The Odisha Government released a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure the safety and security of Census functionaries during the ongoing Houselisting and Housing Census 2027.
The directive, issued by Additional Chief Secretary Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, aims to protect enumerators and supervisors while maintaining smooth Census operations across the state.
The SOP outlines identification rules, safe working hours, and health precautions. Enumerators must wear official ID cards, carry appointment letters, and avoid fieldwork during peak heat hours between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. District administrations will provide ORS and other preventive measures to guard against dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
Officials instructed enumerators to work in pairs in isolated or sensitive areas and report any hostile situations immediately. Supervisors will track field teams hourly to monitor progress and address security concerns.
The SOP mandates coordination with local police stations, requiring enumerator details to be shared for real-time monitoring. In sensitive zones, police personnel may accompany Census teams to ensure safety.
Enumerators must engage with local community leaders before starting work to build trust and cooperation. The government also warned that obstructing Census officials constitutes a punishable offence under the Census Act, 1948, with penalties including fines or imprisonment up to three years.
The directive reinforces the government’s commitment to secure and efficient Census operations across Odisha.
