Census must stop using derogatory caste names: VCK MP raises issue in Parliament

Villupuram MP and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) general secretary D. Ravikumar on Friday raised in Parliament the continued use of derogatory caste names in official records, including the Census and caste certificates issued to Scheduled Castes in Tamil Nadu. He urged the Union government to direct the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India to discontinue the practice.

Raising the matter under Rule 377, Mr. Ravikumar said that members of Scheduled Caste communities have long opposed the use of such terms, which, he said, "dehumanises and stigmatises" entire communities. He pointed out that using these terms with the intent to insult or humiliate members of the Scheduled Castes constitutes an offence under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

The MP recalled that the movement against such nomenclature began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In response to this movement, the Justice Party government of the Madras Presidency issued Government Order No. 817, Law (General) Department, on March 25, 1922, directing that derogatory terms such as 'Paraiyan' and 'Panchaman' be discontinued in official records in the Tamil districts and replaced with the caste-neutral term 'Adi Dravidar'.

Mr. Ravikumar argued that it is contradictory for the government to continue recognising these terms in official documents, while the law treats their use to humiliate Scheduled Castes as an offence. He said the government should align its administrative practices with the constitutional values of equality and dignity.

The issue is part of a long-standing demand from various social justice movements. Activists have repeatedly called for the removal of offensive caste names from administrative and legal records, arguing that their continued use perpetuates social stigma and discrimination. The 1922 Government Order is often cited as a pioneering step in this regard, but the practice has not been entirely eliminated across the country.

The Census of India, conducted decennially, is one of the largest administrative exercises in the world. The official schedules and forms used in the Census are prepared by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner. This office is responsible for ensuring that the terminology used in official documents is accurate and respectful, as per the government's stated commitment to social justice.

The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, explicitly prohibits the use of caste names in a derogatory manner, treating it as a punishable offence. Despite this, the official recognition of such names in records has remained a contentious point. Mr. Ravikumar's appeal highlights the need for administrative reforms that reflect the legal and moral stance of the country.

Referring to Tamil Nadu, the MP noted that certain communities continue to be identified by names that are widely regarded as offensive in caste certificates and other official documents. He urged the Union government to issue uniform guidelines for all states and Union Territories to eliminate such nomenclature from all official records.

The government's response to the request is awaited. The matter is now on record for the government's consideration, and it remains to be seen whether the Registrar General and Census Commissioner will act on the MP's appeal before the next Census exercise.