Idate Commission

Context

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) emphasized the need to implement the Idate Commission report.

Idate Commission

The Idate Commission, officially known as the National Commission for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, was a commission set up by the Government of India in 2014 to examine the problems faced by these communities and recommend measures for their development and welfare. The commission was named after Its chairperson, Bhiku Ramji Idate, a former Union Minister and social worker.The Idate Commission submitted its report in January 2018.

Recommendations

• The establishment of a permanent statutory commission for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes.
• The inclusion of these communities in the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes lists of the Constitution of India.
• The extension of the benefits of reservation in education and employment to these communities.
• The repeal of the Habitual Offenders Act, 1952, which was seen as discriminatory against these communities.
• The provision of special schemes for the development of these communities, including education, healthcare, housing, and livelihood.

Key Challenges faced by De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes

• Social stigma and discrimination: These communities are often seen as criminal or backward, and they face discrimination in education, employment, and housing.
• Lack of access to basic services: Many De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes do not have access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and sanitation.
• Livelihood challenges: Many members of these communities are engaged in traditional occupations that are no longer viable, and they struggle to find alternative sources of income.

The Idate Commission’s recommendations provide a roadmap for addressing these challenges and improving the lives of De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes. It is now up to the government to take action to implement these recommendations and ensure that these communities are not left behind.