India, Aug. 17 -- The population enumeration phase of Census 2027 began on Monday with self-enumeration in Ladakh and snow-bound areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The early exercise has been scheduled for these regions because difficult terrain and harsh winter conditions can make access challenging during the regular census period. Residents in the identified areas can submit their details online between August 17 and August 31. From September 1 to September 30, census officials will conduct door-to-door verification using mobile applications. Population enumeration across the rest of the country is scheduled for February 2027. The household schedule for the exercise contains 40 questions, including a caste-related question. It will also seek information relating to parental details and identity documents. The 2027 Census will mark the first nationwide inclusion of caste enumeration since Independence. Also Read - Qaumi Insaaf Morcha protest: Former MP Simranjit Mann booked, 17 others arrested Advertisement In Ladakh, the exercise will cover around 2.74 lakh people across seven districts, while approximately 88.1 lakh people across 16 districts of Jammu and Kashmir will be covered. Census officials face additional challenges in remote locations, including areas with limited road connectivity and villages situated at very high altitudes. Himachal Pradesh will also undertake advance enumeration in three districts, including high-altitude areas such as Komik in Spiti Valley. Officials said around 6,903 snow-bound villages and areas have been identified for early enumeration because heavy snowfall could make them inaccessible during the regular census period. Census 2027 is India's 16th population census and the eighth since Independence. For the first time, citizens will have the option of completing their census details through a self-enumeration facility before the information is verified by enumerators.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.