Bhubaneswar, April 22: A new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will soon be rolled out to ensure the safety of government personnel engaged in census duties, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari said on Wednesday. He has convened a meeting with revenue and census officials to address the issue.

Describing the 2026 exercise as a “high-tech census,” the minister noted that door-to-door enumeration poses significant challenges, particularly amid prevailing heatwave conditions. Reports have emerged of attacks on census staff in some areas, while a few officials have also fallen ill. It remains to be ascertained whether the illnesses are linked to heatwave conditions.

Pujari emphasized that ensuring the safety of both government employees and citizens is a top priority. He said incidents of attacks have been discussed with the Home Secretary and the Director General of Police.

Issuing a stern warning, the minister asserted that those involved in such attacks will not be spared. “There is no place for criminals. Even if they try to hide, they will be tracked down and brought to justice,” he said, adding that further discussions will be held with the Home Department to strengthen security measures.