Himachal Schools to Drop Caste Column from Admission Forms; CM Sukhu Orders Change from 2027-28

Shimla: In a significant move aimed at promoting equality and reducing caste-based discrimination, the Himachal Pradesh government has decided to remove the caste column from school admission forms.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Education Department to remove the caste-related column from admission forms in all government schools across the state. The change is expected to come into effect from the 2027-28 academic session.

Decision Taken at Scheduled Castes Welfare Board Meeting
The directive was issued during a meeting of the Himachal Pradesh Scheduled Castes Welfare Board, chaired by Chief Minister Sukhu. During the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed measures being undertaken by the state government to tackle caste-based discrimination and strengthen the values of equality, social harmony and brotherhood.

Sukhu instructed officials to take concrete steps to prevent caste discrimination in government schools, beginning with the removal of the caste column from admission forms.

Caste Details Still Needed for Welfare Benefits
Despite the change, students belonging to Scheduled Castes will still be required to provide caste-related information wherever necessary to access government welfare schemes, reservations and other benefits.

The government’s objective is to prevent caste identity from becoming a routine part of the school admission process while ensuring that eligible students do not lose access to statutory benefits.

Education Department to Frame Implementation Policy
Himachal Pradesh Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar said the department would formulate a detailed policy to implement the Chief Minister’s directive.

He also assured that appropriate arrangements would be made so that the removal of the caste column does not affect any eligible child’s access to government welfare schemes and other entitlements.

The move is being viewed as an effort by the Himachal Pradesh government to promote a more inclusive school environment while balancing the need for caste-related information for legally mandated welfare provisions.