Bhubaneswar: A day after four Census officials were assaulted by a family in Dhenkanal district during houselisting, the state government on Thursday rolled out a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure the safety and security of Census functionaries. The SOP includes tracking their movement and asking them to withdraw at the first sign of hostility.
Government Response to Safety Concerns
Additional chief secretary Arabinda Padhee stated that in the past few days, certain untoward incidents were reported, raising concerns over the safety of Census officials and adversely affecting the process. “Which is why, the government has come up with the SOP for the safety of the functionaries, particularly those at enumerator and supervisor levels,” he said.
Details of the SOP
The first phase of Census 2027, houselisting and housing Census, began on April 16 and will continue till May 15, with enumerators visiting households to collect data on housing conditions and amenities. The SOP states that in sensitive areas, staff may work in pairs, with supervisors tracking their movement regularly. In case of hostility, officials have been instructed to disengage immediately and report the matter to higher authorities.
The government has also directed close coordination with police, including sharing personal details with local police stations and providing security support in vulnerable areas. All enumerators and supervisors are to be provided with contact details of nearest police stations, and all police stations concerned would be intimated about the movement schedule of enumerators by the district administration.
In sensitive areas, one police personnel may accompany the Census officials. Officials have been asked to engage community leaders to facilitate smooth operations.
Mandatory Precautions
The SOP mandates enumerators and supervisors to wear official ID cards and carry appointment letters at all times. They have been advised to avoid fieldwork during peak heat hours between 11 am and 3 pm and take precautions against heat-related illnesses.
Legal Consequences for Obstruction
The state government warned that obstructing Census functionaries in discharging their duties is punishable under the Census Act 1948, with penalties including imprisonment of up to three years.
