Trailblazing Census 2027: A Digital Revolution in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh

In an unprecedented move, Census 2027 in the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will be conducted entirely digitally, marking a first for India, according to Amit Sharma, Chief Principal Census Officer. The digital transition begins with self-enumeration, allowing residents to provide details online starting May 17, 2026.

Sharma assured that personal data security is a priority, implementing rigorous protection measures like end-to-end encryption and secure data centers. The census will be executed in phases, with the Houselisting and Housing Census set for June 2026, followed by population enumeration in 2027.

To ensure a smooth process, preparatory work is thorough, involving multilingual training for personnel, and employing local officials to foster trust and familiarity in the exercise. Sharma highlighted the importance of public participation to ensure the accuracy required for policy planning and governance.