Recognition of Tribal Faiths in Indian Census
The upcoming Census of 2027 has sparked criticism due to the lack of clarity on caste enumeration. A significant concern is the absence of recognition for the distinct religious identities of Adivasi/Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities in the Census.
Current Census Framework
- Includes recognized religions: Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism.
- A general category named 'Other Religious Persuasion' (ORP) exists for those not identifying with these religions.
- ST beliefs are not distinctly recognized, which is argued as unconstitutional.
Constitutional Provisions
- The Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Constitution protect ST customs and traditions.
- Articles 371A and 371B provide specific protections in Nagaland and Assam.
- Article 25 ensures the right to practice one's faith, while Article 26 secures managing religious affairs.
Impact on ST Identity
The restriction to six religions or the ORP category violates Article 25 by forcing STs to misidentify or fall under a broad category, misrepresenting their actual religious affiliations.
2011 Census Data
- The ST population was 10.43 crore, but only 0.66% (79 lakh) registered under ORP, indicating misidentification.
- Lack of awareness about the ORP option resulted in STs aligning with mainstream faiths.
Regional Mobilizations and ORP Registration
- In Jharkhand, Sarna mobilizations led to the highest ORP registrations (49 lakh).
- In Madhya Pradesh, significant Gond mobilizations resulted in over 10 lakh registering as Gond faith under ORP.
Resistance and Demand for Recognition
Adivasi communities resist these assimilation efforts, demanding recognition of their distinct faiths in the Census.
Recent Developments
- In November 2020, Jharkhand passed a resolution for recognizing Sarna as a separate religion, pending approval from the Centre.
Call to Action
- A separate 'Adivasi/ST faiths' column in the Census is proposed to ensure equality with other major religions.
- All political parties are urged to support this inclusion to uphold democracy and the constitutional rights of Adivasis.
