The Directorate of Census Operations in Odisha has begun preparations for the upcoming census with caste enumeration, marking a key step toward the implementation of the national population count.
Speaking to the media, Director of Census Operations Nikhil Pawan Kalyan said that the department is currently in the preparation stage for pre-testing, which will serve as a precursor to the actual census exercise.
“The actual census will happen in two phases. We will have a pre-test for both phases. The first pre-test is tentatively scheduled between November 15 and November 30, 2025,” Kalyan stated.
Four Odisha Districts Selected for Census Pre-Test
According to officials, four districts have been selected for the pre-test — Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Mayurbhanj, and Nabarangpur. The pre-test aims to evaluate the methodology, data collection tools, and digital systems before the nationwide rollout.
Kalyan added that coordination with the state government is underway to ensure the smooth selection and training of field personnel.
“We will sit with the state government and ensure enumerators and supervisors are identified. The selection of enumerators and supervisors will begin from October 21,” he said.
Two-Phase Census Approach
The upcoming census will be conducted in two phases — one for house listing and housing data, and another for population enumeration. The pre-test will help fine-tune the tools and procedures required for the main census.
Significance of the Caste Enumeration
The inclusion of caste data in the census is expected to provide valuable insights into the social composition of the population, which could inform policy-making, welfare programs, and inclusive development initiatives.
Officials noted that the pre-test findings will guide improvements in the data collection process to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and public participation.
