Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities – UPSC Prelims

Denotified tribes are those that were notified under the Criminal Tribes Acts enforced during British Rule, whereby entire populations were branded criminals by birth.

In 1952, the Act was repealed and the communities were de-notified.

The Nomadic tribes maintain constant geographical mobility while semi-nomads are those who are on the move but return to fixed habitations once a year, mainly for occupational reasons.

The distinction between nomadic and semi-nomadic do not involve distinguishable ethnic categories or social groups, it rather describes the degree of mobility practiced by them.

There are nearly 1,500 nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes and 198 denotified tribes, comprising 15 crore Indians, according to the Renke Commission, 2008.

These tribes remain socially and economically marginalised even now, depriving many of them of basic human rights.

The most pressing issue is of their identity.

Lack of Basic Infrastructure Facilities: Like drinking water, shelter, and sanitation facilities are not available to the communities. Healthcare and education facilities are also not available.

Bad Treatment by Local Administration: Due to the stigma of Criminals bestowed upon them in the past, they are still treated criminals and tortured by the local administration and police.

Lack of Social Security Cover: Since they are on move frequently, they do not have a permanent settlement. As a result, they lack social security cover and are not issued Ration Card, Aadhar Card, etc. and hence they are not getting benefits under the government welfare schemes.

The caste categorization is not very clear for these communities, in some states some of the communities are included under the SC category, in some other states they are included under OBCs.

However, most of the groups from these communities do not have caste certificates and hence are not able to avail the benefits of government welfare programs.

To formulate and implement Welfare and Development programmes, as required, for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DNCs).

To identify the locations/areas where these communities are densely populated.

To assess and identify gaps in accessing existing programmes and entitlements and to collaborate with Ministries/implementing agencies to ensure that ongoing programmes meet the special requirements of DNCs.

To monitor and evaluate the progress of the schemes of the Government of India and the States/UTs with reference to DNCs.