04/06/2026
CPCO Amit Sharma Reviews Census Preparations in Shopian, Appeals for Public Cooperation
Chief Principal Census Officer (CPCO) and Director Census Operations (DCO), Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Amit Sharma today reviewed the preparedness for the ongoing Census exercise in Shopian and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made by the district administration for the successful conduct of the House Listing Operation (HLO).
Addressing Enumerators, Supervisors and Census officials during a review meeting, Amit Sharma emphasized the importance of conducting a clean, accurate and comprehensive Census. He stressed the need for precise population figures and reliable data regarding household assets and amenities to ensure effective planning and policy formulation.
Sharma informed that the first phase of the Census, the House Listing Operation (HLO), is being conducted from June 1 to June 30, while Census activities in snow-bound areas will be undertaken in September. He said special efforts are being made to cover migratory populations and remote hilly regions so that no eligible person is left out of the Census process.
Appealing to the public for full cooperation, Sharma said Census Enumerators visiting households will ask only 33 prescribed questions, and citizens need to answer only those questions. He advised residents to verify the identity of Census personnel before sharing information, noting that every Enumerator carries a valid QR-coded identity card issued by the Census authorities.
He cautioned people against cyber fraud and impersonation attempts in the name of the Census. “No Census official will ask for bank account details, credit card information, passwords, OTPs or any other sensitive financial information. Citizens should immediately report any such attempt to the authorities,” he said.
Sharma clarified that information collected during the Census will not affect any government benefits, subsidies, Golden Cards or welfare schemes being availed by citizens. Rather, Census data helps the government improve planning and ensure that development schemes reach all eligible beneficiaries.
Reassuring the public about data privacy, he stated that Census information remains strictly confidential and is not shared with any department, including banks, the Income Tax Department or any other agency. “The privacy of citizens is fully protected under the Census framework,” he added.
He further informed that flying squads and inspection teams will conduct random field visits to monitor the quality of data collection. Accurate data collection, he said, is essential to ensure the credibility and success of the Census exercise.
Sharma appreciated the performance of Shopian during the Self-Enumeration phase and expressed confidence that the district would continue to perform efficiently during the House Listing Operation. He said government employees deployed for Census duties will soon begin extensive door-to-door visits across the district.
The CPCO urged all residents of Shopian to cooperate with Census officials and contribute towards the successful completion of this important national exercise.
