Namchi, February 11 (IPR): Training-cum-meeting in preparation for Census 2027 was held at the conference hall of Townhall Namchi, today.
The meeting was attended by Mr Karma R Bonpo, IAS, Director, Directorate of Census Operations Sikkim, Ms Anupa Tamling DC Namchi, Ms Tirsang Tamang ADC Namchi, Mr Tej Ram Meher, Assistant Director Census Operation Sikkim, Mr Nim Pintso Bhutia SDM (HQ), along with SDMs, BDOs, MEOs, ACFs and officers from line departments.
Director, Directorate of Census Operations, Sikkim, Mr Karma R Bonpo, in his address, briefed the gathering on the objectives, importance, and role of key stakeholders in the forthcoming Census 2027.
He informed that the Population Census is being conducted after a long gap of 16 years, the last Census having been carried out in 2011. He emphasised that this long interval makes it even more important to conduct the exercise with utmost seriousness and responsibility.
He also provided a brief history of the Population Census, stating that the first Census in the State of Sikkim was conducted in the year 1891. Furthermore, he mentioned that Census 2027 will mark the 16th Census of India overall.
Highlighting the developmental significance of the Census, he urged all concerned officials not to take the exercise lightly and to discharge their assigned duties diligently to ensure accurate and reliable data collection.
He also informed the gathering about the legal framework governing the Census, including the Census Act, 1948 (as amended) and other relevant provisions guiding the conduct of Census operations.
It was informed that the Census of India follows a two-phase structure.
Phase I (2026): Houselisting and Housing Census, focusing on housing conditions and household characteristics.
Phase II (2027): Population Enumeration, which will capture detailed demographic and socio-economic data such as name, age, sex, date of birth, marital status, education, occupation and other vital particulars, forming the core census database.
Moreover he also informed that Digital and Self-Enumeration will be India's first digital census, It will involve digital tools including GPS tagging, offline data capture (for low-connectivity areas), cloud uploads, and and a Census Management and Monitoring System for near-real-time supervision.
DC Namchi, Ms Anupa Tamling, highlighted the significance of Census 2027, stating that the Census plays a crucial role in understanding the substantial developmental changes that have taken place in both urban and rural areas during this period.
She further informed that Enumerators and Supervisors hold the most critical responsibilities, as they will be working at the ground level and directly interacting with the public.
Additionally, she stressed that the focus should be on the quality and accuracy of the data collected, as the information submitted will form the basis for planning and policy-making by the Government of India.
DC Namchi, also reviewed the provisions of the Census Act and cautioned that any unprofessional conduct by the officers could result in serious consequences. Emphasising the significance of the census, she stated that its outcomes have a direct bearing on the development of future generations and urged all officers to remain highly vigilant and ensure error-free conduct of census operations.
Mr Tej Ram Meher, delivered a PowerPoint presentation outlining the session core concepts, definitions and operational methodology of the Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO), which marks the first phase of the Census of India 2027. The session focused on ensuring uniform understanding and effective implementation of census operations at the field level.
During the presentation, he explained key census concepts and definitions, including Houselisting Block, Premises, Building, Census House, Household, Head of Household, Persons to be Covered, and guidelines for house numbering. Emphasis was laid on the importance of accurate houselisting as it forms the foundation for population enumeration.
The method of house numbering was explained in detail, highlighting its role in ensuring complete coverage and avoiding duplication or omission during census operations. The session also covered the questions to be canvassed during the Houselisting Operation (HLO), which include information related to the use of buildings, construction materials, number of rooms, ownership status, availability of drinking water, electricity and other basic amenities.
The session objectives also included an overview of the House Listing and Housing Census operations commencing from April 1, followed by Population Enumeration in the subsequent phase.
He further informed that the 2027 Census of India is conducted under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948 and Census Rules, 1990, making census duties legally binding on all concerned officials. The appointment of census officers and the structured chain of command were explained in detail.
He elaborated on the roles, powers and responsibilities of the Principal Census Officers, District and Sub-Divisional Census Officers, Charge Officers and other field functionaries.
The session also highlighted the Communication Strategy at the local level, which includes intensive and synchronised media campaigns at the National, State and District levels. Multi-platform outreach through traditional media, digital platforms, outdoor publicity and on-ground activities will be undertaken. Measures to counter misinformation through real-time campaigns were also discussed, with special emphasis on addressing local issues through targeted local publicity.
Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) Data monitoring was also presented, providing detail explanation on the process for user friendly procedure.
The session concluded with an interactive discussion, during which various queries raised by participants were addressed by the resource person, ensuring preparedness and clarity among officials for the smooth and successful conduct of Census 2027.
Report From DIO Namchi