Census 2027 Preparations Accelerate in Chandigarh with Digital Initiatives
The Union Territory of Chandigarh is set to embark on the monumental task of Census 2027, with comprehensive preparations now underway to ensure a seamless and efficient enumeration process. The first phase, known as Houselisting Operations (HLO), will officially commence on May 1, 2027, and continue through May 30, 2027. During this critical period, enumerators will be tasked with identifying all buildings and households across the city, while meticulously collecting vital data on housing conditions, household assets, and available amenities.
Key Decisions from the State Level Census Coordination Committee
These crucial dates and operational details were finalized during the second meeting of the State Level Census Coordination Committee (SLCCC), which was convened at the Chandigarh Secretariat. The meeting was chaired by Chief Secretary H. Rajesh Prasad and brought together key stakeholders from various departments to review and coordinate all aspects of the upcoming census.
According to a senior UT official, the SLCCC meeting focused extensively on assessing the progress of pre-Census activities, finalizing training schedules for personnel, and ensuring that all necessary budgetary arrangements are in place to support the smooth execution of the census operations. The committee comprises representatives from multiple departments, including local government, revenue, urban planning, finance, education, and architecture, highlighting the collaborative effort required for this national exercise.
Introduction of Self-Enumeration and Digital Transition
In a significant move towards modernizing the census process, the committee has also approved a 15-day self-enumeration period, scheduled to run from April 16 to April 30, 2027. This initiative allows residents to voluntarily submit their household information online, potentially easing the burden on field enumerators and increasing data accuracy. Both the houselisting and self-enumeration dates will be formally notified in the official Gazette of UT Chandigarh at the earliest opportunity.
To facilitate a smooth transition towards a fully digital Census, the Directorate of Census Operations has planned a one-day conference on February 25, 2027, in Chandigarh. This conference aims to orient and sensitize principal Census officers, including deputy commissioners and other senior officials, on the digital tools and methodologies that will be employed during the enumeration process.
Training, Infrastructure, and Preparatory Activities
The committee reviewed the successful completion of pre-test activities conducted at two pilot locations—Sarangpur and Sector 22—and discussed the ongoing preparations for the main Census operations. A detailed training schedule for master trainers and field trainers has been approved, with training sessions slated to begin in the third week of February 2027.
On the financial and logistical front, the availability of the required budget and approved norms was thoroughly assessed. The committee has decided to initiate the hiring of technical staff and the procurement of essential IT infrastructure in Chandigarh without delay. Emphasizing the importance of timely completion, Chief Secretary Rajesh Prasad directed all concerned departments to ensure close coordination and cooperation, thereby guaranteeing the efficient and successful conduct of all Census-related activities in the Union Territory.
