LEH: In preparation for the forthcoming Census 2027 with focus on key administrative, legal, logistical and policy-related measures required to ensure the smooth, timely and inclusive conduct of census operations a meeting of the Union Territory Level Census Co-ordination Committee (UTLCCC) for Ladakh was held Tuesday under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal.
During the meeting, Amit Sharma, IAS, Director of Census Operations, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, delivered a detailed presentation highlighting various critical aspects of the census.
He elaborated on the legal provisions governing the census and underscored the importance of strong legal backing for its conduct.
The presentation also reflected on the views of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the significance of the census, the linkage between the Indian Constitution and census operations, and the evolution of the census in India.
Special emphasis was laid on the unique features of Census 2027, the census hierarchy, timelines for census activities, and pre-census preparations in UT Ladakh.
Issues related to jurisdictional changes up to December 31, 2025, required information, ongoing activities, approved norms for various census components, advertising and publicity plans, coordination with the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, and the introduction of self-enumeration through a paperless, digitised census process were also discussed in detail.
Chairing the meeting, Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal stressed that the census remains the most comprehensive source of demographic and socio-cultural data, particularly with regard to language. He emphasized the need for accurate and sensitive recording of mother tongues, including Bhoti and Purgi, and called for greater awareness to ensure correct language enumeration.
He directed that the census process must be inclusive, ensuring that no eligible person is left out, and instructed both Deputy Commissioners to closely monitor and properly manage census-related activities in their respective districts.
The meeting also deliberated on the republication of notifications in the Ladakh UT Gazette for freezing of administrative boundaries up to December 31, 2025, a crucial prerequisite for Census 2027.
Discussions were held on the finalization of administrative units, including updates, modifications, mergers, and changes in notified and de-notified names, to be completed before the freezing date as per prescribed circulars.
Emphasis was placed on the timely finalization of urban units such as Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Municipal Committees, along with Urban Agglomerations, in line with guidelines issued by the Office of the Registrar General of India.
Further, the committee reviewed the republication of notifications for the appointment of field functionaries, which is vital for operational readiness.
District-wise identification of slum areas, identification of special charge areas including civilian-restricted, military and para-military zones, and measures to ensure comprehensive coverage during enumeration were also discussed.
Financial and administrative matters received focused attention, including approved norms for hiring technical assistants and manpower at UT, district and charge levels, procurement of IT infrastructure, honorarium for field functionaries, and disbursement of funds to district administrations.
The identification and authentication of snow-bound and inaccessible areas were examined to facilitate effective planning for the Population Enumeration scheduled in September 2026.
The meeting also reviewed the identification of Master Trainers, Field Trainers, Enumerators and Supervisors by the Deputy Commissioners as a key step towards capacity building. Additionally, the disposal of NPR 2015 filled-in booklets lying in the offices of Deputy Commissioners was discussed to ensure proper record management and compliance with existing guidelines.
Dr. Pawan Kotwal underscored the importance of strict adherence to timelines and close coordination among all concerned departments and district administrations.
He reiterated that meticulous planning and timely completion of preparatory activities are essential for conducting a credible, accurate and efficient Census 2027, particularly in the unique geographical and administrative context of Ladakh.
The meeting concluded with discussions on other related issues, reaffirming the UT administration’s commitment to seamless census operations through effective inter-departmental coordination and diligent implementation of Government of India guidelines.
The meeting was attended by Shashanka Ala, Secretary, Information Technology Department, Bhanu Prabha, Secretary, School Education Department, and other senior officers.
