Understanding the Sarna Code Resolution of November 2020

The question asks which State Assembly passed a resolution regarding the Sarna Code in November 2020. This resolution was a significant development related to the religious identity of tribal communities in India, particularly those who follow the Sarna faith.

The Sarna religion is an indigenous faith primarily followed by various tribal groups in states like Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal. Adherents worship nature, including sacred groves (Sarna), hills, and rivers. There has been a long-standing demand from these communities to be recognized as a distinct religious group in the Census.

Analyzing the Resolution for Sarna Code

In November 2020, a specific State Assembly took a crucial step by passing a resolution demanding that the Central Government include 'Sarna' as a separate religion code in the upcoming Census. This move aimed to provide a distinct identity for Sarna followers, separate from categories like Hindu, Muslim, Christian, etc.

Let's examine the options in the context of this event:

• Madhya Pradesh: While Madhya Pradesh has a significant tribal population, the widely reported resolution specifically demanding a Sarna Code in November 2020 was not passed by its State Assembly.
• Bihar: Bihar also has tribal populations, but the resolution concerning the Sarna Code in November 2020 originated from a different state assembly deeply connected with this specific movement.
• Chhattisgarh: Chhattisgarh has a large indigenous population and recognizes various tribal cultures. However, the particular resolution being referred to in November 2020 did not come from the Chhattisgarh Assembly.
• Jharkhand: Jharkhand is known for its substantial tribal population, with the Sarna faith being prominent among many communities there. The demand for the Sarna Code has been particularly strong in Jharkhand. In November 2020, the Jharkhand State Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to recognize Sarna as a separate religious code for the Census.

Therefore, the State Assembly that passed the resolution on the Sarna Code in November 2020 was the Jharkhand State Assembly.

Significance of the Jharkhand Assembly Resolution

The resolution passed by the Jharkhand Assembly was a formal expression of the state government's and legislature's support for the demand for a separate Sarna religious code. It reflected the aspirations of millions of tribal people who identify with the Sarna faith and seek official recognition of their distinct religious practices and beliefs.

Revision Table: Sarna Code and Jharkhand Assembly

Additional Information on Sarna Code and Tribal Identity

The demand for a separate Sarna Code is part of a larger movement among indigenous communities seeking recognition and preservation of their unique cultural and religious identities.

• Census Categories: The Indian Census currently includes codes for major religions like Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain, along with an 'Others' category. Tribal groups identifying as Sarna often have to select 'Other' or sometimes get counted under Hinduism.
• Why a Separate Code? Proponents argue that Sarna is a distinct religion with its own practices, beliefs, and places of worship (like Sarna Sthal or Jaher Than), which are different from Hinduism or other major religions. A separate code would allow for accurate enumeration of Sarna followers and help in acknowledging their unique cultural heritage.
• Impact: Official recognition could potentially lead to greater protection of Sarna religious sites and practices, and better understanding of tribal demographics and identities.

The Jharkhand Assembly's resolution in November 2020 was a significant political step highlighting this important issue at the state level.