New Delhi, October 6 (Daily Kiran) : The second phase of India’s first paperless population census has successfully concluded in 16 partially snowbound districts of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as in all areas of Ladakh. Chief Census Officer Amit Sharma announced that due to security concerns, the census for defense and paramilitary forces was conducted using paper schedules, while the remaining four districts will undergo the process in February 2027.
Sharma emphasized the importance of this phase, stating, “The second phase is crucial for population enumeration. We previously identified non-contemporary areas that become inaccessible due to heavy snowfall, making future census efforts challenging.” This phase involved gathering information through 40 questions from residents between September 1 and September 30.
The census covered all snow-affected districts except Jammu, Srinagar, Rajouri, and Samba. Kishtwar district is entirely snowbound. The operation was also completed in Ladakh, which includes the districts of Leh and Kargil.
Sharma noted that this marks the first paperless census in India. The collected data will serve as a foundation for the development of remote areas and various welfare programs. The information gathered during the housing listing phase will be utilized for future planning based on available amenities.
He added that the enumeration of defense and paramilitary personnel was conducted on paper due to national security interests. After the paper schedules are processed, the data will be digitized and encrypted. The activities in the snowbound regions have been successfully concluded, covering both civilian and military populations.
Looking ahead, Sharma indicated that notifications for the remaining four districts are expected to be issued in February 2027, underscoring the necessity of this census activity. He clarified that this process is independent of elections, as the census is managed by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. Current government programs still rely on data from the last census conducted in 2011.
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