De-notified, nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes must have their own separate entry in forthcoming Census: Ganesh Devy

The demand by veteran linguist Ganesh Devy for a separate entry for De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) in the forthcoming Census is a critical issue that underscores India's ongoing struggle with social justice, accurate data collection, and inclusive governance. This demand, coupled with his questioning of the Census timing in 2027, brings to the forefront the historical marginalization and current challenges faced by these communities. **Background Context: A Legacy of Stigma and Neglect** To understand the significance of Devy's demand, one must delve into the historical context of DNTs. These communities, comprising approximately 10-12% of India's population (though exact figures are elusive due to lack of enumeration), are descendants of groups that were branded as 'hereditary criminals' under the draconian Criminal Tribes Act (CTA) of 1871 by the British colonial administration. This Act, which continued well into independent India, criminalized entire communities based on birth, subjecting them to surveillance, forced resettlement, and severe social stigma. Even after the repeal of the CTA in 1952, these communities were merely 'de-notified' rather than 'rehabilitated' or 're-integrated.' This historical trauma left an indelible mark, leading to generations of poverty, landlessness, illiteracy, and systemic discrimination. Many DNTs continue to live on the fringes of society, often without permanent addresses, ration cards, or access to basic welfare schemes, making their enumeration a complex challenge. **What Happened: The Call for Explicit Recognition** Currently, DNTs are not listed as a distinct category in the Census. They are often subsumed under Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC), depending on their specific state-level classifications. This lack of a separate identity in national data collection mechanisms means their unique socio-economic vulnerabilities remain largely invisible. Ganesh Devy's demand for a 'separate entry' is not merely about statistical accuracy; it's about acknowledging their distinct historical injustice and ensuring targeted policy interventions. He also highlighted the delay of the Census, originally due in 2021, now potentially in 2027. A Census is the bedrock of evidence-based policymaking, and such a delay significantly impacts the ability to address contemporary social and economic challenges, particularly for vulnerable groups like DNTs, thereby undermining the cause of social justice. **Key Stakeholders Involved** Several key stakeholders are central to this issue. Firstly, the **DNT communities themselves** are the primary beneficiaries and advocates, striving for recognition and justice. Secondly, **Ganesh Devy**, as a prominent intellectual and activist, acts as a powerful voice amplifying their concerns. Thirdly, the **Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment** is the nodal ministry responsible for the welfare of DNTs. Fourthly, the **Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India** is the authority responsible for conducting the Census and determining its methodology. Fifthly, various **National Commissions** play a crucial role: the **National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic & Semi-Nomadic Tribes (NCDNT)**, established in 2006 (Renke Commission) and later reconstituted, has specifically recommended a separate category for DNTs. Other commissions like the National Commission for Backward Classes also have a bearing on their classification. Finally, **civil society organizations and academics** are crucial in advocacy and research. **Why This Matters for India: Social Justice and Governance** The accurate enumeration and recognition of DNTs are fundamental to India's commitment to social justice and inclusive development. Without precise data, it is impossible to design and implement effective welfare schemes, ensure equitable resource allocation, or monitor the impact of policies. For instance, schemes like the Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED), launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, aim to provide free coaching, health insurance, livelihood support, and housing. However, the success and reach of such schemes are severely hampered by the absence of reliable data on the target population. Granting DNTs a separate entry would ensure their unique needs are addressed, potentially leading to specific reservation policies, land rights, and greater political representation, thus correcting a historical wrong and fostering greater equity in line with the Preamble's ideals of Justice – social, economic, and political. **Constitutional Articles and Policy References** Several constitutional provisions are relevant. **Article 340** empowers the President to appoint a Commission to investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes and make recommendations. This article is the basis for identifying DNTs as a backward class. **Article 46** mandates the State to promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, and, in particular, of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, and to protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation. While DNTs are not explicitly mentioned as a category, their inclusion under 'weaker sections' necessitates state action. The **National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic & Semi-Nomadic Tribes (NCDNT)**, under the I.D. Gaddi Commission (2015-2018), extensively studied DNTs and recommended their inclusion as a separate category, a key policy document supporting Devy's demand. The very act of conducting a Census falls under the Union List (Entry 69) of the Seventh Schedule, empowering the central government to legislate on this matter. **Future Implications** A separate Census entry for DNTs could have transformative implications. It would provide empirical data crucial for evidence-based policymaking, enabling targeted schemes for education, housing, health, and livelihood. This could lead to a significant improvement in their Human Development Index indicators. Politically, it might pave the way for specific reservation quotas or greater political representation, giving these historically voiceless communities a stronger say in governance. However, challenges remain in defining and categorizing these diverse groups, some of whom are already included in SC/ST/OBC lists. The delay in the Census itself is a broader governance concern, impacting not just DNTs but all aspects of national planning. The government's decision on Devy's demand will be a litmus test for its commitment to inclusive social justice and addressing the legacies of colonial-era injustices in modern India.