Census 2027 Preparations Begin in Chandigarh; Phase–I Houselisting to Start from April 16
The Voice of Chandigarh
A press conference was held jointly by Dr. Navjot Khosa, IAS, Director, Census Operations, UT Chandigarh and Nishant Kumar Yadav, IAS, Deputy Commissioner cum Principal Census Officer, UT Chandigarh to brief the media regarding the forthcoming Census 2027 activities, particularly Phase–I i.e. Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO).
The Census of India, conducted under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948 and Census Rules, 1990, is a Union subject and represents one of the largest administrative exercises in the world. Census 2027 will be the 16th Census in India and the 8th after Independence. The last Census was conducted in 2011, while the 2021 Census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Highlighting its significance, it was informed that census data serves as the primary source for planning welfare schemes, policy formulation, infrastructure development, and allocation of resources. It also plays a crucial role in delimitation of constituencies and supports research and development activities.
Phases of Census 2027:
Census 2027 will be conducted in two phases in UT Chandigarh:
Phase–I: Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO)
- Self-Enumeration Period: 16.04.2026 to 30.04.2026
- House-to-House Enumeration: 01.05.2026 to 30.05.2026
Phase–II: Population Enumeration (PE)
- Scheduled for February 2027 (September 2026 for snow-bound areas)
Phase–I will focus on housing conditions, amenities, and assets. This phase will form the basis for the 2nd phase i.e. Population Enumeration (PE).
Key Features of Census 2027:
- First-ever Digital Census using mobile applications
- Introduction of Self-Enumeration (SE) through online portal
- Real-time monitoring via Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS)
- Use of web-based mapping for creation of Houselisting Blocks (HLBs)
Citizens can participate in Self-Enumeration through the official portal (https://se.census.gov.in) during the specified period. After submission, a unique SE ID will be generated, which must be shared with the enumerator during field verification.
(Access SE Portal (se.census.gov.in) → Login using Mobile Number → Identify location on map→ Fill Household Details → Submit Information → Receive SE ID → Provide SE ID to Enumerator → Data confirmed & Included in Census)
Administrative Arrangements:
- A total of 2045 Houselisting Blocks have been created in UT Chandigarh
- 2250 Enumerators and 375 Supervisors (including reserve) have been appointed
- The Deputy Commissioner, UT Chandigarh, has been designated as the Principal Census Officer
Comprehensive training programmes for census functionaries have been conducted, and further training for Enumerators and Supervisors is scheduled from 16.04.2026 to 29.04.2026.
Role of Media:
The media has been requested to play a proactive role in spreading awareness, encouraging public participation, and countering misinformation, especially regarding digital enumeration and data confidentiality.
Appeal to Public:
Citizens are urged to actively participate in the Census process, provide accurate information, and extend full cooperation to enumerators. It was emphasized that all information collected will be kept strictly confidential and used only for statistical purposes.
The Census is not merely a data collection exercise but a foundation for national planning and development.
A National Toll free number (1855) for the Census 2027 will be operational from 16.04.2026 in UT Chandigarh. This helpline intends to help the public with queries related to Self-Enumeration, Houselisting Operation, Register complaints and the option to speak with the helpdesk officer.
Also Present during the occasion were Amandeep Singh Bhatti, Additional Deputy Commissioner, UT Chandigarh; Rajiv Tewari, Director Public Relations and other officials of Chandigarh Administration and Census office.
