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Source: TH
Why in news?
Denotified Tribes (DNTs), Nomadic Tribes (NTs) and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs) across India have demanded a separate column in the 2027 caste Census and constitutional recognition through a distinct Schedule, arguing that they are politically and administratively misclassified within existing SC, ST and OBC categories.
Who are Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes?
- These communities were historically branded as “criminal tribes” under the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871, a colonial law.
- The Act was repealed in 1952, after which these groups came to be known as Denotified Tribes.
- Many remain highly mobile, landless and socially excluded.
Key Demands
- Separate column/code in Census 2027
- To ensure accurate enumeration and visibility.
- Constitutional recognition
- Inclusion in a separate Schedule, on par with SCs and STs.
- Sub-classification
- Recognition of graded backwardness within DNT/NT/SNT groups.
- Inspired by a 2024 Supreme Court judgment allowing sub-classification within SCs and STs.
- Proper community certificates
- To enable access to welfare schemes.
