Amit Sharma interacts with Panun Kashmir delegation on Census 2027; memorandum to be forwarded to Registrar General

JK News Today

Jammu/Srinagar (J&K), May 14, 2026: A delegation of Panun Kashmir today met Shri Amit Sharma, IAS, Chief Principal Census Officer (CPCO) and Director Census Operations & Citizen Registration (DCO & DCR), Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting concerns and expectations of the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community in the context of Census 2027.

The delegation projected various issues relating to identification, classification and demographic enumeration of displaced Kashmiri Pandits during the upcoming Census exercise and sought appropriate consideration of matters concerning territorial linkage, recording of displacement-related details and preservation of demographic identity within official Census records.

The memorandum submitted by the delegation to CPCO Amit Sharma stressed that the prolonged displacement of the community should be viewed distinctly and requested that appropriate Census mechanisms be evolved for identifiable and accurate demographic enumeration. The delegation also emphasised the importance of maintaining linkage of displaced families with their original places of residence in the Kashmir Valley within Census records.

During the interaction, CPCO Amit Sharma patiently heard the concerns projected by the delegation and assured them that the memorandum would be forwarded to the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, through proper channel for appropriate consideration.

While interacting with the delegation, Sharma also apprised them of the major digital initiatives and features being introduced in Census 2027, which will be India’s first fully digital and paperless Census exercise. He informed that the upcoming Census will involve use of mobile-based digital applications, geo-referenced mapping, real-time monitoring systems and advanced digital platforms for conduct and supervision of Census operations.

Amit further highlighted that one of the most significant features of Census 2027 is the introduction of Self-Enumeration, under which citizens will be able to voluntarily submit their Census details through a secure online portal during the notified self-enumeration period before household visits by Enumerators. He informed the delegation that displaced Kashmiri Pandit families residing in different parts of the country can also actively participate in the Self-Enumeration process and accurately furnish their Census details through the digital platform.

CPCO Sharma stated that the Self-Enumeration facility has been designed to make Census participation more convenient, transparent and citizen-centric, especially for people residing outside their original places of residence. He encouraged the members of the displaced community to actively participate in the exercise and ensure accurate furnishing of demographic details during the notified self-enumeration period.

Amit also informed the delegation that Census operations are conducted under the strict provisions of the Census Act, 1948, which guarantees confidentiality and protection of personal information collected during enumeration. He clarified that no personal information such as Aadhar number, bank account details, PAN details or financial transaction records are collected during Census operations.

The delegation was further informed that extensive preparatory activities for Census 2027 are presently underway across Jammu & Kashmir, including appointment and digital registration of Enumerators and Supervisors, training of field functionaries, geo-referenced formation of House Listing Blocks, implementation of the Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) and large-scale awareness campaigns regarding Census 2027 and Self-Enumeration.

The delegation appreciated the detailed interaction and thanked the Census authorities led by CPCO Amit Sharma for patiently hearing their concerns and sensitising them regarding various aspects of the upcoming digital Census exercise.