Chief Secretary of UT Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, on August 5 chaired a review meeting to assess the preparedness for the Phase-II (Population Enumeration) of Census 2027 in the Union Territory.

The meeting reviewed the operational framework, digital readiness, training strategy and public awareness initiatives to ensure the smooth and effective conduct of the population enumeration exercise.

At the outset, Chief Principal Census Officer and Director, Directorate of Census Operations, Ladakh, Amit Sharma, gave a detailed presentation on the roadmap for Phase-II of Census 2027. The presentation covered the self-enumeration process, population enumeration, coverage of House Listing Operations (HLO), administrative units identified for the second phase, training of census functionaries, digital tools, enumeration in special areas, publicity strategies, implementation in snow-bound regions and likely challenges.

He informed the meeting that the self-enumeration facility will be available from August 17, 2026, enabling residents to voluntarily submit their household and individual details through the designated digital platform before the commencement of population enumeration.

Reviewing the preparations, the Chief Secretary sought updates on the self-enumeration module, its integration with the population enumeration process, and the mechanism for verification, correction and updation of data collected during the House Listing Operations.

Emphasising technology-driven implementation, Kundra directed the concerned officers to ensure that the self-enumeration platform is user-friendly, accessible and supported by a robust mobile application. He also reviewed the safeguards built into the digital system to prevent duplication, verify household identities and maintain the accuracy and integrity of census data.

Stressing the need for widespread public participation, the Chief Secretary called for a comprehensive awareness campaign involving schools, educational institutions, teachers, community leaders and local representatives. He also urged departments to make effective use of digital communication platforms and social media alongside conventional publicity methods.

Kundra further directed the Directorate of Census Operations to ensure that all field functionaries receive adequate training on digital tools and operational procedures well before the commencement of Phase-II, with special attention to remote and snow-bound areas.

Highlighting the importance of Census 2027, he said that accurate and reliable population data forms the foundation for evidence-based policymaking, development planning and efficient delivery of public services. He directed all departments to extend full cooperation to the Directorate of Census Operations for the successful conduct of the exercise across Ladakh.

The meeting also reviewed the infrastructure requirements of the Directorate of Census Operations. Taking note of the need for a permanent office, the Chief Secretary directed the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Leh, to identify and allot suitable land in or around Leh city on priority, subject to applicable rules and procedures.

The meeting was attended by Secretary, Planning Department, Himanshu Gupta; Chief Principal Census Officer and Director, Directorate of Census Operations, Amit Sharma; Director Planning, Chief Planning Officer Konchok Gyalson, Superintending Engineer PWD Leh, Joint Director Finance, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Under Secretaries and other concerned officers.