Caste slurs in Census forms: SC Commission issues notice to Punjab Census office
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Vulnerable sections (SC/ST, minorities, disabled, elderly, children)· Mains·
Why in news
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) issued a notice to the Punjab Census office after allegations surfaced that the Census 2027 website used offensive caste slurs as synonyms for the Valmiki community.
Background
The complaint was filed by Hardeep Singh Gill, Vice-Chairperson of the National Safai Karmachari Commission. The NCSC has demanded an action-taken report from the Director of Census Operations and the Punjab Social Justice Department within 15 days.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyNCSC: National Commission for Scheduled Castes
- BodyNational Safai Karmachari Commission: Body dedicated to the welfare of the Safai community
- FactCensus 2027: The upcoming national census cycle mentioned in the complaint
For Mains
Q. Discuss the importance of dignity and linguistic sensitivity in official documentation and data collection for marginalized communities in India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Institutional accountability: Ensuring state agencies adhere to the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in digital infrastructure
- Dignity-centric governance: Balancing administrative data accuracy with the protection of community identities from derogatory terminology
Keywords: Social Justice · Dignity · Institutional Accountability · Scheduled Castes · Administrative Ethics
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