Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged the people of Himachal Pradesh to actively participate in the Census-2027 exercise, describing it as the "backbone of democracy and development." During a meeting in Shimla, Director of Census Operations and Citizen Registration, Deep Shikha Sharma, briefed the CM on various aspects of the upcoming census process.
Two-Phase Census with Digital Approach
Sharma explained that the Census-2027 would be conducted in two distinct phases: house listing and housing census, followed by population enumeration. The first phase is scheduled from June 16 to July 15, 2027. A significant innovation this year is the introduction of a "self enumeration" facility, allowing residents to submit their details online through the official portal from June 1 to June 15, 2027. The entire census will be conducted digitally, with enumerators collecting information using mobile devices instead of traditional paper forms.
Importance of Census Data
Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized that census data is crucial for planning future development policies and welfare programs. He called upon every citizen to cooperate with enumerators and ensure accurate data collection. "The census provides the foundation for evidence-based policy making, resource allocation, and targeted development initiatives," Sukhu stated. He added that the state government is committed to making the census process smooth and accessible for all residents.
The meeting also highlighted the role of technology in improving data accuracy and efficiency. The digital platform is expected to minimize errors and reduce the time required for data processing. Officials are conducting awareness campaigns to educate the public about the self-enumeration option and the importance of participating in the census.
With the introduction of self-enumeration, residents can now complete their census forms at their convenience, reducing the need for multiple visits by enumerators. This feature is expected to increase participation rates and ensure comprehensive coverage across the state.
