Protest over occupational caste in certificates

A large number of people from the ‘Balmiki’ committee are up in arms against the Delhi government for mentioning their ‘sub-caste’ (occupational caste) in the caste certificates issued to them by the revenue department.

A large number of people from the ‘Balmiki’ committee are up in arms against the Delhi government for mentioning their ‘sub-caste’ (occupational caste) in the caste certificates issued to them by the revenue department.

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The Supreme Court has long back banned the mention of the occupational caste of SC/ST people. The Balmiki committee members said the use of their occupational caste in the certificate is quite demeaning.

“Tempers are frayed among youngsters in our community. They don’t want these certificates,” said Balkishan Mahar, at a protest at Rajghat on Friday.

Community members say, these certificates are used for education, jobs and other such purposes. “Till last year, the revenue department mentioned ‘Balmiki’ in these certificates. This year the department is mentioning the occupational caste,” said Delhi BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra.

HT is in possession of copies of such certificates issued by the deputy commissioner’s office of north district. Senior revenue department officials refused to comment on the issue and said they would get it examined. htc