India, Aug. 27 -- Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday ordered that the caste column be removed from admission forms in schools from the next academic session.

He issued the direction while chairing the meeting of the Himachal Pradesh Scheduled Caste Welfare Board (HPSCWB) here.

Sukhu said his Government is committed to eliminating caste-based discrimination in society and promoting fraternity and equality, and the removal of the caste column would be a step in this direction.

According to a statement, Sukhu, however, insisted that the students of the Scheduled Caste community must continue to give their caste details when availing themselves of Government schemes and benefits.

The chief minister said his Government has ...