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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Linked questionMedium
Census 2027 will be India's first census to offer which first-time digital feature to citizens?
Explanation · Correct answer BCensus 2027 is India's first digital census. For the first time, citizens can use the official self-enumeration portal to submit their details online, while enumerators also use mobile apps for digital field collection.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Bathu religion and which community follows it?
**Bathu** is the indigenous religion of the **Bodo community**, the largest tribal group in Assam. The faith centres on the worship of **Bathou Bwrai** (the supreme god). The MHA approved a separate census code so it would be recorded distinctly rather than under the residual category.
Why did MHA approve a separate census code for Bathu religion?
The **Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)** approved the separate census code for Bathu religion to fulfil a key provision of the **Bodo Peace Accord signed in January 2020** between the Centre, Assam Government, and Bodo organisations. Previously the Bathu faith was clubbed under the residual category.
What is the Bodo Peace Accord 2020 and its connection to Bathu census code?
The **Bodo Peace Accord** was signed in **January 2020** between the Centre, Assam Government, and Bodo organisations. One of its provisions was recognition of the **Bathu religion** with a separate census code, which MHA fulfilled by approving distinct enumeration.
How many religions does India's census officially recognise?
India's census currently officially recognises **six religions** — **Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism** — along with a residual category. The MHA approval of a separate code for Bathu (Bodo) religion is a significant step toward broader recognition.
Who are the Bodo people and what is their significance in Assam?
The **Bodo people** are the **largest tribal group in Assam**, northeastern India. They follow the **Bathu (Bathou) faith**, an indigenous religion centred on worship of Bathou Bwrai. The MHA granted them a separate census code, fulfilling the 2020 Bodo Peace Accord.
