Parliament Question: Legal and Constitutional Recognition for DNTs

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1329 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.02.2026 LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL RECOGNITION FOR DNTs 1329. PROF. MANOJ KUMAR JHA: SHRI SANDOSH KUMAR P: Will the Minister of Tribal Affairs be pleased to state: (a) whether there is a plan to provide legal and constitutional recognition to DNT, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic tribal communities, distinct from the existing Scheduled Caste/Tribe/OBC categories; and (b) if so, the details of the proposed mechanism for this recognition and the expected timeline for introducing the necessary legislative or constitutional amendments? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI DURGADAS UIKEY) (a) and (b): The subject matter of the question pertains to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has informed that: “There is no such proposal or plan under consideration.” *****