Question of the Day – DE-NOTIFIED TRIBES
QOTD April 20,2026
With reference to Denotified Tribes (DNTs) in India, consider the following statements:
- They were originally listed under the Criminal Tribes Act during British rule.
- They were “denotified” after Independence by repealing the Criminal Tribes Act.
- All Denotified Tribes are currently classified under Scheduled Tribes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Many DNTs were stigmatized as “criminal tribes” under colonial law.
Statement 2 is correct
The Criminal Tribes Act was repealed in 1952, leading to their denotification.
Statement 3 is incorrect
DNTs are spread across SC, ST, OBC categories and some remain unclassified.
Why in news–
The issue of Denotified Tribes has been in news due to ongoing discussions on their socio-economic upliftment, inclusion in welfare schemes, and demands for better recognition under affirmative action policies in India. Reports and committees have highlighted continued marginalization, lack of access to education and employment, and the need for targeted policy interventions.
News-At meeting on welfare of DNTs, States’ refusal to issue community certificates flagged, Centre urged to act – The Hindu
There are more questions from this topic that you should practice to make your concepts stronger.
Practice Questions (PQ)
PQ1.Consider the following statements:
- Denotified Tribes face social stigma due to their historical labeling.
- The Habitual Offenders Act replaced the Criminal Tribes Act in some aspects.
- Denotified Tribes have uniform reservation status across all states.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer : (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Historical stigma continues to affect their socio-economic conditions.
Statement 2 is correct
The Habitual Offenders Act was enacted to monitor individuals instead of entire communities.
Statement 3 is incorrect
Their classification varies across states and is not uniform.
PQ2. Consider the following statements:
- The National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes was set up to study their conditions.
- Denotified Tribes are included as a separate category in the Constitution of India.
- Welfare schemes for DNTs are implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
A commission was constituted to examine issues faced by DNTs.
Statement 2 is incorrect
There is no separate constitutional category exclusively for DNTs.
Statement 3 is correct
The ministry oversees welfare schemes for these communities.
PQ3.Consider the following statements:
- Nomadic Tribes differ from Denotified Tribes in that they were never listed under the Criminal Tribes Act.
- Denotified Tribes are primarily settled communities.
- Socio-economic indicators of DNTs are generally below the national average.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Nomadic Tribes were not necessarily criminalized under colonial laws.
Statement 2 is incorrect
Many DNTs continue to have semi-nomadic or nomadic lifestyles.
Statement 3 is correct
They lag behind in education, health, and income indicators.
Previous Year Question (UPSC Prelims)
With reference to the Criminal Tribes Act in colonial India, consider the following statements:
- It notified certain communities as inherently criminal.
- It led to restrictions on movement and surveillance of such communities.
- It was repealed soon after Independence.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 only
Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect
The Act labeled entire communities as criminal by birth.
Statement 2 is correct
It imposed strict surveillance and restricted their mobility.
Statement 3 is correct
The Act was repealed in 1952 after Independence.
