Bhubaneswar, Following reports of attacks on officials involved in census work, the Odisha government on Thursday issued standard operating procedures for the safety and security of staff on duty.
At least four officials, including two women, were physically assaulted and their car vandalized when they arrived at a man’s house in Dhaknal district on Wednesday. Three people – a father and his two sons – were arrested on charges of attacking officials while they were carrying out their duty. There were also reports of a similar incident in the Tangi area of Khorda District.
In a letter to all district collectors, service providers and municipal commissioners, Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management, Arabinda Padhi said, “In the last few days, some untoward incidents have been reported, raising concerns about the safety and security of census personnel and adversely affecting census operations.”
Keeping the matter in mind, Badi said the state government had issued the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure the safety and security of census personnel, especially at the enumerator and supervisor levels, and to facilitate smooth and timely completion of the census work.
“Standard operating procedures must be strictly adhered to during census operations,” he said.
Badi stated that during the first phase of the 2027 population census, under which the Environmental and Social Administration conducts a housing and housing census, from April 16, 2026 to May 15, 2026, the Environmental and Social Administration visits households to collect data on housing conditions, household facilities, and the assets they own.
Suggesting that authorities ensure that EHS personnel wear their official ID cards at all times and carry their appointment letters during field duties, the SOPs said they should avoid working during heat peak hours and take necessary precautions to prevent dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Oral rehydration salts can be provided/carried whenever possible or can be provided by the district administration. She added that all other precautionary measures to avoid heatstroke must be taken by the Environment and Safety Department.
The SOP also clearly states that E&S must work in teams and pairs in isolated or sensitive areas, to ensure safety. She added that supervisors track the census takers every hour to know the status of the census work as well as to resolve any security concerns.
Regarding dealing with difficult situations, the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) noted that “In the event of hostility or perceived threat, EHS must disengage immediately and avoid confrontation. They may skip the designated home/area and can visit later with protection. Such incidents must be reported immediately to higher authorities.”
They should also remain in coordination with the police authorities. The names and contact details of E&S must be shared with the concerned police station. All E&S should be provided with contact details of the nearest police station and the PS concerned should be informed by the district administration about the movement schedule of enumerators for close monitoring.
“In sensitive areas, a police officer may accompany the EHS to assume responsibilities for ensuring such arrangements,” she said, adding that the EHS should liaise with local community leaders and seek their presence/support in the local area.
She said that any individual obstructing or obstructing census officers in the performance of their duties should be liable for legal action in accordance with the Census Act, 1948, as duly amended. “Such offenses are punishable by fine or imprisonment, which may extend to three years under applicable law,” the SOP said.
This article was generated from an automated news feed without any modifications to the text.
