In a major step toward data-driven governance, Chief Principal Census Officer and Director Census Operations (J&K and Ladakh) Amit Sharma unveiled the Census 2027 roadmap for Ladakh during a press briefing in Leh.
First Census in Ladakh After UT Formation
Amit Sharma highlighted that Census 2027 will be the first census exercise in Ladakh since it became a Union Territory in 2019, calling it a historic opportunity to generate accurate and comprehensive data for better policy planning and targeted development.
India’s First Fully Digital Census
The upcoming census will be conducted digitally, marking a major transformation in data collection:
- Use of mobile applications with in-built validation
- Real-time monitoring through a web-based system developed by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing
- Secure digital infrastructure for efficient operations
Two-Phase Census Timeline in Ladakh
The census will be carried out in two phases:
Phase 1: House Listing Operations (HLO)
- June 1 to June 30, 2026
- Preceded by self-enumeration (May 17–31, 2026)
Citizens can submit their details online via a dedicated portal using a 33-question questionnaire.
Phase 2: Population Enumeration
- Scheduled for September 2026
- To be conducted along with other snow-bound regions like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand
Dedicated Census Workstations for Ladakh
In a significant development, the administration will set up two Census Workstations in collaboration with the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
These will:
- Provide micro-level data access
- Strengthen grassroots planning and policy formulation
Strong Focus on Data Security
Officials assured robust safeguards, including:
- End-to-end encryption
- Secure data transmission
- Certified data centres designated as critical information infrastructure
Training and Preparedness Underway
Extensive preparations have already been completed:
- Training of senior officers and census officials
- Upcoming training for enumerators, supervisors, and field trainers
Census vs Electoral Roll Revision
Amit Sharma clarified that Census 2027 is separate from electoral roll revision, emphasizing that:
- Census collects socio-economic data
- Electoral processes deal with voter lists
Public Participation Crucial
Urging citizens to participate, he said accurate data will play a key role in shaping Ladakh’s future development trajectory.
Senior officials, including Konchok Gyalson, Jatinder Kumar, and Tashi Otsal, were also present during the briefing.
