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Census 2027 SOP for Safety of Functionaries Odisha – Govt Guidelines (Letter 17458)
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SOP for Safety & Security of Census Functionaries – Census 2027
Department: Revenue & Disaster Management Department, Government of Odisha
Letter No: 17458 | Date: 23.04.2026
Addressed to: All Collector-cum-Principal Census Officers / All Municipal Commissioner-cum-Principal Census Officers / All Superintendents of Police
The Government has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure the safety and security of Census 2027 functionaries, particularly Enumerators and Supervisors, during the ongoing Houselisting and Housing Census (16 April 2026 to 15 May 2026), following reports of untoward incidents.
⚠️ Context: 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 in the State.
Census 2027 – Phase I Timeline
📅 Phase
Houselisting and Housing Census (Phase I of Census 2027)
🗓️ Start Date
16th April 2026
🗓️ End Date
15th May 2026 (30 days)
📋 Data Collected
Housing conditions, household amenities, and assets possessed by households
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) – 8 Key Guidelines
- Enumerators and Supervisors (E&S) must wear their official ID cards at all times during field duties.
- They must also carry their appointment letters during field duties.
- E&S should adhere to designated field visit timings.
- Avoid working during peak heat hours (11:00 AM to 3:00 PM).
- Necessary precautions must be taken to prevent dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
- ORS may be supplied/carried whenever feasible or can be provided by the District Administration.
- All other precautionary measures to avoid heat stroke shall be taken by the E&S.
- In isolated or sensitive localities, E&S may work in pairs to ensure safety.
- Supervisors must 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 (PS).
- All E&S should be provided with contact details of the nearest Police Station.
- All the concerned PS should be intimated by the District Administration about the movement 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.
- E&S should seek their presence/support in the locality.
- Any individual who obstructs or hinders Census functionaries in discharging their duties shall be liable for legal action as per the Census Act, 1948 (duly amended).
- Such offenses are punishable with a fine and/or imprisonment, which may extend up to three years under applicable law.
✅ Key Directive: The SOP must be strictly adhered to during the Census operations by all Collector-cum-Principal Census Officers, Municipal Commissioner-cum-Principal Census Officers, and Superintendents of Police.
Note: With the Houselisting and Housing Census running from 16 April to 15 May 2026, this SOP is immediately applicable. The peak summer period (April-May) in Odisha makes the heat-related precautions (SOP Point 2) particularly critical, along with the security measures in light of reported incidents.
ℹ️ About Census Act, 1948: The Census Act, 1948 provides the legal framework for conducting the census in India. Under this Act, obstruction of census work is a cognizable offense. Any person who refuses to answer census questions, gives false information, or obstructs a census officer can be punished with fine and/or imprisonment up to 3 years.
📄 Click to View Full SOP / Official Content
Full Text of the Covering Letter
To
All Collector-cum-Principal Census Officers /
All Municipal Commissioner-cum-Principal Census Officers /
All Superintendents of Police
Sub: Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Safety and Security of Census Functionaries.
Madam/Sir,
The first phase of Census 2027, i.e., the Houselisting and Housing Census, is currently underway in the State from 16 April 2026 and will continue until 15 May 2026. During this phase, enumerators are visiting households to collect data on housing conditions, household amenities, and assets possessed by households.
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.
In view of the above, the Government has issued the enclosed Standard Operating Procedure (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.
sd/-
Revenue & Disaster Management Department
📄 Official R&DM Department Letter with SOP (PDF): View / Download
WhatsApp Telegram Facebook PDFFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the purpose of this SOP?
To ensure the safety and security of Census 2027 functionaries, particularly Enumerators and Supervisors, and to facilitate smooth and timely completion of the Houselisting and Housing Census work in Odisha.
2. Which department has issued this SOP?
The Revenue & Disaster Management Department, Government of Odisha, vide Letter No.17458 dated 23.04.2026.
3. What is the duration of the Houselisting and Housing Census in Odisha?
The first phase of Census 2027 (Houselisting and Housing Census) is underway from 16th April 2026 and will continue until 15th May 2026.
4. What should enumerators do during peak heat hours?
Enumerators and Supervisors must avoid working during peak heat hours from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, carry ORS, and take necessary precautions against dehydration and heat stroke.
5. What should an enumerator do if faced with a hostile situation?
The enumerator must immediately disengage, avoid confrontation, skip that specific house/locality, and visit later with protection. The incident must be promptly reported to higher authorities.
6. Will police protection be provided to census functionaries?
Yes. In identified sensitive areas, one police personnel may accompany the Enumerators and Supervisors. Additionally, names and contact details of all E&S must be shared with the local Police Station, and their movement schedules must be communicated.
7. How frequently must supervisors track enumerators?
Supervisors must track the Enumerators every hour to know the status of Census work as well as to resolve any security concerns.
8. What legal action can be taken against those who obstruct census work?
Under the Census Act, 1948 (duly amended), any individual who obstructs or hinders Census functionaries is liable for legal action with punishment of fine and/or imprisonment extending up to three years.
9. Should enumerators work alone in sensitive areas?
No. In isolated or sensitive localities, Enumerators and Supervisors should work in pairs to ensure safety.
10. What documents must enumerators carry during field duty?
Enumerators and Supervisors must wear their official ID cards at all times and also carry their appointment letters during field duties.
11. Who is responsible for arranging police escort in sensitive areas?
Charge Officers are responsible for ensuring that police personnel accompany E&S in identified sensitive areas.
12. What role do community leaders play in the Census process?
Before commencing work in any locality, E&S should contact local community leaders and seek their presence and support to facilitate smooth Census operations.