J&K and Ladakh to Undergo Population Enumeration for Census of India 2027
In a significant development, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh are gearing up to undergo population enumeration for the Census of India 2027. The process is scheduled to take place in September 2026 in the snow-bound areas and in February 2027 in the plains.
The Director of Census Operations and Director Citizen Registrations (DCR) for J&K and Ladakh, Amit Sharma, revealed that the first phase, known as House Listing Operations (HLO), will commence soon. For Ladakh, the HLO is set to begin in June 2026.
Sharma highlighted the adjusted timelines for climatic conditions in snow-bound areas, with the second phase, Population Enumeration (PE), slated for September 2026 in these regions. This includes parts of J&K and Ladakh, characterized by high-altitude regions with limited winter accessibility.
For the plains and non-snow-bound areas of J&K, the population enumeration has been scheduled for February 2027. The national schedule for Census 2027 has been outlined in recent government notifications and gazette updates.
Digital Transformation and New Features
The upcoming Census of India 2027 is set to be a landmark event as it marks the country’s first fully digital exercise. The census will incorporate self-enumeration options and mobile apps for field workers, ushering in a new era of data collection.
Additionally, for the first time since 1931, the Census will include caste enumeration, providing valuable insights into the demographic landscape of the country. The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has issued gazette notifications formalizing various aspects of the house listing phase and confirming the overall two-phase structure.
Impact and Importance
The Census of India is the largest such exercise in the world and plays a crucial role in policy planning, resource allocation, and delimitation processes. Despite the delay from its original 2021 timeline due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, the 2027 Census is expected to provide critical data for informed decision-making.
By providing accurate population statistics and demographic information, the Census will aid in shaping the future development trajectory of J&K, Ladakh, and the entire country. The flexibility offered to states and Union Territories in choosing specific 30-day windows for the house-listing phase reflects a commitment to conducting the census efficiently and effectively.
As India prepares for this historic event, the focus remains on ensuring comprehensive data collection, adherence to timelines, and embracing technological advancements for a seamless census process.
