National

Sonia Calls for Population Census, Claims 14 Crore Denied Food Security Benefits

Published

1 year ago

February 10, 2025

On Monday, Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP), called on the central government to execute the long-overdue census, highlighting that 140 million Indians are being deprived of food security benefits due to the obsolete 2011 data. She emphasized the need to update the entitlements under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and criticized the government’s vague timeline regarding the census.While speaking in the Rajya Sabha during Zero Hour, she noted the four-year delay in conducting the census and raised concerns about the likelihood of it taking place this year as well.

“This is the first time in our independent history that the decennial census has been postponed for more than four years. Initially planned for 2021, we still lack clarity on when it will actually occur. The budget allocations suggest that it may not happen this year either. Consequently, approximately 140 million eligible Indians are being unjustly denied their benefits under the NFSA,” she pointed out.

Ms. Gandhi argued that this delay means around 140 million additional individuals who should be covered under the NFSA remain excluded. “It is crucial that the government prioritizes the completion of the census promptly and guarantees that all deserving individuals receive the benefits that the NFSA assures them. Food security is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right,” she asserted.

She highlighted the significance of the NFSA, which was introduced by the UPA government in 2013 to secure food and nutritional access for the population of India. “The National Food Security Act, enacted in September 2013, was a significant milestone intended to ensure food and nutritional security for the nation’s 1.4 billion people. This legislation is vital for protecting millions of vulnerable households, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. It underpins initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana,” the Congress leader stated.

Ms. Gandhi explained that the NFSA requires that up to 75% of the rural and 50% of the urban population receive subsidized food grains, yet the beneficiary quota continues to be based on the outdated 2011 Census. Currently, eligible individuals obtain 5 kg of free food grains per month through this system.

She urged the central government to make completing the census a priority to ensure that deserving individuals can access their rightful benefits.

The Budget Session of Parliament commenced on January 31 and will run until February 13, with the second part reconvening on March 10 and concluding on April 4.

Related Topics:Congress NFSA Sonia Gandhi

Up Next

Amid Political Turmoil in Manipur, BJP Leadership to Determine Next Chief Minister

Don't Miss

Rajnath Singh Launches Aero India 2025

Click to comment

National

Jammu University Introduces Fuel-Saving Measures

Published

4 days ago

May 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

National : The University of Jammu has announced several fuel-saving measures following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation. Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai said the university has decided to conduct all PhD viva voce examinations online to reduce travel and save fuel.

The university will also prefer virtual speakers for national and international conferences. In another step, the Academic Council meeting planned in Poonch has been shifted to the Jammu University campus to avoid unnecessary travel.

Prof Rai said the measures will help save fuel, time and resources. He also encouraged university staff to use bicycles and carpool while travelling to the campus.

National

One Year On: Pahalgam Attack Still Haunts the Nation

Published

4 weeks ago

April 21, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: One year after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, the nation remembers the 26 people who lost their lives. The attack took place on April 22 at Baisaran, a popular tourist spot.

At first, reports said only five people were injured. Later, it became clear that it was one of the worst terror attacks in the region in decades. Terrorists came out of the forest and opened fire on tourists.

Survivors said the attackers separated men from women and children. They then shot the men at close range. Many victims were reportedly targeted after being asked about their religion.

A heartbreaking image of Himanshi Narwal sitting beside her husband’s body became a symbol of the tragedy. Her husband, a naval officer, was among those killed.

The group The Resistance front, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. The case was investigated by the National Investigation Agency.

After months of tracking, security forces launched Operation Mahadev. On July 28, 2025, all three terrorists were killed after a long search operation.

The attack remains a painful memory and a reminder of the need for strong security.

National

Social Media Influencer-Turned Gangster Held Abroad

Published

1 month ago

April 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Rao Inderjeet Yadav has been arrested in Dubai. He is wanted in a murder case from Haryana.

He fled India in 2024 after a businessman was killed in Rohtak. Police had been searching for him since then. Officials said Dubai authorities have asked for documents. He is likely to be brought back to India soon.

Yadav faces more than 15 criminal cases. These include extortion, fraud, and illegal land deals. The Enforcement Directorate also investigated him for money laundering. Raids led to the seizure of cash, cars, and documents.

He also ran a music company called Gems Tunes. It produced regional songs.

Yadav had a large social media following. He often showed his rich lifestyle online. He has denied all charges. He claims he is being framed.

Police are now preparing for further action.