Empowering Denotified and Nomadic Communities in India: Addressing Marginalisation and Promoting Social Inclusion

Abstract

This article focuses on the marginalisation experienced by De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-nomadic (DNT) communities in India, and the challenges they face in their efforts to be socially included. The article highlights their exclusion from mainstream society in terms of social, economic, and political factors, which are attributed to a lack of recognition, documentation, and access to essential services. The article also explores various initiatives and recommendations aimed at addressing their marginalisation, including those suggested by national commissions and government schemes. It emphasises the need for multifaceted interventions to uplift DNT communities, promote their meaningful participation in society and social inclusion.

Introduction

India is a diverse country, with a rich cultural heritage and complex social fabric that is enhanced by its many ethnic groups, each with their own unique culture, language, and traditions (Zehol, 2008; Ford & Kelly, 2005). Yet, within this tapestry lies a problem that affects the De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-nomadic (DNT) communities, whose identities are fading and who face existential turmoil (Radhakrishna, 2007). The DNT communities encompass a wide range of ethnic groups with diverse customs, languages, and lifestyles. These communities were historically labelled as "criminal tribes" under the Colonial Criminal Tribes Act of 1871, a stigma that continues to haunt them even after India gained independence (Safdar, 2020). Although the Act was repealed in 1952, and the designation was changed from "criminal tribes" to "denotified tribes," it failed to alleviate their social exclusion and economic deprivation. Despite their significant presence, these communities continue to face multifaceted challenges that lead to their marginalisation. It is crucial to understand their plight and take measures to promote their social inclusion so that we can foster a more equitable society.

In 2005, the National Commission for De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, led by Balkrishna Renake, was established to find effective solutions for the betterment of DNTs. The commission's report, presented in 2008, included significant proposals to improve the status of DNTs in several areas, including education, employment, political representation, and housing. One of the key recommendations was to introduce a reservation system for DNTs in government services, promotions, and legislative bodies such as Parliament, Assemblies, Local Civic Bodies, and Panchayats. The commission also proposed a separate budget for DNTs' development, the establishment of a DNT Development Corporation, the creation of residential schools, financial loans and scholarships for higher education, and a dedicated fund and 7% reservation for DNTs in various Government Housing Schemes. Additionally, it emphasised the pressing need to recognise DNT Tandas (inhabitants) as revenue villages. To enable DNTs who do not belong to the SC/ST category within the 27% reservation quota allocated for OBCs to benefit from government programs and schemes similar to SCs and STs, the commission proposed amending the Constitution to provide a 7% reservation for DNTs (Renake, 2008).

In 2017, a report was submitted by the commission led by Bhiku Ramji Idate. The report identified The DNTs as a highly vulnerable community facing poverty, marginalisation, social stigma, and exclusion. To protect them, the commission recommended including DNTs, NTs, and SNTs under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Additionally, the commission suggested a Constitutional amendment to add Scheduled DNT/NT/SNT as a third category after Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Act.
The commission also highlighted the historical injustice suffered by these communities. During colonial rule, they were branded as criminals under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871. Even after the repeal of the Act post-independence, subsequent legislation continued to dispossess them of their traditional occupations and dwellings. The commission urged for the release of the 2011 caste census, especially concerning the DNT, NT, and SNT communities, to enable targeted policies for their development (Idate, 2017).

Issues and Challenges Faced by Denotified Tribes (DNTs)

Denotified Tribes (DNTs) in India constitute a marginalised community grappling with numerous challenges that obstruct their social and economic integration. A critical issue lies in the lack of proper recognition and documentation (Minj, 2023). Many DNT communities remain outside the ambit of official records, rendering them invisible to the state apparatus (Sonavane et al., 2020). This exclusion has severe consequences, as it disenfranchises them from accessing essential services and welfare schemes designed to uplift disadvantaged groups (Uttam, 2016). This lack of documentation further exacerbates their vulnerability to exploitation and discrimination, perpetuating a vicious cycle of marginalisation (Pawar, 2021).

Furthermore, the inherent transience associated with the nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyles of DNTs presents a significant obstacle in their pursuit of necessities. Their mobility makes it arduous to access education, healthcare facilities, and sustainable employment opportunities. This restricted access to education traps them in a cycle of poverty and limits their chances of upward social mobility. Consequently, addressing these issues and ensuring proper recognition and documentation are crucial steps towards achieving inclusive development for DNT communities.

To effectively address the marginalisation of Denotified and Nomadic Tribes (DNT) communities, a multifaceted approach is absolutely necessary. The following key areas require immediate intervention:

Data Collection and Documentation: Comprehensive data collection and documentation of DNT communities is essential for effective policy formulation. Without understanding their diverse needs and cultural contexts, designing targeted interventions that are sensitive to their unique circumstances is impossible.

Education and Skill Development: Education plays a vital role in empowering DNT communities and breaking the cycle of marginalisation. There must be special initiatives for access to quality education for DNT children, such as residential schools in nomadic areas, scholarships, affirmative action, and vocational training programs that build upon traditional skills to enhance employability and economic independence.

Healthcare Access: Culturally sensitive healthcare services are crucial to address the specific health concerns faced by DNT communities. Mobile health clinics must be implemented to bridge the gap in healthcare access, awareness campaigns promoting preventive care, and addressing prevalent diseases must be carried out with urgency.

Economic Empowerment: Socio-economic upliftment initiatives are essential to improve the living standards of DNT communities. Skill development programs, access to credit facilities, promotion of self-help groups, and effective implementation of government schemes to ensure DNT participation and benefit from welfare measures are crucial.

Legal Reforms and Protection: Empowering DNTs through legal reforms is necessary to safeguard their rights. There must be a strong focus on repealing discriminatory laws, enacting legislation that protects land rights, preventing caste-based discrimination, and promoting political representation.

It is high time we implement these solutions across various fronts to work towards a more inclusive society where DNT communities can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the nation's progress.

Government Initiatives for Mainstreaming DNTs

The Anthropological Survey of India and several State Tribal Research Institutes have been working to study the DNTs and provide a portrayal of their current status in India (Goradia, 2018; Mitra, 2018; Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment [MoSJE], 2022). In 2022, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the Scheme for Economic Empowerment of De-notified Tribes (DNTs) - SEED. The main objectives of this scheme include providing top-quality coaching to DNT/NT/SNT candidates to help them participate in competitive exams, offering health insurance coverage to the DNT/NT/SNT communities, facilitating community-level livelihood initiatives to strengthen small clusters of DNT/NT/SNT community institutions, and extending financial assistance for house construction to members belonging to these communities (Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, 2022). Although many of them have applied for the scheme, no approvals have been granted yet (Lakshman, 2022).

Conclusion

The De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-nomadic (DNT) communities in India have been historically marginalised and neglected, despite being an integral part of the nation's cultural mosaic. They continue to face multifaceted challenges that impede their social and economic advancement. The lack of proper recognition, documentation, and access to essential services perpetuates a cycle of poverty and exclusion, further exacerbating their vulnerability. However, there are efforts recommended by national commissions and government initiatives like the Scheme for Economic Empowerment of De-notified Tribes (DNTs) - SEED, which demonstrates a growing recognition of the need to address the unique needs of DNT communities. In order to mainstream DNTs and foster inclusive development and social inclusion, comprehensive interventions focusing on education, healthcare, economic empowerment, legal reforms, and government support are imperative. Policymakers, civil society organisations, and stakeholders must work collaboratively to implement these solutions and ensure that DNT communities are afforded the dignity, rights, and opportunities they rightfully deserve in a pluralistic society like India.

References

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About the Author

Ranjan Chatterjee is a writer and research fellow affiliated with the Anthropological Survey of India. His work explores themes of social inclusion and empowerment, particularly for Denotified and Nomadic Communities in India. His research background in anthropology and social science informs his writing, which sheds light on the experiences of marginalised communities.