The Uttar Pradesh government has taken a major decision to end caste-based discrimination. From now on, the caste of the accused will not be mentioned in police records, notice boards, or arrest memos. Along with the father’s name, the mother’s name will also be recorded. Following the directives of the Allahabad High Court, Acting Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar issued this order. He stated that any tendency to promote caste divisions in society will not be tolerated. Stickers or slogans displaying caste identity on vehicles will be removed. Violators will face fines. Caste-based rallies have also been banned.
Key Points
Action on caste promotion on social media
According to the order, action will also be taken against those who promote caste or insult any caste on social media. Police will file FIRs against people posting such content. Caste identity will be recorded only in cases where it is legally mandatory. This includes cases filed under the SC/ST Act.
Caste-based boards and banners to be removed
Boards in towns and cities glorifying any caste will be immediately removed. Strict action will be taken against putting up such boards in the future.
Fines for vehicles with caste stickers
It is common to see vehicles with slogans like “Jat Hoon,” “Thakur Sahab,” or “Pandit Ji” written on them. From now on, such vehicles will be fined under the Motor Vehicles Act. Police have been instructed to remove all such stickers and slogans.
Opposition’s Reaction
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned this step, taking a dig at the government. He said that merely removing caste from documents and vehicles is not enough. The real roots of caste-based discrimination lie in the social mindset and behaviour. He asked what steps would be taken to eliminate practices such as asking one’s caste before the name. Additionally, he mentioned displaying caste through clothing and symbols. He also queried about falsely accusing and humiliating someone or forcing people to wash their homes as a form of discrimination.
