Denotified Tribes (DNTs)

Context

In February 2026, a significant feature in the "Text & Context" section highlighted the ongoing demands of Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs). These communities are intensifying their call for a separate census classification and explicit constitutional recognition to address decades of systemic marginalization.

About the News

Historical Backdrop:

Criminal Tribes Act, 1871: During British rule, over 200 communities were "notified" as hereditary criminals.
Repeal (1952): Post-independence, the Government of India repealed the Act, "denotifying" these tribes. However, they were replaced by Habitual Offenders Acts, which many argue continued the cycle of social stigma and police harassment.

Core Demands:

Separate Census Category: Current data is fragmented across SC, ST, and OBC categories, making it difficult to target welfare schemes effectively.
Constitutional Status: A dedicated constitutional framework to protect their unique cultural identity and socio-economic rights.

Key Commissions & Frameworks

While this is a recurring theme in national discourse, the following pillars remain central to understanding the DNT issue:

Renke Commission (2008): The first to highlight that nearly 90% of DNTs lacked basic documents like caste certificates or ration cards. It recommended that DNTs be provided with the same benefits as SCs/STs.
Idate Commission (2015): Reinforced the need for a permanent Commission for DNTs and suggested a dedicated constitutional amendment to define and protect these groups.
DWBDNC: The Development and Welfare Board for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities was established in 2019 to oversee welfare programs like the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs).

Challenges

The "Invisible" Population: Due to their nomadic nature, many DNTs are not included in local electoral rolls or census data, leading to a "citizenship gap."
Societal Stigma: Despite being "denotified" for over 70 years, these communities often face "presumptive criminality" by law enforcement and society.
Overlapping Classifications: Many DNTs fall under OBC in one state but SC or ST in another, creating a "patchwork" of benefits that is difficult to navigate.

Way Forward

Comprehensive Enumeration: The 2026 Census (or subsequent surveys) must include a specific sub-category for DNTs to map their actual population and needs.
Legal Reform: Replacing the "Habitual Offenders" mindset with a focus on restorative justice and social integration.
Skill Development: Tailoring the SEED scheme to provide modern vocational training while respecting traditional nomadic skills (e.g., artisanal crafts, animal husbandry).

Conclusion

The transition from being "Criminal Tribes" to "Denotified Tribes" was a legal step, but the transition to "Equal Citizens" remains incomplete. Addressing the demands of the Renke and Idate Commissions is essential to ensuring that these "forgotten" communities are integrated into India's growth story.

Denotified Tribes (DNTs)