MP: Controversy Erupts Over Use of 'Harijan' in Poster; SC Organizations Allege Use of Banned Term Despite Awareness | TM Exclusive

Bhopal- The controversy surrounding the use of the word "Harijan" in a poster for an event organized in village Bheda, Maihar region of Satna district, Madhya Pradesh, is deepening. This entire episode has not only raised questions against the current organizers but has also brought back into focus a similar controversy from March 2025 involving senior Congress leader and former Leader of Opposition, Ajay Singh. Social and Scheduled Caste organizations argue that the recurrence of such incidents demonstrates a continuing lack of seriousness towards constitutional values and social sensitivity.

The poster for the proposed "Shri Ramcharit Manas & Shiv Pran Pratishtha" and "Save Democracy Mahasammelan" scheduled for April 20, in village Bheda, mentions words like "Panch, Sarpanch, Harijan, Adivasi, Kisan, Mazdoor" (Village Head, Deputy Village Head, Harijan, Tribal, Farmer, Laborer). The word "Harijan" is clearly written on the poster, even though the Central Government and constitutional bodies have previously banned its use. Following the emergence of this poster, sharp reactions have been observed on social media, and several organizations have directly termed it unconstitutional.

Former Leader of Opposition Ajay Singh had used the term Harijan on stage

Alongside this new controversy, the incident from March 2025 has resurfaced, when Ajay Singh used the term "Harijan" during a speech at an event in Satna district. Furthermore, he had also used the term on social media, causing significant outrage among Scheduled Caste organizations and social activists. At that time, organizations including Bhim Army had demanded the registration of a case against Ajay Singh under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Organizations had stated that the use of such a term by a senior and responsible political leader was not only irresponsible but a direct assault on the dignity of the Dalit community.

Social organizations also state that the term "Harijan" has long been rejected by the Dalit community. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and other Dalit thinkers called it a word that masks real social discrimination. They believed this term undermines the pain and struggle of Dalits. Consequently, over time, considering the term derogatory and unconstitutional, its use has been discouraged.

Azad Samaj Party asks – Mistake or conspiracy?

In a conversation with The Mooknayak, Azad Samaj Party leader Sunil Asteya reacted sharply. He raised a question: is this merely a mistake or a well-planned conspiracy, as the Scheduled Caste community is being insulted by calling them 'Harijan' despite existing awareness? According to him, this is not just a linguistic lapse but a disregard for constitutional values.

He further stated that strict action should be taken against organizers in such cases. If any institution or leader uses this term publicly, the administration should immediately register a case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to prevent such incidents in the future.

Provincial spokesperson of the Scheduled Caste-Tribe Officers Employees Union (AJAKS), Vijay Shankar Shravan, strongly objected to the matter. He stated that the use of such words is unconstitutional and unparliamentary, and is not only socially objectionable but also violates constitutional limits.

He further said that organizers should be especially cautious, as the use of such terms could lead to legal consequences. If any person or institution uses such language publicly, a criminal case can be registered against them under the law.

When was the term 'Harijan' banned?

Clear guidelines have also been issued at the government level regarding this matter. In 1980, the Scheduled Caste Commission declared the term "Harijan" derogatory. Subsequently, the Central Government, Supreme Court, and National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) have repeatedly issued directives to avoid using this term in government documents, speeches, and public platforms. Despite this, the recurring incidents raise questions about administrative and social awareness.

Legally, this matter is also serious. Under Section 3(1)(u) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, using derogatory words for a person belonging to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe is a punishable offense. This provision entails imprisonment of up to five years and a fine. Consequently, demands for legal action against the organizers using this term in the poster have arisen.

SC Commission had written a letter to the CM

Pradeep Ahirwar, then member of the Madhya Pradesh State Scheduled Caste Commission, had lodged a strong objection in August 2020 by writing a letter to the Chief Minister regarding the use of the term 'Harijan'. In his letter, he mentioned that the use of this term in public and government records has been banned by the Government of India, yet its use continues in many places, which is not only unconstitutional but also hurts the sentiments of the Scheduled Caste community.

Commission member Ahirwar had demanded the Chief Minister issue clear and strict instructions in this regard to prevent the use of the 'Harijan' term anywhere in the state. He also stated that effective action should be ensured at the state level in line with Supreme Court directives and central government guidelines to protect the respect and rights of the Scheduled Caste community.

Action demanded against the organizers

Legal expert and advocate Mayank Singh, in a conversation with The Mooknayak, stated that the public use of derogatory or banned terms for the Scheduled Caste community can legally constitute an offense. He clarified that if the term 'Harijan' is used by any individual, institution, or organizer, thereby insulting the dignity of any community, it could be punishable under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

He further explained that in such cases, the police do not need to wait for a complaint; they can take cognizance and initiate action suo motu (on their own). If a prima facie case is established, a criminal case can be filed against the concerned individuals or organizers under various sections, which could include arrest and legal proceedings.

Several organizations at the local and state level have reacted strongly to the current controversy. They argue that this is not just about a single word but concerns the right to respect and equality guaranteed by the Constitution. If such words are used in public events and political platforms, it will send the wrong message to society and encourage a mentality of discrimination.

Currently, no clear reaction has emerged from the organizers regarding the entire matter. The Mooknayak attempted to contact the organizer, Usha Urmaliya, but could not reach her.