The Union Government has recently clarified that it is not considering any proposals to reclassify denotified, nomadic, and semi-nomadic communities under the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories. This decision has significant implications for these communities, who have historically faced marginalization.
The term Denotified Tribes (DNTs) refers to groups that were once classified under the Criminal Tribes Acts by the British government between 1871 and 1947. Following India's independence, these colonial laws were repealed, and communities were denotified in 1952. Nomadic communities typically rely on seasonal movement for their livelihoods, whereas semi-nomadic groups migrate less frequently over shorter distances. These classifications reflect mobility levels rather than distinct ethnic identities.
Despite being formally denotified, these communities continue to be some of the most marginalized and socio-economically disadvantaged in India. Currently, India is home to nearly 1,500 nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes, along with about 198 denotified tribes, collectively comprising around 15 crore individuals.
Following denotification, many of these communities found themselves excluded from formal welfare systems due to inadequate or incorrect categorization under existing reservation policies. In 2019, the Union Government established the Development and Welfare Board for Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC) based on recommendations from the Idate Commission in 2017. The Commission underscored the necessity for appropriate classification of these groups under SC, ST, or OBC statuses, reflecting concerns previously raised by various expert bodies.
In 2023, a NITI Aayog panel assigned the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) to conduct an ethnographic study involving 268 such communities, aiming to provide clearer insights into their social dynamics and needs.
The DWBDNC was created to tackle the unique challenges faced by denotified, nomadic, and semi-nomadic communities. Its goal is to enhance social and economic empowerment by ensuring access to welfare schemes, education, and livelihoods.
The AnSI recommended a new classification for 85 communities, alongside suggestions to reclassify 9 communities. The findings revealed that many others were only partially classified under the existing categories.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has informed Parliament that no current proposals are under discussion for reclassifying these communities as SC, ST, or OBC. This stance has effectively halted the implementation of the AnSI recommendations. Nonetheless, the government has emphasized ongoing welfare efforts through targeted schemes aimed at supporting these communities.
The SEED scheme is designed to assist the development and welfare of DNT, Nomadic Tribes (NT), and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNT) through various interventions. This initiative includes providing quality coaching for DNT candidates preparing for competitive exams, health insurance coverage for community members, and promoting livelihood generation through community-level projects. Furthermore, financial assistance is available for eligible members of DNT communities to build homes.
Q1. What are denotified tribes in India?
Answer: Denotified tribes are communities that were previously classified under the British-era Criminal Tribes Acts, which were repealed after India gained independence. They were officially denotified in 1952.
Q2. Why are nomadic communities marginalized in India?
Answer: Nomadic communities often face marginalization due to their exclusion from formal welfare systems, inadequate representation in government policies, and socio-economic disadvantages that hinder their development.
Q3. What is the role of the DWBDNC?
Answer: The Development and Welfare Board for Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC) aims to promote social and economic empowerment by providing access to welfare schemes and institutional support for these communities.
Q4. What findings did the AnSI report reveal?
Answer: The AnSI report recommended fresh classifications for 85 communities and identified several others that were only partially classified under existing categories, highlighting the need for more accurate categorization.
Q5. What is the SEED scheme?
Answer: The SEED scheme supports the welfare and development of DNTs, NTs, and SNTs through coaching for competitive exams, health insurance, livelihood promotion, and financial assistance for housing.
Question 1: What year were denotified tribes officially recognized in India?
A) 1947
B) 1952
C) 1965
D) 1975
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which government body established the DWBDNC?
A) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
B) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
C) NITI Aayog
D) Anthropological Survey of India
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: How many nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes are estimated to exist in India?
A) 1,000
B) 1,500
C) 2,000
D) 3,000
Correct Answer: B
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