Census 2027 is a ‘national responsibility’, says Modi, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi designated Census 2027 as a "national responsibility" requiring public participation.
• Over 32 crore families have been recorded, with 2.6 crore individuals digitally self-enumerating via mobile phones.
• The first phase of the census exercise, which includes house listing, is nearing completion across all States and Union Territories.
• The digital self-registration facility allows citizens to conveniently provide their information without uploading any documents.

Detailed Insights:

• The Census 2027 is India's first digital census, aiming to provide accurate demographic data crucial for future planning and policy formulation.
• Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to victims of past terrorist attacks and highlighted India's decisive counter-terrorism actions, including the surgical strike, Balakot air strike, and Operation Sindoor.
• He underscored India's historical resilience, citing the repeated rebuilding of the Somnath Temple after invasions, notably by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 CE.
• Environmental conservation efforts were noted in Assam's Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary, where land was cleared of encroachment for elephants, and in West Bengal's Sundarbans, where women are creating mangrove forests.
• Various state-led nutrition initiatives were mentioned, such as "Har Ghar Munga" in Chhattisgarh, "Vangi Spardha" in Gujarat, and "Poshan Vatikas" in Mizoram, to combat malnutrition.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Census: A comprehensive enumeration of a population, typically conducted periodically, to gather demographic and socio-economic data for planning and governance.
• Mann Ki Baat: A monthly radio programme by the Prime Minister of India to address the nation on various issues and government initiatives.
• Surgical Strike: A military attack intended to damage only a legitimate military target with minimal collateral damage, often conducted across borders.
• Poshan Vatikas: Nutritional gardens promoted to enhance dietary diversity and address malnutrition, often involving local communities and Anganwadi centers.