TN Holds State Conference to Review Census 2027 Preparedness

PRESS NOTE State Level Conference of Principal Census Officers Reviews Preparedness for Census 2027 in Tamil Nadu The State Level Conference of Principal Census Officers, Tamil Nadu, was held on 30th June 2026 at Summit Hall, Taj Club House, Chennai, under the Chairmanship of the ACS/CRA to brief on the methodology adopted for the first phase of Census 2027 and also to review the preparedness for the Houselisting Operations (HLO) Phase of Census 2027. The participants were welcomed by the Director (SSS). The State Nodal Officer (Census) and Additional Chief Secretary / Commissioner of Revenue Administration, in his inaugural address, emphasized that the Census forms the foundation for governance, development planning, policy formulation, fiscal devolution and delimitation of constituencies. Referring to Census 2027 as a landmark national exercise, he highlighted that it would be India's first fully digital Census with the provision for Self-Enumeration and the conduct of caste enumeration. He called upon all Principal Census Officers to ensure meticulous planning, strict adherence to timelines and the highest standards of accuracy for the successful conduct of the Census. The Director of Census Operations, Tamil Nadu, made a detailed presentation on the strategy for Census 2027. The presentation covered the administrative framework, legal provisions, methodology, implementation timeline, and the roles and responsibilities of Principal Census Officers and Charge Officers. It highlighted the use of mobile applications, the Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS), the HLB Creator (HLBC) Web Mapping Application and the Self-Enumeration Portal as key digital components of Census 2027. The Director informed that the Self-Enumeration period is scheduled from 17th July to 31st July 2026, followed by the Houselisting Operations from 1st August to 30th August 2026. He also emphasized the responsibilities of Census Officers in the appointment, training, supervision and monitoring of Census functionaries in accordance with the Census Act, 1948 and the Census Rules, 1990. The presentation concluded with immediate action points, logistics arrangements, digital monitoring mechanisms and operational guidelines for the successful and timely conduct of Census 2027. Delivering the keynote address, Thiru Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, IAS, Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India, highlighted the pivotal role of Principal Census Officers in ensuring the success of Census 2027. He underscored the importance of Census data as the basis for evidence-based planning, policy formulation, public service delivery and equitable resource allocation. He explained that the adoption of digital technology would significantly improve data quality, enhance transparency and considerably reduce the time required for data processing and dissemination. He stressed the need for meticulous planning, effective inter-departmental coordination and flawless field-level execution. A technical session on operational preparedness, presented by the Director (SSS), outlined the key implementation challenges, financial assistance, inter-agency coordination mechanisms and publicity strategy for the Houselisting Operations phase. The session emphasized timely deployment of manpower, comprehensive training of Census functionaries, digital preparedness, logistics management and effective field supervision. It also highlighted the importance of close coordination among the District Administration, Revenue, Education, Local Bodies, Police, Information Technology, Health and other stakeholder departments. The Conference also reviewed the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategy for creating public awareness, countering misinformation, promoting Self-Enumeration and encouraging active public participation. Principal Census Officers were advised to intensify local publicity, conduct regular review meetings, monitor progress closely and ensure adherence to all operational milestones for the successful conduct of Census 2027. The Conference was attended by 37 District Collectors, 25 Municipal Corporation Commissioners serving as Principal Census Officers, senior officers of the Government of Tamil Nadu, officials of the Directorate of Census Operations, Tamil Nadu, and members of the State Level Census Coordination Committee. The conference concluded with a vote of thanks and the National Anthem. Issued By: - DIPR, Secretariat, Chennai – 9