Kupwara, June 13 (KNS): Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse (IAS), on Saturday urged residents to actively participate in the ongoing Census 2027 exercise and provide accurate information to enumerators, saying the data collected will play a key role in future planning and implementation of government schemes.

 

Speaking to a Kashmir News Service (KNS) correspondent, Suse said the self-enumeration phase of Census 2027 was conducted from May 17 to May 31 and received a positive response from people across the district.

 

He said the House Listing and Housing Census operation is currently underway, with enumerators and supervisors visiting households across Kupwara to collect information related to families and basic amenities.

 

"People who have already completed self-enumeration can share their identification number with enumerators when they visit their homes," he said.

 

The Deputy Commissioner appealed to the public to cooperate fully with census teams and provide correct information. He also cautioned people against misinformation and rumours related to the census process.

 

"Citizens do not need to share any OTP or personal government documents with anyone. Enumerators carry official identity cards, which can be verified by residents," he said.

 

Describing the census as an important national exercise, Suse said wider public participation would help ensure accurate data collection and support evidence-based policymaking.

 

The Deputy Commissioner also highlighted the implementation of the Vibrant Villages Programme-II in Kupwara, saying the initiative aims to accelerate development in border villages.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

 

He said the programme will focus on strengthening road connectivity, telecommunication services, power supply and other essential infrastructure in 102 villages identified under the scheme. In addition, 16 villages have been separately notified as Vibrant Villages for focused development.

 

Suse said senior officers are visiting villages, interacting with residents and gathering public feedback for preparation of village-specific action plans.

 

"The demands and priorities of villagers are being incorporated into the action plans, which will guide future development works in these areas," he said.

 

The Deputy Commissioner said tourism promotion in border areas will remain a major focus under the programme. Infrastructure related to tourism, education, healthcare and livelihood generation will be strengthened to improve living standards and create economic opportunities for local residents.

 

He said authorities are also addressing irrigation concerns in agricultural areas, with departments already directed to take necessary measures to resolve water shortages faced by farmers.

 

Referring to the tourist destination of Reshwari, Suse said the administration is working to promote tourism by encouraging homestays and improving visitor facilities. He added that adequate security arrangements are being ensured in coordination with the police to facilitate tourist movement.

 

"Reshwari has immense tourism potential. Our objective is to ensure that tourism growth benefits local communities and contributes to the region's economy," he said. (KNS)