Himachal Scraps Caste Column From School Admission Forms

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed that the caste column be removed from school admission forms from the next academic session. The decision was announced during a meeting of the Himachal Pradesh Scheduled Caste Welfare Board, where the chief minister said the government was committed to eliminating caste-based discrimination and promoting equality and fraternity in society.

Sukhu said removing the caste column from admission forms would be an important step towards preventing children from developing a sense of inferiority based on their caste. The move is aimed at ensuring that caste identity does not become an unnecessary part of the school admission process and that students are encouraged to grow in an environment based on equality.

However, the government will continue to collect caste-related information when members of Scheduled Castes apply for government schemes and benefits. Sukhu said beneficiaries would still be required to provide their caste details wherever necessary to establish eligibility. This will allow eligible people to access welfare measures and other government benefits without administrative difficulties.

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During the meeting, the chief minister also said the state government was giving priority to addressing issues faced by the Scheduled Caste community. Several welfare schemes have been introduced for their benefit, and officials were directed to ensure that eligible beneficiaries are aware of the available programmes and can access them.

Sukhu said greater awareness about government welfare initiatives was necessary to ensure that benefits reach all eligible people. The government has been focusing on measures intended to improve social equality while continuing targeted support for communities covered by welfare programmes.

The decision to remove the caste column from school admission forms is therefore being presented as part of the state's broader effort to discourage caste-based discrimination while maintaining access to welfare benefits. The change is expected to take effect from the next academic session, while caste details will continue to be collected for schemes and benefits where such information is required.

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