Rajya Sabha member calls for special policy for rights of nomadic communities

On August 31, 2026, Rajya Sabha member Paka Venkata Satyanarayana called for the development of a specialized policy to ensure that the advantages outlined in the Constitution are effectively delivered to Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs, NTs, and SNTs). He highlighted that, despite 80 years of independence, the majority of these tribes continue to confront significant social and economic challenges.

As the chief guest at a BJP event marking Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes Day in Vijayawada, Mr. Satyanarayana pointed out that while various welfare schemes provide benefits to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes, and minority communities, numerous generations of DNTs, NTs, and SNTs have been largely excluded from these advantages due to an insufficient evaluation of their living conditions.

He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of nomadic communities to the preservation of Indian culture and traditions, even amid foreign invasions and the effects of colonial rule. Regrettably, British colonial authorities had unfairly classified these groups as "criminals by birth" and enacted policies that pushed them to the societal periphery.

Mr. Satyanarayana emphasized that, given the DNTs, NTs, and SNTs' circumstances, the Modi government has been proactive in addressing their issues. He urged the Central and State governments to devise a targeted action plan aimed at enhancing their livelihoods. Among the attendees were BJP leaders N. Madhukar, Adduri Sriram, Subrahmanyam, Bitra Sivanarayana, and K. Dileep.