J&K to Launch House Listing Census From June 1

Suhail Khan 

Srinagar, Jan 21 ; Jammu and Kashmir is set to undertake House Listing Operations (HLO) from June 1 to 30 as a key component of the upcoming nationwide Census 2027, officials announced on Wednesday.

An official told Kashmir Convener that the exercise will be preceded by a 15-day period for citizens to complete self-enumeration digitally.

The schedule was finalized by the Union Territory Level Census Coordination Committee, which convened earlier this week under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo. Officials confirmed that the government will issue a formal notification by January 31.

To ensure a seamless process, technical assistants and charge officials will be deployed to guide residents through the self-enumeration phase in the fortnight before field operations begin he said.

During the meeting, Amit Sharma, Director of Census Operations for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, delivered a detailed presentation on the framework for Census 2027, which will mark India’s first fully digital census.

The presentation outlined major innovations, including the introduction of a Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS), the option for citizens to self-enumerate, and a dedicated caste enumeration. A step-by-step timeline of activities—covering training, self-enumeration, house listing, and population enumeration—was also detailed.

Stressing the importance of effective implementation, the committee approved the rapid recruitment of manpower at the UT, district, and charge levels for the census. Deputy commissioners have been instructed to establish District Level Census Cells and designate officers for coordination, training, and supervision. They have also been directed to identify master trainers, supervisors, and enumerators promptly he said.

In his address, Chief Secretary Dulloo underscored the need for close coordination between the civil administration and the census directorate. He directed all deputy commissioners to provide full support to ensure the census is conducted smoothly, accurately, and on schedule. The Chief Secretary reiterated the government’s full commitment to the successful completion of the historic exercise the official further added.