NHRC on Idate Commission Report

Why is it in the news?

The National Human Rights Commission emphasizes the necessity of implementing the Idate Commission

About Idate Commission (National Commission for Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes)

Constituted in 2014 under Bhiku Ramji Idate.
Mandated to address the issues of Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs).

Major Recommendations of Idate Commission

Advocate for establishing a permanent commission for DNTs, SNTs, and NTs with statutory status.
Recommend the creation of a separate department for their welfare in states with significant populations.
Suggest conducting a detailed survey of DNT families to estimate population and concentration.
Emphasize the need for legal and Constitutional protection, including a third schedule in the Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989.
Propose that DNTs not included in SCs/STs/OBCs lists should be listed as OBCs.

About DNTs

· These are the Communities labelled as criminals under the Criminal Tribes Act 1871 by the British.

· The Act aimed at preventing future engagement in criminal activities.

· It has forced alienation from traditional occupations and habitations.

· Later, the Act was repealed in 1952, declaring them as DNTs.

Challenges Faced by DNTs:

· No Central recognition or separate group status (like SC/STs) under the Constitution.

· Outside the purview of government welfare initiatives.

· Lack of education and basic infrastructure facilities such as drinking water, shelter, healthcare.

Welfare Initiatives:

· Development and Welfare Board for DNTs established in 2019 for 3 years (extendable to 5 years).

· Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED) focusing on education, health insurance, livelihoods, and housing.

AMIGOS IAS