Demand for Separate Census Classification and Targeted Welfare for India’s Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes
Denotified Tribes (DNTs), once branded as 'criminal' under colonial-era laws, are seeking a separate category in the upcoming Census to ensure better targeting of welfare schemes. Currently, many DNTs are subsumed under SC, ST, or OBC categories, leading to uneven benefit distribution. The Idate Commission (2018) and Renke Commission (2008) have previously highlighted their socio-economic marginalization. While the government launched the SEED scheme for their welfare, community leaders argue that without accurate enumeration and a distinct identity, their specific needs regarding land rights, education, and social stigma remain unaddressed.
Key Points
- DNTs were originally classified under the Criminal Tribes Act (CTA) of 1871, which was repealed only in 1952.
- The Habitual Offenders Act replaced the CTA, continuing the social stigma of 'criminality' for many nomadic communities.
- The SEED scheme (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) focuses on education, health, and livelihoods for these groups.
- The Idate Commission identified nearly 1,200 communities as DNT, Nomadic, or Semi-Nomadic across India.
Exam Facts
- Colonial Law: Criminal Tribes Act, 1871.
- Commissions: Renke Commission (2008), Idate Commission (2018).
- Welfare Scheme: SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs).
- Repeal Date: Criminal Tribes Act was repealed on August 31, 1952.
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