The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) on Tuesday issued notices to Punjab authorities after taking cognisance of the alleged use of casteist words in an official list prepared for the upcoming Census operations in the state. The Commission said it had decided to investigate the matter under powers granted to it under Article 338 of the Constitution of India.
Notices have been sent to the Director of Census Operations, Punjab, and the Principal Secretary of the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of Punjab. Both departments have been directed to submit a detailed Action Taken Report within 15 days.
“The Commission had decided to investigate/inquire into the matter in pursuance of the powers conferred upon it under Article 338 of the Constitution of India. You are hereby requested to submit an action taken report to the undersigned within 15 days,” the notice stated.
The Commission further warned that if no response is received within the stipulated time, it may exercise powers of a civil court under Article 338 of the Constitution. “The Commission can also issue summons for your appearance in person or by a representative before the Commission,” the notice added.
Census 2027 in Punjab
The self-enumeration facility available in Punjab from April 30 to May 14 has concluded. The door-to-door Census exercise will now be conducted in two phases across the state.
The first phase, known as House Listing and House Enumeration, will be held from May 15 to June 13. During this phase, enumerators will visit households and collect information through 33 questions related to housing conditions and available amenities.
The second phase, Population Enumeration, is scheduled to take place from February 9 to February 28, 2027. Census 2027 will be India's 16th Census and the eighth since Independence. The last Census was conducted in 2011, while the 2021 Census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NCSC's action underscores the importance of maintaining dignity and sensitivity in official documents, especially those related to Scheduled Castes. The Commission's investigation aims to ensure that no casteist language is used in government records, upholding constitutional values of equality and social justice.
