Ladakh to Implement India’s First Digital Census: LG Opens New Registration Office
LEH, January 06, 2026: Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta officially inaugurated the Office of the Director of Census Operations and Citizen Registration in Leh today, marking a pivotal step in Ladakh’s transition toward data-driven governance.
During the ceremony at the Department of Archives, Archaeology, and Museum, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized that Census 2027 will be a decisive factor in determining the Union Territory’s developmental trajectory and future prospects.
He highlighted that accurate data compilation is essential for resolving longstanding challenges in planning and resource allocation, particularly as the region has relied on outdated figures from 2011.
Gupta asserted that this first census under the Union Territory framework must set a benchmark for transparency and efficiency, moving away from past irregularities to ensure a reliable foundation for effective governance.
The Lieutenant Governor further noted that the upcoming census aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, leveraging modern technology such as geo-tagged self-enumeration and mobile applications to allow citizens to submit data online.
Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra echoed these sentiments, welcoming the shift toward pioneering digital collection tools and pledging the administration’s full support for the exercise. The transition to a paperless, digital-first approach is expected to provide rapid, actionable insights into Ladakh’s demographic landscape, even across its most remote and geographically challenging terrains.
Providing a technical roadmap, Amit Sharma, Director of Census Operations for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, detailed a two-phase execution strategy. The House-listing and Housing Census is scheduled to take place in Ladakh between June 1 and June 30, 2026, followed by Population Enumeration in September 2026 for snow-bound areas.
This digital-first census will include self-enumeration options and caste data capture, utilizing advanced functionaries to ensure a seamless process. The event was attended by senior officials including Administrative Secretaries Sanjit Rodrigues and PT Rudra Goud, alongside other government representatives.