Bhubaneswar: In the wake of a recent attack on Census personnel in Dhenkanal district, the Odisha government on Thursday issued a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure the safety of enumerators and supervisors for Census 2027.

The SOP, issued by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, has been circulated to district collectors, municipal commissioners-cum-principal census officers, and superintendents of police.

As per the guidelines, the names and contact details of enumerators and supervisors must be shared with the respective police stations. District administrations have also been directed to inform local police about the schedule of enumeration work.

In identified sensitive areas, one police personnel will accompany enumerators and supervisors. They have also been advised to coordinate with local community leaders and seek support before commencing work in any locality.

The SOP further states in case of hostility or perceived threat, enumerators should disengage immediately, avoid confrontation, and revisit the area later with adequate security.

Officials have been instructed to wear their official ID cards at all times, adhere to designated field visit timings, and avoid working during peak heat hours between 11 AM and 3 PM.

Notably, the first phase of Census 2027, house listing and housing census, is currently underway in the state from April 16 and will continue till May 15, 2026. During this phase, enumerators are collecting data on housing conditions, amenities, and household assets.

On Wednesday, four Census staffers, including two women, were injured after being allegedly attacked while carrying out enumeration work in the Kamakhyanagar area of Dhenkanal district.

The SOP also warns anyone obstructing Census officials in the discharge of their duties will face legal action under the Census Act, 1984, with penalties including fines and imprisonment of up to three years.