Honorable Dr. Narendra Jadhav, member Planning Commission govt. of India
stated that all schemes for DNT’S have no value unless they get the
citizenship card of the country. He was speaking on the occasion of
inauguration of two days state level workshop on Denitrified and Nomadic
Tribes organized by Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive
Policy, Shivaji University, Kolhapur. The function as presided over by
Honorable Ag. Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. A. A. Dange, while the
chief guest of the Program was Shri. Balkrishna Renke, Chairman of National
Commission for De-notified and Nomadic Tribes.
Dr. Jadhav said that it is impossible to take note of the existence of
de-notified and nomadic tribes without proper census. The funds which are
exclusively appropriated for their educational and economic development must
reach them as a matter of social justice. The funds for Scheduled Tribes and
Scheduled Castes are not completely utilized in our Country. Besides
provisions, for the financial assistance of SC, ST’s is not made by 40% of the
States said Dr. Jadhav. Further those states which make the provision of the
funds do not utilize it for the development of the SC, ST’s even today, though
it is binding on the states to do so. And no body tries to seek justification
for the purpose. This is sheer carelessness an the part of the society.
Balkrishna Renke in his address said that de-notified and nomadic tribes are
left out of the main stream society due to the prejudiced mental make up of
the society, that they are thieves by birth. There are about 10 crores, 74
lakh De-notified and nomadic population in India according to the figures of
the government. However the DNT population is 15 crores according to the
figures of the Renke Commission. 98% population belonging to nomadic tribes
and 84% population belonging to de-notified tribes neither have their houses
nor land. 74% population does not have Election Card and Ration Card.
Therefore they fail to get the benefits of any government schemes. Even after
independence, the government is unaware of 22% tribes. De-notified tribes
subsisting their living on forest produce are now considered criminals due to
the Forest Act. Besides due to the prevention of Beggary Act, action is taken
against their begging through entertainment. This resulted in their robbing
for necessities of life. These people/tribes who are excluded from the process
of development are used of by wealthy people to achieve their selfish
interests. These DNT will remain excluded from the reforms unless their life
becomes dignified. Thus it is necessary to prepare a target plan. Their
exploitation through various methods must be stopped. They can’t purchase land
as they are not land holders. Moreover they are not recognized by the similar
tribal name in all the states, rather they are included in different
categories such as SC, ST, OBC etc in different states. The inaugural function
was concluded with the presidential address of Honorable Ag. Vice-Chancellor
Prof. A. A. Dange, Prof. R. G. Dandge, Registrar & the Coordinator of the
Centre Study of Social Exclusion & Inclusive Policy, welcomed and introduced
the guests and. Dr. Amita Kanegaonkar proposed vote of thanks.
