Jammu, April 2: Amit Sharma, the Chief Principal Census Officer and Director of Census Operations in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, outlined the roadmap for Census 2027 in the twin Union Territories, where self-enumeration will begin on May 17.
This will be India’s first census to be conducted entirely through digital mode, he said on Wednesday.
Sharma said the massive national exercise will ensure complete confidentiality of individual data in accordance with the provisions of the Census Act, 1948.
“The census will be carried out in two phases across the Union Territory, with the first phase — Houselisting and Housing Census — scheduled from June 1-30, 2026. This will be preceded by a 15-day self-enumeration period from May 17-31,” he told reporters here.
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 the notified timelines, he added.
Highlighting a key feature, Sharma said that the option of self-enumeration — allowing people to submit their details through an online portal — is being introduced for the first time in the Census history.
He said data collection on household amenities and assets will be carried out through mobile applications equipped with in-built validation checks, while a web-based Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) will facilitate real-time monitoring and efficient execution of the exercise.
Sharma said the extensive preparatory work has already been completed, including freezing of administrative boundaries, pre-tests, development of multilingual training modules and appointment of Census functionaries at district and field levels.
Training of enumerators and supervisors is currently underway to ensure accuracy and uniformity in data collection, he added.
Clarifying doubts, Sharma said that Census 2027 is entirely distinct from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. “While SIR relates to revision of voter lists, the Census is a comprehensive national exercise to collect demographic, socio-economic and housing data for policy planning and governance,” he said.
On data security, Sharma assured that stringent safeguards, including end-to-end encryption, secure transmission protocols and ISO-certified data centres designated as Critical Information Infrastructure, have been put in place to protect personal information.
Responding to queries, he said that enumerators and supervisors will visit households during normal working hours within the notified period, carrying valid identity cards and appointment letters, and advised people to verify their credentials before sharing information.
He added that local officials, including teachers and revenue staff, are being engaged to ensure familiarity and trust during the exercise.
Urging public participation, Sharma said accurate and reliable data is essential for inclusive development, targeted welfare measures and effective governance.
