Ranchi: Various tribal groups led by Akhil Bhartiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad (ABAVP) on Tuesday took out protest marches, held demonstrations and formed human chain across different parts of the district and elsewhere in the state demanding separate Adivasi and Sarna codes ahead of the 2021 census.
Later in the day, an ABAVP delegation also submitted a memorandum to Governor Droupadi Murmu requesting her to direct the Registrar General of India to create a separate column for adivasis in the census, a move which they say will give them a separate identity.
Even though the district administration has banned any form of dharnas and protests amid the pandemic, hundreds of men and women holding banners formed a human chain from Sarjana Chowk to press for their demands. A procession was also taken out in Ratu, Kanke and other parts of the city, disrupting traffic at different places. A group of women also staged a dharna at Morhabadi ground.
Former minister and ABAVP state president Geetashree Oroan said, “The state government should pass a proposal for a separate code for adivasis and send it to the Centre so that the community gets an identity in the population Census.” Oraon, a Congress worker, added, “The Census is expected to begin by February and our organisation has planned a detailed programme to press for inclusion of adivasis as a separate group.”
Oroan said adivasis are forced to list themselves as either Hindus or Christians or other religions in the Census. She said real data on adivasi population will also help policymakers frame schemes for the development of the community. The protesters said that they worship nature and have a distinct tradition and culture than other religions.