Ladakh set to become first region to complete Census 2027 operations by September

KARGIL, June 19, 2026 — Chief Principal Census Officer and Director Census Operations for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Amit Sharma announced that the Union Territory of Ladakh is on track to become the first region in the nation to complete all Census work by September 2026.

Speaking during a comprehensive review meeting held at the Conference Hall in Baroo, Kargil, Amit Sharma confirmed that the reference date for the local Census figures will be set for midnight on October 1, 2026. The high-level meeting, which assessed the progress of the ongoing House Listing Operations for Census 2027 in Kargil district, was attended by Assistant Director Vijay Kumar, District Census Prabhari Sadique Hussain, Additional District Development Commissioner Ghulam Mohd, Chief Planning Officer K Mohd Hussain, and various regional Charge Officers and supervisors.

During the session, Amit Sharma described the Census as one of the most critical national exercises, emphasizing that reliable data forms the core foundation for evidence-based governance, developmental planning, and the equitable distribution of resources.

Addressing privacy concerns, he clarified that the information collected from residents during both phases of Census 2027 remains strictly non-shareable with any outside agency, department, or individual. He noted that under Section 15 of the Census Act, 1948, this data is completely confidential and not even admissible in a court of law.

While reviewing field progress, the director praised the preparedness of the Kargil district administration, acknowledging that executing a Census across the vast, mountainous terrain and remote border villages of Ladakh requires meticulous planning.

He stressed the absolute necessity of maintaining high accuracy during data collection, warning enumerators and supervisors that even minor errors could distort long-term policy planning. Explicit directions were issued to Charge Officers to conduct regular field inspections, perform rigorous quality checks, and ensure comprehensive coverage of all households, including seasonal settlements and migratory populations moving through the higher reaches of the district.

Following the review meeting, Amit Sharma briefed the media on the extensive logistical arrangements put in place for the smooth, accurate, and timely completion of the House Listing Operations. He concluded with an appeal to the residents of Ladakh, particularly those in Kargil, to extend full cooperation to visiting field enumerators and provide accurate details, reiterating that robust data is essential for driving inclusive development across the region.