Census 2027
SHILLONG, May 1: Governor Chandrashekhar H. Vijayashankar on Friday became the first person in Meghalaya to complete his self-enumeration under Phase I of the Census of India 2027, formally launching the digital exercise in the state.
Registering himself and his family at Lok Bhavan, the Governor marked the start of the first-ever fully digital census. Senior officials from the Directorate of Census Operations, led by Director Biswajit Pegu, briefed the Governor on the preparedness and digital strategies for the count. East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner R.M. Kurbah was also present.
In a message to the state, the Governor urged citizens to participate actively and provide truthful information. He noted that accurate census data forms the foundation for effective planning, improved governance, and inclusive development. He also called for full cooperation with enumerators during the upcoming field visits.
The census will be conducted in two phases. The current self-enumeration window is open on the official portal from May 1 to May 15. This will be followed by House Listing Operations from May 16 to June 14, 2026. During this period, approximately 9,000 enumerators and supervisors will visit households to collect data on housing conditions, assets, and amenities using a 33-question survey.
Data submitted through the portal will be verified during these field visits.
The entire process is being managed through the Census Management and Monitoring System (CNMS) to ensure real-time supervision and deployment. Geo-tagging and digital mapping will also be used to ensure no areas are omitted.
The second phase, Population Enumeration, is scheduled for February 2027, with the reference date set as March 1, 2027. A national toll-free helpline (1855) has been launched to assist the public. Administrative boundaries in Meghalaya have remained frozen since December 31, 2025, for the purpose of the exercise.
