The Plight of Denotified Tribes and Nomadic Tribes in India
The potential exclusion of Denotified Tribes, Nomadic Tribes, and semi-nomadic communities (DNT/NT) from India's forthcoming caste census raises significant concerns. Despite the urgent need for their inclusion, indications suggest their continued marginalization.
Historical Context and Current Challenges
- The Registrar General of India remains silent on the inclusion of DNT/NT in Census 2027.
- Efforts by activists to include these communities in the census were dismissed by the Supreme Court, highlighting a continued disregard for their concerns.
- The historical marginalization of these communities dates back to the British colonial period, perpetuated by the Indian state.
- The oppressive Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 labeled these communities as "criminal tribes," imposing severe restrictions.
- Although this law was repealed in 1952, the stigma and socio-economic disadvantages persist.
Invisibility and Discrimination
DNT/NT communities suffer from extreme invisibility and discrimination, often being devoid of basic amenities, education, and employment opportunities. They face:
- Discrimination similar to that experienced by Dalits.
- Marginalization akin to Adivasis.
- Social invisibility and stigma comparable to LGBTQ communities.
Contributions and Cultural Heritage
- DNT/NT communities are custodians of traditional knowledge, skills, crafts, and languages, yet labeled as "unskilled."
- They preserve rich cultural heritage through various art forms, yet struggle for recognition in modern society.
Demands for Recognition and Inclusion
- Estimates suggest DNT/NT populations range between 8 to 14 crore.
- Their leaders advocate for cognizance, categorization, and counting in the census.
- A separate constitutional schedule for DNT/NT is proposed, distinct from SC and ST categories.
Reports and Recommendations
- The Renke Commission Report (2008) and the Idate Commission Report (2017) provide crucial insights and recommendations for recognizing DNT/NT.
- The 2017 report identified 1,200 communities across SC, ST, and OBC lists, plus 269 unclassified groups.
- The Idate Commission urged for their categorization and inclusion in the next census.
Conclusion
The Indian government has the necessary data and recommendations to include DNT/NT in Census 2027. The question remains whether it possesses the political will to act upon these recommendations and address the historical injustices faced by these communities.
