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Odisha to begin census from April
Odisha to Begin First Phase of Census from April; Around One Lakh Enumerators to Be Engaged
Odisha is set to commence the first phase of the upcoming Census exercise from April, with the state preparing to deploy around one lakh enumerators for the massive data collection drive, a senior official said on Wednesday.
Director of Census Operations in Odisha, Nikhil Pavan Kalyan, announced this after attending the State-level Census Co-ordination Committee meeting chaired by Development Commissioner DK Singh. The meeting reviewed preparedness and inter-departmental coordination for the smooth conduct of the Census operations across the state.
Kalyan said the first phase of the Census, which includes house listing and housing census operations, will be conducted over a one-month period between April and May 2026. During this phase, enumerators will collect detailed information on residential structures, household amenities, assets, and basic living conditions, forming the foundation for the subsequent population enumeration.
The final population count, which constitutes the second and most crucial phase of the Census, is scheduled to begin in February 2027. This phase will involve collecting demographic, socio-economic, and cultural data of individuals residing in the state.
Officials said extensive training programmes will be organised for enumerators and supervisors to ensure accuracy and uniformity in data collection. The state government is also expected to leverage digital tools and mobile-based applications to streamline the process, minimise errors, and ensure real-time monitoring.
The Development Commissioner emphasised the importance of coordination among district administrations, line departments, and Census authorities to ensure comprehensive coverage, especially in remote and tribal areas.
The Census data is considered vital for policy formulation, resource allocation, and development planning, as it provides an accurate picture of population trends, housing conditions, and socio-economic indicators across Odisha.
