The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has directed the director of census operations, Punjab, to submit an action-taken report within 15 days on a complaint alleging the use of “casteist words” in official lists prepared for the upcoming Census exercise.

In a notice dated May 14, the NCSC has taken cognisance of a representation received from Hardeep Singh Gill, vice-chairperson of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis. The complaint, dated May 6, pertains to the inclusion of allegedly derogatory caste references in documents meant for census operations.

The commission has asked the director to submit an action-taken report against those responsible for these words creeping into the document.

Navjot Khosa, Director of Census Operations, Punjab, said that they have received the notice and have been given a fortnight to reply. “The proforma we have given to the enumerators is in use since 1950. There are 39 castes in Punjab. The proforma is meant to ask the people about their castes. It is not being used as a slur. The caste-based Census is conducted to formulate policies for the welfare of different castes,” she said.

She added, “There is nothing new. This proforma was in practice even in the 2011 Census. No new caste had been added. This was provided for by a constitutional order by the President of India. We have held meetings with various departments to clarify the message to all.”

The notice issued by Deputy Director Dr R Stalin states that the Commission has decided to “investigate/inquire” into the matter under Article 338 of the Constitution of India. It has asked the director, Directorate of Census Operations, Punjab, to furnish details of action taken, including FIRs, arrests, charge sheets, and compensation provided, if any, in a prescribed tabular format.

A similar communication has been sent to the principal secretary, Punjab department of social justice and empowerment.

The NCSC has warned that failure to respond within the stipulated 15 days could lead to the Commission exercising powers of a civil court, including issuing summons for personal appearance.

The development comes ahead of the next decennial Census, which is expected to involve a detailed enumeration of castes following demands from various political parties and communities for a comprehensive caste census. Punjab, with its significant Dalit population and history of caste-related assertions, remains sensitive to any perceived caste-based slurs in official documentation.