A potential crisis looms as India's 2027 Census threatens to repeat a historical injustice, according—to renowned linguist and cultural scholar, Professor G.N. Devy. The issue? The potential exclusion of over 100 million people belonging to denotified, nomadic, and semi-nomadic tribes (DNTs) from the Census count.
A Historical Injustice Repeats?
The 2027 Census presents a pivotal moment for DNTs, who have been historically marginalized and classified as 'criminal' under the 1871 Criminal Tribes Act during the colonial era. Despite the Act's repeal, the stigma and exclusion have persisted, leaving these communities uncounted since the Republic's formation. Professor Devy, who has been a prominent advocate for DNT rights, warns that if the Census fails to explicitly count DNTs, India risks further alienating these communities.
The Census and the CTA: A Parallel History
The Census and the Criminal Tribes Act (CTA) share a historical connection, both instituted in 1871. While the Census has been conducted regularly, the plight of DNTs has continued, with only one proper count in 1931. Various committees and commissions, including the Iyengar Committee, NHRC, Renke Commission, and Idate Commission, have called for a DNT census. However, questions regarding DNT status have never been included in Census schedules.
The Problem of Exclusion: More Than Just Numbers
Professor Devy emphasizes that the issue goes beyond mere enumeration. If DNTs are not counted, India risks alienating a significant portion of its population. The problem is not just about calculating and tabulating data but also about recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by these communities.
The Census' Exclusion: A Historical Oversight
The exclusion of DNTs from the Census is a glaring oversight. Household surveys, which should account for nomadic communities, often fail to do so. DNTs, despite being houseless, are not specifically accounted for, highlighting a systemic issue.
Inclusion: A Four-Step Approach
To ensure an inclusive Census, Professor Devy suggests a four-step approach. First, the Census must explicitly declare that DNTs will be enumerated. Second, the technology used should be accessible, with alternatives for those without access. Third, the Census should avoid demanding extensive documentation, considering the historical challenges DNTs face in obtaining official documents. Lastly, the Census data on DNTs should be verified by the Anthropological Survey of India and made available for scrutiny by scholars.
Identity Complexity and Intersectionality
The question of DNT identity is complex, often intersecting with SC/ST/OBC classifications. Professor Devy acknowledges this complexity but argues that bureaucratic processes should adapt to accommodate multiple identities. Technology can facilitate this process, allowing for multiple classifications without further marginalization.
Reservations and Representation: A Two-Fold Issue
The demand for separate quotas and representation for DNTs is not new. However, Professor Devy distinguishes between counting DNTs and deciding on reservations. The first step is to gather credible data through the Census, and then political decisions regarding reservations can be made. Excluding DNTs from the Census out of fear of reservation demands is illogical, and the enumeration should proceed regardless.
The Way Forward: A Call for Action
As India prepares for the 2027 Census, the inclusion of DNTs is not just a bureaucratic task but a moral imperative. By addressing this historical injustice, India can take a significant step towards a more inclusive and just society. But will the government heed this call? And how will the public respond to the potential exclusion of DNTs? These questions remain open for debate, inviting comments and discussions from all.
