Jammu, Sep 1 (PTI) Chief Principal Census Officer (CPCO) and Director of Census Operations in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Amit Sharma, on Tuesday launched population enumeration (Phase-II) of Census 2027 for the snow-bound areas of the twin Union Territories, an official spokesman said.
The field operations were formally launched from the remote, snow-bound areas of Dudu and Basantgarh in Udhampur district, the spokesman said.
He said the September enumeration marks a significant operational milestone for Census 2027, as the Census machinery moves to the actual enumeration of the population, with special arrangements in place to ensure comprehensive coverage of remote, high-altitude and difficult-to-access areas.
“The commencement of population enumeration from Dudu and Basantgarh carries particular significance as it reflects the Directorate’s commitment to take the Census to every part of the Union Territories, including areas where terrain, distance and weather pose formidable challenges,” Sharma said.
He said extensive preparations involving enumeration block demarcation, mapping, logistics, training and deployment of field functionaries have been undertaken to ensure that every household and resident is covered.
The Director Census highlighted that during the self-enumeration phase for population enumeration in snow-bound areas, conducted from August 17 to 31, the UT of Jammu and Kashmir emerged as the top-performing region among all states and UTs covered under the September schedule, recording the highest number of self-enumeration submissions.
The exercise provided residents an opportunity to participate directly in the digital Census process. During this phase, J-K recorded 9,672 self-enumeration submissions.
The response was particularly encouraging in several districts, with Pulwama recording 3,204, Kishtwar 2,231, Doda 1,169, Ramban 629, Poonch 569 and Kulgam 554 submissions, the spokesman said.
In Ladakh, he said, 527 households completed self-enumeration, including 301 in Kargil and 226 in Leh. Thus, a combined 10,199 households across the two UTs participated through self-enumeration ahead of the field phase.
Sharma appreciated the strong public response, stating that it demonstrates growing acceptance of the digital Census process and provides a strong foundation for the successful conduct of population enumeration.
He urged all the residents to extend similar cooperation to enumerators and supervisors and ensure that their households and eligible family members are accurately covered.
Population enumeration in the snow-bound areas of J-K covers 16 districts and 95 charges, with an estimated 4,146 enumeration blocks being formed.
These included Poonch, Kathua, Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar, Udhampur, Reasi, Kupwara, Budgam, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Pulwama, Shopian, Anantnag and Kulgam, the spokesman said.
In Ladakh, the entire UT is being enumerated during September through an estimated 637 enumeration blocks, making it the first UT to be completely enumerated during Phase-II of Census 2027.
The spokesman said a significant component of the September exercise will be the enumeration of the houseless population, which will also be covered during this phase.
The Directorate has made necessary arrangements to ensure that such population groups are appropriately identified and included.
“The exercise will also include enumeration of special charges, including Defence and Central Armed Police Forces establishments, and other restricted-access locations, in coordination with the concerned authorities,” the spokesman said.
Following completion of field enumeration, he said, a revision round will be conducted from October 1 to 5 to review coverage and incorporate eligible changes arising within the prescribed period.
“This will provide an additional layer of field verification and help ensure that population enumeration is as complete and accurate as possible,” the spokesman said. PTI TAS TAS KSS KSS
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