Ladakh, J&K, Himachal and Uttarakhand and other hill stares Set for Oct 2026 Headcount. Caste Census returns after 100 years in India.
Shimla/New Delhi | June 24, 2025
The Union Government has locked in the long-awaited dates for India’s next Census, and snow-bound Himalayan states will go first.
As per the Home Ministry’s official notification, regions like Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will begin the Census exercise from October 1, 2026 — months ahead of the rest of the country.
This advance schedule, a repeat of earlier practice, is designed to beat harsh winter closures in these high-altitude belts.
In contrast, other states will begin enumeration on March 1, 2027, reveals an official.
Why the Early Start?
Mountain regions often become inaccessible during peak winter. Roads close due to snow, and trekking routes freeze.
That’s why the Centre has traditionally kicked off Census work in these areas before the snow sets in.
The reference date for Himalayan enumeration will be midnight of October 1, ensuring more accurate records before migration or weather disruptions occur.
What’s New in This Census?
Caste Counts Return: For the first time in nearly 100 years, the Census will include caste-wise population data — a major policy shift aimed at better targeting welfare schemes.
Going Digital: Enumerators will use smartphones and tablets instead of paper forms. Citizens will also get the option of self-enumeration through a dedicated app or portal.
Massive Workforce: Over 3.4 million staff will be deployed nationwide, with a special focus on remote, tribal, and border areas.
Why It Matters for the Hills
Helps state governments plan roads, schools, health centres and disaster preparedness better.
Will inform seat allocation and reservation quotas in Parliament and assemblies in the next delimitation round after 2029.
Crucial to understand migration patterns, especially in regions facing urban flight and climate change.
Work Already Underway
Pilot trials are set to roll out in tough terrain districts like Lahaul-Spiti, Pithoragarh, and Zanskar to test new tech tools and logistics.
Local administrators are training staff in mountain trekking, offline data entry, and digital form filling.
Awareness campaigns to follow in villages and tribal belts, encouraging people — especially women and elders — to participate without fear or confusion.
This will be India's first fully digital and caste-inclusive Census, that will cost the nation over ₹13,000 crore, say the officials.
Experts say it could become a game-changer for Himalayan policy planning if executed well as it will give us data who is lagged behind and why ?
The Modi government has also scored some brownie points by starting the caste Census that the Congress has been demanding over the years.
