Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to postpone the ensuing census and related activities scheduled to begin from April 1 in the country in view of Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.
In a letter to Prime Minister Modi, Patnaik said, “We are all at present fighting against the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic. All efforts of the State machinery are directed towards containment of the COVID-19. As mobilisation for Census and other concerned activites shall pose a great risk for field functionaries and people as well, I would rather suggest to postpone the scheduled Census and related activities in the country.”
“Overall stock may be taken on the emerging situation,” said Patnaik.
“I am given to understand that the States have been given schedules to complete the first phase for House-listing, housing census and updation of Population Register during 45 days – the period falling within April 1 to September 30, 20121. I am apprised of the fact that about 30 lakh enumerators and supervisors in the country will be involved to collect date by visiting each household during first phase,” said Patnaik.
“Therefore, I would request that Central Government may review the proposed Census and take appropriate decision in the interest of people,” urged Patnaik
