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 · Later, the Act was repealed in 1952, declaring them as DNTs.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