Clarifies SIR distinction, key timelines
Jammu, Apr 01: Chief Principal Census Officer and Director Census Operations, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Amit Sharma on Wednesday addressed a press meet here and shared comprehensive details regarding the upcoming Census 2027, which will be India’s first Census to be conducted fully through digital mode.
Highlighting the scale of the exercise, Amit Sharma informed that Census 2027 will ensure complete confidentiality of individual data as per the provisions of the Census Act, 1948. The Census will be carried out in two phases across the Union Territory, with the first phase of House Listing Operations and Housing Census scheduled from June 1 to June 30, 2026, preceded by a 15-day self-enumeration period from May 17 to May 31, 2026, he added. Besides, the population enumeration in non-snow bound areas will be undertaken in February 2027 while snow-bound areas will be covered earlier in September 2026 as per notified timelines.
He highlighted that the option to self-enumerate wherein people can submit their own information through Self Enumeration online portal is a first-time feature and unique initiative of Census 2027.
Emphasizing the digital aspect, data collection on household amenities and assets will be carried out through mobile applications equipped with in-built validation checks. A web-based Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) will enable real-time monitoring and efficient execution of Census activities.
He further informed that extensive preparatory work has already been completed, including freezing of administrative boundaries, conduct of pre-tests, development of training modules in multiple languages and appointment of Census functionaries at district and field levels. Likewise, training of Census functionaries, enumerators and supervisors is currently underway to ensure accuracy and uniformity in data collection.
Amit Sharma specifically clarified that Census 2027 is entirely distinct from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He stated that while SIR pertains to revision of voter lists, the Census is a comprehensive national exercise for collection of demographics, socio-economic and housing data of persons for policy planning and governance.
On data security, Amit Sharma assured that stringent safeguards have been put in place, including end-to-end encryption, secure transmission protocols and ISO certified data centres designated as Critical Information Infrastructure, ensuring complete protection of personal information.
Responding to queries, Sharma informed that Enumerators and Supervisors will visit each household during the normal working hours within the notified period carrying valid Identity Cards and Appointment Letters. He advised that their credentials should be verified before sharing information. He added that recognized local officials like teachers, revenue officials are being engaged to ensure familiarity and trust.
The Chief Principal Census Officer for the Union Territory urged people to actively participate in the Census exercise, stating that accurate and reliable data is crucial for inclusive development, targeted welfare measures and effective governance.
He was accompanied by Manmeet Singh Loomba, Deputy Chief Principal Census Officer and Nimrat Kour, Assistant Chief Principal Census Officer, Jammu and Kashmir.
