New Delhi [India], February 10 : Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Monday raised concerns about the delay in conducting the decennial census, which has deprived around 14 crore Indians of their rightful benefits under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). She emphasized that food security is not a privilege, but a fundamental right for all citizens.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Sonia Gandhi noted that the census, originally scheduled for 2021, has been delayed by more than four years, and there is no clarity on when it will take place. She expressed fears that the census is unlikely to be conducted this year, further delaying essential updates needed for the allocation of food security benefits.
“The National Food Security Act (NFSA), introduced by the UPA government in September 2013, was a landmark initiative aimed at ensuring food and nutritional security for the country’s population of 140 crore. This legislation has been crucial, especially during the COVID-19 crisis, in protecting vulnerable households,” Sonia Gandhi said. She also pointed out that the NFSA serves as the basis for the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, a key government program for food distribution.
Under the NFSA, 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population are entitled to subsidized food grains. However, the beneficiary quota is still being determined based on the outdated 2011 Census data, leading to discrepancies and denying benefits to many eligible individuals.
“For the first time in independent history, the decennial census has been delayed by more than four years. Originally scheduled for 2021, there is still no clarity on when it will be conducted, and the Budget allocations suggest that it is unlikely to happen this year either,” she said. “As a result, 14 crore eligible Indians are being deprived of their rightful benefits under the NFSA.”
Sonia Gandhi urged the government to prioritize completing the census, ensuring that deserving individuals receive the benefits guaranteed under the NFSA. She reiterated that food security is a fundamental right and not a privilege.
The ongoing Budget Session of Parliament began on January 31, with President Droupadi Murmu delivering the inaugural address. The first part of the session will continue until February 13, while the second part will resume on March 10 and conclude on April 4.
Sonia Gandhi’s Statement on Census Delay: CPP Chairperson Sonia Gandhi raised concerns in the Rajya Sabha about the delay in conducting the decennial census, which is depriving 14 crore Indians of benefits under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
Impact on Food Security: She emphasized that food security is a fundamental right and not a privilege, pointing out that the outdated 2011 Census data still determines the beneficiary quota for subsidized food grains.
Delay in Census: The census, which was scheduled for 2021, has been delayed by more than four years, with no clarity on when it will be conducted. The Budget allocations suggest it may not happen this year.
Call for Immediate Action: Sonia Gandhi urged the government to prioritize the completion of the census to ensure eligible citizens receive their rightful benefits under the NFSA.
NFSA’s Role: The NFSA, introduced in 2013, ensures food and nutritional security for millions, and has been critical, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.