‘Special mechanisms devised for migratory, tribal population coverage’
Jammu: More than 1.50 lakh households across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir have successfully completed their Self-Enumeration within the first three days of the Census 2027 exercise, according to Amit Sharma, IAS, Chief Principal Census Officer and Director Census Operations for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Sharma described the response from the public as highly encouraging, highlighting that citizens from urban, rural, hilly, and remote areas are actively participating in India’s first fully digital and paperless Census.
Addressing a media briefing in Jammu alongside Zakir Nazeer, Media and Communications Officer, PIB, Jammu, Sharma shared that all districts are witnessing enthusiastic participation. He emphasized that even the most remote districts, including Kulgam, Baramulla, and Kupwara, as well as isolated areas in Jammu division, have shown remarkable engagement during the initial days. This widespread participation indicates a growing awareness and confidence among citizens regarding the digital Census process.
Sharma attributed this positive response to extensive awareness campaigns, media outreach, district-level mobilization, and citizen facilitation mechanisms established by the Directorate of Census Operations in collaboration with district administrations. He reassured that dedicated support systems and facilitation arrangements are in place at district and field levels to assist residents in completing their Self-Enumeration smoothly and accurately through the online portal.
The Director also provided details about special arrangements for covering migratory and tribal populations across J&K, including Gujjar, Bakarwal, and other nomadic communities. He assured that no individual from these groups would be left out of the Census enumeration, emphasizing that operational mechanisms are being developed in coordination with departments such as the Office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, School Education Department, Tribal Affairs Department, and Sheep Husbandry Department. These measures aim to ensure comprehensive inclusion of all migratory and nomadic households during Self-Enumeration and subsequent House Listing Operations.
Furthermore, Sharma announced that specific deployment plans are being prepared for Enumerators and Supervisors to reach remote, hilly, and migratory routes, ensuring full coverage of households residing in challenging geographical locations. He also reassured the public that the Self-Enumeration portal and Census mobile applications are designed to function effectively even in difficult terrains with low connectivity. Offline and synchronization-based mechanisms have been integrated into the digital systems, enabling enumeration activities to proceed seamlessly in areas with inconsistent internet access.
Highlighting the critical importance of accurate demographic data, Sharma appealed to all residents of Jammu & Kashmir to complete their Self-Enumeration within the stipulated timelines. He urged citizens to provide correct, clear, and transparent information to ensure the generation of reliable data, which is essential for governance, welfare schemes, infrastructure development, and policy planning.
Sharma further clarified that all information collected during the Census remains strictly confidential under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948. He reiterated that no personal financial details such as bank account numbers, PAN details, or transaction information are gathered during the exercise, assuring the public of their data privacy and security.