As India prepares for the massive nationwide Census 2027, the Union government has moved swiftly to ensure that the groundwork for the exercise is firmly in place. In a recent notification, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed new officers as Directors of Census Operations (DCOs) in two key states—Assam and West Bengal—while extending the tenure of existing officers in seven other states. These decisions come ahead of the first phase of the census, which will commence on April 1 with the house listing operations and continue until September 30, 2026, spanning all states and Union territories.
According to official sources, IAS officers Biswajit Pegu and Rashmi Kama have been appointed as Directors of Census Operations in Assam and West Bengal, respectively. Both officers will now be responsible for the planning, execution, and supervision of all census-related activities in their states under the overall guidance of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. In addition to these appointments, officers in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Haryana have received extensions in their positions, ensuring continuity and stability in the execution of this massive administrative exercise.
The role of the Director of Census Operations is multifaceted and crucial for the success of the census. DCOs are tasked with overseeing the house listing exercise, conducting the enumeration of the population, and supervising the compilation and publication of census data for their respective states. They also prepare detailed maps required for enumeration and coordinate the deployment of field personnel, technology systems, and training programs for census functionaries. Essentially, DCOs serve as the nodal officers in charge of ensuring that the census is conducted accurately, efficiently, and on schedule.
Preparations for the Census 2027 have been underway for some time. On July 3 and 4, 2025, the Union government convened a two-day conference of Directors of Census Operations from across the country to draw up a comprehensive roadmap for the upcoming exercise. The meeting focused on finalising the administrative framework, reviewing the methodology for data collection, and strengthening the technological infrastructure to support the census. Among the key components discussed were the use of mobile applications for data collection, management and monitoring of census activities through the Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) portal, and procedures for self-enumeration by citizens.
Self-enumeration, a feature increasingly emphasised in recent censuses, allows citizens to submit their details online prior to the field enumeration. For Census 2027, this facility will be available 15 days before the commencement of the house listing operations in each respective area. This step is expected to enhance data accuracy, reduce the burden on enumerators, and encourage greater participation, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas with high literacy and digital penetration.
The house listing phase, scheduled from April 1 to September 30, 2026, is a critical preparatory stage. During this phase, enumerators will collect detailed information on households, buildings, and other structures, creating the foundation for the population enumeration in the subsequent phase. Each state and Union territory has been allocated a specific 30-day window within this six-month period to conduct the exercise. This phased approach ensures efficient use of resources, avoids overlap, and facilitates better monitoring of field operations.
The Census 2027 will also require special arrangements in sensitive and challenging areas. In regions under the control of defence or paramilitary forces, as well as in border areas, DCOs are required to appoint special officers in consultation with the relevant authorities to ensure smooth conduct of the census. Similar arrangements are needed in special zones, such as forest reserves, thermal power stations, industrial complexes, and high-security housing colonies. These measures are critical to ensure that all residents, including those in restricted or difficult-to-access areas, are enumerated accurately.
The appointment of Biswajit Pegu in Assam is particularly significant given the state’s complex demographic and geographical landscape. Assam has historically posed unique challenges for census operations, including issues related to migration, ethnic diversity, and settlements in flood-prone areas. Pegu’s experience in administration and familiarity with the state’s terrain and communities is expected to play a key role in facilitating a smooth and comprehensive enumeration process.
Similarly, Rashmi Kama’s appointment in West Bengal is expected to provide continuity and focus in a state that has seen increased attention on data accuracy and inclusivity during electoral and administrative exercises in recent years. West Bengal’s vast population, coupled with urban-rural diversity and varied literacy levels, demands meticulous planning and careful supervision. Kama will oversee the deployment of census functionaries across districts, ensure training for enumerators, and coordinate with local administrations to mitigate challenges related to accessibility and data validation.
The Census 2027 will rely heavily on technology to streamline operations. The CMMS portal will serve as the central monitoring platform, allowing officials at the state and national levels to track the progress of enumeration in real-time, identify discrepancies, and provide guidance to field teams. Mobile applications will be used by enumerators to capture household and individual-level data, significantly reducing the reliance on paper forms and manual data entry. This digitisation is expected to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and accelerate the processing of data, though it also requires careful oversight to prevent technical or operational glitches.
Training of census functionaries remains a priority. All enumerators, supervisors, and field officers will undergo intensive training on data collection protocols, use of digital tools, and interaction with households to ensure accuracy and uniformity in enumeration. Special modules have been designed to address challenges in multilingual contexts, urban slums, tribal regions, and other complex field situations. DCOs will be responsible for ensuring that training is conducted comprehensively, and that all personnel are prepared for their field assignments.
The timely appointment and extension of Directors of Census Operations is also crucial for administrative continuity. Seven states—Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Haryana—have received extensions for their existing officers. This step ensures that experienced personnel familiar with census procedures remain in place, providing institutional memory and leadership continuity, which is especially critical in states with large populations or challenging field conditions.
In addition to administrative and operational responsibilities, DCOs serve as the link between the field and the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. They coordinate reporting, resolve operational issues, and ensure compliance with protocols. They also oversee quality checks, validation of data, and preparation of district- and state-level reports that feed into the national census dataset.
The Census 2027 is not only a demographic exercise but also a key instrument for governance, planning, and policy formulation. Data from the census informs allocation of resources, electoral boundaries, social welfare planning, and development policies. Accurate enumeration is therefore critical for ensuring equitable representation, targeted public service delivery, and evidence-based policymaking.
By appointing Biswajit Pegu and Rashmi Kama and extending tenures of existing DCOs, the government aims to provide stability, expertise, and focus to the monumental task ahead. With the house listing operations starting in less than three months, the preparatory steps taken now—including technological readiness, training of personnel, and careful deployment of officers in special and sensitive zones—will determine the success of Census 2027.
In conclusion, the appointment of new Directors of Census Operations in Assam and West Bengal, along with extensions in seven other states, represents a critical step in India’s preparations for its next decennial census. The responsibilities entrusted to these officers are vast, encompassing administration, technology deployment, supervision, and coordination across multiple levels of government. As India embarks on Census 2027, these appointments are aimed at ensuring a smooth, accurate, and comprehensive enumeration of the country’s population, laying the groundwork for effective governance and development planning in the years to come.
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