SEED Scheme & Denotified Tribe
18.09.2025
SEED Scheme & Denotified Tribes
Context
Recent debates highlight the inadequate implementation of the SEED scheme and the demand for a permanent commission for Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) in India.
About Denotified Tribes & SEED Scheme
- Denotified Tribes (DNTs): Historically branded as ‘criminal tribes’ under the British Criminal Tribes Act, 1870. The tag was removed in 1952, but social discrimination continues.
- Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes: Groups which travel for livelihood and are not permanently settled.
- Key Commissions:
- Ranji Commission (2008)
- Idate Commission (2014), recommended permanent national commission for DNTs
- Development and Welfare Board: Set up in 2019 under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment to work for DNTs, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic communities. The board is currently dysfunctional due to lack of powers, members, and budget.
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SEED Scheme
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Challenges
- The board lacks authority and financial powers, limiting welfare actions.
- No comprehensive census/data, making policy formulation difficult.
- DNTs, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes have limited access to scheme benefits due to poor awareness and administrative gaps.
Strategic Importance
- Approximately 10% of India’s population is from these communities (150+ DNT groups, 500+ Nomadic Tribes).
- Inclusion crucial for social justice and targeted development.
Way Forward
- Grant statutory powers and an independent budget to the Development and Welfare Board.
- Establish a permanent commission to oversee welfare, implementation, and policy gaps.
- Conduct comprehensive data collection to inform policy design and coverage.
Conclusion
Greater policy attention and administrative reform are required for the effective inclusion and empowerment of DNTs, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes. The SEED scheme needs better coverage and awareness, and the demand for a permanent commission is justified by implementation gaps and historical neglect.