The state of Odisha has officially charted the course for its participation in the national Census 2027, with clear timelines established for the massive data collection exercise. The crucial decisions were finalized during a high-level coordination meeting held in Bhubaneswar.
Key Phases and Timelines Finalized
The extensive Census 2027 operation in Odisha will be conducted in two distinct phases. The house listing and housing census will be carried out across the state in April-May of this year. This will be followed by the main event, the population enumeration, which is scheduled for February-March 2027. The plan was approved at the State Level Census Coordination Committee (SLCCC) meeting.
High-Level Meeting Chaired by Development Commissioner
The pivotal meeting was chaired by Development Commissioner Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh. It brought together key officials to ensure seamless planning for the decadal census. Singh emphasized the critical administrative role and responsibilities of the collectors-cum-principal census officers and called for full cooperation from all departments to make Census 2027 a success.
Nikhil Pavan Kalyan, the Director of Census Operations for Odisha, provided a detailed overview of the operational modalities and modes of action. The agenda covered a wide range of preparatory topics essential for a smooth rollout.
Comprehensive Agenda for a Smooth Census
The committee engaged in thorough discussions on several critical fronts. A primary focus was on the freezing of administrative boundaries to ensure geographical consistency for the count. The detailed Phase-I schedule for Odisha was reviewed.
Other major points of deliberation included:
- The deployment strategy for enumerators and supervisors.
- Addressing the possible overlap of the census schedule with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
- Finalizing financial norms for conducting the census.
- The selection process for master trainers and field trainers.
- Finalization of lists for forest villages, urban agglomerations, and slums.
- Finalizing special charges and notifying industrial towns.
This structured approach aims to tackle logistical and administrative challenges well in advance, setting the stage for an accurate and comprehensive national census that will provide vital data for planning and development in Odisha and across India.
