Ladakh is the first State or Union Territory to undertake this phase ahead of the rest of India. The operation is scheduled to conclude by September 30 and covers the Union Territory through an estimated 637 enumeration blocks. Enumerators use a 40-question schedule and spend an average of 30 to 60 minutes in each household, according to a government official. House Listing Operations had previously covered 579 blocks across 17 Charges.
Narayan reviewed field arrangements in Leh with Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra and met officials responsible for the census. Discussions covered comprehensive coverage of civilian areas and Special Charges, which include defence establishments. The Census Commissioner also reviewed coordination with officers representing the Air Force, CRPF, ITBP, CISF and the Border Roads Organisation.
The visit included field inspections in remote and snow-bound areas, including Nubra, Chumathang and Chushul in Nyoma, as well as meetings with enumerators and supervisors in Zanskar and Kargil. Narayan sought feedback on practical obstacles and the support staff need to complete the work in difficult geographical conditions.
Officials also examined the Census mobile application used for digital data collection. Enumerators described their experience with the app in remote locations and suggested improvements. Census authorities said the feedback would be reviewed for future refinements, linking field experience with the technology used in later phases.
The questionnaire has expanded since the 2011 census: the current phase has 40 questions, including 13 new data fields. They include information such as nationality, digital literacy, permanent address and certain identification or account details where available. The review in Ladakh is intended to test both the reach of field operations and the tools being used before the nationwide exercise advances.