Demand for Permanent National Commission for DNTs
Context
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Recent national conference on Denotified Tribes (DNTs) held in New Delhi.
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The central demand was the establishment of a permanent national commission for Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs, NTs, and SNTs).
Idate Commission (2015–2018)
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Headed by Bhiku Ramji Idate.
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Final report submitted in 2018.
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Key recommendations:
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Completion of classification of DNT/NT/SNT communities.
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Formation of a permanent statutory commission for their protection and development.
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Criticism and Concerns Raised
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Neglect of Idate Commission recommendations.
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NITI Aayog and several ministries had supported the idea in principle.
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Sudden policy reversal: Government stated “there is no need” for a permanent commission.
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The DWBDNC is viewed as ineffective, lacking authority, budget, or monitoring mechanisms.
Significance of a Permanent Commission
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Historical injustice: DNTs were wrongly criminalized under British-era Criminal Tribes Act (1871).
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Marginalization and exclusion persist post-Independence.
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A statutory, empowered, and representative body can:
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Drive welfare and education schemes.
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Ensure effective classification, policy targeting, and resource allocation.
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Provide institutional voice and grievance redressal.
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Way Forward
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Revisit and act on Idate Commission’s report.
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Parliamentary intervention and broader public discourse on DNT rights.
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Convert the DWBDNC into a permanent statutory commission with budgetary and policy autonomy.
Development and Welfare Board for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC)
Background and Establishment
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Set up in 2019 under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The Development and Welfare Board for the Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC), a Society Registered under Societies Registration ACT 1860, has been constituted by the Government of India.
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Formed in lieu of the recommendation of the Bhiku Ramji Idate Commission (2018).
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Aimed at ensuring welfare, inclusion, and rights-based development of DNTs, NTs, and SNTs.
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However, activists allege it is a "toothless" board lacking statutory powers.
Headquarters
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Located in New Delhi.
Composition
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Chairperson: Appointed by the Government of India.
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Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Rank of Joint Secretary to GoI; also acts as Member Secretary.
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Other Members:
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Joint Secretary (Dept. of Social Justice & Empowerment)
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Representative from Ministry of Tribal Affairs
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Representative from Department of School Education
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Five eminent persons (from or working with DNT/NT/SNT communities) nominated by the Centre.
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Tenure:
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Chairperson and CEO appointed for 3 years, extendable up to 5 years.
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Terms of Reference
a) Policy Formulation & Programme Implementation
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Design and roll out dedicated welfare and development programmes for DNT/NT/SNTs.
b) Community Mapping
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Identify regions with dense population of these communities.
c) Gap Analysis
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Study obstacles in accessing existing schemes and collaborate with implementing agencies to ensure inclusion.
d) Monitoring & Evaluation
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Evaluate the performance and outcome tracking of schemes implemented by the Centre and States/UTs.
e) Additional Responsibilities
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Take up other assignments from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The SEED scheme targets families with an annual income of ₹2.50 lakh or less, who are not availing benefits from similar schemes of the central or state governments. The scheme includes four key components for the welfare of the DNT communities:
- Providing quality coaching to DNT candidates for competitive examinations,
- Providing health insurance to DNT communities,
- Promoting livelihood initiatives at the community level for small groups within DNT/NT/SNT communities,
- Providing financial assistance to DNT individuals for constructing houses.