Governor Kavinder Gupta today formally launched the Self-Enumeration Drive for the first phase of Census 2027 in Himachal Pradesh from Raj Bhavan/Lok Bhavan, marking the beginning of a statewide digital census campaign scheduled from 1 to 15 June, 2026.
As part of the launch, the Governor himself completed his self-enumeration through the online portal and reviewed the digital process along with senior officials from the Census Operations Department. Officials briefed him on the features and functioning of the self-enumeration system.
The Governor described the Census as a crucial exercise that goes beyond data collection, forming the foundation for future development planning, policy formulation, and welfare delivery. He urged citizens to actively participate in the drive and complete their self-enumeration within the stipulated period.
He also advised residents to carefully retain the Self-Enumeration ID, which will be required during the second phase of the census from 16 June to 15 July, 2026, when enumerators will visit households for verification and completion of the process.
Emphasising the importance of accurate data, the Governor said that correct demographic information is essential for effective governance and successful implementation of welfare schemes, many of which are directly linked to census data. He added that updated figures will help address planning gaps that have persisted since the 2011 Census.
Highlighting the geographical challenges of hill states like Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand, he said the self-enumeration model has been prioritised to ensure smoother and more efficient data collection in difficult terrain.
The Governor appealed for maximum public participation, stating that the success of the digital census depends on active citizen involvement and will play a key role in shaping future development planning for the state and the country.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
