Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Pushes for Sarna Recognition, Raises Tribal Issues

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has urged President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to introduce a separate Sarna religious code in the upcoming Census, stressing its importance for tribal identity and constitutional safeguards .

In his letters, Soren said the Sarna faith , followed by many Adivasi communities, is distinct from Hinduism and other organised religions. It is centred on nature worship , sacred groves known as Sarna sthals , and reverence for village deities and ancestral spirits , unlike the idol worship, temple-centric practices, and codified scriptures typically associated with Hindu traditions. Community rituals, seasonal festivals, and oral customs define Sarna religious life.

Despite lacking a dedicated category in the 2011 Census, Soren noted that around 50 lakh people across 21 states identified as Sarna , underlining the need for formal recognition. He argued that accurate socio-religious data would enable better policy-making, targeted welfare schemes, and balanced development.

The chief minister also flagged concerns over the declining share of tribal population in Jharkhand from 38 per cent decades ago to about 26 per cent now saying recognition of Sarna would strengthen community confidence. While acknowledging that adding a new category could complicate census operations, he said the long-term benefits outweigh administrative challenges .

The Union government has so far not created a separate Sarna category , maintaining that existing provisions like the ‘Other Religions and Persuasions’ (ORP) category are sufficient. It has also cited logistical complexities in expanding classifications.

The demand, backed by a Jharkhand Assembly resolution, remains a key political and cultural issue , especially amid wider debates such as the Uniform Civil Code, with tribal groups seeking formal recognition of their distinct faith .