1. Congress Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi demanded a clear timeline for the delayed national census.
2. He submitted an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha.
3. Gogoi emphasized the critical role of census data in policymaking and resource allocation.
New Delhi, July 26: Deputy Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, submitted an adjournment motion notice, demanding a clear timeline for the long-delayed national census.
Gogoi underscored the essential role of census data in policymaking and resource allocation. “The census is a fundamental exercise that provides crucial data for understanding the socio-economic fabric of our nation,” he stated.
The last census was conducted in 2011, and since then, there have been repeated delays. Gogoi highlighted that 94 countries, including China and Bangladesh, completed their censuses during the pandemic, whereas India remains one of three nations that postponed without setting a new date.
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“The government’s decision-making currently relies on 2011 data, which does not accurately represent the current needs of India’s population,” Gogoi said, citing instances of citizens being excluded from public distribution efforts due to outdated information.
He criticized the government’s priorities, stating, “This government has made no real efforts to kick-start the process because it is prioritizing political calculations over people.”
Gogoi called for immediate action, demanding “a comprehensive explanation for the delay and assurances that the government will take immediate steps to rectify the situation.”
In a separate motion, Congress MP Manish Tewari raised concerns about the China border situation and trade deficit. Tewari pointed to ongoing border clashes since 2019 and China’s recent territorial claims in Arunachal Pradesh.
He also noted the significant trade imbalance, with India’s deficit with China exceeding $85 billion in 2023-24.
