Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) April 16: Member of Parliament from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bishnu Pada Ray, has completed his self-enumeration under the first phase of Census 2027, as authorities continue efforts to boost public participation in the ongoing digital exercise.
The move comes as part of the self-enumeration process currently underway across the islands, aimed at ensuring accurate and comprehensive data collection. Officials said the participation of public representatives is expected to encourage wider involvement from residents.
Ray, after completing the process, highlighted the ease of using the digital platform and described the self-enumeration portal as simple and accessible. He noted that the initiative reflects a shift towards a more streamlined and user-friendly approach in census operations.
The self-enumeration portal was made operational on April 1 and will remain open until April 15, 2026, allowing residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to submit their details independently. Authorities have urged citizens to complete the process within the stipulated timeline to support efficient data collection.
Following the conclusion of the self-enumeration phase, the next stage of the Census exercise will begin with house-to-house visits. The Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO) is scheduled to commence from April 16, 2026, and will continue for a period of 30 days. During this phase, enumerators will visit households to collect information directly.
Residents have been advised to cooperate fully with field officials during the HLO phase to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the data being gathered. Officials emphasised that participation at both stages is crucial for building a reliable national database.
In a press brief, the Directorate of Census Operations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands also cautioned residents against misinformation related to the census process. It clarified that no official involved in the exercise will ask for sensitive personal information such as identity documents, bank details, OTPs or financial data.
Authorities reiterated that all information collected during the census will remain confidential and protected under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948. The assurance comes amid efforts to address concerns and build trust among residents participating in the exercise.
The ongoing Census 2027 exercise marks a key administrative process, with officials stressing the importance of public cooperation to ensure accurate representation of population and housing data across the islands.
