MP Dr. Rawat Urges Census to Record Only Those Preserving Original Identity, Faith, Culture, and Traditions in ST Column

Udaipur: On Monday, MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat raised a matter under Rule 377 in Parliament, urging that the Scheduled Tribe (ST) column in the 2026-27 Census include only those individuals who live according to their original identity, faith, culture, and customary traditions.

Dr. Rawat emphasized that the identity of a community is the foundation of its development. When questions arise regarding identity, the constitutional recognition of rightful members becomes unclear, affecting the process of social and economic development. This issue is particularly relevant for tribal communities.

He noted that under Section 3 of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, tribals are considered Hindus. However, ambiguities in laws relating to marriage and inheritance, along with varying judicial interpretations, have created confusion. The demand for a Tribal Religious Code by the Catholic Church of Ranchi and a related resolution passed by the Jharkhand Assembly have further intensified the debate.

MP Dr. Rawat requested that the 2026-27 Census list only those individuals in the ST column who truly follow their original identity, faith, culture, and traditions. He also proposed that the eligibility of ST status should be based on family records from the first post-independence census of 1951.

He stressed that this step is crucial for ensuring the proper development of India’s 720 tribal communities, in line with the vision of “One India, Best India”, and for integrating tribal welfare into the country’s broader development agenda.