Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has launched a sharp attack on the Modi government over the prolonged delay in conducting India’s decadal census. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during the ongoing Budget Session 2025 on Monday, Gandhi asserted that the failure to carry out the census has deprived millions of Indians of their fundamental rights, including food security benefits.
14 Crore People Affected Due to Census Delay
Gandhi highlighted that the last census was conducted in 2011, and the scheduled 2021 census was indefinitely postponed. She pointed out that the absence of updated population data has prevented nearly 14 crore people from accessing benefits under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
“The government’s inaction has led to a situation where millions of Indians are suffering due to outdated population figures. Food security is a fundamental right, not a privilege,” she stated.
Government’s Response and the Political Divide
The ruling BJP has remained largely silent on the issue, with government representatives citing the COVID-19 pandemic as the primary reason for the delay. However, opposition parties argue that the delay is deliberate and politically motivated.
Gandhi questioned the government’s reluctance, stating, “If elections, public rallies, and large gatherings could be conducted during and after the pandemic, why can’t a census be carried out?”
Her remarks triggered a heated debate in the Upper House, with several opposition leaders backing her demand. They stressed that without a proper headcount, welfare schemes cannot be effectively implemented, and marginalised sections continue to be excluded from essential services.
Impact on Welfare Schemes
The National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013 provides subsidised food grains to around 75% of rural and 50% of urban populations based on census data. However, since the data is now outdated, millions of eligible beneficiaries remain outside the system.
Experts believe that the delay in conducting the census has impacted multiple schemes beyond food security, including education grants, employment guarantees, healthcare subsidies, and state-wise fund allocations.
While the government has hinted at completing the census by 2026, there is no formal confirmation. Opposition parties, led by the Congress, are likely to push for an urgent timeline.
Sonia Gandhi has demanded that the Modi government immediately announce a timeline for the census and ensure that welfare benefits are extended based on projected population growth until the final data is available.
