Chief Secretary KAP Sinha Highlights Transparency and Accuracy at Census 2027 Prep Meet

Punjab’s administrative machinery has kicked off preparations for Census 2027 – Phase I, with a one-day State-Level Conference for Deputy Commissioners and Municipal Corporation Commissioners held today at Hotel Mount View, Chandigarh. The conference was jointly organized by the Department of Local Government, Punjab and the Directorate of Census Operations, Punjab, under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary KAP Sinha. The primary objective of the conference was to orient field-level administrative heads for the upcoming House Listing and Housing Census, scheduled in Punjab from May 15 to June 13, 2026. Prior to this, the public will have the option of Self-Enumeration from April 30 to May 14, 2026. Phase II of Census 2027 will be conducted in February 2027. In his inaugural address, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha underscored the national significance of the Census as a cornerstone for evidence-based governance, welfare planning, and equitable resource allocation. He emphasized transparency, data quality, and strict adherence to timelines, urging officers to ensure meticulous planning, seamless coordination across departments, and digital efficiency. 

He stressed that Census 2027 must set new benchmarks in accuracy, administrative discipline, and technology-driven execution. During the event, Chief Secretary Sinha unveiled the Punjabi logo for Census 2027 along with updated Revenue Maps (Districts and Tehsils) and Urban Local Bodies Maps of Punjab, developed specifically for Census purposes. Meanwhile, Director, Census Operations, Punjab, Dr. Navjot Khosa briefed officers on the strategic framework and roadmap for Census 2027. She highlighted the statutory mandate under the Census Act, 1948 and Census Rules, 1990, emphasizing adherence to uniform national standards, definitions, and procedures. Dr. Khosa noted that the quality and accuracy of Phase I’s House Listing Operations would lay the foundation for a successful Phase II. Deputy Commissioners and Municipal Commissioners actively engaged in discussions, sharing district-level preparedness, logistical arrangements, training schedules, rural and urban coverage strategies, and coordination mechanisms with local bodies. Constructive deliberations also focused on strengthening monitoring systems, timely resource mobilization, leveraging central assistance, and maintaining uniform implementation across all districts. The conference concluded with a vote of thanks by Secretary, Local Government, Punjab, Sh. Manjit Singh Brar, who also serves as the State Nodal Officer for Census. Reaffirming Punjab’s commitment to conducting a transparent, inclusive, accurate, and technology-driven Census, officers resolved to execute their responsibilities with professional integrity, legal compliance, and administrative efficiency, ensuring the successful conduct of Census 2027. Prominent attendees included Secretary, Local Government, Punjab, Sh. Manjit Singh Brar, Director, Census Operations, Punjab, Dr. Navjot Khosa, Director, Local Government, Punjab, Sh. Kulwant Singh, Divisional Commissioners, all Deputy Commissioners, and Municipal Commissioners from across the State.