Jaipur: Tribal social groups have sounded an alarm over the Union govt’s reported move to delist tribal people who have converted to other religions, particularly Christianity. The concern comes ahead of a major meeting convened in Banswara on World Tribal Day (Saturday), where tribal organisations and allied political parties are expected to formally oppose the proposal, calling it a threat to both the identity and entitlements of tribal communities.During the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament, the Centre signalled its intention to review the tribal status of those who converted, particularly in recent decades. The move, if implemented, could have sweeping effects in Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) areas — blocks that qualify for targeted welfare spending if they retain a tribal population of at least 50%. Vela Ram Ghogra, State President of the Bhartiya Tribal Party (BTP), called the proposed move a “recolonisation agenda” pushed by the RSS and BJP. “The tribal populace may have converted into Christianity and, in very minimal numbers, to Islam or Buddhism. But this change is only superficial — they have not left their culture, customs, or tribal way of life,” Ghogra said. “Delisting them would mean institutional segregation from their own community. We will lose them forever. RSS and BJP are playing with fire by trying to import their communal politics into the tribal regions, which have so far remained untouched by mainstream polarisation.” Ghogra said non-tribal populations in TSP-designated areas across 12 states — including Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh — already grew substantially since the 1971 Census, shrinking tribal representation and resources. Udaipur MP Manna Lal Rawat, affiliated with the BJP, emerged as a key proponent of the delisting campaign. He recently raised the issue in Parliament, arguing that converted tribals continue to enjoy reservations in govt jobs and educational institutions, despite changing their faith. “A significant portion of budget meant for ST is being spent on those who converted,” Rawat said in Parliament. “This is a gross violation of the Constitution and undermines the purpose of affirmative action.”
Delisting of converted tribals may jeopardise TSP areas, say leaders | Jaipur News
