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Idate Commission Report: 29 Jan 2024

The National Human Rights Commission had urged the implementation of Idate Commission recommendations for Nomadic, Semi-Nomadic, and De-Notified Tribes (NTs, SNTs, DNTs) in India.

About Nomadic, Semi-Nomadic, and De-Notified Tribes (NTs, SNTs, DNTs):

  • Known as ‘Vimukt Jatis’, they are highly vulnerable and disadvantaged.
  • DNTs were labeled ‘born criminals’ during British rule, de-notified in 1952.
  • Nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes are traditionally itinerant.
  • Most DNTs fall under SC, ST, OBC categories, but some remain unclassified.

Idate Commission:

  • Formed in 2014, led by Bhiku Ramji Idate.
  • Aimed to catalogue DNTs and recommend welfare measures.
  • Focused on communities outside SC, ST, OBC categories.

Major Recommendations of Idate Commission:

  • Include unlisted individuals in OBC category.
  • Enhance legal safeguards, possibly through a third schedule in the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
  • Establish a permanent commission for DNTs, SNTs, NTs.
  • Create dedicated departments in states with significant DNT populations.
  • Conduct comprehensive surveys to estimate numbers and distribution.

Previous Committees/Commissions:

  • Criminal Tribes Inquiry Committee, 1947.
  • Ananthasayanam Ayyangar Committee, 1949.
  • Kaka Kalelkar Commission, 1953.
  • B P Mandal Commission, 1980.
  • National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution, 2002.

Population and Distribution:

  • NTs, SNTs, DNTs constitute about 10% of India’s population.
  • Around 150 Denotified Tribes and 500 Nomadic Tribes.
  • South Asia has the largest nomadic population globally.

Key Suggestions by NHRC on NTs, SNTs, DNTs:

  • Repeal or amend the Habitual Offenders Act, 1952.
  • Appoint representatives from De-notified Tribe community.
  • Exclude DNTs/NTs/SNTs from SC/ST/OBC categories.
  • Develop specific policies for these communities.

Why in News:

  • The National Human Rights Commission had urged the implementation of Idate Commission recommendations for Nomadic, Semi-Nomadic, and De-Notified Tribes (NTs, SNTs, DNTs) in India.