Odisha Issues Safety SOP for Census Staff Amid Heatstroke, Assault Fears

Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Arabinda Kumar Padhee, in a letter addressed to Collectors, Municipal Commissioners, and Superintendents of Police, stated that the first phase of Census 2027, including the houselisting and housing census, is currently underway in the state from April 16 to May 15, 2026.

He said that during this phase, enumerators are visiting households to collect data on housing conditions, household amenities, and assets.

"In the past few days, certain untoward incidents have been reported, raising concerns regarding the safety and security of Census functionaries and adversely affecting the Census operations," Padhee said.

To ensure the safety and security of census functionaries, the R&DM Department has issued an SOP to facilitate the smooth and timely completion of census work. According to the SOP, enumerators and supervisors (E&S) must wear official ID cards at all times and carry their appointment letters during field duties. It also mandates that census functionaries adhere to designated field visit timings and avoid working during peak heat hours (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) to prevent heatwave-related illness.

They have been instructed to take precautions to avoid dehydration and heat-related illnesses. The district administration has been directed to supply ORS packets to enumerators and supervisors to carry during field visits.

The R&DM Department advised enumerators and supervisors to work in pairs in isolated and sensitive areas. Supervisors have also been asked to track enumerators every hour to monitor progress and address any security concerns. The department advised enumerators and supervisors to disengage immediately and avoid confrontation in case of hostility or perceived threat. They may skip the specific house or locality and revisit it later with protection.

Census functionaries have been advised to report such incidents to higher authorities. The R&DM Department stressed coordination with local police, directing that enumerators' and supervisors' details be shared with police stations, which must be informed of their movement schedules to ensure monitoring and prompt response to any security concerns. As per the SOP, one police personnel would accompany E&S while conducting fieldwork in identified sensitive areas. They have also been advised to contact local community leaders and seek their support before commencing work.

In view of recent attacks on census functionaries in Dhenkanal district, the department has mandated strict action, stating: "Any individual who obstructs or hinders Census functionaries in discharging their duties shall be liable for legal action as per the Census Act, 1948, as amended. Such offences are punishable with a fine and/or imprisonment, which may extend up to three years under applicable law."

- IANS