Dalvoy Logo
Dalvoy
UPSC MainsGENERAL-STUDIES-PAPER-I201112 Marks150 Words
Q18.

Problems specific to the denotified and nomadic tribes in India.

How to Approach

This question requires a nuanced understanding of the historical and contemporary challenges faced by Denotified and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) in India. The answer should focus on the specific problems they encounter – social, economic, and political – and avoid generalizations about marginalized communities. Structure the answer by first defining DNTs, then detailing the problems categorized into social, economic, and political spheres, and finally, briefly mentioning the ongoing efforts. A problem-solution approach within each category will be beneficial.

Model Answer

0 min read

Introduction

Denotified and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) comprise approximately 10 crore people in India, representing a significant yet historically marginalized segment of the population. These communities were originally classified as ‘criminal tribes’ under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 during British rule, a legacy that continues to impact their socio-economic status. Despite the repeal of the Act in 1952 and subsequent attempts at rehabilitation, DNTs continue to face systemic discrimination, exclusion, and a multitude of unique challenges that hinder their integration into mainstream society. Understanding these specific problems is crucial for formulating effective policies and ensuring social justice.

Social Problems

DNTs face deep-rooted social stigma stemming from their historical branding as ‘criminal tribes’. This leads to:

  • Social Exclusion & Discrimination: They are often ostracized and denied access to basic services like education, healthcare, and housing.
  • Lack of Recognition: Many DNTs lack formal identity documents, making them invisible to the state and hindering their access to welfare schemes.
  • Internalized Stigma: Generations of discrimination have led to internalized stigma, affecting their self-esteem and social mobility.
  • Gender-Based Vulnerabilities: Women and girls within these communities are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking, and early marriage.

Example: The Pardhi community in Madhya Pradesh continues to face social ostracization due to their historical association with hunting, impacting their ability to integrate into settled communities.

Economic Problems

The nomadic and denotified lifestyle of these tribes presents significant economic hurdles:

  • Lack of Land Ownership: Historically, DNTs did not own land, and this continues to be a major barrier to economic empowerment.
  • Limited Access to Employment: Their lack of education and skills restricts them to low-paying, insecure jobs, often involving manual labor.
  • Seasonal and Unstable Income: Many DNTs rely on seasonal occupations like forest produce collection, animal husbandry, or traditional crafts, leading to income instability.
  • Financial Exclusion: They often lack access to formal banking and credit facilities, making them vulnerable to exploitation by moneylenders.

Statistic: According to a 2019 report by the National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, the literacy rate among DNTs is significantly lower than the national average, standing at around 28% (Knowledge Cutoff: 2023).

Political & Administrative Problems

DNTs face challenges in accessing political representation and administrative support:

  • Lack of Political Representation: Their dispersed population and lack of political organization hinder their effective representation in local and national governance.
  • Administrative Neglect: They often fall through the cracks of existing welfare schemes due to their lack of documentation and nomadic lifestyle.
  • Difficulty in Accessing Justice: They face barriers in accessing the legal system due to their lack of awareness, financial constraints, and social discrimination.
  • Absence of Specific Policies: Until recently, there was a lack of comprehensive policies specifically addressing the needs of DNTs.

Table: Comparison of Acts & Commissions related to DNTs

Act/Commission Year Key Features
Criminal Tribes Act 1871 Categorized certain communities as ‘criminal tribes’, leading to social stigma and discrimination.
Repeal of Criminal Tribes Act 1952 Removed the ‘criminal tribe’ designation but failed to address the underlying social and economic issues.
National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes 2006 Recommended comprehensive measures for the social, economic, and educational development of DNTs.
Development of DNTs Scheme 2022 Central Sector Scheme for welfare of DNTs.

Conclusion

The problems faced by Denotified and Nomadic Tribes in India are multifaceted and deeply rooted in historical injustices and systemic discrimination. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that includes providing access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities, ensuring social inclusion, and strengthening political representation. The recent launch of the Development of DNTs Scheme is a positive step, but its effective implementation and expansion are crucial for achieving meaningful and sustainable change. A continued focus on affirmative action, targeted interventions, and community participation is essential to ensure that these marginalized communities are brought into the mainstream and enjoy the fruits of development.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

Evaluate your handwritten answer in under a minute

Free trial available • Trusted by 1,00,000+ aspirants

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Denotified Tribes
Communities that were formerly classified as ‘criminal tribes’ under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 but were denotified after India’s independence.
Nomadic Tribes
Communities who move from place to place, typically following traditional routes, for livelihood purposes, often engaging in pastoralism, trade, or seasonal labor.

Key Statistics

As per the 2011 Census, the Scheduled Tribes population in India is 8.2% of the total population, but DNTs, though a larger group, are not officially categorized as Scheduled Tribes.

Source: Census of India, 2011

The National Commission for DNTs estimated that around 15% of India’s population belongs to DNT communities (Knowledge Cutoff: 2023).

Source: National Commission for DNTs Report, 2019

Examples

The Siddis of Gujarat

The Siddis, an African-Indian community, are a DNT facing challenges related to land rights, education, and healthcare despite their unique cultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Why were certain tribes designated as ‘criminal tribes’ during British rule?

The British colonial administration designated certain tribes as ‘criminal tribes’ based on their perceived propensity for banditry and resistance to colonial rule. This was often a pretext for controlling and exploiting these communities.

Back to all GENERAL-STUDIES-PAPER-I 2011 questions