De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs)
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: TH
Context: Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC) members wrote to PM seeking permanent commission status, staff, funds, and financial powers.
About De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs):
Who They Are?
• De-notified Tribes (DNTs): Communities once listed under Criminal Tribes Act, 1871 by British, branded as “born criminals.”
• Nomadic Tribes (NTs): Groups practicing seasonal/continuous migration for livelihood (salt trading, animal rearing, folk entertainment).
• Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs): Follow less frequent, shorter migrations compared to nomads.
Historical Background:
• 1871-1947: Criminal Tribes Act notified ~200 communities as “criminal.”
• 1952: Act repealed; communities officially “de-notified.”
• 2008: Renke Commission listed DNTs, highlighted extreme marginalisation.
• 2017: Idate Commission identified ~1,200 DNT/NT/SNT groups (many already in SC/ST/OBC lists, 269 unclassified).
Current Status in India:
• Population: Around 10% of India’s population (~13 crore people).
• Spread: 150 DNT groups, ~500 nomadic communities across states.
Cultural & Social Character:
• Rich cultural traditions, own deities, festivals, oral literature, and dispute-resolution systems.
• Traditionally moved in groups of 5–20 families; annual camps used for reunions, marriages, cattle trade.
About Development & Welfare Board for DNT/NT/SNT (DWBDNC):
What It Is?
• Advisory & facilitative body under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment for development of DNT/NT/SNT communities.
Origin:
• Constituted on 21 February 2019 by Gazette notification following Idate Commission’s recommendations.
• Intended as an alternative to a permanent commission to avoid overlap with SC/ST/OBC commissions.
Structure:
• Chairperson: Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (ex-officio).
• Members: Two nominated members with three more seats vacant.
• Also includes representatives from Tribal Affairs Ministry, Department of School Education, and officials of Social Justice Ministry.
Functions:
• Policy Advisory: Recommend legal recognition & categorisation of DNT/NT/SNT groups.
• Scheme Implementation: Oversee SEED scheme, scholarships (Dr. Ambedkar Pre/Post-Matric), hostel schemes, skill development.
• Grievance Redressal: Serve as nodal body to address community issues.
• Data & Research: Facilitate surveys, maintain updated database for evidence-based policymaking.
• Coordination: Engage with state governments for community certificates, land allocation, housing rights, and education parity.