Shimla: The second phase of the Census 2026 will be conducted in the snow-bound areas of Himachal Pradesh from September 1 to 30, Chief Secretary K.K. Pant said while reviewing preparations for the exercise at a state-level conference held today.
Chairing the conference, Pant reviewed the administrative arrangements and coordination mechanisms put in place for the smooth and efficient conduct of the second phase of the Census. He congratulated the officers and district administrations for completing the first phase and directed all concerned to ensure that the upcoming exercise is conducted with accuracy, reliability and timeliness.
The Chief Secretary emphasised the importance of authentic Census data for effective governance and development planning. He said reliable population data was essential for social and economic planning, policy formulation and budgetary allocation.
Pant directed the concerned departments and district administrations to work in close coordination and ensure that the Census exercise is carried out with the highest level of care, commitment and professionalism.
Director of Census Operations Deep Shikha informed the conference that the first phase of the Census, comprising house listing and housing census, had been completed.
She said the second phase would focus on population enumeration and would be carried out in the state’s snow-bound areas from September 1 to September 30, 2026.
The administration has also made arrangements for citizens to participate through the self-enumeration facility. According to the officials, the facility will be available on the Census portal from August 17 to August 31.
The state administration has directed all stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and preparedness so that the population enumeration process in the difficult and snow-bound areas is completed smoothly and the Census data remains accurate and comprehensive.
