Adivasi faiths need recognition in Census

Source: The post Adivasi faiths need recognition in Census has been created, based on the article “Recognising Adivasi identity in the Census” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd June 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.  And GS Paper1- Social empowerment

Context: The 2027 Census notification has been criticised for ignoring caste enumeration. Yet, an equally urgent and neglected issue is the demand by Adivasi/Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities for the recognition of their distinct faiths in the Census.

For detailed information on Caste Census – Significance and Challenges read this article here

Constitutional Violations in Current Census Practices

1. Exclusion of ST Faiths: The Census lists only six major religions and a vague ‘Other Religious Persuasion’ (ORP) category. It omits faiths followed by ST communities, despite their distinct spiritual traditions.
2. Ignored Legal Protections: The Constitution guarantees the cultural and religious rights of STs through the Fifth and Sixth Schedules and Articles 25, 26, 371A, and 371B. Denying recognition of their faiths violates these safeguards.
3. Forced Religious Misidentification: The lack of a specific option forces STs to identify with dominant religions or use the unclear ORP category, undermining their Article 25 rights to freely practise their faith.

Census Data Reveals Identity Suppression

1. Underrepresentation in ORP: In the 2011 Census, India’s ST population was 10.43 crore (8.6%), yet only 79 lakh (0.66%) registered under ORP. This shows widespread forced misidentification.
2. Awareness Boosts Accurate Reporting: In Jharkhand, 49 lakh individuals identified as Sarna due to awareness campaigns. In Madhya Pradesh, 10 lakh registered as Gond. When informed, STs choose to declare their faiths.
3. Lack of Information in Rural Areas: Most Adivasis live in remote areas and lack awareness of the ORP option. Without guidance, they are absorbed into incorrect categories, distorting the religious demography.

Hindutva Narrative and Cultural Assimilation

1. Targeting of Christian STs: RSS-affiliated groups have intensified attacks on Christian converts and missionaries among STs, promoting ghar wapasi under a Hindutva agenda.
2. State-Driven Cultural Absorption: Government-backed campaigns introduce Hindu symbols, temples, and chants in tribal areas. Soil from ST groves was taken for the Ram temple, altering tribal sacred spaces.
3. Ideological Influence in Education: In Eklavya schools, ST children are taught Hindu customs, not their own. RSS-run schools flourish using CSR funds, reinforcing assimilation efforts.

Double Standards and Erosion of Identity

1. Selective Recognition of ST Status: Christian STs are denied recognition, while Hindu-identifying STs are accepted. This reveals a political double standard, not a legal principle.
2. Broader Basis for ST Classification: ST status is based on social, cultural, and historical factors, not religious affiliation. Religious bias undermines constitutional intent.
3. Threat to Pluralism: The ‘one nation, one culture’ model suppresses ST diversity. STs represent a rich mosaic of languages, traditions, and beliefs.

Urgent Call for Census Reform

1. Jharkhand’s 2020 Resolution: Jharkhand unanimously passed a resolution seeking Sarna’s inclusion in the Census. It was sent to the Centre, but no action was taken.
2. Need for Nationwide Recognition: STs across India follow diverse traditional faiths. A new column—‘Adivasi/ST Faiths’—would ensure accurate and fair religious representation.
3. Strengthening Democratic Rights: All political parties must demand this inclusion to uphold constitutional rights and cultural dignity of Adivasi communities.

Question for practice:

Examine how the exclusion of Adivasi faiths from the Census undermines constitutional rights and cultural representation of Scheduled Tribes in India.