Bhubaneswar, March 19: Odisha is set to launch the first phase of its census exercise from April 16, marking a significant step in updating the state’s demographic data. The process will continue until May 15, covering households across the state through a structured and coordinated effort.
During this phase, trained enumerators and supervisors will visit homes to collect detailed information. Officials have emphasized that the exercise will be carried out systematically to ensure accuracy and comprehensive coverage.
Ahead of the field survey, residents will have the option to participate through a self-enumeration process from April 1 to April 15. Using a dedicated online portal, individuals can submit their own details, making the process more convenient and reducing the workload during the physical enumeration phase.
According to Nikhil Pavan Kalyan, Director of the Census Directorate, the initiative combines technology with on-ground efforts to make the census more efficient and accessible. Speaking at a press briefing, he also highlighted efforts to raise public awareness, noting that internationally acclaimed sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarshan Pattnaik has agreed to serve as the brand ambassador for the campaign.
The census operation will be conducted under a well-defined administrative framework. District Collectors and Municipal Commissioners will serve as Principal Census Officers, while Additional District Collectors will take on the role of District Census Officers. At the grassroots level, tahsildars and executive officers of urban local bodies will function as charge officers, overseeing implementation in their respective areas.
The Revenue and Disaster Management Department has been designated as the nodal department for the exercise. In a notable move, primary school teachers will be deployed as enumerators, while high school teachers will act as supervisors, ensuring both manpower availability and accountability.
Enumerators will collect information by asking household heads a set of 33 questions, covering key socio-economic indicators. Officials believe this data will play a crucial role in shaping future policy decisions and development planning.
Looking ahead, authorities have indicated that the second phase of the census is scheduled for February 2027, which will further build on the data collected during this initial phase.
With preparations in full swing, the state administration is calling on citizens to actively participate—either digitally or in person—to ensure the success of this important exercise.
