’ mobile application and the Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) for real-time oversight. Enumerators will collect data on various socio-demographic and economic indicators through a digital questionnaire, with specialized training for those handling unique cases such as Defence and Paramilitary establishments. A structured training schedule has been established, with various training sessions planned from August 7 to August 29, 2026. The Directorate of Census Operations is also implementing a hyperlocal awareness campaign through multiple media channels to encourage public participation in both self-enumeration and field enumeration. The Chief Secretary has urged all stakeholders to collaborate closely and adopt a zero-omission strategy to ensure comprehensive coverage in challenging terrains. The government appeals to residents in these areas to cooperate with Census personnel and utilize the self-enumeration option to contribute to an accurate and inclusive Census-2027.