Examine the State of denotified tribes, and why policy makers should be critical about a programme for their development?.
Denotified tribes (DNTs) are communities or groups that were ‘notified’ as being ‘born criminal’ during the British regime. They were considered as habitual offenders and stigmatized as criminals by the colonial government.
Historical evidences
- Criminalized
The British government had legislated Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 to bring such tribes under the purview of regime. The whole tribe was considered criminals.
- Socially ostracized
The criminal law ostracized them from rest of the society. This created a stigma associated with them, which prevented them from coming forward.
Challenges faced by denotified tribes
- Illiteracy
Many tribes are nomadic in nature and live in isolated places with very little scope for education. This makes their development a big challenge.
- Lack of political support
They do not have significant population to command political support or influence. This has resulted in them being ignored.
- No reservation benefits
Most of these groups do not come under SC or ST categories, which prevent them from enjoying benefits of state sponsored reservation.
Vulnerability of the group
- Secluded locations
These tribes live in locations that are not easily accessible, preventing them from joining the mainstream. It has made them more vulnerable.
- No state benefits
Without state benefits, these groups will continue to remain in their rudimentary state. They will not see any major social or economic growth.
Thus, the government has formed commission to look after the welfare of these groups but no concrete development has taken place in this regard.
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