The site of attack on census officials in Dhenkanal dist
Bhubaneswar: A day after four Census officials were assaulted by a family in Dhenkanal district during houselisting, the state govt on Thursday rolled out a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure safety and security of Census functionaries, including tracking their movement and asking them to withdraw at the first sign of hostility.Additional chief secretary Arabinda Padhee said 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 govt has come up with the SOP for the safety of the functionaries, particularly those at enumerator and supervisor levels,” he said.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 supervisers tracking their movement regularly. In case of hostility, officials have been instructed to disengage immediately and report the matter to higher authorities.The govt 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 supervisers 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.The SOP mandates enumerators and supervisers 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.The state govt 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.
