New Delhi: In a significant move ahead of Census 2025, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has appointed four IAS officers to serve as Directors of Census Operations (DCO) and Directors of Citizen Registration (DCR) across Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Goa, and Lakshadweep. These appointments are part of the Centre’s ongoing efforts to strengthen on-ground coordination and execution of the upcoming Census and National Population Register (NPR) exercise.
Sujal Mayatra Appointed as DCO/DCR for Gujarat
Sujal Jayantibhai Mayatra (IAS: 2011: GJ) has been appointed as Director of Census Operations and Director of Citizen Registration for Gujarat. According to the DoPT order dated August 8, 2025, he will serve in this capacity until December 31, 2025, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Mayatra, who is a senior IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre, has been directed to immediately relinquish his current duties to assume the new post. His leadership is expected to facilitate smooth and efficient conduct of census operations in the state, known for its diverse demographics and urban-rural divide.
Kartikeya Goel Takes Over in Chhattisgarh
The government has also appointed Kartikeya Goel (IAS: 2010: CH) as the Director of Census Operations and Citizen Registration for Chhattisgarh. His appointment is for the same tenure, up to December 31, 2025.
Goel brings over a decade of administrative experience and is expected to provide strategic oversight in a state where tribal populations and rural expanses pose unique census challenges.
Additional Charge Appointments in Goa and Lakshadweep
Two other officers have been assigned additional charges of the same positions in union territories:
Cheshta Yadav (IAS: 2014: AGMUT) has been given additional charge as DCO/DCR for Goa at the Deputy Secretary level. She will hold the post until December 31, 2025, or until further notice.
Gaurav Singh Rajawat (IAS: 2011: AGMUT) has been appointed to additional charge as DCO/DCR for Lakshadweep at the Director level, also for a term ending on December 31, 2025.
Both officers have been instructed to begin duties with immediate effect and coordinate with the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, to facilitate timely execution of fieldwork and reporting.
A Push Toward Accurate and Inclusive Census 2025
These appointments come as part of a broader nationwide reshuffle aimed at strengthening the Census and NPR framework before field activities intensify later this year. With several officers taking on additional responsibilities, the Centre aims to ensure that no region is left behind in terms of readiness.
The 2025 Census is expected to leverage digital tools, real-time data collection, and GIS-based mapping, making the role of these directors crucial in ensuring transparency, accuracy, and inclusion across states and union territories.
