Tribals launch 1st ever self-Census in Bastar, say we will count ourselves
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Prakash Thakur, the Bastar division president for Sarva Adivasi Samaj, emphasized the importance of this self-census in documenting births, deaths, marriages, land ownership, migration patterns, and cultural elements like 'totams' and deities. The data collected will not only help protect tribal rights and identity but also serve as a check against government census figures, which have been distrusted in the past, he asserted.
The self-census is inclusive, covering all social groups, including SC, OBC, and general category populations, and will also document religious conversions. This comprehensive approach aims to assert that tribal identity transcends religious affiliations.
Speaking to TOI, Chhattisgarh minister for tribal affairs Ramvichar Netam said, "The community representatives and committees maintain a proper record about the people and it's updated from time to time.
If Sarva Adivasi Samaj is carrying out its personal survey, it's not a problem. But as far as they questioned the authenticity of the Census, then I would like to ensure that it's a process done with a lot of responsibility and is cross-checked on many levels.
"
Chhattisgarh Congress president Deepak Baij has come out in support of the initiative: "The tribal youth have rightly taken this step because the govt can't be trusted with our numbers.
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This awareness among Bastar's Adivasis is commendable – it will help prevent any manipulative agenda in caste-based census data."
Responding to the move, senior tribal leader and former union minister Arvind Netam from Bastar told TOI, "I have learnt about this initiative and it's being done keeping many factors in mind. I support it, specially, as it displays the awareness among tribal people. The survey should be done with all seriousness."
The survey, led by trained tribal youth, covers 18 key parameters, including educational qualifications, clan lineage, and access to government schemes. Volunteers are collecting data both digitally and manually, with around 50% of the work completed. The initiative has garnered support from Congress state chief Deepak Baij, who praised the tribal youth for their proactive stance.
Ultimately, the Bastar self-census represents a significant moment of grassroots mobilization, where tribal communities are taking control of their narrative and data. The goal is to create a reliable, community-authenticated database that can be used in legal disputes and government reviews, ensuring the survival and dignity of tribal communities. As Thakur poignantly stated, "This is not just about numbers.
It's about survival, dignity, and ensuring that no one erases us from our own land."
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