| Introduction: Write a brief introduction on denotified tribes/communities. Body: Write down a few points on issues faced by denotified tribes/communities. Now, write down the main suggestions of some main commissions for betterment of denotified tribes/communities. Conclusion: Conclude with a brief suggestion. |
The de-notified, nomadic, and semi-nomadic tribes are communities who are the most vulnerable and deprived. The de-notified tribes were ‘notified’ as being ‘born criminal’ during the British regime under a series of laws starting with the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871. Nomadic and semi-nomadic communities are defined as those who move from one place to another rather than living in one place all the time.
Issues:
- Politically ‘quiet’: they do not place their demands concretely before the government as they lack the leadership in their community.
- Lack of Basic infrastructure facilities: like drinking water, shelter, and sanitation facilities. Healthcare and education facilities are also not available.
- Vague caste categorization: In some states they are included under the SC category, in some under OBCs. Often, they do not have caste certificates and hence are not able to avail themselves of the benefits of welfare programs.
- They are still treated as criminals and tortured by the local administration and police.
- Since they wander frequently, they do not have a permanent settlement. As a result, they lack social security cover and are not issued Ration Card, Aadhar Card, BPL Card etc.
Suggestions for their welfare:
- National Commission for De-Notified and Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (2003): It provided “Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNT Communities (SEED)” for good quality coaching to enable them to appear in competitive examinations, Health Insurance, livelihood initiative at community level and financial assistance for construction of houses.
- Renke Commission: It recommends enumerating DNTs in the next census. State-wise list should be prepared for welfare schemes. Advisory Committees may be made at District and State level to assist the socio-economic condition of the DNTs. State Government may take steps to issue Caste Certificates and ration cards and BPL Certificates. Union of India may take special campaign for issue of voter ID.
- Bhiku Ramji Idate Commission: A permanent commission for DNTs should have a prominent community leader as its chairperson. Grant Constitutional protection under a separate third schedule for reservation and extending the protective cover of Prevention of Atrocities Act to them. Public Distribution System (PDS) cards, special housing schemes for the largely landless community, a separate academy to preserve their art and culture, special education and health schemes.
For the upliftment of the DNTs, debate and sensitization programme should be introduced in order to make the other communities in the society empathetic towards their suffering. ‘Criminal’ branding of the community should be removed from society for their empowerment.
