Parliament Question: ST Population as per 2011 Census

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2763 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10TH MARCH, 2026/ PHALGUNA 19, 1947 (SAKA) ST POPULATION AS PER 2011 CENSUS †2763. SHRI RAJKUMAR ROAT: Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) the total population of Scheduled Tribes (STs) as per the 2011 Census along with statistical data regarding the population of these sub-tribes, sub- tribe-wise; (b) the various religions under which the tribal communities were enumerated in the country as per the 2011 Census along with State and religion-wise data with regard to the tribal population in the country; (c) whether the lack of a distinct 'Tribal religion' column in the previous Census hindered the separate religious identification of the tribals; (d) if so, whether the Government proposes to include a separate column for 'Tribal Religion' in the upcoming proposed Census; (e) if so, the time by when and if not, the reasons therefor; and (f) the details of the proposals received by the Government from various State Governments requesting a separate column for tribal religion to establish the religious identity of the tribals, State-wise ? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI) (a): As per 2011 Census, the total population of Scheduled Tribes (STs) is 10,45,45,716. In Census, ST-wise data is collected as per the notified lists of STs of each State and Union Territory. The sub-tribe wise data is not published separately in Census.-2- L.S.US.Q.NO. 2763 FOR 10.03.2026 Part (b): The data on Scheduled Tribe population by religious community (Census 2011) is published at State/UT& District level in the table “ST-14: Scheduled Tribe Population by Religious Community (State/UT/District level)”. The details of Religions shown under Other Religions and Persuasions for each tribe separately, is published at State/UT level in the table “ST-14A: Details of religions shown under other religions and persuasions in main table (for each tribe separately) (States/UT level)”. These tables are available online at www.censusindia.gov.in Part (c), (d), (e) and (f): In Census, the enumerator records all religions/sects/beliefs as stated by the respondents. In Census 2027 also, the enumerators will record the name of the religion as stated by the respondent. In this regard representations have been received from different organisations. ******