Parliamentary panel asks govt. to conduct Census at the earliest, Pg 13

Key Highlights

Census Delay & Parliamentary Panel's Recommendation

• 2021 Census indefinitely postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs urges the government to conduct the Census at the earliest.
• Panel suggests leveraging digital platforms such as mobile connections, Aadhaar, and government databases for real-time data collection.

Immigration & National Security Concerns

• Panel recommends MHA to track and repatriate illegal immigrants, particularly Rohingyas and Bangladeshis.
• Concerns over illegal settlement in different parts of the country.
• Suggests linking data collection efforts with Aadhaar for enhanced verification and reducing manual errors.

Budgetary Allocation & Government's Response

• ₹1,309.46 crore allocated for Census & NPR update in Union Budget 2024-25.
• Revised estimate for 2024-25 lowered to ₹572 crore due to Census postponement.
• ₹574.80 crore set aside for 2025-26, focusing on preparatory work and technological updates.
• MHA states preparatory activities are complete, and additional funds will be sought when Census begins.

Analysis & Way Forward

• Delays in Census impact socio-economic planning and welfare distribution.
• Digitizing Census data collection can improve accuracy, reduce fraud, and streamline governance.
• A structured roadmap with timeline commitment is essential for completing the Census.

Mains Mock Question:

"Examine the impact of the delayed Census on governance and policy-making in India. Suggest measures to ensure timely and accurate data collection."