Sikhs to be Counted as Separate Ethnic Group in 2020 US Census2Photo© thequint.com

Sikhs to be Counted as Separate Ethnic Group in 2020 US Census

, 5 news, a view

“It's clear that a separate code is needed to ensure an accurate count of Sikhs in the United States, recognising a unique identity,” said US Census Deputy Director Ron Jarmin.

“Working with United Sikhs, we understand how this change affects the national Sikh community, leading us to add this code for the 2020 Census,” said Shagufta Ahmed with the Census Bureau and Office of Management Budget.

According to the United Sikhs, the current estimates of Sikhs living in the US are at 10 lakhs.

Sikhs meet the criteria for representation in the US Census as a distinct ethnic group and have a distinct unified appearance, culture, language, food and history.