Denotified Tribes’ Anger Boiling Over amid a Stagnating Scheme and Classification Deadlocks

IN NEWS — Denotified Tribes’ Anger Boiling Over amid a Stagnating Scheme and Classification Deadlocks

Analysis

Discontent is growing among Denotified Tribes (DNTs), Nomadic Tribes (NTs), and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs) due to slow implementation of welfare schemes, denial of community certificates in most States, and lack of clarity on classification.
The SEED Scheme (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNT/NT/SNT communities), launched in February 2022 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, was meant to provide livelihood, education, healthcare, and housing assistance. However, it took over two years to begin effective implementation.
As of November 2024, limited progress was made—about 7,000 Ayushman Cards distributed, 3,000 housing applications sanctioned, 1,000 Self-Help Groups formed, and coaching centres started in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
The Idate Commission (2015–2017)had recommended:
- Setting up a Permanent Commission for DNT/NT/SNTs.
- Conducting a Caste Census for accurate population estimation.
- Providing sub-quotas for these groups within existing SC/ST/OBC categories.
The Commission identified 1,526 communities, of which 269 remain unclassified as SC, ST, or OBC.
Earlier, the Renke Commission (2005) had estimated the DNT population at 10–12 crore, with current estimates rising to around 25 crore.
DNT leaders allege that lack of implementation and non-issuance of caste certificates have led to loss of recognition and access to schemes.
The Development and Welfare Board for DNTs, SNTs, and NTs (DWBDNC), set up under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, still lacks a full-time Chairman, leading to administrative stagnation.
The Ministry recently urged States and UTs to:
- Issue DNT certificates along with SC/ST/OBC certificates.
- Form district-level grievance committees.
- Provide land to landless DNT families and link them with PM Awas Yojana (Urban and Rural).
Leaders argue that despite policy assurances, States such as Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have issued only a few hundred DNT certificates, reflecting minimal progress.

Static Information

Denotified Tribes (DNTs): Communities that were notified as “Criminal Tribes” under the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871, and later denotified post-Independence (1952).
Nomadic Tribes (NTs) and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs): Communities that traditionally move from place to place in search of livelihood.
Major Commissions:
- Renke Commission (2005): Provided preliminary data and population estimates.
- Idate Commission (2015–2017): Recommended permanent institutional mechanisms and inclusion in national data frameworks.
Implementing Agency for SEED: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Key Challenge: Lack of uniform classification and issuance of community certificates across States has hindered welfare delivery.

Updated – 11 January 2025 ; 05:55 AM | The Hindu