Lucknow, September 22: In response to directives from the Allahabad High Court, the Uttar Pradesh government has enforced a comprehensive ban on caste-based references in police records and public spaces to combat caste discrimination in the state. Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar issued instructions to all departments, mandating that caste identifiers be removed from documents such as First Information Reports (FIRs), arrest memos, and other police records. Instead, the names of individuals' parents will be used for identification.
The new directive also requires the immediate removal of caste symbols, slogans, and references from police station noticeboards, vehicles, and signboards. Additionally, caste-based rallies are now prohibited across the state, and law enforcement agencies have been tasked with closely monitoring social media to prevent violations.
However, the government clarified that exemptions will be made in cases related to the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, where caste identification remains a legal necessity. To ensure effective implementation of the High Court's order, amendments will be made to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and police manuals.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a Janta Darshan in Gorakhpur today, where he interacted with the public and addressed their grievances. The Chief Minister also extended his wishes for the ongoing Navratri festival, sharing on X, "Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all devotees and residents of the state on the sacred festival of worship and adoration of Maa Bhagwati Jagadamba, 'Shardiya Navratri.' May Mother bless everyone's life with happiness, health, and prosperity; this is the prayer. Happy Navratri! Jai Mata Ki!"
Earlier on September 21, CM Yogi Adityanath announced that the state government had engaged 300 intellectuals, including retired chief secretaries, secretaries, deputy secretaries, and vice-chancellors, to contribute to the formulation of a roadmap for "Developed India-Developed Uttar Pradesh 2047." The Chief Minister revealed that these experts are visiting academic institutions across the state to collect ideas and insights from the public on the state’s developmental goals for 2047.
