Rajasthan Police To Stop Using 'Dalit', Replace Word With 'Scheduled Caste'

The Rajasthan Police has directed all its officers to stop using the word "Dalit" in official records and verbal communication, instructing them to use the legally recognised term "Scheduled Caste" or "Anusoochit Jaati" instead. The directive was issued on July 2 by the Miscellaneous Cell of the Rajasthan Police, which deals with unique and unclassified grievances and public petitions and works alongside the Scheduled Caste Cell. According to the order, the word "Dalit" must neither be spoken nor written in official government communication. The direction means the police department will no longer use the term "Dalit" in First Information Reports (FIRs), complaints, charge sheets, panchnamas, arrest memos, custody documents, case diaries, closure reports, forms, applications, certificates and official correspondence.