Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes

At a national conference recently held in New Delhi, there were growing calls for the establishment of a permanent national commission dedicated to the welfare of Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT/NT/SNTs). These communities are among the most marginalized and economically deprived sections of Indian society, with their issues gaining greater attention at both the grassroots and policy levels.

About Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT/NT/SNTs)

• Denotified Tribes (DNTs), also known as Vimukta Jati, were originally listed under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871. This Act categorized certain tribes as "criminal" and required their members to register with local authorities. The Act was repealed in 1952, and these tribes were "denotified." However, the stigma and socio-economic marginalization continued for these communities long after the Act was abolished.

• Nomadic Tribes are communities that do not own land and move from one place to another in search of livelihood. These communities often face social exclusion and lack access to basic amenities and opportunities.

Semi-Nomadic Tribes generally follow a semi-settled lifestyle, moving seasonally for economic activities but maintaining a more permanent residential base compared to fully nomadic tribes.

Status of DNT/NT/SNTs in India

• Population: Roughly 10% of India's population belongs to DNT/NT/SNT communities. The Denotified Tribes comprise around 150 tribes, while the Nomadic Tribes are made up of around 500 different communities.

• Economic Condition: These communities face extreme socio-economic deprivation. Historically, they had no access to land ownership, relying on forests and grazing lands for their livelihoods. Many members of these communities live in destitution and face widespread discrimination.

Government Initiatives for DNT/NT/SNT Welfare

1. National Commission for DNT/NT/SNTs (2014)

   • The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment set up the National Commission for DNT/NT/SNTs in 2014, chaired by Bhiku Ramji Idate. The commission's main objective was to:

     • Prepare a state-wise list of castes belonging to these tribes.

     • Recommend measures to uplift these communities at both the central and state levels.

2. Development and Welfare Board for DNT/NT/SNTs (2019)

   • In 2019, the Development and Welfare Board was created based on the recommendations of the National Commission to focus on the welfare of DNT/NT/SNT communities. The Board's role is to formulate and implement welfare and development programs for these communities.

3. Renke Commission (2008)

   • The Renke Commission was tasked with identifying and listing the communities within DNT/NT/SNT groups, laying the groundwork for the government's efforts to understand and address their concerns.

Schemes for Empowerment and Welfare

• Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED):

  • Objective: Launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the SEED Scheme aims to provide economic support for the upliftment of DNT/NT/SNT communities.

  • Target: The scheme targets families with an annual income of Rs 2.50 lakh or less and who are not availing of similar benefits from other government schemes.

  • Key Features:

    • Free competitive exam coaching to help youth access opportunities.

    • Health insurance coverage for families.

    • Housing assistance to build homes for families.

    • Livelihood initiatives at the community level.

Funding: The central government has allocated Rs 200 crore for the implementation of the SEED scheme over a period of five years (FY2021-22 to FY2025-26).