For centuries, many nomadic and semi-nomadic communities in India lived without permanent homes or official recognition. In 1871, during British rule, they were unjustly branded as “criminal tribes,” forcing members to register with local authorities. Though this stigma was legally removed in 1952, social discrimination continued.
Today, over 10 crore people across 1,400 communities belong to the Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs). In Andhra Pradesh alone, more than 60 tribes fall under this category. These communities often face exclusion from education, healthcare, and welfare schemes due to lack of identity documents.
Since 2014, the Government of India has taken historic steps to bring change. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the National Commission for DNTs was formed, and in 2019, a Development and Welfare Board was set up. In 2022, a special scheme with ₹200 crore was launched to provide free skill training, scholarships, hostels, housing, and self-employment support.
These initiatives aim to turn a “life without address” into a life of dignity and opportunity. As PM Modi said, “The welfare of these tribes is not just justice, but a pillar of national development.”
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