Challenges of occupational shift before de-notified, nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes in India

Though our constitution has provided safeguards for all its citizens and ensured equal opportunities for different marginalized groups such as SC/STs, OBCs, EWSs, women, people with disabilities, minorities, and LGBT communities, our governments have not taken this seriously. As a result, a particular segment of our society known as ‘De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes’ (DNTs/NTs/SNTs) is still excluded from mainstream society. These communities have been neglected, marginalized, and economically and socially deprived since independence. Additionally, Article 19(1) of the Indian Constitution grants six freedoms to its citizens, including ‘Freedom of Movement’ (Article 19(1)(d)), ‘Freedom to Residence and Settlement’ (Article 19(1)(e)), and ‘Freedom of Profession, Occupation, Trade or Business’ (Article 19(1)(g)). These freedoms are particularly important for these communities as they allow them to move freely throughout the country, settle in any part of the country, and pursue any occupation, trade, or business of their choice. Despite this, they still rely heavily on traditional occupations for their livelihoods and struggle to preserve their sources of income and survive in society. They face numerous challenges in continuing their traditional vocations and often find themselves contemplating a shift in occupation. As we celebrate ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and enter the ‘Amrit Kaal’ (the period from 75 years to 100 years of India’s independence), many of these communities have been grappling with this challenge for generations and continue to do so with an uncertain and bleak future. In this context, this paper aims to highlight the challenges they face in transitioning to new occupations for their survival and identify the main reasons why they are abandoning their traditional way of life and income. The paper relies primarily on secondary data and aims to shed light on how these communities have been overlooked by our development framework. Finally, the paper proposes some suggestions and strategies to secure their livelihoods by preserving their traditional sources of income and also exploring new alternatives.