Why is it in the news?
Private Member’s Bill introduced in Rajya Sabha to mandate decennial Census.
Seeks amendment to Census Act, 1948.
Category: Polity
Important Points:
● Bill mandates nationwide Census every ten years
● Census practice currently decennial but not legally mandated
● Aims to improve welfare delivery and public services
● PMBs introduced by MPs who are not Ministers
● Requires one-month prior notice
● Debated typically on Friday afternoons
● Only 14 PMBs passed since Independence
● No PMB passed both Houses since 1970