Senior Congress leader and CPP chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Monday urged the government to conduct the long-overdue population census at the earliest, stating that millions of Indians are being deprived of benefits under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) due to outdated data.

In her maiden Zero Hour intervention in the Rajya Sabha, Gandhi pointed out that the NFSA beneficiaries are still being identified based on the 2011 Census, despite the country’s population having significantly increased. She emphasized that the lack of updated data has left nearly 14 crore eligible Indians without their rightful entitlements.

"The NFSA, introduced by the UPA government in 2013, was a landmark initiative ensuring food security for 140 crore citizens. However, its implementation is still based on 2011 figures, which is unjust," she said.

Highlighting the delay in the decennial census—originally scheduled for 2021—Gandhi questioned the government's commitment, citing budget allocations that suggest the process may not happen this year either.

"It is imperative that the government prioritizes the completion of the census and ensures that all deserving individuals receive their rightful benefits. Food security is not a privilege, it is a fundamental right," she asserted.

The NFSA currently covers 81.35 crore people based on the 2011 Census, providing 5 kg of free foodgrains per person per month. However, experts argue that the growing population demands an urgent reassessment to expand coverage.

With the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) extended for five more years from January 1, 2024, the demand for an updated census is gaining traction, making Gandhi’s call a significant political flashpoint.