DNTs/NTs/SNTs Certificate - A Brief History & Step-by-Step Guide

Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs/NTs/SNTs) – Getting a Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs/NTs/SNTs) certificate in India is a crucial requirement for individuals belonging to these communities to ensure access to various government benefits, including scholarships. This certificate serves as the official recognition of an individual’s affiliation with the DNTs/NTs/SNTs categories, enabling them to avail the benefits of affirmative action and support programs designed to uplift these historically marginalised groups.

Before we move forward, it is important to understand the historical legacy of these communities. Historically the Denotified Tribes, Nomadic Tribes and Semi Nomadic Tribes (DNTs/NTs/SNTs) have been one of the most deprived and economically weaker communities in India. Also known as ‘Vimukt Jatis’ these communities were labelled as ‘born criminals’ with the enactment of the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871 during the British rule. The Act was one of the most draconian laws under which millions of nomadic and semi-nomadic communities were declared criminals and put under continuous surveillance, making their lives impossible. Over a period of time, these tribes have barely benefitted from the planned developments since Indian independence and have been deprived of state support like recognition under the SCs/STs categories.

Who are Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes?

Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs/NTs/SNTs)

Nomadic and semi-nomadic communities are defined as those who move from one place to another rather than living in one place all the time. Denotified tribes are those that were notified under the Criminal Tribes Acts (CTA) enforced during British Rule. The Act was repealed and these communities were officially de-notified by the Indian Government in 1952 on the basis of recommendations of a Committee constituted under Shri Ananthasayanam Ayyangar in 1950. The CTA, 1924, was repealed by the Criminal Tribes Laws (Repeal) Act, 1952. As a result, the tribes notified earlier as Criminal Tribes, stood denotified, and the name ‘Denotified ex Tribes’ (DTs) has been in use for them since then.

Nomads are the people who are constantly on the move and have no permanent home. On the other hand, Semi-Nomadic groups tend to have a fixed abode for a part of the year and are itinerant in the rest of the year. Most of the DNTs are categorised as SC/ST/OBC though a few of the DNTs are not covered in any of these categories. The Nomadic tribes maintain constant geographical mobility while semi-nomads are those who are on the move but return to a fixed habitation once a year, mainly for occupational reasons.

With a population of approximately 110 million, Nomadic, Semi-Nomadic, and De-Notified Tribes (NTs, SNTs, and DNTs) form the world’s largest nomadic population group in South Asia. About 10% of India’s population belong to Nomadic, Semi-Nomadic, and De-Notified Tribes (NTs, SNTs, and DNTs).

A study by Bhasha Research and Publication Centre and other groups in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh found that many DNT members are born at home rather than in hospitals. Only 19.3% of households have birth certificates for everyone. In 58% of households, only some members have birth certificates, and in 22.8% of households, no one has a birth certificate.

Even after 78 years of Independence, many DNTs/NTs/SNTs still lack access to several identity documents including birth and domicile certificates, caste identity cards, BPL cards etc. which makes it hard for them to avail benefits of the government schemes.

Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs/NTs/SNTs) – Distribution in India

Around 10% of India’s population belongs to NTs, SNTs, and DNTs Communities.
There are about 150 Denotified Tribes (DNTs) and around 500 different Nomadic Tribes (NTs) in India.
South Asia has the largest nomadic population in the world.
In 2002, the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) found that DNTs were unfairly labelled as criminals and treated badly by the authorities and society.
In February 2014, the Indian government set up the National Commission for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (NCDNT) to create a list of these communities across states.
The NCDNT submitted its report on January 8, 2018, identifying a total of 1,262 communities as De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic across the country.

(Statistic Courtesy: Status of Commission for Denotified and Nomadic Tribes)

This information comes from a report by the National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, which was submitted in December 2017. In India, there are:

425 Denotified Tribes
810 Nomadic Tribes
27 Semi-Nomadic Tribes

Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs/NTs/SNTs) – Challenges

Barring few states like Maharashtra, Gujarat etc. some of these communities figure in various classifications in the states such as Backward Tribe in Puducherry, Most Backward Classes in Tamil Nadu, Extremely Backward Classes in Bihar, ‘Original Settlers’ in Arunachal Pradesh, Primitive Tribes in Jharkhand and Odisha, Hill Tribes in Assam etc. In some of the states they are called ‘Tribal Settlers’ and ‘Hidden Tribes’. Many DNT/NT communities have tried to hide their castes for fear of harassment of the British. Many communities tried to hide their caste so that they are grouped as ‘Lower Castes’. Many states did not notify them as criminal tribes but in police records, they were noted as criminals. Some of the key challenges faced by Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes communities in India, especially students are as under:

Limited Access to Education: Many students from these communities struggle to attend school regularly because they move around frequently. This makes it hard for them to keep up with their studies, complete their education and compete for scholarships.
Lack of Basic Facilities: These communities often live in areas without basic services like clean water, electricity, or proper housing. This makes it difficult for students to study and focus on their education.
Lack of Awareness of Scholarship Schemes: Students and their families often don’t know about the scholarship opportunities available to them which prevents them from applying for financial help that could support their education.
Difficulty in Obtaining Documents: Many students from these communities find it hard to get important documents like caste certificates, Aadhaar cards, or income certificates because they don’t have a permanent address. Without these documents, they often miss out on government programs like scholarships and financial aid.
Discrimination and Stigma: Students from NTs, SNTs, and DNTs communities often face discrimination at school due to stereotypes and misconceptions about their communities. This can make them feel unwelcome and discourage them from continuing their education or and for scholarships.
Unclear Caste Classification: The caste status of these communities is not consistently recognised across India, making it difficult for students to access reservation benefits that could help them in education.
Financial Struggles: Many families in these communities live in poverty, which can force students to drop out of school to support their families instead of focusing on their studies and applying for scholarships.

Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs/NTs/SNTs) – Case Studies!

Currently, a significant portion of the DNTs and NTs communities, 64% and 35% respectively, are excluded from the reservation categories that provide educational, political, and employment opportunities in India. Let us consider the following case studies from the State of Uttar Pradesh revealing the issues faced by students from these communities.

Case 1

People who practice snake charming are part of the Denotified Nomadic Tribes (DNT). In the early 2000s, many members of this community shifted towards education to gain professional skills and make up for the loss of earning in their traditional profession.

Despite this, the new generation of snake charmers (saperas) is increasingly doubtful about the value of education since their community lacks official recognition as socially backward. Raghuvir Nath, 50, who lives in Sapera Basti in Lucknow district, Uttar Pradesh, explains that the parents of snake charmers often stop sending their children to school beyond the 8th grade, believing their children won’t be able to compete with those from the general category.

Case 2

According to the 2018 National Commission for Denotified Nomadic and Semi Nomadic Tribes (NCDNT) report, 28 communities from the DNT, Nomadic Tribes (NT), and Semi Nomadic Tribes (SNT) in Uttar Pradesh are not listed in any of the SC, ST, or Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) categories.

Another individual from the Sapera Basti in Lucknow, Ram Gopal Nath, began prioritising his education at the age of eight as he noticed a decline in the traditional snake charming practice. Unlike other children of saperas who learned to catch and handle snakes alongside their fathers, Ram Gopal chose a different path. He completed his schooling and got himself enrolled in a local college for a Bachelor of Arts degree. Following graduation, he attempted to enroll in a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) program, required for becoming a school teacher, however, the programme fee of ₹1 lakh worked as a deterrent. About 30 members of his community in his village were forced to abandon their studies. They returned to their profession of snake charming, supplementing their income with manual labour.

What is a DNTs/NTs/SNTs Certificate?

The classification of castes is ambiguous for Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs/NTs/SNTs) communities, as they are categorized as Scheduled Castes (SC) in certain states and as Other Backward Classes (OBC) in others. According to government officials, the categorisation of DNTs/NTs/SNTs is essential for the implementation of welfare schemes such as SEED because there is no schedule in the Constitution providing for their reservation. And therefore the State governments are in the process of uniform categorisation of these communities under SC, ST, or OBC lists followed by a sub-categorisation in their certificates, declaring them as either DNT, NT, or SNT.

The Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs/NTs/SNTs) certificate is an official document issued by the government that recognises an individual as belonging to one of these specific communities in India. They are often categorised under the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC). However, some of the DNTs are not included under any of these categories. DNTs/NTs/SNTs certification, therefore, becomes an important requirement for accessing benefits offered under scholarships and other government welfare programmes.

The Development and Welfare Board for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC) is working on the list of DNTs/NTs/SNTs enumerated by the commission led by Bhiku Ramji Idate which listed 1,262 such communities and categorised them under SC/ST or OBC and others. Other than this, the commission in its report released in January 2018, had also included over 260 communities that did not fall under either SC, ST, or OBC lists.

While the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) and Tribal Research Institutes are studying 267 uncategorised communities to classify them under either SC, ST, or OBC, inconsistencies have been hindering the processing.

DNTs/NTs/SNTs Certificate – Objective

The DNTs/NTs/SNTs certificate serves as proof of an individual’s belonging to one of these communities. It is often required to avail benefits offered under various government and welfare schemes including others:

Educational Scholarships: Many states and central government schemes provide scholarships specifically for students from DNTs/NTs/SNTs communities.
Reservation in Education and Employment: The certificate may be used to claim reservation benefits in educational institutions and government jobs.
Benefits of Welfare Schemes: The certificate may be required to avail benefits available under various welfare schemes aimed at the socio-economic upliftment of these communities.

Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes – Steps for Certification

The process generally requires submitting an application either online via state government portals or offline at local Tehsil/Taluka offices, along with essential documents like proof of identity, address, and income. After verification, the certificate is issued, enabling eligible individuals to access educational opportunities and other government benefits. However, obtaining these certificates remains a challenging task and it is a work in progress.

How to Obtain the DNTs/NTs/SNTs Certificate?

To obtain the DNTs/NTs/SNTs certificate, individuals must apply through their respective state government portals or local government offices, providing necessary documents and undergoing a verification process. Furthermore, to simplify the process, the Indian government established the National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (NCDNT) in February 2014 to compile a comprehensive list of these communities across states. This allows individuals from DNT communities to apply through the NCDNT portal, avoiding the inconvenience of offline applications and document submissions.

This certificate is crucial for ensuring access to various benefits and opportunities aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of these historically marginalized communities. By acquiring this certificate, members of these tribes can better access educational opportunities, financial aid, and social welfare programs designed to support their unique needs and circumstances.

Step-by-Step Process for Making DNTs/NTs/SNTs Certificates

Eligibility Verification

It is important to ensure that your community is listed under the Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs/NTs/SNTs) category as recognised by your state government. Suppose you are unsure whether your tribe falls under the community recognition or not. In that case, you can follow the steps outlined below in the “How to Confirm the DNTs/NTs/SNTs Community is Recognized by State Government or Listed by DWBDNCs” section.

Gathering Required Documents

Proof of Identity: Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or any other government-issued ID.
Proof of Address: Ration card, utility bill, or any other valid address proof.
Caste/Tribe Certificate: If available, from previous generations or related documents.
Proof of Residency: Any document proving your family’s continuous residence in the state.
Income Certificate: Issued by a competent authority, if required.
Educational Documents: School or college certificates for students.
Affidavit: An affidavit stating that you belong to the DNTs/NTs/SNTs community, typically signed before a notary.

Application Process:

Online Application (if available):

Visit the Official Portal: Go to the official website of the Development and Welfare Board for De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNCs)
Register or Login: Click on the Register option present on the right-hand side of the homepage to create an account.

If already registered, log in using your credentials.
Fill in the Application Form: Find the application form for DNTs/NTs/SNTs certificates and provide all required information like basic details, present and permanent address, documents, bank details and family details.

Upload Documents: Scan and upload the documents requested such as passport size photo, passbook first page/cancelled cheque, etc.
Consent Form for Aadhaar: For the Aadhaar Consent Form, download the document, fill in the details, and then upload the filled document in PDF format, ensuring the file size does not exceed 100 KB.

Submit the Application: Review your application and submit it online by clicking on the ‘Register’ tab. Note down the application number for tracking.
Track the Application: Use the application number to monitor the status of your application.

Offline Application

Visit the Local Government Office: Go to the nearest Tehsil/Taluka office or the government office dealing with issuance of caste/tribe certificates.
Collect the Application Form: Obtain the application form for the DNTs/NTs/SNTs certificate.
Fill in the Form: Complete the form with all required information.
Attach Documents: Attach photocopies of all necessary documents.
Submit the Application: Submit the completed form along with the documents to the designated officer.
Receive Acknowledgment: Collect the acknowledgement receipt with the application number for tracking.

Verification Process

The authorities will verify the documents and information provided.
A government official might visit your residence for physical verification.
The verification process may take several weeks depending on the timeline required for processing your application.

Issuance of Certificates

Upon successful verification, the certificate will be issued.
For online applications, the certificate may be available for download from the portal.
For offline applications, you might need to collect it from the office or it may be sent to your postal address.

Using the Certificate

Once obtained, the certificate can be used to apply for various government benefits, including scholarships, reservations in education and employment, and other welfare schemes.

Important Considerations

Ensure that all documents are accurate and up-to-date.
Keep multiple copies of the certificate for future use.
Check for any specific state-level guidelines or requirements that might apply to your application process.

By following these steps, members of Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes can obtain their community certificates, which are essential for accessing various government services and benefits.

Recognition of Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes by State Governments

In order to confirm whether your community is listed under the Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs/NTs/SNTs) categories as recognised by your respective state governments, follow these steps:

Confirming Recognition of the Community Officially

Visit the Official Website of State Government: Visit the official website of the Department of Social Welfare, Tribal Affairs, or Backward Classes Welfare. These departments regularly pub;ish and update the list of recognised communities under the DNT, NT, and SNT categories.
Visit the Local Tehsil or District Office: Visit your local Tehsil, District Collectorate, or Revenue Department office. They maintain records and lists of recognised communities and can confirm if your community is included.
Refer to the Development and Welfare Board for De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNCs): The DWBDNCs have records or publications with the list of the recognised DNTs/NTs/SNTs. It is also published on the official website. It is also possible to request information directly from the Commission.
Consult the Official Gazette Notifications: Check the official Gazette notifications issued by your state government. These notifications often include updates on recognised communities including changes made to the lists.
Connect with the Social Welfare of Tribal Affairs Office: Connecting with the Social Welfare of Tribal Affairs office in your district can also help gain valuable information.
Review Online Portals: Some states have online portals where you can search for your community’s status. These portals may allow you to enter your community’s name and check if it is listed.
Seeking Guidance from Community Leaders: Community leaders, local panchayats, or tribal organisations may have information about the recognition status of your community. They can also guide and help.
Filing RTI Application: If you are unable to find the information through these methods as already explained, you can file a Right to Information (RTI) application with the concerned state department to get official confirmation regarding your community’s status.

Additional Tips

Document Verification: Keep your previous certificates or any documents related to your community status as these may prove to be useful in verifying your eligibility.
Cross-check: If possible, cross-check the information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy.

How to Confirm Community Listing by NCDNT?

Visit the Official NCDNT Website: Go to the official website of the NCDNT, where you will find resources, reports, and lists of recognised communities under the DNTs/NTs/SNTs categories.
Review NCDNT Reports and Publications: The NCDNT often publishes reports and recommendations that include lists of recognised communities. These documents can be found on the NCDNT website or in government publications.
Check Official Notifications: Look for official notifications or circulars issued by the NCDNT. These documents might include updates or confirmations regarding the communities listed under the DNTs/NTs/SNTs categories.
Contact NCDNT Directly: Reach out to the NCDNT directly through the contact details provided on their website. You can inquire whether your community is listed under the recognised categories.
Consulting Social Welfare/Tribal Affairs Office: State-level Social Welfare or Tribal Affairs offices may have access to NCDNT records. You can contact them to confirm if your community is recognised by the NCDNT or not.
Review Central Government Publications: The central government may publish lists of recognised DNTs/NTs/SNTs in official gazettes or reports. These can be accessed through government websites or archives.
Filing Right to Information (RTI) Request: If you cannot find the information using the above methods, consider filing the RTI request with NCDNT or the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Specify your community’s name and ask whether it is listed under the recognised DNTs/NTs/SNTs categories.
Check with Local Community Leaders or Organisations: Local community leaders or organisations working with the DNTs/NTs/SNTs can work as a great resource.
Visit the NCDNT Office: If feasible, you can visit the NCDNT office in person to inquire directly about your community’s status.
Click on the following hyperlink for state-wise draft list of tribes categorised under the Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes.

Idate Commission and NHRC – Important Recommendations

In January 2024, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) highlighted the need to follow the recommendations of the Idate Commission in order to help Nomadic, Semi-Nomadic, and Denotified Tribes in India. The Idate Commission named after its chairman, Bhiku Ramji Idate, was established to address the issues faced by Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes in India.

The NHRC asked the government to either cancel the Habitual Offenders Act, 1952, or add a representative from the Denotified Tribe community along with specific officials as the Act requires. They also suggested that DNTs, NTs, and SNTs should not be classified under SC, ST, or OBC categories and that special policies should be worked out for them.

Key Committees/Commissions for NTs, SNTs, and DNTs Communities

The National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (NCDNT) was established by the Government of India in 2014 to prepare a State-wise list of DNTs. The commission recommended sub-categorising DNTs under the existing schedules for SC, ST, and OBC communities. This was done to prevent them from being crowded out by better-placed communities. The Government of India set up the Development and Welfare Board for DNTs, SNTs, and NTs (DWBDNCs) in 2019 based on the recommendations of the National Idate Commission.

Some of the important Committees/Commissions established for NTs, SNTs, and DNTs communities are as follows:

The Criminal Tribes Inquiry Committee was established in the year 1947 for United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh).
The Ananthasayanam Ayyangar Committee was formed in 1949. Based on this committee’s recommendation, the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 was repealed i.e. cancelled.
The Kaka Kalelkar Commission, also known as the first OBC Commission, was established in 1953.
The B P Mandal Commission formed in 1980, also made recommendations related to the NTs, SNTs, and DNTs Communities.
In 2002, the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) stated that DNTs were wrongly labelled as crime-prone and were unfairly treated and exploited by both law enforcement agencies and the society as a whole.

Idate Commission – Major Recommendations

Assignment of people not listed as SCs, STs, or OBCs to the OBC category.
Addition of new rules to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 to make it stronger and helpful to protect the community.
Setting up of a permanent legal commission to represent the DNTs, SNTs, and NTs.
Creating a special department to focus on the welfare of these communities in states with large numbers.
Conduct a detailed survey of DNT families to find out how many there are and where they live.

Welfare Initiatives for Students from NTs, SNTs, and DNTs Communities

1. Dr. Ambedkar Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship for DNTs: This scholarship programme initiated in 2014-15, helps students from DNT communities who are not in the SC, ST, or OBC groups and are not getting help from other programs. The financial support is sent to State Governments, Union Territories, Universities, or Colleges to help students from DNT communities. The Pre-Matric Scholarship is especially important for encouraging education among DNT children, particularly girls.

2. Nanaji Deshmukh Scheme for Building Hostels for DNT Boys and Girls: Launched in 2014-15, this scheme is run by state governments, UT administrations, and central universities. It aims to provide hostel facilities to DNT students who are not in SC, ST, or OBC categories, helping them continue their higher education. The scheme offers hostel facilities for students from DNT communities not included in SC, ST, or OBC categories, helping them continue their secondary and higher education. To be eligible, the family’s yearly income must be ₹2 lakh or less. The Central Government provides up to 500 hostel seats each year across the country. The cost for each hostel seat is ₹3 lakh which is shared by the Centre and States in a 75:25 ratio, and ₹5,000 for furniture.

3. Recent Government Initiative: SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs): On February 15, 2022, Dr. Virendra Kumar, the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, introduced the SEED program. This program is aimed at improving the lives of Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic communities. This scheme offers free coaching for competitive exams, health insurance, housing help, and livelihood support. A sum of ₹200 crores has been set aside for this scheme, which will be spent over five years from 2021-22 to 2025-26. The Development and Welfare Board for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNCs) is responsible for carrying out this plan.

DNTs/NTs/SNTs Certificate – Helpdesk

Address: 2nd Floor, Wing 2, West Block-8,

Sector-1, R. K. Puram,

New Delhi – 110066

Phone Number: +91-11-20867719

Email: dwbdnc-msje@gov.in

State-wise DNTs/NTs/SNTs Office Address and Contact Details

DNTs/NTs/SNTs Certification – FAQs

What is a ‘Denotified Tribe’?

Denotified tribes are those that were notified under the Criminal Tribes Acts (CTA) enforced during British Rule. The Act was repealed and these communities were officially de-notified by the Indian Government in 1952 on the basis of recommendations of a Committee constituted under Shri Ananthasayanam Ayyangar in 1950.

What is a Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs/NTs/SNTs) certificate?

The DNT, NT, and SNT Certificate is an official document that verifies a person’s belonging to one of the Denotified, Nomadic, or Semi-Nomadic Tribes in India. State governments in India are in the process of uniform categorisation of these communities under SC, ST, or OBC lists followed by a sub-categorisation in their certificates, declaring them as either DNT, NT, or SNT.

Why is the DNT, NT, and SNT certificate important?

This certificate is a crucial identity document for availing benefits under various government schemes, educational reservations, and other welfare benefits provided to individuals from these tribes.

Who is eligible to apply for a DNTs/NTs/SNTs certificate?

Individuals belonging to recognised ‘Denotified, Nomadic, or Semi-Nomadic Tribes’ in India are eligible to apply for this certificate.

Where can I apply for the DNTs/NTs/SNTs certificate?

You can apply at the nearest Tehsil, District Collectorate, or via the National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes portal.

What are the documents required to apply for the DNTs/NTs/SNTs certificate?

Required documents typically include proof of identity, proof of residence, a birth certificate, and an affidavit or declaration of belonging to the tribe.

How do I prove my tribe affiliation?

You may need to provide documentary evidence such as old certificates issued to family members, or a letter from the local Panchayat or tribal authority confirming your tribal affiliation.

How long does it take to get the DNTs/NTs/SNTs certificate?

The application processing time may vary one state to another depending on fulfillment of documents requirements and the completeness of your application.

Can I apply for the DNTs/NTs/SNTs certificate online?

Yes, in many states, the application can be submitted online through the respective state government’s e-district portal. However, the Government of India has the Development and Welfare Board for De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNCs) portal through which applicants from any state can apply for the DNT, NT, and SNT certificates.

What if my application for the DNTs/NTs/SNTs certificate gets rejected?

If your application is rejected, you can appeal to the higher authorities in your district or reapply with the necessary corrections or additional documents via the Development and Welfare Board for De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNCs) portal.

Can minors apply for the DNTs/NTs/SNTs certificate?

Yes, minors can apply for the certificate through their parents or legal guardians.

Do I need to renew theDNTs/NTs/SNTs certificate?

The DNTs/NTs/SNTs certificate is typically valid for lifetime and does not require renewal unless otherwise specified by the state government.

Can I use the DNTs/NTs/SNTs certificate from one state in another state?

Generally, the certificate is valid across India, but it is advisable to check with the specific state authority where you intend to use it.

What is the difference between a caste certificate and a DNTs/NTs/SNTs certificate?

A caste certificate is broader and covers various recognized castes, while a DNTs/NTs/SNTs certificate specifically recognizes individuals from Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes.

Is there any age limit for applying for the DNTs/NTs/SNTs certificate?

No, there is no age limit; anyone belonging to the specified tribes can apply for the certificate at any age.

What is the process if my tribe is not listed in the official records?

If your tribe is not listed, you may need to submit additional proof or seek legal or administrative recourse to have your tribe recognized by the authorities.

Can I apply for the DNTs/NTs/SNTs certificate if I am living in a different state than my place of origin?

Yes, but you may need to provide additional documents proving your place of origin and your tribe’s affiliation.

How can I check the status of my DNTs/NTs/SNTs certificate application?

The status can be checked online through the government’s portal (Development and Welfare Board for De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNCs) portal) or by visiting the office where you applied.

Who should I contact for help with my DNTs/NTs/SNTs certificate application?

You can contact the local Tehsil office, district social welfare office, or the designated help desk provided by the Development and Welfare Board for De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNCs) portal for assistance.