Rajasthan Heatwave: Teachers Fear Health Risks During Census Work

Severe heatwave conditions gripping Rajasthan have prompted teachers' organizations to petition the central government for the postponement of census-related fieldwork. The Teacher Federation of India has written to the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, highlighting the hazardous temperatures exceeding 40°C across the state. They reported numerous complaints from educators nationwide experiencing heat-related illnesses like dehydration and fever while conducting census duties.

The federation emphasized that teachers, forming the vast majority of census workers, should not be exposed to preventable health dangers. They noted that temperatures in Rajasthan districts are surpassing 47°C, making fieldwork extremely difficult. In addition to postponement, demands include issuing special Standard Operating Procedures and extending work deadlines for field staff, ensuring their health and safety are prioritized during this extreme weather event.