NCSC issues notice to Punjab over use of casteist words in questionnaire
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) on Tuesday issued a notice to the Punjab authorities in view of the alleged use of racist words in an official list prepared for the upcoming census program in the state.The Commission said it decided to investigate the matter under the powers conferred under Article 338 of the Constitution of India.Notices have been sent to Director of Census Operations, Punjab and Principal Secretary, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Punjab. Both departments have been asked to submit detailed action taken reports within 15 days.“The Commission has decided to inquire/investigate the matter under the powers conferred 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 notification said.The commission also warned that if no response is received within the stipulated time, it may invoke the powers of civil courts under Article 338 of the Constitution.“The Commission may issue summons for your appearance in person or by a representative of the Commission,” the notice added.Also read: CM Yogi completes self-enumeration for 2027 censusWhen will the census be done in Punjab?The self-counting facility available in Punjab from April 30 to May 14 has ended. The door-to-door census exercise will now be conducted in two phases across the state.The first phase, known as House List and House Counting, will be held from May 15 to June 13. In this phase, enumerators will visit households and collect information through 33 questions on housing conditions and available facilities.The second phase, population enumeration, will be held from February 9 to February 28, 2027.The 2027 census will be India’s 16th census and the eighth since independence.The 2027 census will be India’s 16th census and the 8th census since independence. The last census was conducted in 2011, while the 2021 census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Also read: Ground inspection for houselisting work begins under Census 2027
