India is one of the few countries that have been quite regular in gathering and publishing the Census Report of the country. This Census data gathered once in 10 years becomes extremely useful and an official information for any Research or for implementing various developmental plans and projects of government and non-governmental agencies.

The format of the Census study has a column for Religion in which 6 religions are officially mentioned and coded, namely (Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians). Unfortunately “Tribal Religion” which was mentioned in the first 1951 census of the Independent India has been removed since 1961 Census. Secondly, the Scheduled Tribes, who migrate to various cities within India, are often excluded from the Census both in their places of origin as well as in the places of their destination/residence. This deprives them of their identity and right of franchise.

Keeping these 2 important concerns of the tribals in mind, and the importance of collective bargaining from the Census Commissioner for inclusion of these 2 columns in the Census Format for 2011, South Asian Peoples’ Initiatives (SAPI) and Indian Social Institute (ISI) is organizing a

Methodology of the Workshop:

The workshop envisages

a) to discuss on these two concerned areas from different angles,

b) to understand the memorandum submitted to the Census Commissioner and other important officials by ISI, SAPI and other Delhi based tribal groups and to mobilise support for the cause in every state.

c) to prepare an action plan for campaign and mobilizations among people in the coming year.

You may download the Memoranda and other documents which have been submitted to the Census Commissioner of India by the Delhi Team.

NEW DELHI : As the 15^th General Elections are round the corner, the South Asian Peoples’ Initiatives (SAPI) and the Indian Social Institute (ISI), New Delhi organized a three day workshop on ‘Preparing Peoples’ Manifesto’ at Indian Social Institute, New Delhi, February 3-5. Over 110 participants from all over the country participated in this workshop, that primarily attempted to prepare a ‘peoples’ manifesto’ to be circulated prior to the elections.

The role of the citizens in the General Elections had been often passive, and SAPI and ISI had initiated a process whereby the citizens put forth their demands before the candidates, and vouch to support them only in as much as they promise to implement them on coming to power.

Campaign Against SEZs in Goa 

SAPI delegates, under the initiation of Fr. Simon Fernandes SJ and many other NGOs like, Goa Bachao Abhiyan, Jagrut Goem and Council for Social Justice and Peace came together to form a SEZ Virodhi Manch to oppose the many SEZs that were coming up in the state of Goa. The peoples' movement gained momentum all over the state with the support of church based groups, NGOs, intellectuals and concerned citizens of Goa. 

A massive rally was organized by SEZ Virodhi Manch on 14th Dec. 2007, where the SAPI coordinator too participated, and in a week's time the state government had to withdraw the SEZs for the time being, though the battle is not won yet. 

The SAPI members spearheaded the movement and are still active in trying to keep the momentum going before the pro-SEZ group does not buy up the people.

Campaign Against Esselworld SEZ in Gorai Uttan in Maharashtra 

SAPI/JESA delegates, under the leadership of Sr. Christel Tuscano SRA, joined the movement of people 'Dharavi Bet Bachao Samiti' in oppossing the EsselWorld taking over the Gorai sea coast where the fisherfolk and the ordinary people live. 

The people have been protesting against it for a few months now. During the protest Meet that was held on 15th Dec. 2007, around 10,000 people gathered to oppose any move to take away the land from people. SAPI Coordinator too joined in this protest along with many other SAPI delegates. 

Again on March 1, 2008 again a massive protest was held. Here again the movement is gaining momentum and the EsselWorld seems to say that they are withdrawing the acquisition of land.  

Campaign on Right to Information 

Campaign for a National Dalit Policy