Editorial on the recognition of tribal Religion and their rights has always been a long-standing social justice issue for the tribals.

Sarna code is associated with this social justice issue of the tribals.

Sarna code for the tribals: It is associated with the religious life of the tribals.

• Religion can be seen as the human response to the apprehension of something, or power, which is supernatural.
  Tribal Religion, in general, can be associated with Animism, in which ” magic” and ” spirits ” become predominant.
• The tribal spirits reside in the trees, mountains, sacred pools etc. That is why protection of nature becomes a part of the religious life of the tribals.
• The religion, culture, nature and traditions are entwined with each other in a harmonious way for the tribals.

What’s this code?

• This code is an official recognition of the tribal Religion of various tribes of Jharkhand.
• The Jharkhand Government had convened a special session for passing a resolution to urge the centre to recognise SARNA religion.
  It also stressed that this code is included separately in the Census of 2021.

Why this code becomes important?

• This code is being perceived as a great tool to save the religious identity of the tribals.
• It is believed that around 50 lakhs tribals in the country had put their religion as SARNA in the 2011 Census, although it was not a separate code then.

The issues around this code:

• Many tribals have converted to Christianity in (Jharkhand Region especially) .
  { Around 4% of the population in Jharkhand is of Christians}.
• The converted tribals are taking the benefits of Reservation ( Both minority and the Scheduled Tribes) , whereas other tribals are getting deprived of such benefits.
• The Tribal population in Jharkhand has declined from 38.3% in 1931 to 26.02% in 2011, primarily due to migration.
• Tribals face a lot of problems in other states where they are not recognised properly. This code would help them get recognition and benefits from government schemes.
• Also, between 1871 and 1951, the tribals had a different code, which was done away with around 1961-62.

Potential benefits of this code:

• Preservation of tribal identity would go a long way in the empowerment of tribals psycho emotionally.
• It would help in the preservation of rich religious heritage and diversity of the country.( Which is a part of our Constitution’s Fundamental duties).
• This would send a positive signal to other states and even countries to bring forth such positive measures for their indigenous population.

Conclusion :

Integrating the tribals into the emotional framework of nationalism is a vital task for the Policymakers of the country, which would do great justice to the tribals. The recognition of the tribal rights – Jal, Jangal and Jameen would go a long way in fostering an inclusive tribal Indian identity, which is rooted in Constitutional values of India.

Question for Mains:-

Integrating the tribals into the emotional framework of nationalism is a vital task for the Policymakers of the country, which would do great justice to the tribals. Discuss.

Answer in Comment Section.

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