Census Phase-II begins in Punjab; 9 digital LED vans flagged off for public awareness
Self-Enumeration Begins November 16
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, November 11, 2026: Punjab has launched a publicity and awareness campaign for Census 2027, with Director of Census Operations, Punjab, Dr Navjot Khosa, flagging off nine Digital LED Vans from the Directorate’s premises in Chandigarh on Wednesday.
The vans will travel across major towns, urban and rural areas, marketplaces and other prominent public locations in the state to spread awareness about the upcoming census exercise. They will display informational messages and QR codes linking citizens directly to the official National Census Portal, where they can complete their census details through self-enumeration.
The campaign aims to encourage public participation and familiarise residents with the two key components of Census 2027: Self-Enumeration and Population Enumeration. Audio-visual material will also be used to disseminate information.
Self-enumeration from November 16
In Punjab, self-enumeration will be conducted from November 16 to November 30, 2026. During this period, residents can visit se.census.gov.in and answer 40 census-related questions online before an enumerator visits their household.
The self-enumeration portal will close on November 30.
The second phase of Census 2027, covering Population Enumeration, will be conducted in Punjab from December 1, 2026, to January 4, 2027. The reference date for the exercise will be 00:00 hours on January 5, 2027.
Census helpline 1855 launched
To help residents during the exercise, the Census Directorate has launched a dedicated toll-free helpline, 1855. Citizens can call the number to seek assistance with queries or difficulties while filling out the census questionnaire.
The Directorate has also asked Deputy Commissioners, who are the Principal Census Officers in their respective districts, to finalise routes for the Digital LED Vans, identify suitable locations for publicity hoardings and provide updated details of district-level publicity nodal officers.
A designated escort official from each district will accompany the vans to facilitate their movement, coordinate local activities and ensure the effective implementation of the awareness campaign.
Census 2027: Key dates for Punjab
- November 11, 2026: Flag-off of nine Digital LED Vans.
- November 16–30, 2026: Self-Enumeration.
- December 1, 2026–January 4, 2027: Population Enumeration.
- January 5, 2027: Reference date.
- Three to five days after Population Enumeration: Revision round to cover people left out during the exercise.
The first phase of Census 2027, covering House Listing and Housing Census, has already been completed.
Dr Navjot Khosa has appealed to residents of Punjab to cooperate with census enumerators and participate in the exercise to help ensure accurate and complete population data.
Residents can also follow the Directorate of Census Operations, Punjab, on Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube through the official handle @censusdcopunjab for updates and information.