Leh: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, emphasised the significance of the upcoming Census for Ladakh, stating that it will resolve critical issues in planning and resource allocation.
He stressed that despite Ladakh’s limited population scattered across a vast, challenging geographical expanse, accurate data compilation must be ensured, with a focus on transparency and efficiency, as it will directly determine Ladakh’s developmental trajectory and prospects.
Kavinder Gupta stated this after inaugurating the Office of the Director of Census Operations and Citizen Registration, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, today at the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museum, in Leh.
In his address, Kavinder Gupta congratulated the people and officials on the establishment of the Census Office post-2019 after the formation of the Union Territory of Ladakh. He emphasised that the Census, approved by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, represents a vital step forward after the 2021 exercise was deferred due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Highlighting longstanding challenges from dependence on outdated 2011 Census data, the Lt Governor emphasised how the new Census will resolve critical issues in planning and resource allocation. He drew attention to past irregularities and malpractices during Census operations under the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state, stressing that the upcoming Census in the new UT framework must set a benchmark. “This first Census for Ladakh as a Union Territory must be conducted with utmost transparency, reliability, and efficiency. There should be no compromise on constitutional mandates,” the Lt Governor asserted. He reiterated the UT Administration’s full commitment to facilitating a seamless process, positioning the Census as a cornerstone for effective governance backed by contemporary data.
Kavinder Gupta linked the initiative to national ambitions, noting India’s pursuit of Viksit Bharat 2047 through innovations like Artificial Intelligence and geo-tagged self-enumeration mechanisms- allowing citizens to submit data online via mobile apps and a portal.
Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra congratulated the milestone, highlighting pioneering digital data collection tools being utilised in the upcoming Census and assuring comprehensive UT support for timely execution of the Census.
Amit Sharma, Director of Census Operations and Citizen Registration, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, briefed on the two-phase process—Houselisting and Housing Census (April-September 2026) and Population Enumeration (September 2026 for snow-bound areas)—featuring 100% paperless digital tools, self-enumeration, caste data capture, and deployment of functionaries for rapid, actionable insights. He informed that the House-listing and Housing Census is expected to be conducted between June 1-30 in Ladakh. He also requested for additional space for the proper functioning of the office.
Arun Kumar, Joint Director, Census Operations, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, delivered the vote of thanks.
Among those present during the event were Administrative Secretaries, Sanjit Rodrigues and PT Rudra Goud; Additional District Development Commissioner Leh Shri Sonam Nurboo; and senior government officials.
