National Desk, July 25, 2024: Gaurav Gogoi, Deputy Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, submitted an adjournment motion notice, urging the government to establish a clear timeline for the long-delayed national census.
Gogoi stressed the importance of census data for effective policymaking and resource allocation. “The census is a fundamental exercise that provides critical data for understanding the socio-economic fabric of our nation,” he stated.
Highlighting the delays since the last census in 2011, Gogoi noted that 94 countries, including China and Bangladesh, completed their censuses during the pandemic, whereas India remains one of the few nations that postponed the process without setting a new date.
“The government’s decision-making currently relies on 2011 data, which does not accurately represent the current needs of India’s population,” Gogoi said, citing instances where outdated information led to citizens being excluded from public distribution programs.
He criticized the government’s priorities, saying, “This government has made no real efforts to kick-start the process because it is prioritizing political calculations over people.” Gogoi demanded immediate action, calling for “a comprehensive explanation for the delay and assurances that the government will take immediate steps to rectify the situation.”
Manish Tewari Raises Concerns Over China Border Situation and Trade Deficit
In a separate motion, Congress MP Manish Tewari addressed the ongoing border issues with China and the trade deficit. Tewari highlighted the continuous border clashes since 2019 and China’s recent territorial claims in Arunachal Pradesh.
He also pointed out the significant trade imbalance, with India’s deficit with China exceeding $85 billion in 2023-24. Tewari emphasized the need for urgent measures to address these issues, stressing their impact on national security and economic stability.