Forgotten tribes

For generations, nomadic and denotified tribes (DNTs) have endured a fate more harrowing than that of other marginalised groups. Systematically rendered invisible by the State and its institutions, they have long been stigmatised as ‘born criminals,’ a label imposed by colonial rulers. These groups included minstrels, fakirs, mendicants, traders, snake charmers, and hobo acrobats.

In 1871, the British codified these communities into a formal list of ‘Criminal Tribes’ through legislation. Although this Act was replaced by the Habitual Offenders Act in 1952 and eventually repealed, the stigma persisted. These communities, now categorised as nomadic and denotified tribes, continue to face systemic neglect. Despite changes in nomenclature, promises of basic rights and targeted interventions remain woefully inadequate. Law enforcement agencies still brand them as ‘thieves,’ ‘looters,’ and ‘illegal settlers.’

In December 2022, the Parliamentary Panel on Social Justice and Empowerment criticised the Union government for its sluggish efforts to categorise over 260 denotified, nomadic, and semi-nomadic tribes under the SC, ST, or OBC lists.

Two years later, at a stakeholder meeting in January 2025 chaired by Union Social Justice Minister Virendra Kumar Khatik, the government resolved to urge states and UTs to issue Denotified Tribe certifications along with regular caste certificates; devise schemes to provide land to landless nomadic families; form district-level complaints committees; and expedite access to the Pradhan Mantri Grameen Awas Yojana.

While these steps mark progress, sustainable livelihoods, unlocking the potential of denotified communities, and fostering an equitable future remain pressing needs.

Another contention is the lack of leadership representation from within these communities. The Development and Welfare Board for Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-nomadic Communities (DWBDNC) remains without a permanent chairman, with the secretary of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment holding additional charge.

Over a year ago, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) emphasised implementing the Idate Commission Report, which recommended establishing a permanent commission, conducting a detailed caste census, and classifying these communities based on their socio-economic status. Yet, the 2017 report remains in cold storage, leaving these ostracised communities without constitutional recognition under the SC/ST/OBC categories.

The Renke Commission Report of 2008 estimated the population of denotified-nomadic at 10.74 crores based on the 2001 census. Today, this figure is expected to be around 25 crore. Despite their significant numbers, their voices remain unheard. Over the past decade, the Union Ministry of Social Justice has repeatedly assured interventions.

However, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s larger narrative around tribal identity, which focuses on reclaiming historical figures as symbols of resistance to foreign invaders, has overshadowed these communities’ pressing concerns.

Troubled by widespread prejudice—from citizens to law enforcement—the DNTs lead a perilous existence bereft of basic rights. Communities like saperas (snake-charmers), madaris (street jugglers), banjaras (gipsies), bahuroopis (impersonators), lohars (blacksmiths), kathputlis(puppeteers), and aaradhis (devotional crooners) have contributed to India’s rich cultural heritage for centuries.

In 1950, the Ayyanagar Report on the Criminal Tribes Act Inquiry Committee highlighted that the branding of these groups as ‘born criminals’ was rooted in economic factors. Later, a cultural mapping initiative by linguist G N Devy and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) documented their professional hazards and the systemic invisibilisation of their identities.

The Scheme for the Economic Empowerment of Denotified Tribes/Nomadic/Semi-Nomadic Communities (SEED), launched in February 2022, was designed to provide livelihood, education, healthcare, and housing support. However, its implementation has faced several delays. By late 2024, over 7,000 Ayushman Bharat health cards were distributed, and coaching centres had started operating in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.

Yet, challenges remain, especially in identifying genuine beneficiaries, as many denotified tribes already fall under SC, ST, or OBC allocations. Social sector NGOs must collaborate with state governments in affected regions like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana to ensure effective implementation.

The systemic exploitation of denotified tribes drives them to the fringes of society, eroding their cultural capital and diminishing India’s heritage in art, languages, and performance-based professions. The plight of these communities underscores the intersection of systemic marginalisation, patriarchal oppression, and state neglect.

(The writer is a commentator on politics and society and has been contributing to premier publications for decades)