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Jharkhand CM Urges Separate Sarna Code in Census for Tribal Identity

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has officially written to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting a separate code for the Sarna tribal religion in the upcoming second phase of the census. Soren emphasized that this step is essential to protect the distinct tribal identities, referencing a 2020 resolution by the Jharkhand Assembly. He noted that nearly 5 million people across 21 states voluntarily wrote "Sarna" in the religion column during the 2011 census. The letter urges the President, as the guardian of tribal society, to intervene and ensure better data collection through digital means.

Key Points: Sarna Code Census: Hemant Soren’s Appeal to President, PM

  • Jharkhand CM writes to President Murmu and PM Modi
  • Seeks separate code for Sarna religion in census
  • Cites 2020 Jharkhand Assembly resolution
  • Notes 5 million people wrote "Sarna" in 2011 census
3 min read

Jharkhand CM writes to President Murmu, PM Modi over seperate code for Sarna tribal identity in upcoming census

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren writes to President Murmu and PM Modi for a separate Sarna religion code in the upcoming census to protect tribal identity.

"The distinct identity of the society can be protected and honored. - Hemant Soren"

Ranchi, May 3

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Sunday officially wrote to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the implementation of a separate code for the tribal/Sarna religion and other similar religious existences in the religion in the upcoming second phase of the census.

The CM also wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the subject matter and requested him to fulfil the public sentiment of the people.

Soren emphasised that allocating a separate code is essential to protect the distinct tribal identities of the society. The letter referred to the Sarna code resolution passed by the Jharkhand Assembly in 2020.

"A letter has been written to the Honorable President of the country, the esteemed Smt. Draupadi Murmu Ji, taking into account the sentiments of the tribal society and the aspirations of Jharkhand state, requesting the allocation of a separate code for the tribal/Sarna religion (along with other similar religious systems) in the second phase of the census, so that the distinct identity of the society can be protected and honored, " the CM said in a post on X.

For context, he said that in the 2011 census, despite no separate code, nearly 50 lakh (5 million) people across 21 states voluntarily wrote "Sarna" in the religion column.

Highlighting the significance of tribal identity in Jharkhand, the letter stated, "The state of Jharkhand was formed on the basis of its tribal identity itself. The policies, schemes, and decisions of the state of Jharkhand are based on the sentiments of the local people here. At the center of which are the social, economic, religious, and cultural specificities of various communities, especially tribal society. In such a situation, and in all these dimensions, the need is felt for inclusion in the census process. Especially when India is in a very developed state in the technical field and all work is being done digitally, providing a separate code by recognizing Sarna religion or other similar religious existences in the religion column will ensure better collection of data."

He emphasised the President's role as the "guardian of this society, and in this way, the entire tribal society expects your intervention in this matter".

The letter further said, "I request that you may give directions to maintain its identity by providing a separate code to the Sarna religion (along with other similar religious systems) in the form to be determined for the second phase of the census,"

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from a tribal background, I support this fully. But I hope this doesn't get politicized - the Sarna faith is about nature worship and our way of life, not vote bank politics. Let the census reflect reality.
M
Michael C
Interesting move from Hemant Soren. If 50 lakh people voluntarily wrote Sarna in 2011 without a code, imagine how many more will declare it officially. Data accuracy matters in a diverse country like India.
J
James A
I understand the sentiment but worry about potential divisions. India already has so many categories. Why not just have a 'tribal beliefs' option in the 'others' column? Separate codes might complicate things further.
R
Rohit P
Good move by Soren ji. Tribal communities have been marginalized for decades. Recognition in the census is the first step towards better policy and resource allocation. Respect their distinct identity! 🙏
S
Sarah B
I'm all for recognizing indigenous identities - look at how Australia and Canada do it. But this should be a national conversation, not just Jharkhand's demand. The Center needs to consult all tribal groups before deciding.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully disagree. Our constitution treats all religions equally. Creating a separate code for one tribal belief system might open Pandora's box

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