Social Justice Ministry highlights lack of State support for DNT welfare
The Union Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry's annual report for 2025-26 revealed a significant lack of State government support in extending welfare measures to Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs). Only seven States currently issue DNT community certificates, which are crucial for accessing benefits. The Ministry has repeatedly urged States since 2015 to share population estimates, lists of communities, and set up grievance redress mechanisms. DNT communities, historically tagged as "criminal" and denotified in 1952, face marginalization due to misclassification into SC, ST, and OBC lists, mobilizing for a separate classification. The upcoming Census 2027 will enumerate these communities.
Key Points
- State governments show a significant lack of support in extending welfare measures to Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs).
- Only seven States currently issue DNT community certificates, hindering access to benefits for these communities.
- DNTs, denotified in 1952 after the repeal of the Criminal Tribes Act, often face misclassification into SC, ST, and OBC lists.
- Community leaders are advocating for a separate classification for DNTs to address their unique marginalization.
- The Census 2027 exercise is expected to count the population of these communities during its enumeration phase.
Exam Facts
- Ministry: Union Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry
- Report: Annual report for 2025-26
- Act repealed: Criminal Tribes Act (1952)
- Upcoming Census: Census 2027
- Categories: Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC)
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