Comprehensive Ethnographic Study of Denotified, Semi-Nomadic, and Nomadic Tribes

The Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) alongside Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) conducted an extensive ethnographic study over three years, categorizing 268 denotified, semi-nomadic, and nomadic tribes. This study, being one of the largest of its kind, was commissioned by a NITI Aayog panel.

Key Recommendations and Findings

• Inclusion in Caste Lists:
  • 179 communities recommended for inclusion in Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes lists across 26 states and union territories.
  • 85 recommended as fresh additions, categorized as follows: 
    1. 46 communities for Other Backward Classes (OBC) status.
    2. 29 communities for Scheduled Castes (SC) status.
    3. 10 communities for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
  • Uttar Pradesh had the highest number of fresh additions with 19 communities.
• Correction of Categorization:
  • Correction recommended for nine communities with partial categorization across state or central lists.
• Communities Not Traceable:
  • 63 communities (over 20%) not traceable, possibly due to assimilation, name changes, or migration.

Report and Approval Process

• Report pending with the NITI Aayog panel for scrutiny.
• Recommendations for caste list additions could influence population numbers and quota percentages amidst census uncertainties.
• Government Approval Process:
  • Inclusion/exclusion proposals must originate from state/union territory governments.
  • Approvals needed from the Office of the Registrar General of India and respective National Commissions (SC, ST, OBC) before legislation.

Challenges and Future Considerations

• Debate on the premise of classifying DNTs, NTs, and SNTs as SC, ST, and OBC due to additional discrimination layers.
• Discussion on creating a separate quota category or sub-quota for these communities.
• Socio-economic assessments led to no reservation recommendations for some DNT, NT, SNT communities.

Study Background

• Initiated by AnSI in February 2020, concluding in August 2022.
• Involved fieldwork, community engagement, and literature review.
• Challenging fieldwork with some communities remaining elusive.