Tue Apr 01 08:25:39 UTC 2025: ## Rajya Sabha Leader Demands Immediate Start of Decadal and Caste Census

**New Delhi, April 1, 2025** – Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, today urged the government to immediately commence the decadal census and a caste census, citing the significant delay in conducting these crucial exercises. Speaking during the Zero Hour of the Parliament’s Budget session, Kharge highlighted the historical precedent of India conducting censuses every ten years since 1881, even amidst wars and crises. He noted that a caste census was last conducted in 1931, referencing Mahatma Gandhi’s analogy of the census as a vital “health checkup” for the nation.

Kharge expressed concern that the current delay is unprecedented, hindering the effectiveness of numerous welfare programs and policy decisions. He pointed out that the allocated budget of Rs 575 crore for the census demonstrates a lack of government commitment. He argued that the delay leaves a significant number of people excluded from crucial welfare schemes, including the National Food Security Act and National Social Assistance Programme, due to the reliance of these schemes on accurate census data.

The senior Congress leader emphasized the feasibility of a simultaneous caste census, given the government already collects data on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. He further highlighted that 81% of countries worldwide have successfully completed censuses despite the COVID-19 pandemic, contrasting India’s delay. Kharge concluded by pressing the government to act swiftly, stating that accurate and updated data is essential for effective governance and equitable distribution of resources.

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