Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha has issued a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to strengthen the safety and security of census functionaries engaged in the ongoing first phase of Census 2027, following reports of untoward incidents during field operations.
In a letter issued today, Additional Chief Secretary Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department directed all district collectors, municipal commissioners, and superintendents of police to strictly enforce the SOP during the houselisting and housing census exercise being conducted from April 16 to May 15.
The government noted that enumerators are currently visiting households across the state to collect data on housing conditions, amenities, and assets. However, recent incidents have raised concerns over their safety, potentially affecting the smooth conduct of census operations.
As per the SOP, enumerators and supervisors must wear official identification cards and carry appointment letters at all times during fieldwork. They have also been advised to avoid working during peak heat hours between 11 am and 3 pm, considering prevailing weather conditions, and to take adequate precautions against heat-related illnesses, including carrying ORS.
To enhance safety in vulnerable areas, officials may work in pairs, with supervisors required to monitor enumerators on an hourly basis. In case of hostility or perceived threats, personnel have been instructed to disengage immediately, avoid confrontation, and report incidents to higher authorities.
The SOP also mandates close coordination with police. Local police stations will be provided with details of census staff, and enumerators will have access to emergency contacts. In identified sensitive areas, police personnel may accompany field staff to ensure security.
Further, the guidelines emphasize community engagement, urging census teams to coordinate with local leaders before starting work in a locality to build trust and cooperation.
The government reiterated that any obstruction of census duties would invite legal action under the Census Act, 1948, with provisions for fines and imprisonment of up to three years.
Officials said strict adherence to the SOP is essential to ensure the timely and smooth completion of census operations across the state.
