Context:
As India prepares for the 2027 Census, tribal communities are demanding formal recognition of their distinct religious identities. The current format forces many Adivasis to misidentify under mainstream religions or the ambiguous “Other Religious Persuasion” category, sparking concerns over constitutional rights and cultural erasure.
Relevance: GS 1 (Indian Society) , GS 2 (Governance & Polity, Social Issues)
- Key Issue:
The Census currently lacks a separate column to record the distinct religious identities of Scheduled Tribes (STs), forcing many Adivasis to misidentify with mainstream religions or select the vague “Other Religious Persuasions (ORP)” category. - Constitutional Violation:
This omission undermines constitutional guarantees under Articles 25 and 26 (freedom of religion), and provisions in the Fifth and Sixth Schedules, which protect tribal customs, faiths, and traditions. - 2011 Census Data Misrepresentation:
Though India’s ST population was 10.43 crore, only 0.66% identified under ORP, reflecting widespread misclassification due to lack of awareness and clear options. - Localised Awareness = Higher Accuracy:
In states like Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh, community awareness led to higher registrations under Sarna and Gond faiths, showing that informed STs prefer accurate religious self-identification. - Blending of Traditions:
There have been efforts to mix Adivasi customs with major religious practices, like building new religious institution and introducing new festivals in tribal areas. - Unequal Treatment Concerns:
Some people question why Adivasis who follow one religion may lose their ST status, while those following another can keep it—even though the Constitution doesn’t link ST status to religion. - Demand for New Census Column:
A separate ‘Adivasi/ST Faiths’ column is necessary to provide visibility, protect cultural diversity, and prevent assimilationist distortions.
Conclusion :
- Need for Recognition:
Adivasi communities should have the option to identify their distinct faiths in the Census to ensure accurate representation and protection of cultural rights. - Way Forward:
Including a separate category for Adivasi/ST faiths can promote inclusivity, uphold constitutional values, and strengthen India’s social diversity.
Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed here are based on the original article published in THE HINDU and do not reflect the official stance of Legacy IAS Academy. This content is provided solely for Academic purposes.
