Odisha Govt Issues SOP for Census Staff Safety
Bureau,Odishabarta
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has rolled out fresh safety guidelines for census staff following an alleged assault on officials in Dhenkanal district, signalling tighter field protocols amid rising concerns over worker security.
In a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued on Thursday, the state Revenue Department outlined mandatory measures for enumerators and supervisors engaged in census work. Officials have been directed to wear identity cards at all times and carry appointment letters during field visits to establish their credentials.
Taking note of the ongoing heat wave, the SOP advises against conducting fieldwork between 11 am and 3 pm, the peak hours of extreme temperatures. For assignments in remote or sensitive locations, staff have been instructed to travel in groups to minimise risk
Supervisors will monitor field activities closely, including hourly tracking of enumerators to ensure their safety and maintain real-time coordination. The department has also decided to share details of census personnel with local police stations to strengthen security support.
The government has warned of strict legal action against anyone obstructing census duties.
The move follows the arrest of three persons, including a man and his two sons, for allegedly attacking census workers in Kamakhyanagar area of Dhenkanal.
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