Census Chaos: Ensuring Safety for Enumerators in Odisha

In recent events that have raised significant concerns in the state of Odisha, census officials undertaking the housing census exercise have been subjected to attacks. An alarming incident in Dhenkanal district saw four officials, two of them women, attacked by family members during their data collection work.

Another disturbing report came from Khurda district, where a woman enumerator faced threats. The state government, acknowledging the risks posed to these officials, plans to develop a standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure their safety and welfare during census operations.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari stressed the importance of these measures, citing not only physical threats but also the grueling heat conditions affecting personnel. The new guidelines aim to facilitate a seamless census process while ensuring the protection of its workers.

(With inputs from agencies.)