Centre Delaying Census, Underusing Home Ministry’s Funds: Congress
The Congress party has come down heavily on the Centre, accusing it of delaying the census and underutilizing the Home Ministry’s budget. The scathing criticism came during a discussion in the Rajya Sabha, where Congress leaders highlighting the importance of the census for public welfare programs.
The census, which is conducted every 10 years, is crucial for India’s demographic and socio-economic development. It provides vital information on the population, which is used to plan and implement various development programs, allocate resources, and make informed policy decisions.
However, the Centre has been criticized for its delay in conducting the census, which has already missed its initial deadline. The census was scheduled to be conducted in 2020, but it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest update suggests that the census may not be conducted until 2023.
Congress leader Ajay Maken expressed concern over the delay, stating that India’s population has grown by around 25% since 2011. He emphasized that the census is important for the country’s development, as it provides the foundation for all public welfare programs.
“The census is important for us because all our public welfare programmes are based on it. We need to know the population size, distribution, and characteristics to plan and implement effective programmes,” Maken said.
The Congress leader also criticized the Centre for underutilizing the Home Ministry’s budget. He pointed out that the Ministry has a significant allocation of funds, but it is not being utilized effectively.
“The Home Ministry has a vast budget, but it is not being utilized efficiently. The census is an important exercise that requires adequate funding and resources. But, unfortunately, the Centre is not prioritizing it,” Maken said.
The Congress party’s criticism comes at a time when the country is facing several demographic and socio-economic challenges. India’s population is projected to surpass China’s by 2027, making it the most populous country in the world. The rapid population growth has put a strain on the country’s resources, infrastructure, and services.
The census is critical for addressing these challenges, as it provides valuable data on population demographics, education, health, and employment. The data is used to plan and implement policies and programs that cater to the needs of the population.
The delay in the census has also raised concerns over the accuracy of the data. The census is a complex exercise that requires meticulous planning and execution. A delay in the census can lead to inaccuracies and inconsistencies in the data, which can have far-reaching consequences for policy decisions.
The Congress party’s criticism of the Centre’s delay in conducting the census and underutilization of the Home Ministry’s funds is a timely reminder of the importance of this exercise. The government must prioritize the census and allocate adequate resources to ensure its successful completion.
In conclusion, the Centre’s delay in conducting the census and underutilization of the Home Ministry’s funds are serious concerns that need to be addressed. The census is a critical exercise that provides vital information for public welfare programs and policy decisions. The government must prioritize the census and allocate adequate resources to ensure its successful completion.
Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/f91dabec-ec52-4af7-9954-58993a4ed8cc
