Chandigarh, September 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab has stepped up preparations for Phase-II of Census 2027, with Chief Secretary KAP Sinha calling for collective ownership, close coordination, accurate coverage and timely execution of the Population Enumeration exercise.
A one-day Conference of Principal Census Officers (PCOs) for Phase-II was held at Hotel Mount View, Chandigarh, under the chairmanship of Sinha to review the state’s operational and administrative preparedness.
The conference was attended by members of the State Level Census Coordination Committee (SLCCC), Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and Municipal Commissioners of Municipal Corporations, who are serving as Principal Census Officers.
Director, Census Operations, Punjab, Dr Navjot Khosa welcomed the Chief Secretary and other participants.
The conference reviewed key components of Phase-II, including finalisation of Enumeration Blocks (EBs), human resource planning, training and deployment, the Population Enumeration questionnaire, digital tools, Self-Enumeration, media and publicity, field preparedness and administrative responsibilities.
Chief Secretary Stresses Accuracy, Coverage and Accountability
Addressing the conference, Sinha described the Census as one of the country’s most significant national exercises and a vital source of demographic and socio-economic information for governance, planning, policy formulation and public service delivery.
He stressed that successful conduct of the Census would require meticulous preparation, coordination, ownership and accountability at every level.
The Chief Secretary directed the Principal Census Officers to accord the exercise the highest priority and ensure that every stage is carefully planned, closely supervised and completed within the prescribed timelines.
He also emphasised seamless coordination among district administrations, municipal bodies and other departments to ensure complete coverage while maintaining the accuracy, quality and credibility of the Census.
Sinha called upon the PCOs to provide effective leadership to the field machinery and ensure that all Census functionaries are adequately trained and sensitised to their roles and responsibilities.
He further urged the PCOs to personally monitor preparedness and execution in their respective jurisdictions and ensure the highest standards of dedication, accuracy, completeness and responsibility.
Strict Adherence to Census Guidelines Stressed
The State Nodal Officer briefed participants on the administrative and coordination framework for Phase-II and stressed strict adherence to prescribed Census guidelines, procedures and timelines.
The PCOs were advised to establish effective review and monitoring mechanisms at the district and charge levels, covering Enumeration Block finalisation, human resource planning, training, deployment and field execution.
Emphasis was also placed on inter-departmental coordination and continuous assessment of preparedness so that operational gaps could be identified and addressed before the commencement of field operations.
The State Nodal Officer stressed that every level of the Census machinery must have complete clarity about its responsibilities and follow approved procedures and timelines.
Phase-II Schedule, 40-Question PE Questionnaire Discussed
Dr Navjot Khosa apprised the participants of the schedule and major operational requirements for Phase-II of Census 2027. The Population Enumeration questionnaire, comprising 40 questions on various parameters, was also discussed in detail.
Phase-II Population Enumeration Schedule:
- Self-Enumeration: November 16 to November 30, 2026
- Phase-II Population Enumeration: December 1, 2026 to January 4, 2027
- Revisional Round: January 5 to January 9, 2027
- Reference Date: 00.00 hours of January 5, 2027
Khosa also made a detailed presentation on the technical and operational components of Census 2027, including Enumeration Block formation, human resource planning and rationalisation, training, Self-Enumeration, digital tools, budget, media and publicity.
She stressed the need for timely completion of preparatory activities, particularly finalisation of Enumeration Blocks, human resource planning and deployment of Census functionaries.
The Director highlighted the importance of the training cascade and timely completion of Field Training so that all functionaries are familiar with their roles, procedures and digital tools before deployment.
She also called for robust monitoring and supervisory mechanisms and effective use of digital tools for reporting, monitoring and resolution of operational issues.
Focus on Difficult and Inaccessible Areas
Special emphasis was placed on ensuring complete coverage of inaccessible, difficult and vulnerable areas.
Khosa urged the PCOs to identify such areas in advance and make appropriate field and supervisory arrangements to ensure comprehensive coverage and proper documentation.
She also stressed the importance of public awareness and publicity for Self-Enumeration. District and field-level authorities were asked to sensitise citizens about the Census process, encourage participation and facilitate the use of the Self-Enumeration facility.
The PCOs were also briefed on their responsibilities concerning finalisation of Census functionaries, training arrangements, field preparedness, inter-departmental coordination, monitoring of field operations, publicity of Self-Enumeration and resolution of operational issues.
Focus on Complete Coverage Without Duplication
The conference concluded with a detailed discussion on the way forward, focusing on complete coverage without omission or duplication and coordinated, time-bound and accountable action by all stakeholders.
Sinha reiterated the importance of collective ownership, close coordination and continuous monitoring by departments and field-level functionaries.
He called upon the Principal Census Officers to personally lead and supervise preparations in their respective jurisdictions and ensure that every stage of the Census is carried out with accuracy, completeness and responsibility.
The conference reaffirmed the collective commitment of stakeholders towards the smooth, timely, accurate and comprehensive conduct of Phase-II of Census 2027 in Punjab.
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