Background and Current Situation

The Social Justice Ministry has recommended the inclusion of denotified, nomadic, and semi-nomadic tribes in the upcoming 2027 Census. This recommendation aims to address the historical marginalization of these communities by providing them with constitutional recognition, similar to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The demand is for a separate column in the Census to ensure their unique identity is acknowledged.

Historical Context

• In 1871, the British classified certain communities as "criminal tribes" under a colonial law, which was later repealed in 1952. This led to the formation of "denotified" tribes.
• Post-independence, many of these tribes were merged into SC, ST, and OBC categories, but they have struggled to compete due to marginalization.

Challenges and Misclassification

• Communities within the SC, ST, and OBC lists face challenges due to "misclassification" and political dynamics.
• An estimated 267 denotified tribes remain unclassified, highlighting gaps in recognition.

Census and Enumeration Efforts

The Indian government is preparing for a caste enumeration exercise as part of the 2027 Census. Leaders from denotified, nomadic, and semi-nomadic communities advocate for a distinct classification to ensure their representation and address their unique challenges.

Sub-classification and Legal Precedents

• Community leaders push for sub-classification, drawing on an August 2024 Supreme Court judgment allowing sub-classification of SCs and STs.
• Sub-classification aims to recognize "graded backwardness" among these tribes.

Social and Economic Challenges

Despite denotification, these communities continue to face discrimination and socio-economic hardships. Nomadic tribes, in particular, struggle with education, economic opportunities, and political representation.

Government Schemes and Challenges

• Programs like the SEED scheme exist for DNTs, but implementation is hampered by the lack of proper certification from state governments.
• Only ₹69.3 crore has been spent on the SEED scheme over five years, against a planned expenditure of ₹200 crore.

Importance of Accurate Enumeration

The community stresses the importance of accurate enumeration in the Census, as this data is critical for policy-making and allocation of resources. There is an ongoing effort to organize community meetings and discussions about their future in light of the upcoming Census.

Population Estimates and Advocacy

• While there are no exact figures, estimates suggest a significant population of denotified communities, potentially seven crore in Uttar Pradesh alone.
• Advocates argue that accurate data is essential for effective advocacy with governments, courts, and political bodies.