Rapid Fire
Private Bill Seeks Mandatory 10-Year Census
- 07 Feb 2026
- 2 min read
Recently, a Private Member’s Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha to amend the Census Act, 1948, to mandate a nationwide Census every ten years.
- The Bill highlights that although India has followed a decennial Census practice, it is not legally mandated, and stresses that regular Census data is crucial for effective delivery of welfare schemes and public services.
Private Member’s Bill
- About: Private Member’s Bills (PMBs) are legislative proposals introduced by Members of Parliament (MPs) who are not Ministers (i.e., not part of the government), enabling them to raise issues and suggest laws or amendments on matters significant to their constituencies.
- Key Features: Only non-government MPs can introduce these bills, offering a chance for independent legislative proposals.
- MPs can also introduce resolutions to call attention to specific matters.
- Procedure:
- Drafting and Notice: MPs draft and submit bills with at least one month's notice.
- Introduction: Bills are introduced in Parliament, followed by initial discussions.
- Debate: If selected, bills are debated, typically in limited Friday afternoon sessions.
- Decision: Bills may be withdrawn or proceed to a vote.
- Decline of PMBs: Since Independence, only 14 PMBs have been passed by both Houses and received Presidential assent. No PMB has passed both Houses since 1970.
| Read more: Census in India |
