Director Census Operations, Punjab Reviews Progress of Census 2027 Phase-I in Barnala; Appreciates Dedicated Efforts of Census Functionaries

Director Census Operations, Punjab Reviews Progress of Census 2027 Phase-I in Barnala; Appreciates Dedicated Efforts of Census Functionaries

Handiaya Becomes First Charge in Barnala District to Successfully Complete Phase-I Census Work

Barnala 1 June( PDL ) : Dr. Navjot Khosa, IAS, Director Census Operations, Punjab, conducted a comprehensive review of the ongoing Census 2027 Phase-I (Houselisting and Housing Census) in Barnala district during a high-level meeting alongwith Deputy Commissioner Barnala Harpreet Singh, IAS, Additional Deputy Commissioner Vivek Kumar Modi, IAS, attended by Charge Officers, Supervisors and other officials associated with the Census exercise. During the review meeting, Dr. Navjot Khosa assessed the progress achieved by the district administration in carrying out the Census operations by total of 972 Enumerators and 163 Supervisors who have been deployed across the district to undertake the extensive task of houselisting and housing data collection. Appreciating the commitment and hard work of the field staff, she commended the efforts of all Charge Officers, Supervisors, and Enumerators for ensuring the smooth and efficient implementation of this important national exercise. 

Highlighting the significance of Census as the foundation for evidence-based policy formulation and development planning, Dr. Navjot Khosa emphasized that the quality, accuracy, and completeness of Census data are of paramount importance. She directed all officers to maintain the highest standards of data collection and verification while adhering strictly to the prescribed Census guidelines and timelines. On the occasion, Dr. Navjot Khosa honoured Harpreet Singh, Executive Officer-cum-Charge Officer, Nagar Panchayat Handiaya, along with his entire team of Census functionaries for their outstanding contribution towards Census work. She congratulated the team for making Handiaya the first charge in Barnala district to successfully complete Census 2027 Phase-I activities. The achievement was accomplished through the coordinated efforts of a dedicated team comprising 5 Supervisors and 26 Enumerators, who ensured the timely and accurate completion of all assigned Census tasks. While felicitating the team, Dr. Navjot Khosa stated that such accomplishments reflect exemplary leadership, teamwork, accountability, and dedication towards public service. She observed that the recognition accorded to the Handiaya team would serve as a source of motivation and inspiration for other Census functionaries across the district and the state.

Expressing satisfaction with the pace and quality of the ongoing Census operations, Director Census Operations, Punjab noted that Barnala district has demonstrated commendable progress in implementing Phase-I activities. She urged all officers and field staff to maintain the same momentum and ensure that the remaining Census-related work is completed before the second week of June 2026. The Director Census Operations Punjab further stressed the importance of continuous monitoring, effective coordination, and regular supervision at every level. She instructed Principal Census Officers and Charge Officers to conduct frequent field visits and surprise inspections to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency in data collection. She emphasized that even minor errors or omissions could affect the quality and reliability of Census data and therefore must be avoided through diligent supervision. As part of her visit, Dr. Navjot Khosa also conducted an on-ground inspection in the areas, Baba Deep Singh Nagar in Municipal Corporation Barnala and Village Rureke Kalan evaluate the quality of Census operations being undertaken in the field. During the inspection, she interacted directly with Enumerators and Supervisors and reviewed various aspects of their work, including layout maps, house numbering, area coverage, and field records.

She enquired about the challenges faced by Census personnel during the conduct of Phase-I activities and assessed their understanding of Census concepts and procedures. Dr. Navjot Khosa was pleased to observe that the field staff possessed a clear understanding of Census guidelines and were effectively utilizing the HLO App for data collection. She appreciated their professionalism and commitment towards ensuring accurate and reliable data entry. The Director also reviewed the implementation of quality control measures and advised officials to remain vigilant throughout the remaining Census period. She reiterated that the success of the Census exercise depends on meticulous planning, systematic execution, and regular monitoring at every stage. Considering the prevailing heatwave conditions across the region, Dr. Navjot Khosa expressed concern for the health and well-being of Enumerators and Supervisors engaged in extensive fieldwork. She advised all field staff to take adequate precautions while performing their duties. They were instructed to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, stay properly hydrated, wear light-coloured and loose-fitting clothing, use caps, umbrellas, or other protective gear while outdoors, and take regular breaks in shaded or cool locations.

She further advised field personnel to remain alert to symptoms of heat-related illnesses such as dizziness, fatigue, headaches, dehydration, or heat exhaustion and to seek immediate medical assistance whenever necessary. Officials were also directed to ensure that field staff receives all necessary support and guidance to carry out their duties safely during adverse weather conditions. Addressing the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Barnala Shri Harpreet Singh, IAS, assured the Director Census Operations Punjab that all Census-related activities in the district would be completed well within the stipulated timeframe. He informed that Census 2027 Phase-I (Houselisting and Housing Census) in Punjab is being conducted from May 15, 2026, to June 13, 2026, and that the district administration has put in place an effective monitoring mechanism to ensure successful implementation of the exercise.

The Deputy Commissioner stated that all officers and field functionaries are working with dedication and sincerity to achieve the prescribed targets. He reaffirmed the district administration's commitment to conducting Census operations efficiently, transparently, and in accordance with the prescribed guidelines so as to ensure the collection of accurate, reliable, and comprehensive data. The meeting concluded with a detailed discussion on the roadmap for the timely completion of the remaining Census operations, strengthening quality assurance mechanisms, addressing field-level challenges, and ensuring the successful completion of Census 2027 Phase-I in Barnala district.