De-notified tribes

 De-notified tribes (DNTs) are communities in India that were once classified as "criminal tribes" by the British colonial government under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871. The Act criminalized entire communities and imposed strict surveillance and control measures on them, including forced settlement, regular registration, and restrictions on their movement and livelihoods. The communities that were labeled as "criminal tribes" were stigmatized and marginalized, and many of them continue to face discrimination and social exclusion even after independence.

The Criminal Tribes Act was repealed in 1949, and the communities that were once labeled as "criminal tribes" were officially "de-notified." However, the stigma and discrimination associated with their past criminalization continue to affect these communities even today. Many DNTs face significant barriers in accessing education, employment, and other basic services due to their social status and historical marginalization.

There are estimated to be over 200 DNTs in India, spread across various regions of the country. Some of the major DNT communities include the Pardhis, the Kanjars, the Nat community, and the Sansi community. These communities are predominantly involved in occupations such as hunting, gathering, and itinerant trading, which were deemed "criminal" by the British colonial government.

The de-notified tribes face a range of challenges in accessing education, healthcare, and other basic services. Many DNTs live in poverty and face discrimination in accessing housing, employment, and other resources. They are often denied access to government welfare schemes and other forms of social protection due to their lack of official recognition as a disadvantaged community. Additionally, DNTs are often subject to police harassment and brutality due to their criminalized past and perceived association with criminal activities.

Despite the challenges they face, DNT communities have organized themselves to advocate for their rights and demand recognition as equal citizens of India. Several civil society organizations are working to empower and support these communities, including through initiatives such as legal aid, education and livelihood training, and community development programs. The government has also taken steps to provide support to DNT communities, including through the establishment of a National Commission for De-Notified and Nomadic Tribes.

In conclusion, the de-notified tribes in India represent a historically marginalized and stigmatized community that has faced significant discrimination and social exclusion due to their criminalization by the colonial government. Despite their official de-notification, DNTs continue to face challenges in accessing basic services and rights, and their status as a disadvantaged community needs to be recognized and addressed. Civil society organizations and government initiatives have a critical role to play in supporting and empowering DNT communities and ensuring their equal participation in Indian society.

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