Sonia Gandhi Demands Immediate Census to Secure Indian Future

Delhi - In a recent Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, Sonia Gandhi made a compelling plea for the government to conduct a nationwide population census without further delay. She emphasized that updated demographic data is crucial for effective policy-making and ensuring equitable resource distribution.

The decennial census, last conducted in 2011, was scheduled for 2021 but has been postponed indefinitely. This delay has raised concerns about the accuracy of population estimates, particularly for marginalized communities such as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Gandhi pointed out that without current data, over 12 crore citizens are at risk of being excluded from benefits under the National Food Security Act, now rebranded as PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.

The absence of a caste-based census has also hindered the implementation of affirmative action policies. Gandhi reiterated her unwavering support for a caste census, describing it as the party's "highest priority." She stressed that such data is essential for formulating policies that address the specific needs of various communities.

The government's reluctance to conduct the census has been a point of contention. Critics argue that the delay reflects a lack of political will to acknowledge and address the socio-economic disparities that persist in the country. Gandhi's call to action serves as a timely reminder of the importance of accurate data in shaping a just and inclusive society.