Punjab SC Commission urges removal of derogatory caste terms from Census 2027 forms
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 19, 2026: Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi has submitted a memorandum to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes seeking immediate removal of allegedly discriminatory and derogatory terms used for Scheduled Castes in draft forms and digital portals related to Census 2027.
According to the Commission, the memorandum was submitted during a meeting with the Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in New Delhi.
A spokesperson of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission said the issue was raised following a formal complaint received by the state commission regarding objectionable terminology allegedly appearing in Census 2027 lists and online self-enumeration platforms.
In the memorandum, Jasvir Singh Garhi stated that the continued use of such language in official documents violates Articles 14, 17, and 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantee equality, abolish untouchability, and protect the right to live with dignity.
The Commission has demanded immediate removal of all objectionable words from census-related documents and online portals while also recommending safeguards to prevent similar incidents in future census exercises.
The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission urged national authorities to take urgent corrective action to ensure that census procedures uphold the dignity and constitutional rights of Scheduled Caste communities.