Why BJP Haryana government’s push for ‘Meghwal’ tag for ‘Chamar’ on certificates sparks a row
The BJP-led Haryana government, under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, is planning to request the central government to approve a change in the term used for the Chamars on caste certificates. The proposal is to replace the term “Chamar” with “Meghwal” for those seeking to adopt the latter. This move was announced at an event for the Meghwal community in Rewari, Haryana.
However, the plan has sparked controversy among the Chamars in the state. Geeta Bhukkal, a five-term Congress MLA and Dalit leader, criticized the announcement, calling it an attempt to "divide and rule" and causing "resentment among the community members." Saini defended his decision, stating that the Meghwal community requested the change and he will recommend it to the central government.
The Samiti of Meghwal community has already issued almost 60,000 caste certificates with the term "Meghwal" on them, and they desire the same option to be available for other Chamars.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
