Census 2027 begins with digital self-enumeration phase

GANGTOK,  (IPR): The Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with the Directorate of Census Operations, Sikkim launched the first phase of Census 2027 at Lok Bhawan today.

Governor Om Prakash Mathur attended the programme.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Om Prakash Mathur stated that the launch marked the commencement of Census 2027, the 16th Census of India and the 8th since Independence. He noted that the previous Census was conducted in 2011. He informed that the Census would be carried out in two phases, with the first phase comprising digital self-enumeration followed by house listing and housing census, and the second phase covering population enumeration.

The Governor stated that the digital mode would enable citizens to submit their details efficiently while reducing the use of paper and strengthening public participation. He added that Census data forms the basis for policy formulation in sectors such as health, education, housing, employment and social security.

Highlighting the importance of the exercise for the State, he stated that the Census would support planning in remote and border areas and assist in assessing diverse communities in Sikkim. He urged citizens to participate in self-enumeration, provide accurate information and extend cooperation to enumerators. He added that the success of Census 2027 depends on public participation and expressed confidence that the exercise would achieve its objectives in the state and across the country.

Earlier, Director of Census Operations, Karma Bonpo, delivered the welcome address. He stated that the Directorate had initiated the Census process in the state through self-enumeration and added that the campaign would enable residents to submit their details digitally. He further stated that the Census exercise would support data collection for planning and policy purposes. He urged the media to disseminate information to ensure public awareness and participation. He added that the Census would support equitable distribution of resources and guide development activities.

Also present were Lok Bhavan secretary Jitendra Singh Raje, commissioner-cum-secretary Transport department Raj Yadav, IPR secretary Annapurna Alley, Principal Census Officer-cum-District Collector, Gangtok, Tushar Nikhare, District Census Officer-cum-ADC Sisum Wangchuk Bhutia, along with officials from Home department, District Administrative Centre Gangtok, Directorate of Census Operations and other Census officers.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by assistant director, Directorate of Census Operations, Tejram Neher.