Panel Pushes for Faster Census, Increased Defense Funding

Swift Summary

• A parliamentary panel, led by BJP MP Radha Mohan Das, urged for the immediate completion of the Census in India.
• The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home affairs cited budget cuts for institutions like the Intelligence Bureau, NATGRID, Central police Organizations, and Delhi Police.
• The committee recommended that the Ministry of Home Affairs engage with the Ministry of Finance to restore funding levels to initial projections.
• Progress has been acknowledged in preparatory work for the Census and National Population Register (NPR), with improvements in technological infrastructure such as geospatial databases and updated Civil Registration System portals.
• The ministry assured that additional funds could be provided during the Revised Estimates stage if required.
• Financial allocations for Central Armed police Forces (CAPFs) were noted as insufficient against projections.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The urgency highlighted by the parliamentary panel reflects both logistical and strategic needs—the completion of India’s Census is critical not only for policy formulation but also resource allocation. Budget cuts to essential agencies might hinder their operational capacity effectively. Engaging with finance authorities to secure necessary funding will be crucial.Progress in technological preparations may offer a more streamlined census process, promising accuracy and efficiency if adequately funded. Ensuring sufficient resources for CAPFs is equally important given their central role in maintaining national security.

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