Denotified Tribes

Denotified Tribes

The Denotified Tribes (DNTs), Nomadic Tribes (NTs), and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs) in India encounter a host of difficulties, including widespread denial of caste certificates in numerous states.Despite the government's introduction of the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) initiative, several unresolved issues persist, fueling dissatisfaction among these communities.

Key Challenges Faced by DNTs, NTs, and SNTs
Historical Stigma:
These communities were classified as "criminal tribes" under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 during colonial rule, embedding a social stigma that remains entrenched despite the repeal of the Act in 1952. Generations of DNTs and NTs have faced exclusion due to lack of access to land or stable housing.

Uncategorized Communities:
The Idate Commission identified 1,526 DNT, NT, and SNT communities, yet 269 remain outside the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC) lists. Millions within these groups lack caste certificates, barring them from accessing government schemes.

Limited Outreach:
The SEED initiative has struggled with execution, hindered by overlapping benefits with SC/ST/OBC programs and inadequate beneficiary identification.
Recommendations for a permanent commission and inclusion in a caste census remain unfulfilled.

Representation Gaps:
There is a scarcity of leadership roles for these communities, and the Development and Welfare Board for DNTs, NTs, and SNTs lacks a full-time chairperson.

About the "Idate Commission"
Established: 2014 under Bhiku Ramji Idate
Objective:
To identify unrecognized DNTs, NTs, and SNTs excluded from SC/ST/OBC lists and recommend welfare measures.
Key Proposals:

• Create a permanent commission for DNTs, NTs, and SNTs.
• Assign unclassified individuals to the OBC category.
• Strengthen legal protections under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
• Establish a dedicated welfare department in states with significant DNT populations.
  
  

Who Are DNTs, NTs, and SNTs?
Definition:

• DNTs were originally labeled as criminal tribes under colonial laws, which were abolished post-Independence.
• NTs and SNTs are characterized by their nomadic lifestyle, lacking permanent settlement.
• While some DNTs are categorized as SC, ST, or OBC, others remain excluded.

Diversity:
These communities, including groups like Kanjar, Pardhi, Nat, and Sapera, have rich cultural practices but face socio-economic hardships. South Asia has the world’s largest nomadic population, with about 10% of India’s population being NTs, SNTs, and DNTs.

SEED Scheme:
Overview
Launched: February 2022, under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Components:

• Free coaching for competitive exams like Civil Services and professional courses.
• Health insurance through PM Jan Arogya Yojana.
• Housing support via PM Awas Yojana.
• Livelihood initiatives under NRLM and SRLMs.

Budget: Allocated ₹200 crore over five years.
Implementation: Managed by the Development and Welfare Board for DNTs, NTs, and SNTs.Government Efforts for DNTs

• Dr. Ambedkar Scholarships: Supports DNT students outside SC/ST/OBC categories for education.
• Hostel Schemes: The Nanaji Deshmukh initiative provides hostels for DNT students ineligible for SC/ST/OBC programs.

Recommendations for Progress
Policy Reforms:

• Expedite the categorization of DNTs within SC/ST/OBC groups.
• Provide caste certificates alongside regular classifications, e.g., SC-DNT, ST-DNT.

SEED Strengthening:

• Partner with NGOs to enhance outreach and simplify eligibility processes.
• Conduct targeted awareness campaigns to ensure access to education, housing, and livelihoods.

Identity and Advocacy:

• Include DNTs in a nationwide caste-based census to understand their socio-economic needs.
• Create reserved leadership roles to amplify community representation in policymaking.

Institutional Support:

• Establish a permanent commission for DNT welfare with a clear mandate.
• Form district-level grievance redressal mechanisms for prompt issue resolution.

Through comprehensive measures and inclusive governance, India can bridge the gaps and uplift these marginalized communities, ensuring their rightful place in society.

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