De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs):
Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC) members wrote to PM seeking permanent commission status, staff, funds, and financial powers.
- De-notified Tribes (DNTs): Communities once listed under Criminal Tribes Act, 1871 by British, branded as “born criminals.”
- Nomadic Tribes (NTs): Groups practicing seasonal/continuous migration for livelihood (salt trading, animal rearing, folk entertainment).
- Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs): Follow less frequent, shorter migrations compared to nomads.
Current Status in India:
- Population: Around 10% of India’s population (~13 crore people).
- Spread: 150 DNT groups, ~500 nomadic communities across states.
Cultural & Social Character:
- Rich cultural traditions, own deities, festivals, oral literature, and dispute-resolution systems.
- Traditionally moved in groups of 5–20 families; annual camps used for reunions, marriages, cattle trade.
