SEED SCHEME FOR DNT COMMUNITIES

NEWS: DWBDNC-Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities reported improved outreach under SEED Scheme (FY 2025–26)

ABOUT SCHEME

• Launched → Feb 2022 by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
• Type → Central Sector Scheme
• Outlay → ₹200 crore (5 years)
• Implemented by → DWBDNC (via online portal)
• Aim: Economic empowerment of DNT, NT, SNT communities

KEY COMPONENTS

• Education → Free coaching (competitive exams + professional courses)
• Health → Insurance via PMJAY
• Livelihood → Income generation support
• Housing → Linked to PMAY

ABOUT DNT / NT / SNT

• DNT → Earlier under Criminal Tribes Act, 1871 (de-notified in 1952)
• NT/SNT → Migratory lifestyle (no permanent settlement)
• Spread → SC/ST/OBC + some outside all categories
• Population → ~10% (150 DNTs + ~500 NTs)

SIGNIFICANCE

• Targeted inclusion of neglected communities
• Improves access to education, health & livelihoods
• Helps mainstream highly vulnerable groups