SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday reviewed the progress of Census 2027 operations in snow-bound areas of Jammu and Kashmir and directed district administrations to expedite the completion of remaining Enumeration Blocks (EBs) within the prescribed timeline.
Chairing a meeting of the Union Territory Level Census Coordination Committee (UTLCCC), Dulloo assessed district-wise progress, administrative arrangements and preparations for the next phase of population enumeration in the remaining parts of the Union Territory.
Officials informed the meeting that enumeration operations are underway across 95 designated charges in 16 snow-bound districts. Of the 4,597 Enumeration Blocks identified, 3,814 have been completed, translating into an overall achievement of 82.97 per cent.
Four districts—Budgam, Bandipora, Ganderbal and Pulwama—have completed the exercise in full. Kishtwar has recorded 98.84 per cent progress, followed by Reasi at 94.49 per cent and Udhampur at 91.69 per cent.
The Chief Secretary directed Deputy Commissioners to complete the remaining work well before the stipulated deadline and stressed the need for accuracy, comprehensive coverage and adherence to timelines. He also called for close coordination between district administrations and census authorities to address operational issues.
Dulloo reviewed preparations for the forthcoming population enumeration exercise in non-snow-bound areas and instructed divisional and district administrations to put all logistical and administrative arrangements in place in advance.
A presentation by the Directorate of Census Operations informed the meeting that training of nodal officers, charge officers, supervisors and enumerators for special charges in snow-bound areas had already been completed.
The meeting was also informed that the Planning, Development and Monitoring Department has released ₹49.20 crore to districts for expenditure on information technology infrastructure, fuel, contingencies, honorariums and training allowances related to the census exercise.
Reviewing preparations for the District Census Handbook (DCHB), officials said training of field functionaries was completed between September 14 and 27. Fieldwork for compiling Village and Town Directories will begin on October 1 through a dedicated digital portal.
According to officials, the exercise will involve collection of data through around 400 questions for village directories and 420 questions for town directories.
The Chief Secretary said the District Census Handbooks serve as an important repository of grassroots-level information and emphasised the need for accurate and comprehensive data collection.
The meeting also reviewed the ongoing public awareness campaign for Census 2027. Officials said awareness messages are being disseminated through print, electronic and digital media, radio broadcasts, mobile LED vans and outdoor publicity, while educational institutions have also been involved in outreach activities.
Dulloo stressed the importance of sustained public engagement, effective monitoring and timely resolution of operational issues to ensure smooth conduct of the census exercise across Jammu and Kashmir.
