New Delhi, April 1: Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Tuesday called on the government to immediately initiate both the decadal census and the caste census, expressing concerns over the exclusion of many individuals from welfare schemes due to delays in the census process.
During the Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Kharge highlighted the historical significance of the census, noting that India has conducted a census every ten years since 1881, even during wars and emergencies. He recalled the 1931 census, which was the last to include data on caste, and quoted Mahatma Gandhi, who compared the census to a periodic medical checkup, vital for assessing the health of the nation.
Kharge pointed out that despite major crises, including World War II and the 1971 India-Pakistan war, the census was carried out, but for the first time in history, there has been an unprecedented delay under the current government. He argued that the government’s delay is detrimental to policymaking and welfare programs, which rely on accurate and up-to-date data collected through the census.
He also emphasized that conducting a caste census alongside the decadal census is feasible, as the government already collects data on Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). Kharge criticized the government’s silence on both the decadal and caste census, pointing out that 81% of countries worldwide successfully completed their censuses despite the challenges posed by COVID-19.
The Congress leader also noted the inadequate allocation of just Rs 575 crore in this year’s budget for the census, which he said reflects the government’s reluctance to conduct it. Kharge stressed that without accurate census data, essential surveys and welfare schemes like the National Family Health Survey, National Social Assistance Programme, and National Food Security Act would be compromised, leaving many citizens out of the benefits.
Kharge concluded by urging the government to begin both the decadal and caste censuses as soon as possible to ensure effective and inclusive governance. (Agencies)
Tags: Northlines, Mallikarjun Kharge
