Distinct Enumeration of DNTs in Census 2027 Explained

Context

Leaders from Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) have approached the Supreme Court of India seeking a direction to ensure separate identification of their communities in the upcoming census exercise. The petition argues that proper enumeration is necessary to design targeted welfare policies and address long-standing social disadvantages.

Background of the Petition

• Historically: Many DNT communities were earlier labelled as “criminal tribes” under colonial laws, leading to long-term social stigma and marginalisation.
• Current demand for Separate Census: Petitioners’ request: Community representatives led by Dakxinkumar Bajrange have asked that the 2027 Census forms include a specific question identifying DNT communities.

Two Phases of the Census

• Houselisting phase: This stage records information about households and housing conditions. Petitioners argue that a DNT-related question should be included here because many communities are nomadic or semi-nomadic.
• Population enumeration phase: This phase collects detailed demographic data about individuals, including caste and social category.

Status of Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) in India

Population Share

• Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes are estimated to constitute around 10% of India’s population.
• Despite their large numbers, many of these communities remain socially and economically marginalised and lack adequate policy attention.

National Commission for DNTs

• In 2014, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment set up the National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (NCDNT) under the chairmanship of Bhiku Ramji Idate for a three-year period.
• Mandate of the Commission:
  • Prepare a State-wise list of communities belonging to DNTs.
  • Recommend policy measures and welfare initiatives that could be implemented by the Central and State governments to improve their socio-economic conditions.
• The Commission submitted its report on 8 January 2018, identifying 1,235 DNT communities across the country.

Earlier Commission on DNTs

• Prior to this, the government had constituted the National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes in 2008 under the chairmanship of Balkrishna Sidram Renke.
• Its objective was to identify and document DNT communities and assess their socio-economic conditions, laying the foundation for later policy initiatives.

Development and Welfare Board for DNT Communities

• Based on the recommendations of the Idate Commission, the government established the Development and Welfare Board for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities in 2019.
• Role of the Board: It is responsible for designing, coordinating and implementing welfare and development programmes aimed at improving the living conditions of DNT communities.

Idate Commission (2014)

Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED)

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