Jammu, Apr 2: Chief Principal Census Officer and Director Census Operations, Amit Sharma, on Wednesday announced that the Union Territories Ladakh and J&K will participate in India’s first fully digital Census in 2027, with population enumeration in snow-bound areas scheduled ahead of the rest of the region to accommodate climatic constraints.
Addressing a press conference here, Sharma said that while non-snow-bound areas will undergo Population Enumeration in February 2027, snow-bound regions will be covered earlier in September 2026 as per notified timelines, ensuring that seasonal accessibility does not affect the accuracy and coverage of the exercise.
The Census will be conducted in two phases, beginning with House Listing Operations and Housing Census from June 1 to June 30, 2026. This phase will be preceded by a 15-day self-enumeration period from May 17 to May 31, during which residents can submit their details through an online portal — a feature being introduced for the first time.
Highlighting the transition to a digital framework, Sharma said data collection will be carried out using mobile applications equipped with in-built validation checks to ensure consistency and minimise errors. A web-based Census Management and Monitoring System will enable real-time supervision of field operations, enhancing administrative oversight and efficiency.
Reiterating safeguards, Sharma said the exercise will adhere strictly to confidentiality provisions under the Census Act, 1948. He noted that data security mechanisms, including end-to-end encryption, secure transmission protocols and ISO-certified data centres designated as critical information infrastructure, have been put in place to protect personal information.
The officer also clarified that the Census exercise is independent of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, underlining that while the latter relates to voter registration, the Census is a broader national exercise aimed at collecting demographic, socio-economic and housing data to support governance and policy formulation.
Providing an update on preparedness, Sharma said administrative boundaries have been finalised, pre-tests conducted and training modules developed in multiple languages. Census functionaries have been appointed at district and field levels, and training of enumerators and supervisors is currently in progress.
Responding to queries, he said enumerators and supervisors will visit households during notified periods, carrying valid identity cards and appointment letters. Residents have been advised to verify credentials before sharing information. Local officials, including teachers and revenue personnel, are being engaged to ensure familiarity and build public trust.
Calling for public cooperation, Sharma said accurate participation is essential for generating reliable data that informs welfare schemes, targeted interventions and long-term planning.
He was accompanied by Deputy Chief Principal Census Officer Manmeet Singh Loomba and Assistant Chief Principal Census Officer Nimrat Kour.
