Punjab Gears Up for Census 2027;
Chief Secretary KAP Sinha Chairs State-Level Conference of Principal Census Officers for Phase-II Preparedness
Comprehensive roadmap for Population Enumeration discussed; CS stresses collective ownership, accurate coverage and timely execution
Chandigarh, September 21 (WISHAVWARTA);- A one-day Conference of Principal Census Officers (PCOs) for Phase-II of Census 2027 – Population Enumeration was held today at Hotel Mount View, Chandigarh, under the chairmanship of Mr. KAP Sinha, Chief Secretary, Punjab, to review the preparedness and operational readiness for the forthcoming Population Enumeration phase of Census 2027.
The conference was attended by members of the State Level Census Coordination Committee (SLCCC), Divisional Commissioners and all Principal Census Officers, comprising the Deputy Commissioners of the Districts and Municipal Commissioners of the Municipal Corporations.
At the outset, Dr. Navjot Khosa, Director, Census Operations, Punjab, welcomed the Chief Secretary, members of the SLCCC, Divisional Commissioners and all Principal Census Officers.
The conference provided a comprehensive overview of the key components of Phase-II of Census 2027, including Population Enumeration preparedness, Enumeration Block (EB) finalisation, Human Resource planning, Training and deployment, PE questionnaire, Digital Tools, Self-Enumeration, Media and Publicity, field-level preparedness and administrative responsibilities.
Detailed presentations were made on operational and technical aspects to ensure coordinated, timely and accurate implementation of the Census within the stipulated timelines.
Chief Secretary Emphasizes Census as a National Exercise:-
Addressing the participants, the Chief Secretary, emphasized that the Census is one of the most significant national exercises undertaken by the country and constitutes a vital foundation for demographic and socio-economic information used in governance, planning, policy formulation and delivery of public services.
He stressed that the successful conduct of the Census requires not only meticulous administrative preparedness but also commitment, coordination, ownership and a strong sense of responsibility at every level. He called upon all Principal Census Officers to accord the exercise the highest priority and discharge their responsibilities with full dedication, accountability and ownership.
The Chief Secretary further emphasized that every stage of the Census process must be carefully planned, closely supervised and completed within the prescribed timelines. He underscored the importance of seamless coordination among the district administration, municipal bodies and all concerned departments to ensure complete coverage and maintain the accuracy, quality and credibility of the Census exercise.
He further called upon the PCOs to provide effective leadership to the entire field machinery, ensuring that all Census functionaries are adequately trained, fully sensitised to their roles and responsibilities and prepared to undertake field operations in accordance with the prescribed guidelines.
Highlighting the importance of Census 2027 for the country, the Chief Secretary stated that Punjab has an important responsibility in ensuring the successful and accurate conduct of the exercise in the State. He urged all PCOs to personally monitor the preparedness and execution of the Census in their respective jurisdictions and ensure that the exercise is carried out with the highest standards of dedication, accuracy, completeness and responsibility.
State Nodal Officer Stresses Strict Adherence to Guidelines and Timelines:-
The State Nodal Officer briefed the participants on the administrative and coordination framework for Phase-II and stressed the importance of strict adherence to Census guidelines, prescribed procedures and timelines at every stage.
Addressing the PCOs, the State Nodal Officer said that close and continuous monitoring must begin from the preparatory stage, covering finalisation of Enumeration Blocks and Human Resources, training, deployment of field functionaries and field execution.
The PCOs were advised to establish effective review and monitoring mechanisms at the district and charge levels, with continuous supervision and timely resolution of operational issues. Particular emphasis was placed on inter-departmental coordination and regular assessment of preparedness so that any gaps are identified and addressed well before the commencement of field operations.
The State Nodal Officer further added that every level of the Census machinery must have complete clarity regarding its assigned responsibilities and that all activities must be undertaken strictly in accordance with the approved Census procedures and timelines.
The PCOs were urged to maintain close oversight from the initial stage of preparedness through the completion of field operations, ensuring coordinated execution and timely corrective action wherever required.
Director Census Operations Highlights Phase-II Preparedness, EB Finalisation, HR Planning and Training:-
Dr. Navjot Khosa, Director, Census Operations, Punjab, apprised the participants of the schedule and major operational requirements for Phase-II of Census 2027. Further, the PE questionnaire having 40 questions on various parameters was also discussed in detail.
Timeline for Phase-II – Population Enumeration :-
Self Enumeration: 16th November, 2026 to 30th November, 2026
Phase-II : 1st December, 2026 to 4th January, 2027
Revisional Round : 5th January, 2027 to 9th January, 2027
Reference Date: 00.00 hours of the 5th Day of January, 2027
The Director, Census, also made a detailed presentation on the key technical and operational components of Census 2027, covering the Overview of Phase-II, Formation of Enumeration Block (EB), Human Resource Planning and Rationalization, Training Cascade, Self-Enumeration, Digital Tools, Budget and Media & Publicity. She provided comprehensive guidance on the preparedness requirements and implementation framework for each component, with emphasis on coordinated planning, timely execution, effective use of technology and robust field-level preparedness for the successful conduct of Population Enumeration.
The effective leadership, close supervision and meticulous preparation would be the key pillars for successful implementation of the Population Enumeration phase, said Dr. Navjot Khosa pointing out the critical role of the PCOs, as the Principal District-level authorities, in translating Census guidelines into effective, coordinated and timely field-level action.
She stressed the need for timely completion of all preparatory activities, particularly finalisation of Enumeration Blocks, Human Resource planning and deployment of census functionaries. Emphasis was also laid on ensuring that adequate and appropriately trained personnel are available well in advance for the smooth conduct of field operations.
The Director highlighted the importance of the training cascade, including timely completion of Field Training (FT) to ensure that all functionaries are adequately oriented and fully conversant with their roles, responsibilities, procedures and digital tools before deployment.
She further underscored the need for robust monitoring mechanisms and close supervisory arrangements at every level, along with effective use of digital tools for timely reporting, monitoring and resolution of operational issues.
Special focus was laid on ensuring complete coverage of inaccessible, difficult and vulnerable areas. The Director urged the PCOs to identify such areas in advance and make appropriate field and supervisory arrangements to ensure their comprehensive coverage and keep its proper documentation.
The Director also highlighted the importance of public awareness and effective publicity of the Self-Enumeration. She called for coordinated efforts at the district and field levels to sensitise citizens about the Census process, encourage participation and facilitate effective use of the Self-Enumeration facility.
The PCOs were also briefed on their key responsibilities relating to timely finalisation of census functionaries, training arrangements, field preparedness, inter-departmental coordination, monitoring of field operations, and publicity of Self-Enumeration and resolution of operational issues at the district and charge levels.
Way Forward:-
The conference concluded with a detailed discussion on the way forward, with emphasis on complete coverage without omission and duplication, coordinated, time-bound and accountable action by all stakeholders for the successful implementation of Phase-II of Census 2027 in Punjab.
The Chief Secretary reiterated the importance of collective ownership, close coordination and continuous monitoring by all concerned departments and field-level functionaries. He called upon all Principal Census Officers to personally lead and closely supervise the preparations in their respective jurisdictions and ensure that every stage of the Census is executed with dedication, responsibility, accuracy and completeness.
The conference reaffirmed the collective commitment of all stakeholders towards ensuring the smooth, timely, accurate and comprehensive conduct of Phase-II of Census 2027 in Punjab.
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