Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has strongly criticized the BJP-led central government for the prolonged delay in conducting the 2021 Census, asserting that it has deprived nearly 14 crore citizens of their rightful benefits under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Speaking in Parliament, Gandhi accused the government of neglecting the welfare of the poor, as NFSA coverage is determined by census data, which has not been updated since 2011.
Key Points Raised by Sonia Gandhi:
Census Delay and Its Consequences
- The 2021 Census, originally scheduled to take place during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been repeatedly postponed, leaving critical welfare policies outdated.
- Due to this delay, NFSA continues to use the 2011 Census figures, preventing nearly 14 crore additional people from being included in the subsidized food grain distribution program.
Impact on Food Security
- Gandhi pointed out that millions of economically weaker families, who have fallen into poverty post-pandemic, are being denied their rightful share of subsidized rations.
- She stressed that food security should not be compromised due to bureaucratic delays and demanded immediate action.
Government’s Responsibility
- Accusing the government of intentional delay, Gandhi stated that the lack of an updated census is hurting the most vulnerable sections of society.
- She questioned why the government has not yet provided a clear timeline for conducting the census, despite repeated appeals from opposition parties.
Opposition Demands Immediate Action
- Congress and other opposition leaders have urged the government to fast-track the census process so that NFSA coverage can be expanded based on the latest population data.
- They are also demanding temporary measures to ensure that those left out due to outdated records can still receive essential food supplies.
Government’s Response
In response, government officials have stated that the census delay was due to COVID-19-related disruptions, and preparations are underway for its completion. However, there has been no official confirmation on when it will be conducted.
Political and Social Impact
The issue of census delay and NFSA exclusion is expected to be a major topic in the upcoming elections, with opposition parties using it to highlight governance failures. With rising food inflation and economic hardships, the demand for expanding food security coverage is gaining momentum across political and public platforms.
Sonia Gandhi’s remarks have intensified the debate on welfare policies and governance accountability, making it crucial for the government to address concerns regarding delayed census data and its impact on social welfare programs.
