The Jammu and Kashmir Government has issued strict instructions barring transfers of officials appointed for Census 2027 till completion of the exercise, emphasizing the importance of uninterrupted deployment for smooth conduct of the national exercise.As per Circular No. 09-JK(GAD) of 2026 dated March 30, “Census 2027 is a vital national exercise aimed at generating demographic and socio-economic data for informed policy planning and governance. The smooth and timely conduct of the Census is of paramount importance for effective delivery of public services and developmental programmes.”
The circular states that preparations for Census 2027 are underway and the exercise shall be conducted digitally in two phases, with provision for self-enumeration.
“The first phase, comprising House Listing and Housing Census, is scheduled to be conducted during April-September, 2026 over a 30-day period in respective States/UTs. The second phase is scheduled for February, 2027; however, in Ladakh and snow-bound areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, it shall be conducted in September, 2026.”
It further mentions that the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has informed that the process of appointment of Census Officers at State, District, Tehsil and Enumeration Block levels has already begun in most States/UTs, and training programmes for these officials are underway. These officers are assigned statutory responsibilities under the Census Act, 1948 and Census Rules, 1990.
“In view of the above, it is impressed upon all Administrative Departments, Divisional Commissioners, Heads of Departments and Deputy Commissioners that officials appointed as Census Officers for Census 2027, shall not be transferred from their places of posting till the completion of the census operations i.e. till March 21, 2027 except under exceptional circumstances and with prior approval of the Government of Jammu Kashmir,” the circular reads.
The government has directed all concerned authorities to strictly comply with these instructions issued with the approval of the Lieutenant Governor.
