Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Thursday released a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aimed at protecting enumerators and supervisors involved in the ongoing first phase of the Census 2027.
“In the past few days, certain untoward incidents have been reported, raising concerns regarding the safety and security of census functionaries and adversely affecting the census operations… the government has issued the SOP to ensure the safety and security of census functionaries, particularly at the enumerator and supervisor levels, and to facilitate smooth and timely completion of census work. The SOP must be strictly adhered to during the Census operations,” the letter issued by additional chief secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management department, Arabinda Kumar Padhee said.
Enumerators are visiting households to collect data on housing conditions, household amenities, and assets possessed by households in the first phase of Census 2027, which will continue till May 15.
This came on a day when a man, identified as Akshay Mangaraj of Gobindpur village under Tangi NAC, allegedly chased and abused an enumerator in Odisha’s Khurda district. Tangi BDO Rumana Jafirin reached the spot with police officials as well as the female teacher, following which he admitted his mistake and tendered an apology to the enumerator. Similarly on Wednesday, a retired bank official and his two sons were arrested in Mahimanagar area of Kamakshyanagar Notified Area Council (NAC) in Dhenkanal district for allegedly assaulting a team, comprising three enumerators and one supervisor, who had gone to their house to collect data as part of the Census exercise.
Meanwhile, residents of Ranjo village in Pallahara block of Odisha’s Angul district refused to cooperate with enumerators, till discrepancy in the name of their village was corrected in official documents such as Aadhaar cards. While some land documents mention the name of their hamlet as ‘Ranjogaon,’ others state ‘Ranjo colony.’â
¨âIn the new Aadhar cards, their village name is showing either Ranjo or Ranjo colony. We have informed the state NIC (National Informatics Centre) and forwarded them to update it on a priority basis,â Pallahara Tehsildar Sushree Akansha Mohapatra said.
SOPs FOR SAFETY OF CENSUS FUNCTIONARIES
>> Enumerators and Supervisors (E&S) must wear their official ID cards at all times.
>> They must also carry their appointment letters during field duties.
>> E&S should adhere to designated field visit timings and avoid working during peak
heat hours (11.00am to 3.00pm)
>> Necessary precautions must be taken to prevent dehydration and heat-related illnesses. ORS maybe supplied/ carried whenever feasible or can be provided by the district administration.
>> In isolated or sensitive localities, E&S may work in pairs to ensure safety.
>> Supervisor should track the Enumerators every hour to know the status of Census work as well as to resolve any security concerns.
>> In case of hostility or perceived threat, E&S must disengage immediately and avoid confrontation. They can skip the specific house/locality and can visit at a later point of time with protection.
>> Such incidents must be reported promptly to higher authorities.
>> Names and contact details of E&S must be shared with the respective police station.
>> All E&S should be provided with contact details of the nearest police station. All the concerned police station should be intimated by the District Administration about the moment schedule of the Enumerators to keep a close watch.
>>In identified sensitive areas, one police personnel may accompany the E&S. Charge Officers to take responsibilities for ensuring such arrangements.
>> Prior to commencing work, E&S should contact local community leaders and seek their presence/support in the locality.
The notification further stated that any individual who obstructs or hinders census functionaries in discharging their duties will be liable for legal action as per the Census Act 1948 duly amended. “Such offences are punishable with a fine and/or imprisonment, which may extend up to three years under applicable law,” it added.
The SOP has been circulated to district collectors, municipal commissioners-cum-principal census officers, and superintendents of police.