The Odisha government has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the safety and security of census functionaries following reports of attacks on officials engaged in census work.
At least four officials, including two women, were physically assaulted and their vehicle vandalised when they reached the house of a man in Dhenkanal district on Wednesday.
The state 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 requires officials to wear official ID cards at all times, carry appointment letters during field duties, and avoid working during peak heat hours.
It also suggests that officials work in teams and pairs in isolated or sensitive localities, track each other's status every hour, and remain in coordination with police authorities.
Any individual who obstructs or hinders census functionaries in discharging their duties may be liable for legal action as per the Census Act 1948.
