Shillong, May 09: A One Day State Level Training Conference of the State Level Census Coordinating Committee (SLCCC), was organised by the General Administration (B) Department on the 7th May, 2026, Shri F.R. Kharkongor, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya was the Chief Guest for the occasion.
The members of the SLCCC including the Deputy Commissioners & Principal Census Officers, District Census Officers, and officials from various Departments participated in the conference, to deliberate upon the roadmap, preparedness and implementation strategies for the forthcoming Phase-I, i.e., Houselisting Operations (ILO) of Census 2027 in the State, to commence from the 16th May, 2026.
At the outset, Dr. Pooja Pandey, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya and State Nodal Officer for Census, gave the introductory remarks, emphasising the importance of coordination and participation of not only the officials but the whole public at large, to ensure smooth functioning of the Census works in the State.
Shri Biswajit Pegu, IAS, Director, Census Operations, laid down the outline of the various components and highlighted the roadmap and functional structure for carrying out different phases of Census activities across the State.
A keynote address was delivered by the Chief Guest, where he emphasised the importance of Census in the State as a vital exercise for informed governance and inclusive development, that accurate Census data forms the foundation for effective planning and policy formation, enabling the Government to assess demographic trends, population distribution, socio-economic conditions and developmental requirements across the State, and on the significance of public participation and institutional coordination, to work collectively towards ensuring a smooth accurate and comprehensive conduct of Census 2027.
He also stated that this is the first digital census, and urged every citizen to participate in the Self-enumeration process, describing it as a convenient, secure, and citizen-centric initiative aimed at ensuring accurate and timely collection of demographic data.
Detailed presentations and deliberations were held on various operational aspects of Census 2027 including administrative preparedness, district-level coordination mechanisms, manpower deployment, training modules, data management, timeline for preparatory activities, public awareness initiatives and logistical arrangements, was delivered by Shri Subhashish Chartterjee, Joint Director, Census Operations, Shri Biju Basumatary, Deputy Director, Census Operations and Shri Aibor Sanglyne, Deputy Director, Census Operations respectively.
The various participants shared their concerns at various levels and suggestions during the interactive sessions, following which necessary directions and guidance were provided for streamlining preparatory activities.
Shri Swapnil Tembe, IAS, Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya & Additional State Nodal Officer, in his concluding remarks, thanked all the participants for their participation, and requested the Principal Census Officers and District Census Officers to take the confidence of the Headman, Nokmas in ensuring a smooth and successful operation.
