Shillong, May 8: The General Administration (B) Department on Wednesday organised a one-day State Level Training Conference of the State Level Census Coordinating Committee (SLCCC) to review preparedness and implementation strategies for the upcoming Census 2027 operations in Meghalaya.
The conference was attended by Deputy Commissioners and Principal Census Officers, District Census Officers and officials from various departments to deliberate on the roadmap for the Phase-I Houselisting Operations (HLO), which is scheduled to commence from May 16, 2026.
Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, F.R. Kharkongor, attended the programme as the Chief Guest.
In her introductory remarks, Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya and State Nodal Officer for Census, Dr. Pooja Pandey, stressed the importance of coordination among officials and public participation to ensure the smooth conduct of Census operations in the state.
Director of Census Operations, Biswajit Pegu, outlined the roadmap and functional structure for carrying out different phases of Census activities across Meghalaya.
Delivering the keynote address, Kharkongor highlighted the significance of Census as a critical exercise for informed governance and inclusive development. He said accurate Census data forms the foundation for effective planning and policy-making by helping the government assess demographic trends, socio-economic conditions and developmental requirements across the state.
He also underscored the importance of public participation and institutional coordination for ensuring a smooth and comprehensive Census process.
Referring to Census 2027 as the country’s first digital Census, the Principal Secretary urged citizens to participate in the self-enumeration process, describing it as a secure and citizen-centric initiative aimed at ensuring accurate and timely collection of demographic data.
Detailed presentations and deliberations during the conference focused on administrative preparedness, district-level coordination, manpower deployment, training modules, data management, public awareness initiatives and logistical arrangements. The sessions were conducted by Joint Director of Census Operations Subhashish Chatterjee, Deputy Director Biju Basumatary and Deputy Director Aibor Sanglyne.
Officials from different districts also shared concerns and suggestions during interactive sessions, following which directions and guidance were issued for streamlining preparatory activities.
In his concluding remarks, Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya and Additional State Nodal Officer Swapnil Tembe thanked participants and urged Principal Census Officers and District Census Officers to work closely with traditional heads, including Headmen and Nokmas, to ensure successful Census operations across the state.
