Lucknow: The second meeting of the State-Level Census Coordination Committee (SLCCC) was held in Lucknow under the chairmanship of Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary S.P. Goyal to review and strengthen preparations for Census 2027. The meeting focused on ensuring the timely, efficient, and coordinated execution of census-related activities across the state.
Emphasis on Timely Preparation and Digital Enablement
The Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of time-bound execution, effective inter-departmental coordination, and the optimal use of digital tools in the conduct of Census 2027. Highlighting the critical role of training, he directed officials to establish a robust training mechanism and ensure the selection of suitable and competent trainers. He also instructed all concerned departments to extend full cooperation in census operations.
First Phase (HLO) Scheduled for May–June 2026
The committee decided that the first phase of Census 2027—House Listing and Housing Census (HLO)—will be conducted in Uttar Pradesh during May–June 2026. Approximately six lakh personnel will be deployed for this phase. Data collection, entry, verification, and monitoring will be carried out entirely through digital platforms, ensuring transparency and operational efficiency.
Administrative Units to Remain Frozen
It was also decided that all administrative units in the state will remain frozen as per their status on December 31, 2025. No changes in jurisdictional boundaries of any administrative unit will be allowed between January 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027, in accordance with guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Nodal Department and Coordination Framework
The General Administration Department has been designated as the State Nodal Department for Census 2027. It will coordinate with key departments including Revenue, Home, Education, Urban Development, and Panchayati Raj to ensure smooth implementation. The meeting also took decisions related to the appointment of census officers, formation of District-Level Census Coordination Committees (DLCCs) in all districts, technical support, financial norms, and honorarium for census personnel.
Review of Pre-Test 2027 and Incorporation of Feedback
The committee reviewed compliance with decisions taken during the previous meeting held on October 28, 2025. Satisfaction was expressed over the successful conduct of Pre-Test 2027 (HLO) in selected rural and urban areas of Bulandshahr, Bahraich, and Prayagraj. It was decided that feedback received from the pre-test would be incorporated into the final action plan to further strengthen census operations.
Second Phase to Include Caste Enumeration and Self-Enumeration
During the meeting, Director (Census Operations), Uttar Pradesh, Sheetal Verma, made a detailed presentation on the census process, timelines, and action plan. She informed that the second phase of Census 2027 will include caste enumeration, and for the first time, citizens will be provided the facility of self-enumeration. The entire census process will be conducted through digital means.
Senior Officials Present
Senior officials present at the meeting included Principal Secretary Rural Development Saurabh Babu, Secretary Urban Development Anuj Kumar Jha, Secretary Home Mohit Gupta, Special Secretary General Administration Zuhair Bin Sagir, Commissioner and Secretary, Board of Revenue, Kanchan Verma, Director General School Education Monika Rani, and other senior officers from various departments.
