Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DNTs)
Context:
The Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) recently completed a study categorizing 268 DNT communities previously unclassified.
However, the Union Government has stated in Parliament that it is not considering any proposal to classify these communities into SC, ST, or OBC lists afresh
Historical Background:
The misery of these tribes began with the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871, enacted by the British.
It branded them as born criminals.
The Act was repealed in 1952 (following the Ayyangar Committee report of 1949), and they were termed Denotified Communities
Key Committees & Commissions:
Kalelkar Commission (1953):
It suggested they be called Denotified Communities rather than Criminal Tribes
Idate Commission (2014-2017):
This was headed by Bhiku Ramji Idate
It listed over 1,200 communities and recommended a permanent welfare board.
This led to the formation of the Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC) in 2019.
SEED Scheme (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs):
It was launched in February 2022 by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Eligibility:
For DNT/NT/SNT families not covered under SC/ST/OBC schemes and having an annual income of Rs. 2.50 lakh or less.
Four Pillars:
Educational Empowerment: Free coaching for competitive exams
Health Insurance: Rs. 5 lakh cover per family/year (Ayushman Bharat norms)
Livelihood Support: Facilitated through the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM)
Housing: Financial support for house construction (PMAY norms).