New Delhi: As part of ongoing preparations for the upcoming Census 2025 and National Population Register (NPR) activities, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has assigned senior IAS officers to head Census Operations and Citizen Registration in three critical regions – Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Amit Sharma Takes Over as Census Director in Mizoram
Mr Sharma (IAS:2012:AGMUT), currently serving as Special Secretary, Information, Communications & Technology (ICT) and Cooperation in the Government of Mizoram, has been assigned additional charge as Director of Census Operations (DCO) and Director of Citizen Registration (DCR) for the state.
According to the official DoPT order issued on August 8, 2025, Sharma will hold the position at the Deputy Secretary level under the Central Staffing Scheme, effective immediately and continuing until December 31, 2025, or until further orders.
Notably, this change comes after Ajit Roy (IAS:2010:AGMUT) was appointed to the same post in March 2025 for a term ending in December. The reasons for his replacement have not been specified.
Sufiyah Faruqui Wali Appointed for Madhya Pradesh
The Centre also announced the appointment of Ms Wali (IAS:2009:MP) as Director of Census Operations and Citizen Registration for Madhya Pradesh. She will officially take charge from October 1, 2025, and serve until December 31, 2025, or until further orders.
The order directs all relevant authorities to relieve her from her present duties to enable a smooth transition into this critical role. Wali’s administrative experience within Madhya Pradesh is expected to facilitate efficient and accurate census data collection and citizen registration.
Purva Garg Assigned to Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Meanwhile, Ms Garg (IAS:2015:AGMUT) has been given additional charge as Director of Census Operations and Citizen Registration for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
As per the DoPT order dated August 8, 2025, she will hold the position at the Deputy Secretary level under the Central Staffing Scheme, from the date of assuming charge until December 31, 2025 or until further orders.
Currently posted in the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, Garg has been directed to assume charge immediately and notify the DoPT and the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, accordingly.
Strategic Importance of the Appointments
These appointments come at a crucial time as India prepares for its first post-pandemic Census, expected to be digitally enhanced and data-rich. The Director of Census Operations (DCO) and Director of Citizen Registration (DCR) roles are central to the smooth planning, implementation, and supervision of field operations for both the Census and NPR.
Given the short timelines – all appointments run until December 31, 2025 – the government is pushing for efficient coordination across states and union territories to complete enumeration processes, data validation, and tabulation within the stipulated schedule.
