Gangtok, April 1: The first phase of Census 2027 was launched in Sikkim on Wednesday at Samman Bhawan, organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with the Directorate of Census Operations, Sikkim.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang attended the programme.

Addressing the event, Karma R Bonpo, Director of the Directorate of Census Operations, highlighted the self-enumeration programme under the first phase of Census 2027. He said the exercise is a national initiative and emphasized that the data collected will guide policy formulation and scheme planning at both central and state levels. He also urged the public to cooperate and informed them about the online portal se.census.gov.in for participation.

Also present were Annapurna Alley, Secretary of the Information and Public Relations Department; Karma Namgyal Bhutia, Secretary of the Chief Minister’s Office; Tushar Nikhare, Principal Census Officer cum District Collector, Gangtok; Sisum Wangchuk Bhutia, District Census Officer cum ADC; SDM officials; other census officers; and dignitaries.