Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Ramban, Arjun Singh Raju, today inaugurated the self-enumeration phase of Census 2027 at the Municipal Council Office, Ramban, marking the beginning of public participation in the national census exercise.
On the occasion, the MLA completed his own self-enumeration, emphasising the significance of the exercise in shaping India’s socio-economic future.
Chief Executive Officer, Municipal Council Ramban, Surdeshan Jamwal, former President of the Municipal Council, councillors, prominent citizens, a large number of locals and census staff were present on the occasion.
The initial phase, focusing on House Listing and Housing Census, allows citizens to complete the registration process independently. The Census Self-Enumeration Portal and mobile application will remain accessible to the public from MAY 17 to MAY 31, 2026 — a period of 15 days.
Describing it as one of the world’s largest data collection initiatives, MLA Raju highlighted that the census is typically conducted every ten years, adding that the current exercise began in 2026 due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He underlined its vital role in enabling the government to assess public infrastructure and living conditions, including residential facilities, tap water connectivity and LPG availability.
“Accurate census figures provide a foundational database for effective public planning, future resource allocation and targeted implementation of welfare schemes,” Raju stated.
Addressing public concerns, the MLA dispelled common misconceptions about data privacy. He assured residents that the process is strictly meant for demographic data collection and has no linkage with taxation or monetary regulations under agencies such as the Income Tax Department or the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The MLA also pointed out past statistical disparities in towns like Ramban, where recorded population figures remained significantly lower than the actual resident count, resulting in disproportionate funding allocations for municipal services and upkeep. He urged all residents to register their current place of residence to ensure fair administrative funding and equitable development.
The district administration has deputed enumerators across all House Listing Blocks for subsequent field verification. The MLA appealed for wholehearted public participation to make the exercise a success.