New Delhi, March 16, 2026
Representatives of Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (NT-DNT) from across India have announced the formation of the “DNT–NT Federation of India” following a national consultation held in Delhi on March 14–15, 2026. Community representatives have demanded that the Government of India include a separate column with a unique caste code for NT-DNT communities in the 2027 Census. They also warned that if the identity and recognition of these communities continue to be ignored, a nationwide democratic movement will be launched.
The announcement was made during a press conference at the Press Club of India, attended by Balkrishna Sidram Renke, Digambar Rathod, Lalji Raika, S. P. Singh Labana, Gopal Keshwat, Kamlesh Rathore, Dr. Abhay Jadhav, and Deepa Pawar.
According to the representatives, the Nomadic–Denotified Council meeting held in Delhi on March 14 and 15 was attended by delegates from 22 states across India. During the meeting, organisations working among Denotified and Nomadic communities decided that the time had come to raise their concerns through a unified national platform.
As a result, the DNT–NT Federation of India was formally established. Digambar Rathod and Lalji Raika have been appointed as National Conveners of the federation. The organisation aims to bring together thousands of grassroots groups and community networks working among Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic communities and to raise issues related to their rights, identity and dignity at the national level.
Demand for Recognition in the 2027 Census
Community representatives stated that without proper enumeration of Denotified and Nomadic communities, their real socio-economic conditions remain invisible in official data. Many of these communities are still inadequately recorded in government statistics, which leads to their exclusion from policy planning and welfare programmes.
Therefore, the representatives demanded that the 2027 Census should include a separate column and a unique caste code for NT-DNT communities, so that their actual population and conditions can be accurately reflected.
In addition, community leaders put forward the following key demands:
• 10 percent reservation in government employment and political representation
• Land rights and permanent housing for Denotified and Nomadic families
• Constitutional and legal protection in cases of atrocities against community members
• Dedicated and adequate budgetary allocation for the development of NT-DNT communities
Renke Commission Recommendations Yet to Be Implemented
Speaking at the event, Balkrishna Renke recalled the recommendations of the commission he chaired. The Government of India had constituted the National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes in 2005, and the commission submitted its report in 2008.
The report estimated that over 10 percent of India’s population belongs to Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic communities and highlighted their extremely marginalised socio-economic conditions. The commission recommended separate enumeration of these communities in the census, issuance of identity documents, and targeted programmes in education and employment.
However, the representatives noted that most of these recommendations remain unimplemented, which has kept these communities outside the mainstream of development.
During the press conference, S. P. Singh Labana emphasised that the absence of proper enumeration continues to keep these communities outside policy frameworks.
“We are not asking for charity. Our only demand is that we be counted properly. Unless our identity is recognised in the census, our problems will never become part of policy-making.”
Community representatives also stated that millions of Denotified and Nomadic families continue to live without access to clean drinking water, permanent housing, or basic civic amenities. Reliable data on atrocities against these communities is also unavailable because their identities are not clearly recorded in official systems.
They added that despite being citizens of India, Denotified and Nomadic communities have often been deprived of their fundamental rights, dignity and equal opportunities, which contradicts the principles of social justice and democracy.
Warning of Nationwide Agitation
Community leaders warned that if the government fails to include a separate column for NT-DNT communities in the 2027 Census, a nationwide movement will be launched.
They stated that for decades—both before and after independence—these communities have faced systemic neglect and discrimination. The time has now come to ensure constitutional recognition, equal rights, and a life of dignity and honour for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic communities across India.
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