Ranchi: As the first phase of Census 2027 commenced in Jharkhand on Friday, Chief Minister Hemant Soren has written to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Governor Santosh Gangwar, urging the inclusion of a separate 'Sarna' code in the religion column. This move aims to help tribal communities retain their distinct identity.
Second phase of Census expected in February 2028
The second phase of the Census is likely to begin in February next year, focusing on population enumeration. Reiterating Jharkhand's long-standing demand, Soren noted that the state government had passed a resolution in the assembly supporting the issue and forwarded it to the Centre.
CM's letter highlights historical context
In his letter to Prime Minister Modi, Soren stated: “The identity of any community is defined by its social, religious, economic, and cultural characteristics, which in turn also influence all dimensions related to the development of that community. Prior to India’s Independence, the Census process recorded the religious distinctions, customs, and identities being followed by various communities; however, in independent India, the tradition of recording the religion of the tribal community was not maintained.”
The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government is extending full cooperation for Census 2027. With self-enumeration underway until May 15, Soren mentioned that he had played a small role by completing his own enumeration. “I’ve been informed that in the first phase, in addition to other facts, it will also be recorded whether the person holding the household is a member of a scheduled caste or scheduled tribe. The compilation of individual data pertaining to each citizen will be carried out in the second phase. Keeping in view the background of the Sarna religion and the emotional attachment of the tribal community towards it, I urge you to make provision for a separate tribal/Sarna religion code for the tribal community in the upcoming Census,” the CM wrote.
Potential impact on policy formulation
Soren added, “It may be possible that categorising it into different dimensions may impact the Census work and could lead to delays; however, it is also worth considering that if the dimensions related to a community and their associated data are not compiled properly, it could have an adverse and far-reaching negative impact on the formulation of policies for that particular community.”
He cited that despite the absence of a separate Sarna code in Census 2011, approximately 50 lakh people across 21 states voluntarily recorded 'Sarna' in the religion column.
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About the Author: ASRP Mukesh holds over 15 years of journalistic experience. He covers government, politics, and human interest stories from Jharkhand.
