High-Level Meeting on Census Challenges
In view of rising challenges during the ongoing census exercise, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari held a review meeting with the Revenue Secretary and Census officials. The discussion focused on difficulties faced by field staff and measures to ensure their safety and efficiency.
No Census Work During Peak Heat Hours
Considering the severe heatwave conditions, the government has directed that no census activities will be carried out between 11 AM and 3 PM. District Collectors have been instructed to suspend enumeration work during these hours to protect officials from extreme temperatures.
Safety Measures and Monitoring
District Collectors have been asked to closely monitor the basic needs of census staff deployed in the field. The state government has also coordinated with the Home Department to ensure adequate security arrangements for enumerators, safeguarding them from both criminal threats and heat-related risks.
Teachers’ Duties Not to Be Affected
A large number of teachers are engaged in census work. Authorities have emphasized that school education and mid-day meal services should not be disrupted due to their involvement in enumeration duties.
Massive Workforce Engaged in Census
The census operation involves over one lakh personnel, including 312 charge officers. A significant portion of the workforce consists of teachers assigned to carry out house-to-house data collection.
Rising Incidents Raise Concern
The ongoing census has seen several concerning incidents. Reports of individuals impersonating census officials to carry out thefts have surfaced. Additionally, extreme heat conditions have made fieldwork increasingly difficult for enumerators.
Recent Tragic Incidents Reported
The government has taken serious note of recent incidents affecting census workers. In Subarnapur, a census worker reportedly died of a heart attack after returning from duty, with authorities seeking a detailed report.
In Mayurbhanj, a woman enumerator has been reported missing. Meanwhile, Balasore has recorded three cases related to accidents and heatstroke, while Rourkela reported one accident involving census personnel.
Government Issues Urgent Guidelines
Following these developments, the Revenue and Disaster Management Department has issued urgent instructions to all District Collectors and Municipal Commissioners to ensure safety protocols are strictly followed.
Census Timeline
The first phase of the census, including houselisting and housing census, began on April 16 and will continue until May 15. Authorities remain on alert to address emerging challenges and ensure the smooth and safe completion of the exercise.