Jammu/Srinagar, May 15 : A delegation of Panun Kashmir on Thursday urged the Census authorities to ensure distinct demographic enumeration of displaced Kashmiri Pandits during Census 2027, raising concerns related to identification, classification and preservation of the community’s territorial linkage with the Kashmir Valley within official Census records.
The delegation met Amit Sharma, who is also Director Census Operations and Citizen Registration for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and submitted a detailed memorandum outlining issues concerning demographic representation of displaced Kashmiri Pandit families spread across different parts of the country.
According to the memorandum, the prolonged displacement of the community required separate and identifiable Census mechanisms to ensure accurate demographic documentation. The delegation emphasised that the original places of residence of displaced families in the Kashmir Valley should continue to find reflection in official Census records despite migration over the past several decades.
During the interaction, Amit Sharma assured the delegation that the memorandum would be forwarded to the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India through the appropriate channel for consideration.
The meeting also focused on the proposed framework of Census 2027, which officials described as India’s first fully digital and paperless Census exercise. Sharma informed the delegation that the upcoming Census would involve mobile-based digital applications, geo-referenced mapping, real-time monitoring systems and advanced digital platforms for conduct and supervision of enumeration work.
Highlighting the proposed Self-Enumeration facility, Sharma said citizens would be able to voluntarily submit their Census details through a secure online portal before physical verification by enumerators. He noted that displaced Kashmiri Pandit families residing outside Jammu and Kashmir would also be able to participate digitally during the notified self-enumeration period.
Sharma further clarified that Census operations are conducted under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948, which guarantees confidentiality of personal information collected during enumeration. He stated that details such as Aadhaar numbers, bank account information, PAN details or financial transaction records are not collected during Census operations.
Officials informed the delegation that preparatory work for Census 2027, including appointment of enumerators, geo-referenced mapping, training of field staff and awareness campaigns, was presently underway across Jammu and Kashmir.
