Context:

The Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), along with the Tribal Research Institutes (TRI) across India, has recently completed a monumental ethnographic study that categorizes 268 denotified, semi-nomadic, and nomadic tribes that were previously unclassified. This marks a significant milestone in India's efforts to provide a clear classification for these marginalized communities. After three years of research, the study recommends that 179 communities be included in the lists of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).

Need for Categorization

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment in its December 2022 report stressed the urgency of addressing the categorization delays to prevent further hardship for these communities in accessing welfare schemes.

The issue of incorrect or incomplete classification has had far-reaching consequences, with some communities incorrectly classified as castes instead of tribes or vice versa.

Challenges in Previous Efforts:

Several commissions, including the Kaka Kalelkar Commission (1953), the Lokur Committee (1965), the Mandal Commission (1980), the Renke Commission (2008), and the Idate Commission (2017), attempted to classify these communities but fell short of a comprehensive solution.

The Idate Commission (2017) identified over 1,200 denotified, semi-nomadic, and nomadic tribes but also pointed out 267 unclassified communities, calling for a thorough classification.

About De-notified:

DNTs (De-notified Tribes) refer to communities that were historically labeled as “born criminals” by the British colonial government under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871. The Act was repealed in 1952, but the impact persisted, leading to the identification of these communities as De-notified Tribes (DNTs). Nomadic and seminomadic tribes also part of de notified groups.

What are Nomadic Tribes?

Nomadic Tribes are communities that traditionally move from place to place in search of livelihood. They do not settle in one location for extended periods. The nomadic lifestyle often involves herding, hunting, gathering, or trading. Some well-known Nomadic Tribes in India include:

• Van Gujjars (primarily pastoral)
• Lambadis (engaged in trade)
• Gujjar-Bakarwals (herding)

What are Semi-Nomadic Tribes?

Semi-Nomadic Tribes have a lifestyle that combines settled and nomadic elements. These tribes may practice agriculture during certain seasons while engaging in nomadic activities such as herding, trading, or migration during other times of the year.

Examples of Semi-Nomadic Tribes include:

• Raikas: Primarily pastoral, moving with livestock but also practicing agriculture.
• Banjaras: Engage in trade and movement but may settle for agricultural activities during certain periods.

What Lies Ahead?

The Special Committee, which includes members from NITI Aayog and AnSI, is currently scrutinizing the recommendations and will soon prepare a final report.

Once completed, the Indian Government will decide on the next course of action, potentially leading to the official recognition and inclusion of these communities in the relevant social welfare lists.