2027 Census: Jharkhand CM Writes to President and PM, Demands Separate ‘Sarna Dharma’ Code

Ranchi: Chief Minister Hemant Soren has demanded a separate religious identity for the tribal community’s ‘Sarna Dharma’ in the 2027 Census. In letters addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Soren urged the central government to include a distinct code for Sarna Dharma in the forms being prepared for the second phase of the census.

Impact on Tribal Development

The Chief Minister emphasized that the census is not merely a head count but a vital foundation for determining national policies and development trajectories. He noted that failing to record the correct identity and religious aspects of a community could adversely affect its social and economic progress.

Necessity of a Distinct Code

Soren stated that while the Jharkhand government is fully cooperating with the census process—and he himself participated in self-enumeration—it has become clear that religious data will be collected in the second phase. He reiterated that a separate code is essential to preserve the distinct identity of the Sarna faith.

The Distinct Identity of Sarna Dharma

Highlighting the traditions of tribal society, the Chief Minister pointed out that Sarna Dharma possesses:

• Unique Worship Methods: Distinct rituals that separate it from other religious groups.
• Nature Worship: A core belief system centered on the environment.
• Village Deities: Traditional customs and local deities that define the faith.

Despite these unique characteristics, Soren noted that the faith has yet to be formally recognized as a separate religion in the census.

Public Aspiration and Data Accuracy

The Chief Minister reminded the leaders that in the 2011 Census, approximately 50 lakh people across 21 states voluntarily identified as ‘Sarna’ despite the absence of a dedicated code. He argued that the time has come to formally recognize this identity.

Furthermore, he explained that since Jharkhand was established on the basis of tribal identity, a separate code would provide better data to help tailor state policies and schemes to the sentiments and needs of local communities.