Nomadic Tribes (NT) and Denotified Tribes (DNT) represent some of India’s most marginalized groups. Historically labeled as “criminal tribes” under the Criminal Tribes Act (CTA) of 1871, these communities faced systematic discrimination. Although repealed in 1952, this stigma persists, perpetuating social exclusion and denying them access to essential rights, including education.
Barriers to Education for NT-DNT Communities
1. Lack of Documentation
Due to their nomadic lifestyle, many NT-DNT families lack essential documentation, such as caste certificates and residence proofs, which are prerequisites for school enrolment.
- Impact: 61.8% of nomadic tribes do not possess caste certificates, and 71.7% of children from these communities remain out of school.
- Example: In Maharashtra, continuous migration makes proving residency nearly impossible, further excluding children from reservation benefits.
2. Social Discrimination
Caste-based discrimination continues to alienate NT-DNT students. Studies reveal that:
- 71.5% of Pardhi children face discrimination in schools.
- Many are denied access to shared resources like drinking water and are labeled derogatorily.
Such stigmatization leads to feelings of alienation and high dropout rates.
3. Legal and Institutional Barriers
Although the CTA was repealed, laws like the Habitual Offenders’ Act retain the spirit of colonial-era surveillance.
- Example: In 2023, 150 Pardhi community members, including children, were unjustly arrested in Pune. Incidents like this disrupt the lives of NT-DNT children and hinder their educational prospects.
4. Policy Failures
Government initiatives, such as the SEED scheme (2022), remain ineffective due to bureaucratic inefficiencies.
- Reality Check: Despite a budget of ₹200 crore, none of the applications under SEED were approved by the end of 2022.
- Additionally, 269 NT-DNT communities remain outside the SC/ST/OBC classifications, excluding them from reservation benefits.
Historical Context and Continuing Challenges
The colonial-era classification of NT-DNT communities as “criminal tribes” disrupted their socio-economic development. While independent India officially denotified these tribes, the lack of proactive measures to dismantle entrenched stigma has kept these communities marginalized.
Statistical Insights
- Only 0.8% of DNT students access higher education.
- 65.6% of Gadia Lohar children had never enrolled in school, a figure starkly above the national average.
Policy Recommendations for Inclusive Education
- Comprehensive Documentation Drives
Provide NT-DNT families with streamlined access to caste certificates, residence proofs, and identity documentation. - Reservation Policies
Implement the Renke Commission’s recommendation of a 10% reservation quota for DNTs, even if it exceeds existing limits. - Anti-Discrimination Mechanisms
Mandate anti-discrimination guidelines in schools to ensure inclusive environments for NT-DNT children. - Targeted Educational Programs
Launch mobile schooling and community-based learning programs tailored to nomadic lifestyles.
Conclusion
Addressing the exclusion of NT-DNT communities from education requires dismantling historical stigmas, improving policy implementation, and fostering social inclusion. Only then can these communities achieve equitable access to education and break free from cycles of marginalization.
