Denotified Tribes and 2027 Census: Demand for Separate Recognition Explained

Denotified Tribes are demanding separate recognition in the 2027 Census to address historical marginalisation, improve welfare targeting, ensure accurate population data, and strengthen policy inclusion for DNT, NT, and SNT communities in India.

Table of Contents

Context

Denotified Tribes, along with nomadic and semi-nomadic communities, are seeking a separate entry in the 2027 caste Census. Their central concern is that being grouped under Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, or Other Backward Classes has hidden their distinct history of exclusion and their present-day disadvantages.

Historical Roots of Marginalisation

During British rule, several nomadic and semi-nomadic communities were labelled as “criminal” under the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871.
Although the Act was repealed in 1952, the social stigma attached to these communities continued across generations.
After denotification, they were absorbed into existing categories without a distinct constitutional status, leaving their identity and entitlements unclear.

Demand for a Separate Census Category

Community leaders are seeking constitutional recognition through a separate Schedule, on the lines of SCs and STs.
A distinct census column or code is seen as essential to record their population size and living conditions accurately.
The Ministry of Social Justice has supported their inclusion and conveyed this to the Registrar General of India.
While the government has confirmed that they will be counted in the 2027 Census, the framework for doing so is yet to be finalised.

Misclassification and Its Consequences

The Idate Commission (2017) identified about 1,526 DNT, NT and SNT communities across India.
Of these, nearly 269 communities are still outside the SC, ST and OBC lists.
Many others are placed within these categories but remain disadvantaged when compared to socially and politically stronger groups.
This has resulted in limited access to welfare benefits and weak representation in public institutions.

Unequal Levels of Deprivation

DNTs are not a homogeneous group; levels of deprivation vary across communities.
Nomadic groups continue to face deeper disadvantages in education, income, housing and access to services than settled groups.
A 2024 Supreme Court judgment allowing sub-classification within SCs and STs has reinforced demands to recognise such internal differences among DNTs as well.

Gaps in Welfare Implementation

Welfare measures such as the SEED scheme exist but have reached only a small section of the intended beneficiaries.
A major constraint is the reluctance or delay by States in issuing DNT certificates, which blocks access to schemes.
Between 2020 and 2025, only ₹69.3 crore of the ₹200 crore allocated under SEED was utilised.
Low awareness, administrative delays and overlap with other schemes have further reduced impact.

Why Enumeration Is Crucial

Reliable population data is necessary for designing targeted policies, allocating budgets and monitoring outcomes.
At present, there are no official national figures on the size of the DNT population.
Separate and clear enumeration in the 2027 Census is therefore viewed as the foundation for recognition and inclusion.

Major Challenges Faced by DNTs, NTs and SNTs

Continuing stigma: Discrimination rooted in colonial-era labelling persists.
Insecure livelihoods: Limited access to land, housing and stable sources of income.
Administrative barriers: Difficulty in obtaining caste certificates in many States.
Weak representation: Minimal presence in decision-making bodies and welfare institutions.

Idate Commission (2014)

Objective: To identify and document DNTs, NTs and SNTs across the country.
Focus: Communities excluded from SC, ST and OBC lists and their development needs.
Key recommendations:
- Establish a permanent statutory body for these communities.
- Bring unclassified groups within existing reservation frameworks.
- Strengthen legal safeguards and State-level welfare mechanisms.
- Conduct a nationwide survey to estimate population and distribution.
Current status: Instead of a permanent commission, the government created the Development and Welfare Board for DNTs under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Government Initiatives

SEED Scheme (2022):

- - Provides coaching for competitive exams, health insurance, livelihood support and housing assistance.
  - Allocated ₹200 crore over five years and implemented through the DWBDNC.

Education-focused measures:

- Dr Ambedkar Pre- and Post-Matric Scholarships for DNT students not covered under SC, ST or OBC categories.
- Nanaji Deshmukh Hostel Scheme to support students pursuing education away from home.

Way Forward

Administrative measures: Expedite classification and issue caste certificates with clear identifiers.
Improving welfare delivery: Increase awareness and simplify access to schemes like SEED through local institutions and NGOs.
Data and representation: Conduct a comprehensive caste-based census and encourage community participation in policy-making.
Institutional reform: Establish a permanent statutory body and district-level grievance mechanisms to address exclusion and discrimination.