Amit Sharma visits Kashmiri Migrant camps and assures full Census coverage

JK News Today

Jammu, J&K, Apr 30, 2026: In a key step towards preparations for Census 2027, Amit Sharma, Chief Principal Census Officer (CPCO) and Director of Census Operations for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, held a comprehensive review meeting with officials of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants) in Jammu on Thursday.

The meeting focused on ensuring the effective inclusion of migrant populations in the upcoming census exercise. Sharma later visited migrant camps, including Purkhoo Camp, where he interacted directly with residents to understand their concerns and raise awareness about the census process.

Assuring complete inclusion, Sharma stated that every individual and household, including migrant communities, will be covered under Census 2027. He emphasized that the exercise is designed to ensure no exclusion.

Addressing privacy concerns, Sharma clarified that no sensitive personal or financial information such as Aadhaar, PAN, or bank account details will be collected during the census. He stressed that all data gathered will remain confidential under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948.

Highlighting the modern approach of the upcoming exercise, Sharma said Census 2027 will be conducted through a secure and citizen-friendly digital system, allowing households to opt for self-enumeration via an online portal. He urged citizens, particularly members of migrant communities, to participate actively and provide accurate information.

Providing details of the schedule, Sharma said the census will be conducted in two phases. The House Listing and Housing Census will take place from June 1 to June 30, 2026, with a self-enumeration window open from May 17 to May 31, 2026. The Population Enumeration phase is scheduled for February 2027, while snow-bound areas will be covered earlier in September 2026.

He also underlined the use of advanced technology, including mobile applications, geo-referenced mapping, and a Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS), to ensure real-time supervision and accuracy of the exercise. Training of census personnel at multiple levels will also be undertaken to maintain uniformity and reliability.

During his field visit, Sharma, accompanied by Relief Commissioner Arvind Karjwani, reviewed facilities at migrant camps and discussed issues faced by residents. He noted that migration-related data collected during the census would help shape targeted welfare policies.

Officials from the Relief and Rehabilitation Department assured full cooperation in spreading awareness and facilitating participation among migrant communities to ensure the success of Census 2027.