Shillong, May 15: The first phase of Census 2027 operations in Meghalaya will begin from May 16 with the launch of the House Listing and Housing Census (HLO) field operations across the state. The month-long exercise will continue till June 14 and will cover all 12 districts through a fully digital mode of data collection.
A press conference was held at the Shillong Press Club on Thursday by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Shillong in association with the Directorate of Census Operations, Meghalaya, to brief the media on the operational framework, preparedness, digital methodology and progress of the ongoing Self Enumeration process.
The press conference was addressed by Director of Census Operations, Meghalaya, Biswajit Pegu. Other officials present included Joint Director Subhasish Chatterjee, Deputy Directors B. Basumatary and Aibor Sanglyne, while the programme was coordinated by Assistant Director of PIB Shillong, Gopajit Das.
Addressing reporters, Pegu informed that a total of 8,309 Enumerators and Supervisors have been appointed across Meghalaya for the census operations. Altogether, 9,950 House Listing Blocks (HLBs) have been finalised across the state. He stated that the House Listing and Housing Census forms the foundation of the Census exercise and will collect information related to housing conditions, drinking water, sanitation facilities, household amenities and assets. Enumerators will visit every building and household during the 30-day exercise to ensure complete and accurate coverage.
Pegu further informed that Census 2027 is being conducted through a digital-first approach, where Enumerators will collect and submit data directly through the official mobile application using their smartphones under the “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) framework. According to officials, the digital system is expected to improve accuracy, reduce manual errors and allow real-time monitoring of field operations.
The Directorate also informed that Meghalaya has achieved 100 percent geo-tagging and demarcation of all House Listing Blocks during the preparatory phase. The exercise covered all 12 districts, 7,428 villages and 9 towns. East Khasi Hills recorded the highest number of HLBs with 2,159 blocks, followed by West Garo Hills with 1,488 blocks.
Officials also informed that the online Self Enumeration process, which began on May 1, will conclude at midnight on May 15. Citizens were allowed to submit their household details digitally through the Self Enumeration portal. Meghalaya reportedly witnessed encouraging public participation in the process, with West Khasi Hills recording the highest number of Self Enumeration entries, followed by East Khasi Hills and West Garo Hills. Pegu clarified that all data submitted online would be physically verified by Enumerators during house visits and only verified information would be uploaded through the HLO application.
The Directorate stated that extensive training has already been provided to Enumerators and Supervisors regarding census concepts, operational procedures and use of digital applications. During the initial days of field operations, Enumerators will verify House Listing Block boundaries, identify landmarks, prepare layout maps and number buildings and houses before beginning household data collection.
Officials further said that a robust quality assurance mechanism has been put in place, including real-time supervision, field inspections and re-verification wherever required. Offline data collection facilities have also been enabled in areas with poor network connectivity.
Calling for public cooperation, Pegu said active participation from citizens is essential for ensuring an accurate and inclusive Census database that will support future planning, welfare delivery and developmental initiatives across Meghalaya.
