Denotified Tribes (DNTs)

Source: TH

Subject: Miscellaneous

Context: Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) have demanded a separate column and code in the 2027 caste Census, arguing that they have been politically misclassified within SC, ST and OBC categories.

About Denotified Tribes (DNTs):

Who they are?

• Denotified Tribes, also known as Vimukta Jatis, are communities that were collectively branded as criminal tribes during British rule. These groups are largely nomadic or semi-nomadic, historically dependent on occupations such as pastoralism, salt trading, acrobatics, snake charming, transport services, and artisanal work.

Historical background:

• In 1871, the colonial government enacted the Criminal Tribes Act, declaring entire communities as addicted to crime by birth.

• Members were subjected to constant surveillance, restricted movement, forced registration, and social ostracisation.

• The law was repealed in 1952, after Independence, and the communities were officially denotified, giving rise to the term Denotified Tribes.

• However, the Habitual Offenders framework replaced the colonial law, allowing police to continue targeting these groups, perpetuating stigma.

Key characteristics:

• Extreme social exclusion: Persistent stigma of being born criminals continues in policing and society.

• Administrative invisibility: Many DNTs lack caste certificates, domicile records, or land titles.

• Educational deprivation: In several regions, entire communities have negligible secondary-level education.

• Economic precarity: Seasonal migration, informal labour, and absence of stable livelihoods dominate.

• Political misclassification: Most DNTs have been absorbed into SC, ST, or OBC lists, where they are unable to compete with relatively advanced groups. Around 260 communities are not classified anywhere, leaving them outside reservation and welfare frameworks.

• Most DNTs have been absorbed into SC, ST, or OBC lists, where they are unable to compete with relatively advanced groups.

• Around 260 communities are not classified anywhere, leaving them outside reservation and welfare frameworks.

Significance:

• Ensures DNTs are accurately counted for the first time in India’s history.

• A dedicated Schedule would acknowledge their unique historical injustice, distinct from caste-based discrimination.