A New Era of Empowerment for De-Notified and Nomadic Communities

Empowering De-Notified and Nomadic Communities in India

In November 2025, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MSJE), through the Development and Welfare Board for De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC), alongside the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), signed a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at empowering the De-Notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic (DNT) communities across India.

Key Details of the MoU

The MoU, which has significant implications for the DNT communities, includes several key provisions:

• Signatories: The agreement was formalized by V. Apparao, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the DWBDNC, and T. K. Anil Kumar, Additional Secretary of MoRD.
• Target Group: The primary beneficiaries of this initiative are the De-Notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic (DNT) communities.
• Integration: Over 5,000 DNT Self-Help Groups (SHGs), which have been formed under the DWBDNC, will be integrated into the DAY-NRLM institutional network. This network includes Village Organizations (VOs) and Cluster Level Federations (CLFs).

Support Mechanisms

In the first year, the DWBDNC will focus on nurturing these DNT SHGs by providing training in financial literacy, enhancing group strength, and preparing them for enterprise development. Following this initial support phase, the DAY-NRLM will take over, providing assistance for 3 to 5 years, which will include credit linkages, asset creation, and sustainable livelihood options.

Introduction of DNT Sakhi

A notable innovation under this MoU is the establishment of a community-based “DNT Sakhi” cadre. This initiative will involve the recruitment of women from the DNT groups, who will serve as facilitators and mentors, helping connect community members to government schemes and guiding them in accessing credit.

Ensuring Long-term Inclusion

The MoU also emphasizes the importance of convergence with national missions and the need for close coordination between the DWBDNC and State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs). This collaborative approach is designed to ensure that the DNT communities are included in the long-term development agenda of the nation.

This strategic partnership marks a significant step towards the empowerment of the DNT communities, enabling them to achieve greater financial independence and social inclusion.