Proposal to Remove Three Castes from SC List: Those Calling Caste a ‘Cancer’ Say—Changing Names Won’t Cure the Disease

On the proposal to remove the names ‘Chura,’ ‘Bhangi,’ and ‘Mochi’ from the Scheduled Caste list, intellectuals and experts have stated that removing the caste-based names of communities included in the SC list could endanger their lived experiences, historical identities, and constitutional safeguards.

Geetha Sunil Pillai

New Delhi: The Haryana government recently sent a proposal to the central government to remove caste names such as “Chura,” “Bhangi,” and “Mochi” from the Scheduled Caste (SC) list. The government has stated that these names are not only offensive but are also used as derogatory slurs in society. These names are associated with traditional occupations and have long been used as markers of caste identity.

According to the Haryana government, these names are now viewed in a disrespectful and negative light within society, and the demand for their removal has been raised for several years. Currently, “Chura” and “Bhangi” are listed as second in the SC list, while “Mochi” is listed ninth. Any amendment to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe list requires legislative changes by the central government.

However, this move has sparked differing opinions within the Bahujan community.

The Mooknayak spoke to various social activists and intellectuals about the issue. Many pointed out that removing offensive caste names at the governmental level is acceptable, but if the underlying intent is to promote Hindutva terminology, it would not be in the best interest of the community.

Dalit rights activist and author from Rajasthan, Bhanwar Meghwanshi, said:

“It is true that the names of several castes within the Scheduled Caste community have become so derogatory that they are synonymous with slurs. It is necessary to rid society of such contemptuous caste names and terminology. If caste names that evoke disrespect are being removed at the governmental level, it is a correct process. However, it is important to ensure that no caste gets excluded from the Scheduled Caste list due to the removal of these names.”

Will Removing Caste Names End Violence and Discrimination?

Former member of the Madhya Pradesh State Scheduled Caste Commission and SC Congress President, Pradeep Ahirwar, described the proposal as unfortunate and an attempt by the government to shirk its responsibility. Speaking with The Mooknayak’s Deputy Editor, Ankit Pachauri, Ahirwar said:

“It is the government’s responsibility to provide social security and justice to every member of the Scheduled Caste community, which is their constitutional right.”

He raised several critical questions:

“Will removing caste names from the list end caste-based violence against these communities?”

“Will it prevent the rape of women and girls from these communities?”

“Will it put an end to social discrimination and untouchability?”

Ahirwar emphasized that removing caste names will not address the root issues of discrimination. He suggested that the government should instead focus on providing opportunities such as education, loans for business, and land for farming to uplift these communities economically and eradicate caste-based discrimination.

Identity Politics and Constitutional Safeguards at Risk

Anil Wagde, a member of the Ambedkar International Center, called caste a “cancer” and said: “Renaming caste will not cure this cancer. This is a unique way to dismantle the reservation system for Scheduled Castes.”

Anti caste crusader and Assistant Professor of Political Science at Allahabad University, Dr Rehna Raveendran too holds a similar view and finds the move insignificant in eliminating caste biasedness . She says, ” I don’t think this move can make any substantial difference, if it intends to do away with prejudices attached to caste names. Rather, it may adversely affect the marginalised castes who are at the periphery and ignored completely by the state. The removal of caste names, without any well discussed and researched plan as to what’s the implications of such move on the status of people who belonged under the said categories, may invite more issues including recategorisation, identification, administrative intricacies etc. The issue of offensive use of caste names has already been addressed in the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act which penalizes any sort of caste slurs. The need of the hour is to strengthen and tighten the implementation of the act which will discourage the public to use caste names as derogatory. Moreover, if the government is willing to work towards caste prejudices, it must seriously work to lay out an action plan consulting various stakeholders.”

Speaking with The Mooknayak’s Assistant Editor Rajan Chaudhary, Dr. Vikram Harijan, an assistant professor at Allahabad University, commented: “This is wrong. Such proposals aim to distort historical facts.”

Nagsen Sonare, National President of the Babasaheb Ambedkar National Association of Engineers (BANAE), has a slightly different view. He said:

“Caste names such as Chura, Bhangi, and Chamar are casteist slurs. Their removal is justified, but it must be ensured that they are replaced with dignified alternatives. The castes should remain on the list with their new names.”

Questions About the Practicality of Name Changes

Ravi Kant Chandan, an associate professor of Hindi and Modern Indian Languages at Lucknow University, shared his views with The Mooknayak’s representative Pratikshit Singh. He said: “If society can move beyond using such offensive terms, it would be a good step. However, it is important that the intentions behind such proposals are transparent and positive.”

Chandan raised concerns that the move might be aimed at furthering a Hindutva agenda. He explained: “The removal of caste names should not be used as a tactic to strengthen Hindu politics. If there is no hidden agenda and the intentions are genuine, this effort would be welcome.”

He also questioned the alternatives to the removed names:

“Will the term ‘Bhangi’ be replaced with ‘Valmiki’? Even this carries political undertones. The promotion of Valmiki as a term might also be used to push the Hindutva agenda. However, if this step genuinely reduces caste-based humiliation, it can be accepted.”

Chandan emphasized that such symbolic changes will only be effective if they are supported by concrete efforts to promote education and social equality. Simply removing names will not address the deeply entrenched caste issues in Indian society.

” In fact even after removing the name the communities will still be easily identified by the Dominant castes and upper castes. Infact people with upper caste names should be embarrassed and ashamed to use it . Dalits are casteless people and their community names are not indecent in any way . Also there are upper caste people with caste names like Trivedi , chaturvedi etc still maintain the community name even though they do not practice their caste based jobs . So the Haryana government stating that it’s not relevant anymore doesn’t hold any logic and ground,” Shalin states.

“But what will happen on the contrary is that any identity politics taken up by the SC communities like Bhangi ,Mochi etc will lose relevance if the name is deleted . And also any welfare or sub-classification will affect them adversely. Also technically there will be a lot of hassle changing the community certificates and all bureaucratic practice . Already the Dalit community is going through hell because of red tape and bureaucracy involving caste names and procedures . This will only make it worse and their whole life will be spent running after this,” she further adds.

Also when it comes to atrocities act and action on violence/discrimination will be a problem again with these caste names deleted . Even after deletion their identity will not change and the caste Hindus know how to locate them with different means and target them . Because deletion of caste names is not going to change caste Hindu attitudes.But what will happen after is that legal process will be very challenging with names deleted . Again bureaucratic,legal and judicial hassle.

The author strongly believes that deletion of caste names of communities in SC list will only lead to erasure of lived history ,lived experience and risk of losing constitutional safeguard and remedies.

That’s why the constitution abolishes untouchability but not caste . Because caste has to be managed for SC/STs to make sure they are protected and recieve affirmative action .

So the Haryana government’s decision is very dangerous and if it gets implemented then it will be rolled out nationally and it will create havoc in the country.

Courtesy : The Mooknayak

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