Why is it in the News?

Denotified and Nomadic Tribes, a group of marginalised communities across Andhra Pradesh, have been silently suffering neglect and caste-based discrimination for centuries.

Who are Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes?

• Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes are among the most vulnerable and deprived communities in India.
• Denotified Tribes (DNTs): These communities were labelled as 'born criminals' under British colonial laws, starting with the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871.
  • The Independent Indian Government repealed these Acts in 1952, thereby 'de-notifying' these tribes.
• Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes: These groups are characterized by their mobility, moving from place to place rather than settling permanently.
  • Historically, they have not had access to private land or home ownership.

Social and Historical Context:

• Categorization: Many DNTs are classified within Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC), but some remain uncategorized in these groups.

Historical Commissions:

• Criminal Tribes Inquiry Committee (1947): Investigated the status of these tribes in the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh).
• Ananthasayanam Ayyangar Committee (1949): Led to the repeal of the Criminal Tribes Act.
• Kaka Kalelkar Commission (1953): The first OBC Commission.
• B.P. Mandal Commission (1980): Made recommendations concerning these communities.
• National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC, 2002): Highlighted the wrongful stigmatization and exploitation of DNTs, chaired by Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah.

Population and Distribution:

• South Asia: Hosts the largest nomadic population in the world.
• India: Approximately 10% of the population is comprised of Denotified and Nomadic Tribes.
  • There are about 150 Denotified Tribes and around 500 different Nomadic Tribes in India.

Challenges Faced by Nomadic Tribes:

• Lack of Basic Infrastructure: Nomadic tribes often lack access to essential facilities such as drinking water, shelter, sanitation, healthcare, and education.
• Stigma and Treatment: Historically labelled as criminals, these communities still face discrimination and harsh treatment from local authorities and police.
• Lack of Social Security: Due to their frequent movement, nomadic tribes do not have permanent settlements, which makes it difficult for them to obtain social security documents like Ration Cards and Aadhaar Cards.
  • This exclusion prevents them from accessing government welfare schemes.
• Unclear Caste Categorization: The classification of these tribes varies across states, with some being categorized as Scheduled Castes (SC) and others as Other Backward Classes (OBC).
  • Many individuals lack caste certificates, hindering their ability to benefit from government programs.

Developmental Efforts for Nomadic Tribes:

• Dr Ambedkar Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship for DNTs: Launched in 2014-15, this centrally sponsored scheme supports DNT students not covered under SC, ST, or OBC categories.
  • The pre-matric scholarship promotes education among DNT children, especially girls.
• Nanaji Deshmukh Scheme of Construction of Hostels for DNT Boys and Girls: Also launched in 2014-15, this scheme is implemented through state governments, UT administrations, and central universities.
  • It provides hostel facilities for DNT students not covered under SC, ST, or OBC categories, enabling them to pursue higher education.
• Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs: Aim to offer free competitive exam coaching, health insurance, housing assistance, and livelihood initiatives.
  • Allocates Rs. 200 crores to be spent over five years starting from 2021-22.

The Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC) is responsible for its implementation.