A powerful movement is underway, demanding recognition and justice for India's denotified, nomadic, and semi-nomadic tribes. These communities, often overlooked and marginalized, are pushing for a separate identity in the upcoming 2027 Census. But here's where it gets controversial: they seek constitutional recognition, a separate column in the Census forms, and a fight for their rights is gaining momentum.
The roots of this movement trace back to the colonial era, when entire communities were branded as "criminals" due to their nomadic lifestyle or resistance against colonial rule. This stigma persisted even after the Criminal Tribes Act was repealed in 1952, leading to the emergence of the denotified tribes.
Now, these tribes are demanding a place in the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Tribes (STs) classifications, on par with other backward classes (OBCs). The Social Justice Ministry has recommended their inclusion in the upcoming Census, but the tribes fear they will be lost again if not counted separately.
"If we are not counted in a separate column, we will vanish once more," says Balak Ram Sansi, a community organizer. This sentiment echoes across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and other northern states, where leaders are advocating for their own Schedule, a distinct category in the Census.
But this is just the beginning. Some leaders are taking it a step further, emphasizing the need to recognize "graded backwardness" within these communities. They argue that sub-classification should go hand in hand with a separate Schedule, ensuring that the unique challenges faced by settled and nomadic denotified communities are addressed.
Dr. B.K. Lodhi, a community organizer, draws inspiration from a 2024 Supreme Court judgment that paved the way for sub-classification of SCs and STs. He believes this is the key to ensuring these communities receive the attention and support they deserve.
"Our communities were the first to confront the British, and their resistance led to our classification as 'criminal tribes,'" explains Mr. Sansi. "Even after denotification, we continue to face stigma and discrimination. Local police treat us as habitual offenders, and our educational and economic opportunities remain limited."
The last National Commission for DNTs identified over 1,200 such tribes, most of which have been assimilated into SC, ST, or OBC classifications. However, about 267 DNT communities remain unclassified, highlighting the need for a separate Schedule.
"We need a separate Schedule to recognize our specific situation and the stigma we carry," says Dr. Lodhi. "Sub-classification within this Schedule will acknowledge the graded backwardness between settled and nomadic communities."
The lack of caste certificates and proper recognition has hindered the tribes' access to government schemes and benefits. Despite efforts like the SEED scheme, only a small percentage of people are benefiting due to the reluctance of state and union territory governments to issue DNT certificates.
As associations and community leaders gather to discuss their future, the focus remains on being counted and recognized. "We are asked about our numbers everywhere we go," says Mohit Tanwar. "It's time our voices are heard and our presence is acknowledged."
This movement is a call for justice, a chance to right historical wrongs, and an opportunity to ensure these communities are not left behind. Will the 2027 Census bring the change they seek? The answer lies in the hands of those who hold the power to recognize and respect the diversity of India's tribes.
