Dikhyaa Mohanty 
In response to allegations of adverse events during field operations, the Government of Odisha has released a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to improve the safety and security of census workers involved in the ongoing first phase of Census 2027. The Revenue and Disaster Management Department’s Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee issued a letter instructing all district collectors, municipal commissioners, and police superintendents to strictly adhere to the SOP during the houselisting and housing census exercise, which is taking place from April 16 to May 15.
According to the administration, enumerators are now making house calls around the state to gather information on assets, amenities, and housing conditions. However, recent events have sparked worries about their safety, which might have an impact on how smoothly census activities are carried out. During fieldwork, enumerators and supervisors are required by SOP to always carry appointment letters and wear official identity cards. Additionally, they have been encouraged to take appropriate measures against heat-related diseases, such as carrying ORS, and to avoid working during peak heat hours between 11 am and 3 pm, taking into account the current weather conditions.
Officials may operate in pairs to improve safety in high-risk regions, and supervisors must keep an eye on enumerators hourly. Employees have been told to withdraw right away, avoid conflict, and report instances to higher authorities in the event of hostility or suspected threats. Close contact with police is also required under the SOP. Enumerators will have access to emergency contacts, and local police stations will get information on census personnel. To maintain security, police officers may accompany field workers in designated sensitive regions.
In order to foster collaboration and trust, the guidelines also place a strong emphasis on community participation, advising census teams to consult with local leaders prior to beginning work in a neighborhood. The administration reaffirmed that any interference with census operations will result in legal action under the 1948 Census Act, which carries penalties and a maximum three-year jail sentence. Strict adherence to the SOP, according to officials, is necessary to guarantee the timely and seamless completion of census activities throughout the state.
