The Government of Himachal Pradesh’s General Administration Department has issued an official notification regarding the upcoming Census 2027, which will be conducted in a fully digital mode in two phases, as per instructions from the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India.
The notification, issued under relevant provisions of the Constitution of India and the Census Rules, 1990, states that the first phase of the census (Houselisting and Housing Census) will be conducted from 16 June 2026 to 15 July 2026, including a 15-day self-enumeration option prior to the exercise. The second phase, Population Enumeration, will be carried out in February 2027, while in snow-bound areas it will be conducted in September 2026.
The State Government has appealed to all residents to extend full cooperation to census officials during the exercise, emphasizing that accurate data collection is essential for effective planning and policy formulation.
According to the notification, Census data serves as a primary source of detailed demographic and socio-economic information at the village and ward level, covering housing conditions, amenities, literacy, migration, fertility, and economic activity. This data is widely used by the Central, State, and Union Territory governments for planning and administration, as well as for delimitation and reservation of constituencies for Parliament, State Assemblies, Panchayats, and local bodies.
The notification also highlights key provisions of the Census Act, 1948, outlining the legal obligation of citizens to provide accurate information, allow access to census officers, and ensure compliance during the process. It further mentions penalties for non-cooperation, obstruction, or provision of false information during the census operations.
It is also clarified that census records are strictly confidential and cannot be accessed or used as evidence in any legal proceedings, except under specific provisions of the Act.
The State Government has urged the public to actively participate in the census process to ensure accurate and comprehensive data collection for the future development of the state and the country.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
