Sonia Gandhi Criticizes Delay in Caste Census, Highlights Impact on Food Security
— Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi raised serious concerns in Parliament over the delay in decennial census, stressing its impact on food security. She urged the government to expedite the process to ensure all eligible citizens receive benefits under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, she highlighted that the NFSA, introduced by UPA in 2013, aimed to provide subsidized food grains to 75% of rural and 50% of urban population. The Act played a vital role, during COVID-19. She noted that food grain allocation is still based on the 2011 census, depriving 14 crore eligible Indians of their entitlements.
“For the first time in independent India’s history, the decennial census has been delayed by over 4 years,” she said. “The government has not provided any clarity on when it will be conducted, and budget allocations suggest it won’t happen this year either.”
Attacking the government, she said the delay is keeping millions from accessing food security benefits crucial for their survival. She urged the government to complete the census soon to include all deserving citizens under the NFSA.
“Food security is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right,” she asserted, demanding immediate action to safeguard the welfare of the most vulnerable citizens.
