Phase I to begin with house listing in J&K from June 1 to 30, says Chief Principal Census Officer

Jammu, Apr 1: Chief Principal Census Officer and Director Census Operations, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Amit Sharma on Wednesday announced that phase-I of census 2027 would begin with the house listing operations in Union Territory (J&K) from June 1 to 30, 2026.

This would be India’s first census to be conducted fully through digital mode. Before the commencement of House Listing Operations, a 15-day self-enumeration window would open from May 17 to May 31, 2026, he stated.

Amit Sharma also allayed the apprehensions that Census 2027 was entirely distinct from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

“SIR pertains to revision of voter lists and is conducted by the Election Commission. However, the Census is a comprehensive national exercise for collection of demographics, socio-economic and housing data of persons for policy planning and governance, conducted under Census Act 1948 and the Census Rules, 1990,” Chief Principal Census Officer J&K and Ladakh stated, while responding to queries in a press conference here in Jammu.

Sharma, while addressing the media informed, “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.”

Deputy Chief Principal Census Officer Manmeet Singh Loomba and Assistant Chief Principal Census Officer, Jammu and Kashmir Nimrat Kour accompanied Sharma during the presser.

Addressing the concerns about security of data, privacy breach issues, Amit Sharma informed that Census 2027 would ensure complete confidentiality of individual data as per the provisions of the Census Act, 1948.

“Phase II of census operation will relate to population enumeration. In non-snow bound areas, it will be undertaken in February 2027 while snow-bound areas will be covered earlier in September 2026 as per notified timelines. However, self-enumeration period for phase II was yet to be decided. Presently we are focussing on Phase-I,” he said.

Amit Sharma 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.

Emphasising the digital aspect, data collection on household amenities and assets would be carried out through mobile applications equipped with in-built validation checks, he stated that a web-based Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) will enable real-time monitoring and efficient execution of Census activities.

“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,” he shared.

Likewise, training of census functionaries, enumerators and supervisors was currently underway to ensure accuracy and uniformity in data collection.

On data security, Amit Sharma assured that stringent safeguards were 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 would 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 were 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, targetted welfare measures and effective governance.

He informed that Census reference date would be March 1, 2027, however for UT of Ladakh and snow bound areas of Jammu and Kashmir (besides states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand), it would be October 1, 2026.

Data collection in J&K will be done through mobile apps both android and iOS in three languages i.e., English, Hindi and Urdu.

Around 27788 enumerators and supervisors will be engaged in census operations in J&K.