Ludhiana, Nov. 23 -- Amid the ongoing wheat distribution cycle, the district food and civil supplies department has asked ration depot holders in Ludhiana to collect caste details of families receiving free and subsidised ration, a move that officials say may be linked to the central government's caste census efforts.

The sudden directive has triggered confusion on the ground, with depot holders and beneficiaries unsure why such information is being sought at this stage.

According to officials, the department has circulated a detailed proforma asking area inspectors to prepare a caste-wise list of beneficiaries registered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) in their jurisdiction. The form specifically seeks the number of Schedul...