Published: 25 October 2025General
MHA Approves Separate Census Code for Bathu Religion of Bodo Community
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approved the creation of a separate census code for the traditional Bathu religion followed by the Bodo community, ensuring that during the next census, the Bathu faith will be recorded distinctly rather than being clubbed under 'Other Religions and Persuasions'.
The Bodos are the largest tribal group in Assam and the Bathu faith is their indigenous religion centred on worship of Bathou Bwrai (the supreme god). The decision fulfils a long-standing demand of the Bodo community and was part of the Bodo Peace Accord signed in January 2020 between the Centre, Assam Government, and Bodo organisations. India's census currently recognises six religions — Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism — along with a residual category.
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Frequently asked questions
What did MHA decide regarding the Bathu religion of Bodo community?
The **Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)** approved a separate census code for the traditional **Bathu religion** of the **Bodo community** of Assam. In the next census, the Bathu faith will be recorded distinctly, no longer clubbed under the residual category.
Who are the Bodo people and what is Bathou Bwrai?
The **Bodo people** are the **largest tribal group in Assam**. They follow the **Bathu (Bathou) faith**, an indigenous religion centred on the worship of **Bathou Bwrai** (the supreme god). MHA approved a separate census code for their faith.
What was the Bodo Peace Accord and when was it signed?
The **Bodo Peace Accord** was signed in **January 2020** between the Central Government, Assam Government, and Bodo organisations. One key provision was recognition of the **Bathu religion** with a separate census code, which MHA fulfilled.
How will Bathu religion be classified in the next Indian census?
Following MHA approval, the **Bathu religion** of the Bodo community will be recorded **distinctly** in the next Indian census, no longer listed under the residual 'Other Religions and Persuasions' category. India's census officially recognises six religions plus this residual category.
Why is a separate census code significant for the Bodo community?
A separate census code for **Bathu religion** recognises the **unique cultural and religious identity** of the Bodo people and fulfils a key demand from the **2020 Bodo Peace Accord**. Previously, Bathu followers were counted in the residual category of the census.
