CPCO Amit Sharma holds strategic meeting with Defence, CAPF and other agencies for Population Enumeration in Special Charges for Census 2027
Jammu, August 27
The Directorate of Census Operations, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh today convened a strategic coordination meeting with Nodal Officers of Defence, Central Armed Police Forces and other organisations to finalise preparations for Population Enumeration in Special Charges in the snow-bound areas of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, scheduled from 1st to 30th September 2026 as part of Phase-II of Census 2027.
The meeting was chaired by Amit Sharma, Chief Principal Census Officer and Director Census Operations, J&K and Ladakh, and focused on ensuring complete, secure and accurate enumeration of all eligible personnel and members of Special Charges.
The meeting brought together representatives of CISF, ITBP, CRPF, Assam Rifles, Railway Board, Air Force, BRO, BSF, and SSB from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Their participation assumes particular significance as Special Charges comprise Defence and CAPF establishments, training centres, research establishments and other restricted-access locations where civilian Census functionaries may not have access.
Addressing the participants, Amit Sharma emphasised that Census 2027 is India’s first Census to be conducted through digital means, while Population Enumeration in Special Charges has been structured to meet the security and operational requirements of these establishments.
He said the Directorate’s objective is to ensure that every eligible person is counted accurately, irrespective of the nature or location of the establishment, while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and security.
He explained that Census Charge Officers, Enumerators and Supervisors for Special Charges will be appointed from among the officers and personnel of the respective establishments.
The concerned Nodal Officers of each force will coordinate with the Directorate for appointment of functionaries, training, provision of Census material and timely completion of enumeration.
The Population Enumeration schedule for Special Charges will cover questions relating to basic information, demographic and social characteristics, language and education, economic activity, migration, fertility and other particulars.
Certain responses relating to economic activity and migration will follow specific provisions for Defence and CAPF personnel. Detailed training will be provided to Special Charge Officers, Enumerators and Supervisors to ensure uniform understanding of Census concepts, definitions and procedures.
Particular emphasis was placed on training and standardisation, with training of Nodal Officers, Charge Officers, Enumerators and Supervisors of Special Charges in the snow-bound areas scheduled to be held soon.
The Directorate will provide the required instruction manuals and Census material, while respective Nodal Officers and Special Charge Officers will facilitate training and field arrangements in close coordination with the Census authorities.
The meeting also reviewed arrangements for supervision, data entry, secure handling and transfer of Census material, along with the appointment of Census functionaries and coordination mechanisms required for completing the exercise within the prescribed timeframe.
Sharma stressed that the September enumeration is particularly important for the snow-bound areas of Jammu & Kashmir and the entire Union Territory of Ladakh, where Population Enumeration is being undertaken ahead of the main national enumeration schedule due to the region’s distinctive climatic and geographical conditions.
He said close coordination between the Directorate and Defence, CAPF and other specialised organisations will be critical to ensuring complete Census coverage.