The Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) and Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) have conducted an ethnographic study  to classify 268 Denotified Tribes (DNTs), Nomadic Tribes (NTs), and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs).

• The report is pending scrutiny by the NITI Aayog panel and has yet to receive final approval

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Key Highlights of the report

• Inclusion Recommendations:
  • 179 communities suggested for inclusion in SC (29), ST (10), and OBC (46) categories.
  • 85 are fresh additions, with Uttar Pradesh having the highest number of recommendations (19).
• Categorization:
  • Nine communities categorization was corrected.
  • 63 communities (20%) were marked “not traceable” due to assimilation or migration.
• Study Overview: The study  conducted in Odisha, Gujarat, and Arunachal Pradesh took three months per community for field studies, resource identification, and consultations.
• Pending Approval: Requires state/UT government proposals, followed by approvals from the Registrar General of India and respective national commissions.

Provisions for SC, ST, and OBC Listings

• Central Role:  The Union Government legislates inclusion or exclusion of communities in SC, ST, or OBC lists.
• State Role: State/UT governments identify and recommend communities for inclusion.
  • Assess socio-economic conditions of communities.
  • States can also maintain a state list of OBCs.

Significance of the Listings

• Social Justice: Provides targeted benefits like education, employment, and welfare schemes.
  • Reduces historical disadvantages faced by marginalized communities.
• Cultural Recognition: Acknowledges and preserves unique cultural identities.
  • Ensures representation in decision-making processes.
• Economic Upliftment: Enhances access to opportunities, improving socio-economic status.

Challenges

• Ambiguity in Classification: Many communities remain unclassified or partially classified across states and central lists.
• “Not Traceable” Communities: 63 communities could not be located, reflecting gaps in historical records or migration patterns.
• Administrative Complexity: Multi-layered approval processes delay implementation.
• Demand for Separate Quota: Calls for a distinct category for DNTs, NTs, and SNTs to address their unique challenges.

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Way Forward

• Streamline Classification: Simplify and standardize procedures for listing communities at state and central levels.
• Address “Not Traceable” Groups: Conduct additional studies to locate and identify missing communities.
• Quota Customization: Consider a separate quota or sub-quota for DNTs, NTs, and SNTs.
• Periodic Updates: Institutionalize regular updates to the SC, ST, and OBC lists based on socio-economic conditions.
• Awareness and Capacity Building: Train officials and researchers to better identify and categorize marginalized communities.

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