In Jharkhand, issues concerning tribal identity, Christian conversions and land rights have once again taken center stage in political and social discourse. The Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act and the Santhal Pargana Tenancy (SPT) Act, once regarded as protective shields for the land and culture of the tribal community, are now reportedly being circumvented. Consequently, former Chief Minister Champai Soren has demanded a comprehensive inquiry and legal intervention, characterizing this issue as a matter inextricably linked to the very existence of the tribal population.
Across various regions of the state, including Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Ranchi, Singhbhum and Santhal Pargana, claims are being made that the social and cultural fabric of numerous villages is undergoing rapid transformation. Settlements once defined by nature-worshipping tribal traditions now appear to be witnessing a shift in the nature of their religious identity. According to locals, conversion activities are steadily on the rise, facilitated through various channels such as financial aid, education, healthcare services and other means. Some villagers further allege that economic inducements are being offered in exchange for religious conversion.
श्री @ChampaiSoren जी के कार्यकाल में सभी सरकारी स्कूलों में स्थानीय/ आदिवासी भाषाओं में पढ़ाई शुरू करने की पहल हुई थी। लेकिन सरकार बदलते ही, मिशनरियों के दबाव में, उसे रोक दिया गया।
जब आदिवासी लोग अपनी भाषा, इतिहास एवं परंपराओं पर गर्व करने लगेंगे, तो धर्मांतरण स्वतः रुक जाएगा। https://t.co/GHZ5VIET7P
— Office of Champai Soren (@ChampaiOffice) June 2, 2026
Several tribal organisations assert that this transformation is a critical issue bearing upon Jharkhand’s indigenous cultural identity, social structure and political future. They argue that if this trend remains unchecked, the state’s traditional tribal culture and social landscape could undergo profound changes in the years to come. This is precisely why concerns are deepening regarding the accelerating pace of religious conversions within the state, the alleged illegal alienation of tribal land, and the adverse impact these developments are having on the traditional ‘Sarna’ culture. Against this backdrop, Champai Soren warns that unless this matter is addressed with utmost seriousness and in a timely manner, Jharkhand’s indigenous tribal identity and cultural heritage could suffer irreparable damage.
Not a Political Issue, but a Question of Existence
In a detailed statement shared on social media regarding this matter, Champai Soren has not confined Christian conversion solely to the realm of religion; according to him, it is an issue intrinsically linked to the very existence and rights of the tribal community. He asserted that those who have embraced Christianity simultaneously avail themselves of the rights and privileges accorded to minority communities on one hand, while on the other, they continue to reap the benefits of the reservation system and constitutional rights reserved for Scheduled Tribes.
Champai Soren raised a pertinent question; If an individual identifies themselves as a member of a minority community and if their educational institutions, too, enjoy the benefits of minority status, how, then, can they lay claim to a tribal identity when it comes to government jobs, elections and reservations? Terming this a system of “dual benefits,” he has demanded its immediate abolition.
गलत पंगा ले लिया ईसाई मिशनरियों ने | झारखंड में मिशन ने आदिवासियों की जमीन (CNT/ SPT) पर "गैर-कानूनी" रूपसे 5 हजार से ज्यादा चर्च और स्कुल कॉलेज बना रखे हैं| अब चंपाई सोरेन जी आदिवासियों की जमीन वापस लेने पर अड़ गए हैं|
Kolhan Tiger 🐯 @ChampaiSoren pic.twitter.com/tiysfixiCx
— Kanchan Ugursandi – 𑢬𑣁𑣓𑣏𑣉𑣓 𑢧𑣋𑣃𑣜𑣞𑣁𑣓 (@BikerGirlkancha) June 1, 2026
Demand for Amendment to Article 342 and ‘Delisting’
The former Chief Minister has once again reiterated his demand to the Central Government to exclude converts from the official list of Scheduled Tribes. He contends that a mechanism for “delisting”, removing individuals from the Scheduled Tribes list, must be implemented through an amendment to Article 342 of the Constitution. His argument is that such a measure would ensure that the constitutional rights designated for the tribal community reach their intended beneficiaries, thereby safeguarding the fundamental objective of the reservation system.
The Looming Crisis Over Sarna Culture
In his statement, Champai Soren expressed his gravest concern regarding the erosion of tribal cultural traditions. He alleged that in several parts of Jharkhand, particularly in Simdega and its surrounding regions, traditional Sarna sites and ‘Jahersthans’ (sacred groves) are falling into neglect as a direct consequence of religious conversions. He noted that in many villages, there are no longer any individuals left to uphold and perform traditional worship rituals, a situation that has led to the effective closure or “locking up”, of these vital cultural centers. For the tribal community, Sarna sites are not merely places of worship; they are revered as potent symbols of their collective identity, history and enduring traditions.
A Warning from Global Examples
Citing the Samburu tribe of Kenya, the Wai-Wai tribe of Brazil, and the Ayoreo tribe of Latin America, Champai Soren asserted that following religious conversion, the traditional cultural identities of these communities were all but obliterated. He expressed apprehension that if this same process were to persist in Jharkhand, future generations could become severed from their indigenous cultural roots.
Questions Raised Regarding Church Lands and the CNT-SPT Acts
Champai Soren has demanded an inquiry into the source of the land currently held by the thousands of churches and missionary institutions established across the state. He raised the pertinent question; which specific section of the CNT and SPT Acts permits the transfer of tribal land to minority religious institutions? This inquiry stems from the fact that the CNT Act, currently in force in Jharkhand, imposes stringent restrictions on the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals. Similarly, the SPT Act provides for special provisions regarding land conservation within the Santhal Pargana region. Consequently, numerous questions have now arisen regarding the legal validity of the land currently held in the names of churches, missionary institutions and other organizations, a matter on which the State Government must provide immediate clarification.
What are the CNT and SPT Acts?
The CNT Act was enacted in 1908, and the SPT Act in 1949, during the British colonial era. The primary objective behind both these Acts was to ensure the protection and security of land belonging to tribals and other backward classes. These Acts also contain specific provisions prohibiting any business entity or individual from purchasing tribal land within the designated areas for their own commercial interests.
Furthermore, these laws stipulate that, with the sole exception of individuals belonging to the same caste, no person from a different caste or community is permitted to purchase such land. The land may be purchased only by a farmer who hails from the very same community or caste and even then, only if they have not previously acquired land in this manner. Farmers belonging to the same caste are permitted to engage in the mutual buying and selling of land among themselves; however, they are required to obtain prior permission from the District Magistrate to do so.
The provision mandating this permission is enshrined in Section 46 of the Act. Furthermore, under the Act, land cannot be leased for a period exceeding six years. Even such leases are subject to limited exceptions, implying that no commercial activities of any kind may be conducted on the leased land. This Act is applicable across all districts of Jharkhand, with the exception of the Santhal Pargana region. In the Santhal Pargana, land titles are often registered in the names of women, designated as ‘Ryots’—and while such land is legally non-transferable (i.e., cannot be sold), a significant volume of tribal land in the region is nonetheless being bought and sold by exploiting the poverty of the tribal communities.
झारखंड के आदिवासी इलाकों में चर्च की बढ़ती संख्या पर मेरे बयान से काफी हंगामा हुआ। अपना धर्म बदल चुके कई लोग इस बात से परेशान हैं कि मैने सिर्फ चर्च की बात की, मंदिरों की नहीं। चलिए, आज इस मुद्दे पर विस्तार से बात करते हैं।
झारखंड के अधिकतर गांवों में आदिवासी-मूलवासी एक साथ… pic.twitter.com/lrKz5FgEwK
— Champai Soren (@ChampaiSoren) May 30, 2026
Allegations of Land Trafficking Against Missionary Organisations
In recent years, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has leveled allegations against several missionary institutions, accusing them of violating the CNT and SPT laws. BJP State Spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo has specifically claimed that an institution affiliated with a Rome-based missionary organization amassed massive profits by engaging in the buying and selling of tribal land in the Namkum area of Ranchi district.
According to him, a 4.23-acre parcel of land, originally purchased in 2004–05 for approximately ₹2.6 lakh, was subsequently sold in 2018 for nearly ₹4.76 crore. The BJP alleges that this transaction contravened the spirit of the CNT Act and demands a fair and impartial investigation into the matter. The BJP further claims that certain missionary institutions acquire land in the names of individuals, only to subsequently utilize or transfer said land for institutional purposes.
Adivasi Adhikar Mahapanchayat Raises Concerns
It is not merely political parties; various tribal organisations, too, have voiced their apprehensions regarding land conservation. The ‘Adivasi Adhikar Mahapanchayat’ has submitted a memorandum to the district administration, alleging that the CNT Act is being violated on a massive scale. The Mahapanchayat asserts that, through alleged collusion between government officials and land brokers, tribal lands are being illegally transferred by means of ‘sada pattas’ (plain-paper land titles) and private agreements. The organization has specifically lodged complaints regarding violations of land regulations concerning the fencing of Sarna-Masna sites and the construction of Dhumkudiya buildings; consequently, it has demanded the formation of a monitoring committee and an investigation into all suspicious land deals.
The Need for a Decisive Debate
Viewed in this light, the issues of religious conversion, tribal rights and land conservation in Jharkhand have now become directly intertwined with the state’s social fabric, cultural heritage and constitutional framework. Champai Soren’s demands have once again intensified the debate regarding the constitutional definition of tribal identity, how to make the CNT and SPT Acts more effective and what measures should be taken to safeguard traditional culture.
Moving forward, the government, the judiciary, and society must collectively seek answers to these questions; for this is not merely a dispute over land or religion, it is increasingly becoming a fundamental question concerning Jharkhand’s core identity and its future.
The Rising Demand for De-listing
In this very context, the demand for “de-listing” is also gaining rapid momentum. The ‘Janjati Suraksha Manch’ and other organizations argue that there should be parity between the provisions of Articles 341 and 342 of the Constitution. They contend that while constitutional benefits cease for individuals belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category upon religious conversion, no such provision exists for those in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. Consequently, they are demanding an amendment to Article 342 to facilitate a review of ST status and the associated benefits, following religious conversion.
"डीलिस्टिंग से वही लोग परेशान है जो दोनों तरफ रहना चाहते हैं " ~ @ChampaiSoren pic.twitter.com/mzhOIkzqge
— Kanchan Ugursandi – 𑢬𑣁𑣓𑣏𑣉𑣓 𑢧𑣋𑣃𑣜𑣞𑣁𑣓 (@BikerGirlkancha) June 1, 2026
Ganesh Ram Bhagat, National Convener of the ‘Adivasi Suraksha Manch’, states: “This is not an issue concerning reservations or government schemes; rather, it is a question of safeguarding tribal existence, identity, culture and traditions.” According to him, if de-listing is implemented, the benefits of reservations and welfare schemes will reach, more effectively, those communities that have preserved their traditional tribal culture and way of life.
