- Denotified Tribes, also known as Vimukta Jatis, are communities that were collectively branded as criminal tribes during British rule.
- These groups are largely nomadic or semi-nomadic, historically dependent on occupations such as pastoralism, salt trading, acrobatics, snake charming, transport services, and artisanal work.
- In 1871, the colonial government enacted the Criminal Tribes Act, declaring entire communities as addicted to crime by birth.
- The law was repealed in 1952, after Independence, and the communities were officially denotified, giving rise to the term Denotified Tribes.
Associated Committees
- Ayyangar Committee (1949): After the independence of India, the Criminal Tribes Enquiry Committee was set up in 1949-1950 and was chaired by M Ananthsayanam Ayyangar.The Committee also emphasised the need for the allocation of adequate funds for their welfare and rehabilitation.
- Kalelkar Committee (1953): The first Backward Class Commission was appointed under the Chairmanship of Mr Kakasaheb Kalelkar.
- Renke Commission (2008): There are nearly 1,500 nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes and 198 Denotified tribes, comprising 15 crore Indians. The Renke Commission estimated their population at around 10.74 crore based on the Census 2001.
- Idate Commission (2014): The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment took a historic decision to constitute a National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes for three years. To prepare a state-wise list of castes belonging to DNTs.
Government Initiatives
- Scheme for Economic Empowerment of Denotified/ Nomadic/ Semi-Nomadic (SEED) Scheme
- It was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- Aim to provide free competitive exam coaching, health insurance, housing assistance, and livelihood initiatives at the community level, and financial assistance for the construction of houses will be provided to the members of DNT communities.
Source: The Hindu