The first phase of the Houselisting and Housing Census, India’s 16^th Census 2027, is scheduled to be conducted in Tamil Nadu from 1^st to 30^th August 2026. Prior to this, a 15-day self-enumeration exercise will be undertaken from 17^th July 2026 onwards, enabling citizens to participate in the census process through digital self-reporting.

As part of the preparatory arrangements, an intensive four-day training programme for Master Trainers is being conducted at the Anna Administrative Staff College, Chennai, from 11^th to 14^th May 2026 and 18^th to 21^st May 2026, in three batches.

Accordingly, the first two batches of the training programme commenced on 11^th May 2026, with the participation of 73 Master Trainers representing various districts across Tamil Nadu. The programme marks a significant step towards ensuring the successful and smooth implementation of the first phase of Census 2027 in the State.

Shri J. Lincoln Gnanadas, Deputy Registrar General, Directorate of Census Operations, Tamil Nadu formally welcomed all the dignitaries for the Inaugural session.

Shri. Sundaresh Babu, Director of Census Operations & Chief Principal Census Officer for Tamil Nadu State welcomed the gathering and provided a comprehensive overview of the Census 2027 process in the state. He outlined the strategic training framework and highlighted two landmark features: self-enumeration, which allows for online data submission directly by the citizens themselves, and India’s first digital census, where data will be collected via a dedicated mobile application.

In the keynote address, Smt. P. Amudha, Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Revenue and Disaster Management Department and State Nodal Officer (Census) underscored that successful census operations rely on high-quality data, specialized training, and strong interpersonal connections during household visits.

Shri. Sajjansingh R. Chavan, Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu, Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Department in his address as special invitee emphasized on how publicity and strict data confidentiality are vital to driving public participation.

Shri. A. Lazar, Assistant Registrar General (Map), Office of Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India highlighted the importance of verifying precise Houselisting Block (HLB) locations before commencing fieldwork and highlighted the operational advantages of using the mobile application.

The Inaugural Session concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri S. Lingasamy, Deputy Registrar General, Directorate of Census Operations, Tamil nadu to all the dignitaries and participants.

13031. National Trainers, viz., Shri. S. Lingasamy, Deputy Registrar General, Shri. S. Chinnadurai, Joint Director, Shri. V. Jegatheesan, Joint Director & Ms. V.K Suba, Joint Director will impart the training. Master Trainers will be imparting the training to the Field Trainers of their District/MCorp.

Training to the third batch of remaining 37 Master Trainers nominated from Chennai and nearby districts is scheduled to be conducted from 18.05.2026 to 21.05.2026.

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