The Centre has conveyed displeasure to the seven states for their reluctance to commence the Socio-Economic and Caste census (SECs). Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh has written separate letters to the Chief Ministers of Kerala, Delhi, Assam, West Bengal, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in this regard.

In his letter, Mr. Ramesh has asked the states to accelerate the SECS enumeration process. He also urged the Chief Ministers to issue all the necessary guidelines to complete the entire process on time.

The Ministry of Rural development is making these efforts to speed up the identification of Priority House Holds for the National Food Security Bill. The Bill has already been tabled in Parliament by Food and Public Distribution Minister K. V. Thomas in the winter session.