📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Sanyam Bahga
Politics
Haryana BJP’s plan to replace ‘Chamar’ with ‘Meghwal’ on certificates sparks row
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 25 Aug 2026, 11:33 AM
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The Haryana BJP government’s proposal to substitute the ‘Chamar’ caste label with ‘Meghwal’ on official certificates has ignited protests from community groups and opposition parties.
The state government of Haryana, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, announced a move to replace the caste designation ‘Chamar’ with ‘Meghwal’ on various official certificates. The change is intended to address demands from sections of the Meghwal community who seek recognition under a different label.
The proposal has triggered a sharp backlash. Community leaders, civil‑society groups and opposition politicians argue that the alteration erases an established caste identity and could be driven by electoral considerations. Several protests have been organised outside government offices, and the issue has been raised in the state assembly.
Haryana officials maintain that the revision is a response to legitimate grievances and will be implemented after due procedural checks. They have indicated that a detailed consultation process with affected groups will follow before any final amendment is made to the certificates.
The proposal has triggered a sharp backlash. Community leaders, civil‑society groups and opposition politicians argue that the alteration erases an established caste identity and could be driven by electoral considerations. Several protests have been organised outside government offices, and the issue has been raised in the state assembly.
Haryana officials maintain that the revision is a response to legitimate grievances and will be implemented after due procedural checks. They have indicated that a detailed consultation process with affected groups will follow before any final amendment is made to the certificates.