Scheduled Castes panel issues notice over 'casteist words' in Punjab census list

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes has issued notices to the Punjab government and census officials over alleged use of casteist words in an official census list.

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) on Tuesday issued notices to the Punjab government and the Directorate of Census Operations over a complaint alleging the use of ''casteist'' and derogatory words in an official list for the upcoming census exercise in the state.

The commission sought an action taken report within 15 days from the Director of Census Operations, Punjab, and the Principal Secretary of the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Punjab government.

''The National Commission for Scheduled Castes has taken cognisance of the use of casteist words in the official list prepared for the upcoming Census operations and has issued a notice in this regard to the Director, Census Operations, Punjab and the Principal Secretary, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of Punjab,'' the notice said.

The complaint was submitted to NCSC Chairperson Kishor Makwana by Hardeep Singh Gill, Vice-Chairperson of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis.

''...a complaint/information has been received by the National Commission for Scheduled Castes... and the Commission has decided to investigate/inquire into the matter,'' the notice said.

The commission said the alleged use of objectionable and derogatory words for the Valmiki community during the census process had triggered outrage among community members.

''Considering the sensitivity of the matter, the commission has taken prompt action and issued notices to the concerned departments,'' it said.

NCSC Chairperson Makwana said protection of the dignity, rights and respect of Scheduled Castes remained the commission's top priority.

''The commission will take further necessary steps based on the report and action taken in the matter,'' Makwana said.

''Please take notice that in case the commission doesn't receive reply from you within the stipulated time, the commission may exercise the powers of civil courts conferred on it under Article 338 of the Constitution of India and issue summons for your appearance in person or by a representative before the commission,'' the notice added.

Census 2027 will be conducted in two phases. Phase-I includes self-enumeration from April 30 to May 14, 2026 followed by house-to-house enumeration from May 15 to June 13. Phase-II includes population enumeration, which is scheduled from February 9-28 in 2027.

Census 2027 will be the 16th Census in India and the 8th after Independence. The last Census was conducted in 2011, while the 2021 Census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.