TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
THE CONTEXT: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has emphasized the critical need for implementing the Idate Commission report, which recommends the establishment of a permanent commission for Nomadic, Semi-Nomadic, and De-Notified Tribes (NTs, SNTs, and DNTs) in India.
EXPLANATION:
- The commission’s call for action also includes the repeal of the Habitual Offenders Act, 1952, and the formulation of specific policies for the welfare of these marginalized communities.
- One of the commission members stressed the importance of changing the colonial mindset that labels De-Notified Tribes as having “criminal tendencies.”
- The need for proper documentation of their identities to ensure they benefit from welfare schemes and receive basic necessities has been also highlighted.
- De-Notified communities lacking citizenship documents, leads to challenges in obtaining government benefits and constitutional rights.
Recommendations from the Idate Commission Report:
- The Idate Commission report suggests several key measures for the protection and empowerment of NTs, SNTs, and DNTs:
- Establishment of a Permanent Commission:
- The Idate Commission proposes the creation of a permanent commission dedicated to addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by Nomadic, Semi-Nomadic, and De-Notified Tribes.
- Repealing the Habitual Offenders Act, 1952:
- The NHRC stresses the urgency of repealing this act, which has been a source of stigma and discrimination against these communities.
- Alternatively, it recommends the appointment of a representative from the De-Notified Tribe community as stipulated in the Act.
- Non-Inclusion under SC/ST/OBC:
- The report advocates for the non-inclusion of DNTs/NTs/SNTs under the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories.
- It emphasized the need for specific policies tailored to their requirements.
- Establishment of a Permanent Commission:
Addressing Stigma and Discrimination:
- Historical Context:
- The NHRC acknowledges the historical challenges faced by NTs, SNTs, and DNTs, stemming from enactments like the Criminal Tribes Act, 1872, and the Habitual Offenders Act, 1952.
- It underscores the necessity to modify discriminatory provisions of the latter.
- Identifying Challenges and Facilitating Basic Facilities:
- The NHRC calls for the identification of challenges faced by these communities, particularly in accessing basic facilities such as education, employment, healthcare, and legal documents.
- It urges the development of measures to mitigate these challenges.
- Ensuring Representation:
- The NHRC advocates for the representation of De-Notified tribes in parliament, government institutions, and higher education, with a specific focus on women and children.
Idate Commission
- The Idate Commission has made a total of 20 recommendations which concern the various ministries and departments.
- Some of the issues raised by the report with regard to these ministries involve:
- the repealing of the Habitual Offenders Act (which still results in harassment of the community by the police),
- provision of PDS cards,
- special housing schemes for the largely landless community,
- establishment of a separate academy to preserve their art and culture,
- special education and health schemes.
Conclusion:
- The NHRC’s proactive stance on implementing the Idate Commission report and addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by Nomadic, Semi-Nomadic, and De-Notified Tribes reflects a commitment to human rights, social justice, and the eradication of discriminatory practices.
- The recommendations underscore the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to uplift these marginalized communities and ensure their meaningful participation in India’s socio-economic and political landscape.