NCSC flags derogatory SC terms in Punjab Census list, orders report in 15 days
Synopsis
India's top SC rights body has put Punjab's census machinery on notice — literally. The NCSC has flagged derogatory language used to describe the Valmiki community in the state's official Scheduled Castes enumeration list, demanded a 15-day report, and signalled it will escalate if the response falls short. This follows a broader pattern of the Commission finding systemic failures in Punjab's SC welfare delivery.
Key Takeaways
The NCSC took cognisance on 19 May of derogatory language used in Punjab's Scheduled Castes list for the upcoming Census.
The complaint was filed by Hardeep Singh Gill , Vice-Chairperson of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis , to NCSC Chairperson Kishore Makwana .
The Valmiki community reportedly expressed outrage over the objectionable language used in census documentation.
The NCSC has ordered the Director of Census Operations, Punjab and the Principal Secretary, Social Justice Department, Punjab to submit an action taken report within 15 days .
In March 2025 , the NCSC had separately flagged lapses in scholarship disbursement, welfare scheme implementation, and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act case handling in Punjab.
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) on Tuesday, 19 May took serious cognisance of a complaint alleging the use of objectionable and derogatory language in the list of Scheduled Castes being prepared for the upcoming Census process in Punjab. The Commission has directed two senior officials to submit an action taken report within 15 days.
How the Complaint Was Filed
The complaint was submitted to NCSC Chairperson Kishore Makwana by Hardeep Singh Gill, Vice-Chairperson of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis. According to the complaint, the use of derogatory language in reference to the Valmiki community during the census enumeration process has triggered widespread outrage among community members.
NCSC's Immediate Action
Responding swiftly to the sensitivity of the matter, the Commission issued notices to the concerned departments. The NCSC has specifically ordered the Director of the Directorate of Census Operations, Punjab, and the Principal Secretary of the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Government of Punjab, to furnish a detailed action taken report within 15 days.
Chairperson Makwana stated that protecting the honour, rights, and dignity of Scheduled Castes remains the Commission's highest priority. He added that further necessary action would be taken based on the report submitted by the concerned authorities.
A Pattern of Concern in Punjab
This is not the first time the NCSC has raised red flags over the treatment of Scheduled Castes in Punjab. As recently as March 2025, the Commission had flagged concerns following a two-day review meeting with senior state government officials in Chandigarh. At the time, Makwana had stated that the condition of Scheduled Castes in Punjab required 'urgent corrective steps.'
The March review had surfaced a range of systemic failures: irregularities in scholarship disbursement, non-implementation of central welfare schemes, rising school dropout rates among SC students, and shortcomings in atrocity prevention mechanisms. Notably, the Commission had also pointed to lapses in cases registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, with many complaints allegedly dismissed at police stations without FIRs being registered.
What Happens Next
The Punjab government's response within the 15-day deadline will determine the Commission's next course of action. Should the report be found inadequate, the NCSC retains the authority to escalate the matter further. With the Census process already under scrutiny, the episode puts both the state administration and the Directorate of Census Operations under fresh pressure to review enumeration protocols and ensure dignified, legally compliant language across all official documentation.
Point of View
From scholarship irregularities to FIRs going unregistered. The census episode adds a symbolic dimension: if the state cannot enumerate its most marginalised citizens with dignity, the credibility of its broader welfare architecture is in question.
NationPress
4 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the NCSC take cognisance of Punjab's Census SC list?
The NCSC acted on a complaint alleging that objectionable and derogatory language was used to describe the Valmiki community in the official list of Scheduled Castes prepared for the upcoming Census in Punjab. The Commission found the matter sensitive enough to issue notices immediately.
Who filed the complaint with the NCSC?
The complaint was submitted by Hardeep Singh Gill, Vice-Chairperson of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis, to NCSC Chairperson Kishore Makwana on 19 May 2025.
What action has the NCSC ordered?
The NCSC has directed the Director of the Directorate of Census Operations, Punjab, and the Principal Secretary of the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Government of Punjab, to submit an action taken report within 15 days.
Has the NCSC raised concerns about Punjab's SC welfare before?
Yes. In March 2025, following a two-day review meeting in Chandigarh, the NCSC flagged multiple failures including scholarship irregularities, non-implementation of central welfare schemes, rising SC student dropout rates, and lapses in SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act cases.
What happens if Punjab does not respond adequately?
NCSC Chairperson Kishore Makwana has stated that the Commission will take further necessary action based on the report submitted. If the response is found inadequate, the Commission retains authority to escalate the matter.
