Signal Census 2027 Phase-II: Population enumeration begins today in J&K's snow-bound areas, Ladakh

Summary

The second phase of India's Census 2027, covering population enumeration, officially began on August 17, 2026 in the snow-bound areas of Jammu and Kashmir and across Ladakh, ahead of the nationwide enumeration scheduled for February 2027, according to Chief Principal Census Officer Amit Sharma. Ladakh, classified entirely as snow-bound, is set to be the first Union Territory in India to complete Phase-II, with October 1, 2026 as the reference date. A self-enumeration portal called Swa-Ganna is open from August 17-31, geo-fenced so only residents physically present in notified snow-bound areas can use it, followed by door-to-door enumeration from September 1-30 and a revisional round from October 1-5. This marks the first comprehensive caste enumeration conducted in India since independence, with the population enumeration questionnaire covering around 40 parameters including an open-ended caste column. Ahead of the launch, Ladakh's Chief Secretary chaired a review meeting focused on preventing duplication of records and ensuring robust identity verification. The Indian government released ₹4,102 crore to support the Phase-II rollout, according to Business Today.