A One-Day State-Level Training Conference of the State Level Census Coordinating Committee (SLCCC) was organised by the General Administration (B) Department on May 7, 2026, to deliberate on the roadmap, preparedness, and implementation strategies for the forthcoming Phase-I Houselisting Operations (HLO) of Census 2027 in Meghalaya, scheduled to commence from May 16, 2026.

Shri Biswajit Pegu, Director of Census Operations, outlined the various components of Census 2027 and highlighted the roadmap and functional framework for carrying out the different phases of Census activities in the State.

Dr. Pooja Pandey, Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya and State Nodal Officer for Census highlighted the importance of effective coordination and active participation of officials as well as the general public to ensure the smooth conduct of Census operations across the State.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Guest, Shri F.R. Kharkongor, Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, stated the importance of Census as a vital exercise for informed governance and inclusive development. He highlighted that accurate Census data forms the foundation for effective planning and policy formulation by enabling the Government to assess demographic trends, population distribution, socio-economic conditions, and developmental requirements across the State.

He further stressed the importance of public participation and institutional coordination for ensuring the smooth, accurate, and comprehensive conduct of Census 2027. Referring to Census 2027 as the first digital Census, he urged citizens to actively participate in the Self-Enumeration process, describing it as a convenient, secure, and citizen-centric initiative aimed at ensuring timely and accurate collection of demographic data.

Detailed presentations and deliberations on various operational aspects of Census 2027 were conducted during the conference. Topics discussed included administrative preparedness, district-level coordination mechanisms, manpower deployment, training modules, data management, timelines for preparatory activities, public awareness initiatives, and logistical arrangements.

Presentations were delivered by Shri Subhashish Chatterjee, Joint Director, Census Operations; Shri Biju Basumatary, Deputy Director, Census Operations; and Shri Aibor Sanglyne, Deputy Director, Census Operations.

During the interactive session, participants shared concerns and suggestions pertaining to implementation at various levels, following which necessary directions and guidance were provided for streamlining preparatory activities.

In his concluding remarks, Shri Swapnil Tembe, Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya and Additional State Nodal Officer, thanked all participants for their active involvement. He also requested the Principal Census Officers and District Census Officers to engage with traditional heads, including Headmen and Nokmas, to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of Census operations across the State.

Members of the SLCCC, including Deputy Commissioners-cum-Principal Census Officers, District Census Officers, and officials from various departments, participated in the programme.

****

(Release ID: 2259103) Visitor Counter : 17