Odisha Government Launches Extensive Preparations for Digital Census 2027
The Odisha government has initiated comprehensive and detailed preparations to guarantee the smooth, efficient, and timely execution of the upcoming Census 2027. Clear and direct instructions have been formally issued to all state departments, district administrations, and municipal authorities to coordinate this massive national exercise.
Administrative Directives and Roadmap
Arabinda Padhee, the Additional Chief Secretary for Revenue and Disaster Management, has communicated the official roadmap through written directives. These directives were sent to departmental secretaries, heads of various departments, district collectors, municipal corporation commissioners, and chief census officers across the state. The communication outlines the structured plan and critical timelines for the entire census operation, emphasizing the need for meticulous planning and execution.
Digital Census Phases and Schedule
The Census 2027 will be conducted entirely through digital methods, organized into two distinct phases to streamline data collection and accuracy.
- House Listing and Housing Census: This initial phase is scheduled to occur from April 16 to May 15, 2026. It will involve the detailed recording of all housing units and their characteristics across the state.
- Self-Enumeration Window: Prior to the house listing, a self-enumeration facility will be available for citizens from April 1 to 15, 2026. This allows individuals to submit their household information online, promoting convenience and reducing fieldwork.
- Population Enumeration: The main phase, focusing on counting every individual, is firmly scheduled for February 2027. This will be the core activity where enumerators collect demographic details from all residents.
Strict Transfer Ban to Ensure Continuity
To maintain operational consistency and prevent disruptions, the state government has imposed a rigorous ban on transfers for all personnel involved in census duties. This policy is designed to ensure that trained staff remain in their assigned roles throughout the critical periods.
- Master Trainers and Field Trainers: These key personnel will not be transferred under any circumstances until the census work is fully concluded in March 2027. Their continuous presence is vital for training and supervising other staff.
- Supervisors and Enumerators: Any transfer of supervisors and enumerators must receive prior approval from the concerned district chief census officer. This measure ensures that local census authorities have control over staffing decisions to avoid gaps in the field workforce.
The Odisha government's proactive and structured approach highlights its commitment to a successful Census 2027, leveraging digital tools and administrative stability to achieve accurate and timely national data collection.
