In a significant initiative aimed at promoting data-driven research, academic engagement, and evidence-based policy formulation in the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Directorate of Census Operations, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on May 16 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Ladakh for the establishment of two dedicated Census Data Workstations at the Leh and Kargil campuses of the University.

The MoU was signed by Amit Sharma, IAS, Chief Principal Census Officer and Director of Census Operations, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, on behalf of the Directorate of Census Operations, and Prof. Saket Kushwaha, Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, on behalf of the University.

Under the agreement, two dedicated Census Data Workstations will be established — one each at the Leh and Kargil campuses of the University of Ladakh — to facilitate structured institutional access to Census databases, demographic statistics, and socio-economic datasets for academic, research, and policy-related purposes.

The initiative is expected to significantly strengthen research capabilities in Ladakh by enabling access to authentic and comprehensive Census datasets for studies related to population dynamics, migration trends, literacy, employment patterns, urbanisation, housing, social sector indicators, rural development, infrastructure planning, and other developmental aspects relevant to the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Amit Sharma stated that Census data forms the backbone of planning, governance, and public policy formulation and remains one of the most authentic and comprehensive sources of statistical information available to governments, academic institutions, and researchers.

He said that the establishment of Census Data Workstations at the University of Ladakh would create a strong institutional platform for encouraging research-oriented utilisation of Census data and would facilitate evidence-based academic studies and developmental planning tailored to the geographical and socio-economic realities of Ladakh.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Saket Kushwaha appreciated the collaboration and described the initiative as an important academic milestone for the University. He stated that the establishment of dedicated Census Data Workstations at the Leh and Kargil campuses would provide valuable opportunities to students, scholars, and faculty members to undertake meaningful and policy-relevant research using authentic Census datasets.

Highlighting the initiative, Amit Sharma stated that Census 2027 would be India’s first fully digital and paperless Census exercise, featuring several technology-driven innovations including mobile-based digital enumeration, self-enumeration, geo-referenced mapping, and real-time digital monitoring systems.

He further elaborated that the Census exercise would be conducted in two phases, beginning with House Listing Operations and the Housing Census, which would be preceded by a dedicated Self-Enumeration period. During this phase, citizens would be able to voluntarily submit their Census details through a secure online portal before household visits by enumerators.

He noted that the introduction of Self-Enumeration represents one of the most significant citizen-centric reforms in the history of Census operations in the country.

Sharma also sensitised students, faculty members, and the academic community present during the programme regarding the importance of Self-

Enumeration and encouraged them to actively participate in the digital Census process. He stated that wider public participation and accurate data collection would contribute significantly towards informed governance, better planning, and targeted developmental interventions in Ladakh and across the country.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior officers and officials from both institutions, including Manmeet Singh Loomba, Deputy Chief Principal Census Officer; Jatinder Kumar, Assistant Chief Principal Census Officer from the Directorate of Census Operations, J&K and Ladakh; and Dr. Mohd Rafee, Dean, Commerce and Management, University of Ladakh, besides faculty members and officials associated with the initiative.