Some Sikh organisations, charity networks and Gurudwaras are encouraging that British Sikhs should not identify themselves as “Indian” while answering the ethnicity question in the upcoming Census 2021. Run by the Office for National Statistics, the census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941.
But this year there are increasing concerns that an accurate estimate of the Indian diaspora residing in the UK will not be provided by the Census if Sikhs choose the “other ethnic group” category instead of selecting Indian.
In their tweet, the Network of Sikh Organisations, explained, “The Census 2021 will occur on 21st March. We have made some recommendations for the British Sikh community on some of the Census questions - in relation to religion, ethnicity & language. It is of course up to the individual to fill in as they best see fit.”
The Sikh Federation (UK), is also recommending that Sikhs avoid the “Asian or Asian British” category and instead pick the “other ethnic group” category and within that option declare themselves as Sikhs.
The Sikh Federation UK, tweeted, “Be proud of your Sikh Quami identity. Key slides from introductory meeting for representatives of Gurdwaras, Sikh organisations & Sikh activists to Zoom meeting to share action plan of activities over next four weeks, address questions & listen to suggestions/proposals. #makesikhscount
In a statement to Asian Voice, a spokesperson for the ONS said, “No-one will be missed out in the digital first 2021 census. The census questionnaire has been designed to allow everyone – of any ethnicity – to identify as they wish.
“As in 2011, there will be a Sikh religion tick box and everyone who wishes to identify as Sikh in response to the ethnicity question will be able to do so using search-as-you-type online and through a write-in option on paper. ONS is working across the country, with local groups and organisations, to raise awareness of the census and promote the different response options available”.
Census 2021 will be the first to be run mostly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code in March, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets.
Paper questionnaires will also be available on request, along with language support. Local census support centres will also be on hand for those who aren’t confident online, who don’t have a computer or need help completing the paper form.
