The central government has announced that it will conduct a caste-based census along with the next census. The decision has sparked political and social debates, especially in a state like Punjab, where a unique blend of Sikhism and caste equations exists. Sikhism rejects caste divisions, but caste still plays a significant role in social realities. Punjab has a Sikh majority, but caste-based divisions are evident in social and political life. According to the 2011 census, 27% of Punjab’s population belonged to Scheduled Castes (SCs), which include Valmiki, Mazhabi Sikhs, and Rai Sikhs. The caste census can reveal the true population and economic status of these groups, which can help implement social welfare schemes more effectively. However, experts like Professor Surinder Jodhaka believe that if the reports of religious conversions (especially to Christianity) are true, then the change in the percentage of Scheduled Castes and OBCs in the census could affect the political equation. This could also raise questions about the unity and solidarity of the Sikh community. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and the Akal Takht need to formulate a clear policy on this issue. Some Panthic leaders suggest that Sikhs should be registered only as “Sikhs” instead of caste, which would strengthen the principle of equality of Sikhism. Former SGPC president Jagir Kaur said, “The caste census can create divisions in the Sikh community. We should give priority to Sikh identity, not caste.” The Akal Takht is also being asked to issue guidance to the congregation in this regard.
Voices in favor and against the caste census
There are different opinions among the Panthic organizations and Dalit organizations in Punjab regarding the caste census. Some Dalit organizations, such as the Babasaheb Ambedkar Mission, support the census because it will bring out the true population of the Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes. This will ensure that the benefits of government schemes and reservations reach the right people. On the other hand, Panthic organizations such as Damdami Taksal, Akhand Kirtani Jatha and the Sikh Youth Federation believe that the caste census will encourage “tribalism” and division in the Sikh community. They express concern that it may weaken the Sikh identity and give political parties an opportunity for caste-based vote bank politics. This is an opportunity for the Sikh community to advance the principle of equality of Sikhism instead of caste. Panthic organizations need to spread awareness among the congregation and strengthen social unity.
Jathedar Akal Takht Ki Niti Apnaan
Jathedar Akal Takht and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee need to take concrete and practical steps to bring Dalit society closer to Sikhism and eradicate casteism. The principles of Sikhism, such as equality, service, and welfare of all, provide the basis for the eradication of casteism and the establishment of social justice. Jathedar Akal Takht should launch a campaign to propagate the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, such as “Manas ki Jaat Sabai Eko Pehchanbo,” through gurdwaras, events, and social media. This should include denouncing casteism and presenting the message of equality in simple language. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee should launch social reform campaigns to come into direct contact with Dalit communities in villages and cities. These campaigns should include seminars, workshops, and cultural programs to explain the principles of Sikhism and challenge the casteist mentality. Active participation of the Dalit community in the process of service and langar in gurdwaras should be ensured. The Jathedar Sahib should issue an order that there should be no discrimination on the basis of caste in any gurdwara. A panthic gathering like Sarbat Khalsa should be called on the issue of casteism, in which Dalit Sikh organizations and representatives should be included, so that a policy can be formulated with the consent of the entire Sikh Panth. The Shiromani Committee should constitute special teams for religious propagation in Dalit majority areas. These teams should present Sikh history, Gurbani, and the philosophy of Sikhism’s communal harmony in local languages and cultural context. For example, the services of Bhagat Ravidas Ji and Bhai Mardana Ji to Sikhism should be highlighted. Gurmat training centers should be established for Dalit youth, where they can learn Gurbani, Sikh history, and Gurmat music. These centers should provide free education and accommodation. The SGPC should start free education schemes for Dalit students, including school, college, and scholarships. Reserved seats and scholarships should be provided for Dalit students in schools and colleges under the HIROM. To make Dalit youth employable, the SGPC should establish institutions providing training in IT, engineering, and other vocational courses. This can be done in partnership with the government and private sector. Subjects based on Gurmat and social justice should be included in the educational institutions of the SGPC. This curriculum should explain the historical and social aspects of casteism and highlight the egalitarian principles of Sikhism. Awareness programmes against casteism should be run in schools and colleges, which should include the teachings of Sikh Gurus and the contributions of saints like Bhagat Ravidas Ji, Bhagat Kabir Ji, Sant Namdev Ji etc. The SGPC should start free medical camps and mobile hospitals in Dalit majority areas. Free medicines, check-ups, and minor surgeries should be provided in these camps.There should be facilities for free or subsidized treatment for Dalit patients in hospitals running under the SGPC. The focus of setting up new hospitals or dispensaries should be on Dalit and backward areas. The SGPC should start scholarship and training programs for medical and para-medical courses (nursing, pharmacy, lab technician). Dalit youth should be encouraged to pursue a career in the medical field. Health awareness programs should be run, with emphasis on nutrition, hygiene, and prevention of diseases. These programs should be presented in local languages and in a simple manner. The SGPC and the Akal Takht should promote inclusion in their organizational policies. This includes including representatives of the Dalit community in committees and decision-making bodies. The SGPC should cooperate with the government to extend the benefits of government schemes, such as scholarships, health facilities, and social reform programs to the Dalit community. The Jathedar Akal Takht and the SGPC need to make serious efforts in the religious, social, educational, and medical fields to eradicate casteism and connect the Dalit community with Sikhism. These efforts will give practical form to the egalitarian principles of Sikhism and promote harmony in the society. Therefore, a comprehensive policy should be formulated with the consent and active participation of the entire Sikh community.
