The President has sought a report from the state government about the status of the nomadic tribes in the state. Rajasthan government has in turn sought immediate report from all district collectors. The query is in response to a letter by activists.
The letter asks state government to take up seriously the issue of providing permanent homes to the nomadic tribes. In response to the query by President’s secretariat, the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department has issued a letter to all district collectors urging them to immediately submit a report. This would then be compiled and sent to the President’s secretariat
The nomadic tribes have been protesting for a 14-point charter of demands under the banner of Jeevan Bachao Andolan (JBA). Convenor of JBA Nityendra Manav wrote to the President and sought his intervention to expedite the matter. “We hope that after the intervention of the President nomadic communities will soon have homes. Not just Rajasthan we hope nomadic tribes across the country are brought into the mainstream of the ,” said Nityendra Manav of Jeevan Bachao Aandolan.
The state has a total 32 nomadic communities that make up an estimated population of 40 lakh. It is estimated that their population in the country is 15 crore. They have traditionally earned livelihood by herding livestock, performing on roads, weapon making, preparing traditional medicines from herbs and hunted animals to sell their body parts.
Many of these professions have become illegal over time thereby rendering the community incapable of earning livelihood.
“We have traditionally been nomadic and today we are nowhere people. We need to have documents like Aadhar, voter id, and residence proof to avail benefit of government schemes,” said Prakash Gadiya Lohar.
“The president’s letter gives us hope. Our most important demands are 5 acres cultivable land for every family, house, voting rights by giving us domicile and citizenship proof and BPL cards. We also want special schools for our children,” said Sugan Bhai a nomadic tribal.
