Demanding Recognition: Adivasi Faiths in the Indian Census

The Adivasi Adhikar Rashtriya Manch appealed to India's census authorities to recognize Adivasi faiths in the upcoming census. AARM's Jitendra Chaudhury highlighted the need for a separate census column for Adivasi beliefs, citing their distinct religious identities and a previous supportive resolution by the Jharkhand Assembly.

The Adivasi Adhikar Rashtriya Manch (AARM) has called upon India's census authorities to acknowledge Adivasi faiths in the upcoming national census. In a letter to the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, AARM chairperson Jitendra Chaudhury emphasized the significance of including a separate column for Adivasi faiths, given their unique religious identities.

Chaudhury pointed out that while the census specifies figures for six major religious communities, it fails to acknowledge the diverse spiritual beliefs of the Adivasi populations, categorized under 'Other Religions and Persuasions'. He urged that a specific column for 'Scheduled Tribe/Janajati/Adivasi Faiths' would better represent their considerable numbers and distinct identities.

Highlighting legislative support, Chaudhury noted the Jharkhand Assembly's resolution advocating for this inclusion. During a recent discussion, he was informed by census authorities that the issue would be examined, encouraging hope for a just acknowledgment of Adivasi communities in the official census records.

(With inputs from agencies.)