Delhi Govt to provide permanent house for nomadic community

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday said the government is planning to providing permanent housing to every family of the nomadic community and to ensure them better livelihood, the government will also provide for employment opportunities and market facilities.

Notably, the city is home to various nomadic groups, such as the Banjara, Bazigar, Kanjar, Nat, and others, to pass through or temporarily settle. These groups, often listed as Denotified (DNT) and Nomadic Tribes (NT), are not always residentially nomadic but move in search of livelihoods, historically linked to trading, animal husbandry or skilled crafts.

Speaking at an event on the Vimukt Jati Diwas at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, the CM mentioned that for the first time in the history of independent India, such a large-scale programme has been organised for the dignity and empowerment of the de-notified, nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes. This event not only highlighted the cultural heritage of these communities but also reinforced their identity in society.

In her address, Gupta claimed that even after 78 years of Independence, the nomadic community continues to struggle with neglect and extremely difficult circumstances.

Recalling their significant contribution to the freedom struggle, she added that successive governments had failed to genuinely address their concerns and it is for the first time, both the Delhi Government and the Central Government are working together to bring stability and dignity to their lives.

"Prime Minister’s historic decision to establish a Board for nomadic, de-notified and semi-nomadic communities has ensured access to basic necessities such as education, healthcare, employment and housing," she added.

The CM urged the people from such communities who were present at the event to keep ready their lists and documents so that the benefits of government schemes could reach them in a timely manner.

She added that the nomadic community has equal rights over the resources and institutions of Delhi and expressed her hope that the children of this community will one day attain high positions and bring pride to their families and society.