Parliamentary Panel Urges Early Census Amid Budget Constraints
NEW DELHI: In a recent report, a parliamentary committee has highlighted the necessity for an expedited Census and National Population Register (NPR) updation, citing a mere allocation of Rs 575 crore in the 2025-26 budget for these crucial tasks.
Background of the Census Delay
The Census 2021 and NPR updation were initially slated to commence in 2020 but were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The parliamentary standing committee on home affairs, chaired by BJP MP Radha Mohan Das Agarwal, has emphasized the urgency of completing the Census at the earliest.
Funding and Preparatory Work
The allocated Rs 575 crore is intended for preparatory activities, including technological upgrades, staff salaries, and geospatial mapping. The home ministry has assured that additional funds will be requested as needed when the Census is finally conducted.
Caste Census Consideration
While the parliamentary committee has called for an early Census, discussions are underway regarding the potential inclusion of a caste census. This would require careful planning to accurately capture respondents’ caste information.
Importance of Census for Delimitation
The Census is vital for the upcoming delimitation exercise, which is set to resume in 2026. The law mandates that the next delimitation must be based on the first Census conducted after 2026, raising concerns among southern states about potential seat reductions.
Addressing Cybercrimes and Immigration Issues
The committee also recommended establishing a central police force dedicated to addressing the rise in cybercrimes, alongside urging the home ministry to gather data on illegal immigration, including Rohingyas and Bangladeshis.
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