Jammu, 28 August (H.S.): To finalise preparations for Population Enumeration in Special Charges in the snow-bound areas of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, which is scheduled from September 1 to 30, 2026, a meeting with Nodal Officers of Defence, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and other organisations organized by the Directorate of Census Operations (DCOs) Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh was held here today.

The meeting was chaired by Amit Sharma, Chief Principal Census Officer and Director Census Operations, J&K and Ladakh and was attended by the representatives of CISF, ITBP, CRPF, Assam Rifles, Railway Board, Air Force, BRO, BSF and SSB.

Addressing the participants, Amit Sharma said, Census 2027 would be India's first digital Census, while the enumeration process in Special Charges had been structured keeping in view the security and operational requirements of these establishments.

He said, The objective was to ensure complete and accurate coverage of every eligible person while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and security.

The September enumeration was particularly important for the snow-bound areas of Jammu & Kashmir and the entire Union Territory of Ladakh, where the exercise is being undertaken ahead of the main national enumeration schedule due to the region's unique climatic and geographical conditions, said Sharma.

He also expressed confidence that the coordination established with Defence, CAPFs and other specialised organisations would ensure smooth, secure and comprehensive Population Enumeration in all Special Charges and contribute significantly to the successful conduct of Phase-II of Census 2027.

The meeting also discussed the enumeration schedule covering demographic and social characteristics, language, education, economic activity, migration, fertility and other particulars.

Special emphasis was laid on training and standardisation of Nodal Officers, Charge Officers, Enumerators and Supervisors, with training programmes for personnel in snow-bound areas scheduled to be organised shortly.

The meeting further reviewed arrangements for supervision, data entry, secure handling and transfer of Census material, besides mechanisms for close coordination among all participating organisations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar