Amit Sharma reviews Census 2027 preparedness in J&K, Ladakh; sets timelines for training, publicity and field readiness
Jammu (J&K), Apr 20, 2026: Amit Sharma, IAS, Chief Principal Census Officer (CPCO) and Director Census Operations (DCO), Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, today chaired separate high-level review meetings to assess the progress of ongoing Census 2027 preparations in the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir, with a focus on fund flow, training, publicity and operational readiness.
During the review of the status of Ladakh UT by CPCO Amit Aharma, Commissioner Secretary Dr. Laltinkhuma Franklin, IAS, Nodal Officer for Census 2027 in UT of Ladakh, who travelled all the way from Leh to attend this important meeting, informed that the requisite funds to Principal Census Officers of UT are expected to be released shortly. He also apprised that district-level training of Field Trainers will be completed within the notified timelines to ensure preparedness ahead of field operations.
Amit Sharma also reviewed the publicity measures for the upcoming House Listing Operations and Self-Enumeration phases, wherein Shri Franklin highlighted that extensive awareness campaigns will be carried out in local languages, with a special focus on community outreach through educational institutions and public engagement initiatives such as quizzes, debates, and interactive programmes to maximize participation.
He also informed that requisite directions were also issued for the timely submission of lists of special charges, including defence and paramilitary establishments at Leh and Kargil, to ensure comprehensive coverage during census operations.
During the review of status by CPCO Amit Sharma in UT for Jammu & Kashmir UT, Shri Madan Gopal Sharma, Nodal Officer for Census 2027, informed that funds have been released to most of the Principal Census Officers, with the remaining to be released shortly upon receipt of past expenditure details. Emphasizing timely execution, Amit Sharma directed that all financial processes be completed expeditiously to ensure smooth field operations.
The progress of training of Field Trainers across districts was also reviewed. The Nodal Officer informed us that the training programme is underway and will be completed within the stipulated timeline across all districts. Amit Sharma stressed the importance of maintaining high standards of training to ensure accuracy and uniformity in data collection.
It was also reviewed by Amit Sharma during the meeting that identification of dignitaries like LG, CM should be done well in advance so as to promote Self-Enumeration and the progress of registration of field functionaries on the Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) portal was also discussed in a threadbare manner.
On publicity front, it was highlighted by CPCO Amit Sharma in the meeting that extensive awareness campaigns have to be carried out in local and vernacular languages in both the UTs. It was also decided that departments such as School Education and Higher Education should be actively engaged through quiz competitions, debates, and outreach initiatives to ensure dissemination of census information across all regions of the UTs.
