The impact of classifying denotified tribes

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)

Comprehensive Categorization of Tribes

• The Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) and Tribal Research Institutes (TRI) have classified 268 denotified, semi-nomadic, and nomadic tribes for the first time.
• This study included 1,559 individuals across South and Southeast Asia and recommended the inclusion of 179 communities in the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) lists.
• Among these, 85 communities were classified for the first time.
• However, 63 communities could not be traced, suggesting they may have assimilated or migrated.

Why the Study Was Needed?

• After the repeal of the Criminal Tribes Act in 1949, many tribes were denotified, but their classification remained incomplete.
• Various commissions, including the Kalelkar, Lokur, Mandal, Renke, and Idate Commissions, have tried to address this but faced difficulties.
• The Idate Commission in 2017 found over 1,200 tribes but also highlighted the lack of classification for 267 tribes.
• A Special Committee formed in 2019 gave the task of classification to AnSI and TRIs, who submitted their report in 2023.

Need for Categorization

• The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment stressed the urgency of categorizing these communities for better welfare access.
• Misclassification in previous censuses has led to confusion regarding tribes and castes.
• Some communities remain unclassified, making it difficult for them to avail welfare schemes.

Impact of the Study

• The classification of these tribes is creating political debate, especially regarding reservations for SC, ST, and OBC categories.
• Activists and experts are discussing whether these tribes should be classified separately or included under existing categories.
• The study could ease the process of including these communities in welfare programs.

Next Steps

• The Special Committee is reviewing the report and will prepare a final report for government action.