Centre Denies Plans for Separate Legal Status for Denotified Tribes

Government says no proposal to grant distinct legal recognition to denotified tribes.

Photo by Aquib Akhter

The Tribal Affairs Ministry informed the Rajya Sabha that the Union government is not considering any proposal for distinct legal and constitutional recognition for denotified, nomadic, and semi-nomadic tribes, on par with SC/ST/OBC classifications. This comes as these communities are organizing to push for a "separate column" in the upcoming 2027 Census forms.

In a meeting held on January 30, officials of the Social Justice Ministry assured community leaders that they will be counted in the Census. The Ministry said it had consulted with the Social Justice Ministry, which stated, "There is no such proposal or plan under consideration."

Key Facts

The Tribal Affairs Ministry stated that the Union government is not considering distinct legal recognition for denotified, nomadic, and semi-nomadic tribes.

These communities were formerly classified as "criminal" under the colonial-era Criminal Tribes Act, 1871.

The communities are organizing to push for a "separate column" in the upcoming 2027 Census forms.

Officials of the Social Justice Ministry assured community leaders that they will be counted in the Census during a meeting on January 30.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Social Justice, Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections

Link to Constitutional provisions related to SCs/STs and affirmative action

Potential for questions on government policies and their effectiveness

Visual Insights

Key Fact: No Separate Legal Status for DNTs

The Union government is not considering a proposal for distinct legal and constitutional recognition for Denotified Tribes (DNTs).

DNT Communities in India: 200

More Information

Background

The issue of recognizing and classifying different tribal groups in India has a long history, rooted in colonial-era anthropological studies and administrative practices. The British categorized certain communities as 'criminal tribes' through the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871, stigmatizing them and leading to their social exclusion. After independence, many of these communities were 'denotified,' but the stigma and socio-economic challenges persisted. The Constitution of India provides safeguards and affirmative action for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) under Articles 341 and 342. These articles empower the President to specify castes and tribes as SCs and STs, respectively, after consultation with the state governments. The criteria for inclusion generally involve social, economic, and educational backwardness arising out of traditional practices. The demand for separate legal status for Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) stems from their unique challenges, which often differ from those faced by SCs, STs, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). While some DNTs may be included in existing categories, many argue that their nomadic lifestyle and historical stigmatization require specific policy interventions and constitutional recognition.

Latest Developments

The current debate surrounding DNTs highlights the complexities of social justice and affirmative action in India. While the government has stated that it is not considering a separate legal status, the issue remains a topic of discussion and advocacy. The upcoming 2027 Census is a focal point, with DNT communities pushing for a 'separate column' to accurately enumerate their population. Several committees and commissions have examined the socio-economic conditions of DNTs. The National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (NCDNT), constituted in 2006, made recommendations for their welfare and development. However, implementation of these recommendations has been uneven, and many DNT communities continue to face marginalization and discrimination. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment plays a crucial role in formulating policies and programs for the welfare of DNTs. Schemes like the Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED) aim to provide financial assistance for housing, health insurance, education, and livelihood support. The effectiveness of these schemes and their reach to the intended beneficiaries remain key areas of concern and evaluation.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) in India: 1. The Union government is currently considering a proposal for distinct legal and constitutional recognition for DNTs, on par with SC/ST/OBC classifications. 2. The upcoming 2027 Census may include a 'separate column' for DNTs to ensure accurate enumeration. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.Both 1 and 2
D.Neither 1 nor 2

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The Tribal Affairs Ministry has stated that the Union government is NOT considering any proposal for distinct legal and constitutional recognition for DNTs. Statement 2 is CORRECT: DNT communities are organizing to push for a 'separate column' in the upcoming 2027 Census forms, although this is not yet confirmed.

2. Which of the following statements accurately describes the historical context of Denotified Tribes in India?

A.They were initially classified as Scheduled Tribes immediately after independence.
B.They were formerly categorized as 'criminal tribes' under British colonial rule.
C.They have always enjoyed the same legal status as other Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
D.They were primarily recognized for their economic prosperity and social integration.

Show Answer

Answer: B

Option B is correct. Many Denotified Tribes were previously classified as 'criminal tribes' under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 by the British colonial government. This stigmatization has had lasting social and economic consequences for these communities.

3. Consider the following statements: I. Articles 341 and 342 of the Indian Constitution deal with the specification of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, respectively. II. The President of India is empowered to specify castes and tribes as SCs and STs after consulting with the state governments. III. The criteria for inclusion as SC/ST generally involve only economic backwardness. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.I and II only
B.II and III only
C.I and III only
D.I, II and III

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statements I and II are correct. Articles 341 and 342 deal with SCs and STs, and the President is empowered to specify them after consulting with state governments. Statement III is INCORRECT because the criteria for inclusion involve social, economic, AND educational backwardness.