Daily Current Affairs : 13-January-2025

Denotified Tribes (DNTs), Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs), and Nomadic Tribes (NTs) in India continue to face significant challenges, largely due to the delay in implementing the recommendations of the Idate Commission. These communities have historically faced socio-economic deprivation and are in need of urgent attention to improve their living conditions.

Who are Denotified Tribes (DNTs)?

Denotified Tribes refer to communities that were once classified as “criminal tribes” under the British-era Criminal Tribes Act of 1871. This law stigmatized them and treated them as criminals. However, after India gained independence, the law was repealed in 1952, and these communities were “denotified.” Despite the repeal, these communities continue to face discrimination and lack proper recognition.

  • There are about 1,526 such communities.
  • 269 of these communities are still not categorized under the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC).
  • These communities live under socio-economic deprivation, often leading nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyles.
The Role of the Idate Commission

In 2015, the Indian government set up the Idate Commission, chaired by Bhiku Ramji Idate, to study the issues faced by DNTs and make recommendations for their welfare. The commission submitted its report in 2017, with the following key recommendations:

  • Establish a permanent commission to address DNT issues.
  • Introduce a caste census column specifically to count the DNT population.
  • Create a sub-quota for DNTs under the SC, ST, or OBC categories.
The SEED Scheme: A Step Toward Empowerment

In February 2022, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the SEED (Social Empowerment and Economic Development) Scheme. This welfare scheme aims to uplift the socio-economic status of DNT, NT, and SNT communities through various support programs. Some features of the SEED scheme include:

  • Livelihood Support: Financial assistance for skill development and employment opportunities.
  • Education Assistance: Scholarships for school and higher education to break the cycle of poverty.
  • Healthcare Access: Providing subsidized healthcare services to improve health outcomes.
  • Housing Support: Assistance in building or upgrading homes for better living conditions.
Important Points:
  • Denotified Tribes (DNTs): Communities once labeled as “criminal tribes” under the British Criminal Tribes Act of 1871, later denotified in 1952.
  • Challenges: DNTs face socio-economic deprivation and are often not categorized under SC, ST, or OBC, with 269 communities still unclassified.
  • Idate Commission (2015): Recommended a permanent commission for DNTs, a caste census column, and a sub-quota under SC/ST/OBC categories.
  • SEED Scheme (2022): Launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to improve the socio-economic conditions of DNT, NT, and SNT communities.
    • Key Features:
      • Livelihood Support: Financial aid for skill development and employment.
      • Education Assistance: Scholarships for school and higher education.
      • Healthcare Access: Subsidized healthcare services.
      • Housing Support: Assistance for building or upgrading homes.
  • Urgent Need for Implementation: Delays in implementing the recommendations and schemes hinder progress for these marginalized communities.
Why In News

The denotified tribes (DNTs), semi-nomadic tribes (SNTs), and nomadic tribes (NTs) in India are facing significant challenges due to delays in implementing the Idate Commission recommendations, which has further prolonged their socio-economic struggles and hindered their path to recognition and development.

MCQs about Empowering Denotified and Nomadic Tribes in India
  1. What was the purpose of the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 in British India?
    A. To provide social benefits to certain tribes
    B. To classify certain tribes as “criminal tribes”
    C. To protect the rights of nomadic tribes
    D. To categorize tribes under SC/ST/OBC
    Correct Answer: B. To classify certain tribes as “criminal tribes”
    Explanation: The Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 was used by the British colonial government to label certain tribes as “criminal tribes,” subjecting them to stigma and severe control. This classification was later repealed in 1952 after independence.
  2. Which commission recommended the creation of a permanent commission for Denotified Tribes (DNTs)?
    A. Mandal Commission
    B. Idate Commission
    C. Kaka Kalelkar Commission
    D. Sachar Committee
    Correct Answer: B. Idate Commission
    Explanation: The Idate Commission, set up in 2015 and chaired by Bhiku Ramji Idate, recommended the creation of a permanent commission for DNTs, along with other measures to improve their socio-economic conditions.
  3. What is the primary aim of the SEED Scheme launched in 2022?
    A. To improve infrastructure in urban areas
    B. To provide financial assistance to farmers
    C. To empower Denotified, Semi-Nomadic, and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs, SNTs, NTs)
    D. To conduct a nationwide caste census
    Correct Answer: C. To empower Denotified, Semi-Nomadic, and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs, SNTs, NTs)
    Explanation: The SEED (Social Empowerment and Economic Development) Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of DNT, NT, and SNT communities through support in livelihood, education, healthcare, and housing.
  4. Which of the following was NOT one of the key features of the SEED Scheme?
    A. Livelihood support
    B. Education assistance
    C. Healthcare access
    D. Legal protection for tribal communities
    Correct Answer: D. Legal protection for tribal communities
    Explanation: The SEED Scheme provides livelihood support, education assistance, healthcare access, and housing support, but it does not directly focus on providing legal protection for tribal communities, which is a separate issue.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading