World Population Day: Census Directorate Holds Walkathon Across J&K, Ladakh; Amit Sharma Urges Public to Join Census 2027

JAMMU/SRINAGAR, July 11: To mark World Population Day, the Directorate of Census Operations, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on Saturday organised simultaneous Walkathons in Jammu and Srinagar to create public awareness about the importance of population data and encourage people’s participation in the upcoming Census 2027 Population Enumeration.

The awareness programme was led by Chief Principal Census Officer (CPCO) and Director of Census Operations, J&K and Ladakh, Amit Sharma (IAS), with officers and officials of the Directorate participating enthusiastically in both cities. The event aimed to strengthen public understanding of the country’s largest statistical exercise and promote wider involvement in the forthcoming Census.

At the Jammu headquarters, Amit Sharma, accompanied by Deputy Chief Principal Census Officer Manmeet Singh Loomba, flagged off the Walkathon. Participants carried banners and placards highlighting the significance of accurate population data for national development, planning and governance.

A similar programme was held in Srinagar, where Deputy Chief Principal Census Officer Amit Bhargav flagged off the Walkathon. The participants marched through prominent city locations, including Dal Lake, Nehru Park, Dalgate, Lal Chowk and Iqbal Park, spreading awareness about Census 2027 among the public.

Speaking on the occasion, Amit Sharma said that World Population Day serves as a reminder of the crucial role reliable population statistics play in shaping national policies and development. He said Census data forms the basis for planning in sectors such as healthcare, education, employment, infrastructure, disaster management, urban development and various welfare schemes.

Highlighting the upcoming Census, Sharma said Census 2027 will be India’s first fully digital Census, using modern technologies including mobile applications, geo-spatial mapping, digital monitoring systems and online self-enumeration. He added that the successful completion of the Self-Enumeration and House Listing phases has laid a strong foundation for the next stage of Population Enumeration.

Addressing media persons, Sharma said the Directorate has launched an extensive public outreach campaign through print, electronic and digital media, educational institutions and various awareness programmes to ensure that every resident understands the importance of the Census and participates actively in the exercise.

Describing the Walkathon as a symbol of the Directorate’s commitment to an inclusive, technology-driven and people-centric Census, Sharma urged officers, officials and citizens to become ambassadors of Census 2027 by spreading awareness in their communities and encouraging maximum public participation.

He stressed that accurate Census data is essential for effective governance, fair distribution of resources and sustainable development, adding that every resident’s participation is vital for the success of Census 2027. (KNC)