New Delhi, February 10: Congress leader Sonia Gandhi condemned the delay in conducting the census in a speech to the Rajya Sabha on Monday. He also claimed that it has left 14 crore Indians without their rightful benefits under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). She emphasized that food security is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
Sonia pointed out that the census, which was due in 2021, has been delayed by over four years, and there is no clarity on when it will be held. She said the outdated 2011 census data is still being used to determine the distribution of subsidized food grains under the NFSA, affecting millions of vulnerable households, especially during crises like COVID-19.
The UPA government's NFSA, passed in 2013, provides subsidized food to 75% of rural and 50% of urban populations. However, the census delay means that around 14 crore eligible individuals are not receiving their benefits. Sonia urged the government to prioritize the completion of the census to ensure that deserving individuals are not deprived.
The Budget Session of Parliament began on January 31 and will continue until February 13, resuming on March 10 and concluding on April 4.
