Avoid 'Dalit', 'Harijan' in official papers: Govt to states
A circular issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has directed all states and union territories to avoid using the words 'Dalit' and 'Harijan' in official communications. It added the term 'Scheduled Caste' should be used for denoting people belonging to the category. The circular was issued five days before the Supreme Court's order on SC/ST Atrocities Act.