PM Modi’s Visit Sparks Kurmi Community’s Demand for ST Status

Kurmi leaders urge Modi to address their long-pending demand for ST inclusion.

Key Points:

– Kurmi community welcomes PM Modi to Jamshedpur.

– Kurmis request ST status and recognition for Sarna religion.

– Demand for inclusion of Kurmali language in the Eighth Schedule.

JAMSHEDPUR – Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jamshedpur on September 15 has reignited the Kurmi community’s demand for ST status.

The Kurmi community has warmly welcomed the Prime Minister but emphasized their constitutional demands.

They have been seeking inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list and official recognition for the Sarna religion.

In a statement on Thursday, Kurmi leader Harmohan Mahato urged Modi to address these demands during his visit.

Mahato highlighted the significant Kurmi population across Jharkhand, Bengal, and Odisha.

He noted that Kurmis primarily speak their native Kurmali language.

He also called for Kurmali to be included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Additionally, he urged the government to conduct a caste-based census in Jharkhand without delay.

Three-State Rail Roko Protest

Mahato recalled the Kurmi community’s "Rail Roko" protest on September 25, 2023.

The protest was held jointly across Jharkhand, Bengal, and Odisha.

Despite this, former Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda stated that Kurmis’ inclusion in the ST list was not under government consideration.

This contrasts with Munda’s 2004 recommendation as Jharkhand Chief Minister to include Kurmis in the ST list.

Petition Based on TRI Report

In 2015, then-Chief Minister Raghubar Das rejected the ST demand based on a Tribal Research Institute report.

In 2023, a Kurmi delegation submitted a memorandum to BJP leaders JP Nadda and Babulal Marandi.

Despite this, the government has yet to take any decisive action on the Kurmi community’s demands.