Committee to be set up to identify nomadic and semi-nomadic communities

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the constitution of permanent welfare and development board for denotified, nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes. The Cabinet approved the setting up of a committee under the chairpersonship of Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog which will complete the process of identification of the denotified, nomadic and semi-nomadic communities that have not yet been formally classified.

The government had in 2014 constituted a committee for a period of three years for the identification of these some of the most disadvantaged communities and prepare a state-wise list. One of the recommendations of that committee, which tabled its report in January 2018, was the setting up of a permanent body for the welfare of these communities.

"The government has therefore decided to set up a Development and Welfare Board under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for the purpose of implementing development and welfare programmes for denotified, nomadic and semi-nomadic communities," an official statement said.

(With inputs from agencies.)