Jammu, April 26: Chief Principal Census Officer Amit Sharma has unveiled the comprehensive roadmap for India’s first fully digital Census in 2027, emphasizing its role in transforming data-driven governance. Sharma, who is also Director Census Operations for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, addressed the Rotary Club Jammu City in an event stressing the importance of citizen involvement in the upcoming national exercise.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Ministry of Home Affairs official detailed the two-phase approach for Jammu and Kashmir. The first phase, encompassing House Listing Operations (HLO) and the Housing Census, is slated to run from June 1 to June 30, 2026. A preceding self-enumeration window will be open from May 17 to May 31, 2026, allowing citizens to submit their details directly.
The second phase, the Population Enumeration (PE), is scheduled for February 2027. Special provisions have been made for snow-bound areas, where enumeration will be conducted earlier in September 2026, adhering to the notified timelines. This digital-first approach aims to generate accurate, real-time, and granular data, crucial for effective policy formulation and governance across the nation.
Sharma explained that the data collection will leverage mobile applications equipped with advanced validation checks to ensure accuracy and consistency. He highlighted the significant step towards inclusivity and transparency by offering citizens the option to participate directly through a dedicated Self-Enumeration portal. This digital framework is designed to streamline the process and enhance the reliability of the collected information.
The Chief Principal Census Officer underscored the pivotal role of census data, describing it as the bedrock of effective governance. He noted its critical importance in shaping national policies, ensuring the targeted delivery of welfare schemes, and facilitating the optimal allocation of resources across vital sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, and social development. Reliable data, he stressed, is indispensable for addressing contemporary challenges and fostering inclusive growth.
Preparatory activities for the census are well underway. These include the freezing of administrative boundaries, the development of robust digital platforms, and comprehensive training for field functionaries, all aimed at ensuring the smooth and efficient conduct of the census operations. Sharma assured the public that stringent data security measures are in place, including end-to-end encryption, secure transmission protocols, and certified data centers designated as Critical Information Infrastructure.
He further elaborated on data confidentiality under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948, urging citizens to exercise caution and refrain from sharing sensitive personal information such as bank account numbers, credit card details, PAN, or Aadhaar numbers, beyond what is required for the census questionnaires. This emphasis on data security aims to build trust and encourage accurate participation.
Sharma made a direct appeal for active public participation, calling upon citizens, particularly Rotarians across all districts of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, to actively engage in creating awareness within their networks. He urged cooperation with enumerators during field visits and encouraged the utilization of the self-enumeration facility to guarantee accurate and complete data collection. The successful execution of Census 2027, he stated, will be instrumental in charting India’s future development trajectory and reinforcing evidence-based governance.
Following Sharma’s address, the Rotary Club Jammu City felicitated him for his insightful discourse and for disseminating crucial knowledge about the census, highlighting the need for public understanding of this significant national undertaking.
The Chenab Times News Desk