The Suresh Pujari has announced that the Government of Odisha will soon introduce a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to enhance the safety and security of census workers across the state. This move comes amid rising concerns over heatwave conditions, health risks, and incidents of violence faced by field staff during the ongoing census operations.
Why Odisha is Introducing a Census Safety SOP
With the door-to-door census process underway, government employees are facing multiple challenges, including:
- Extreme heatwave conditions in Odisha
- Increased cases of health issues among census workers
- Reports of attacks and harassment during census duties
According to officials, conducting a census in such conditions is both physically demanding and potentially unsafe.
👉 Learn more about census operations: https://censusindia.gov.in
Key Measures Under the Proposed SOP
The upcoming Census Safety SOP in Odisha is expected to include:
- Revised working hours to avoid peak heat
- Guidelines for worker health and hydration
- Enhanced police protection for field staff
- Emergency response protocols for violence or medical issues
The state government is coordinating with law enforcement authorities, including the Director General of Police (DGP) and Home Department, to ensure robust security arrangements.
Government’s Stand on Attacks Against Officials
Minister Suresh Pujari issued a strict warning against those involved in attacks on census officials. He emphasized that:
“Any individual involved in violence against government employees will be tracked and brought to justice.”
This highlights the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward threats to public servants.
👉 Read about worker safety laws in India: https://labour.gov.in
Heatwave Impact on Census Operations
The ongoing Odisha heatwave has become a major concern, with several reports of census workers falling ill. Authorities are now considering:
- Adjusting census schedules
- Introducing rest periods
- Providing medical support for field teams
👉 Check live weather updates: https://mausam.imd.gov.in
Possible Delay in Census Work
The government has indicated that a short delay in census activities may be implemented if necessary. Officials clarified that:
- A delay of a few days will not impact overall census accuracy
- Worker safety remains the top priority
Conclusion
The introduction of a Census Safety SOP in Odisha marks a crucial step toward protecting government employees working under challenging conditions. By addressing heatwave risks, security threats, and health concerns, the state aims to ensure a safe and efficient census process.