TSUTF seeks change in census training timings amid heat

TSUTF has urged the Director of Census Operations to revise training timings for enumerators and supervisors, citing severe heat conditions. The federation warned of health risks and suggested morning sessions to reduce exposure to high daytime temperatures.

Hyderabad: The Telangana State United Teachers’ Federation (TSUTF) on Monday urged the Director of Census Operations to change the training timings for house-listing census enumerators and supervisors due to prevailing severe heat conditions in the State.

In a letter to the Director of Census Operations, TSUTF president Chava Ravi and general secretary A Venkat said the current training timings, 9 am to 4 pm, are proving extremely hazardous in the prevailing severe summer heat, with temperatures in the State crossing 42 degrees Celsius during the daytime.

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Participants are forced to sit through long hours of training during peak afternoon heat, resulting in widespread complaints of dehydration, dizziness, exhaustion, heat stress and other heat-related illnesses, they said, adding that many enumerators and supervisors are finding it difficult to concentrate and actively participate in the sessions due to the oppressive heat.

“In the interest of the health, safety and well-being of the field staff, we strongly urge you to immediately change the training timings from the existing 9 am to 4 pm to 8 am to 1 pm. This adjustment will allow the training to be completed during the comparatively cooler morning hours, significantly reducing the risk of heat-related health issues,” they added.