Punjab SC Commission objects to ‘derogatory’ terms in Census 2027 forms

Chandigarh: Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi on Tuesday met the chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), objecting to the alleged use of derogatory and prohibited terms for Scheduled Castes in draft Census 2027 forms.A memorandum seeking immediate removal of such language from census forms and digital self-enumeration platforms was submitted during the meeting.According to an official spokesperson, the Punjab commission acted following a formal complaint regarding use of "insulting and socially discriminatory" terminology in Census 2027 lists and online portals.In the memorandum, Garhi said continued use of such language in official documents violated Articles 14, 17 and 21 of the Constitution relating to equality, abolition of untouchability and right to life with dignity.The commission urged immediate removal of objectionable terms and sought safeguards to prevent recurrence of similar issues in future census exercises.