Eknath Shinde Assures Housing and Caste Certificates for Nomadic Communities in Sion
Speaking at the Nomadic and Denotified Communities Rights, Justice and Development Conference at Shanmukhananda Hall in Sion, Mumbai, on Monday, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured that the state government will prioritise addressing issues related to caste certificates, permanent housing, and basic amenities for nomadic and denotified communities.
Shinde stated that efforts must be made to ensure nomadic and denotified communities emerge as a "stable and worry-free society" with access to education, employment, and basic amenities, rather than being identified by displacement and deprivation. He said the state government would extend full support to bring these groups into the mainstream and promote their economic, social, and educational empowerment.
According to Shinde, the problems faced by the 52 castes and communities among nomadic and denotified groups have persisted for decades across successive administrations. He noted that government schemes implemented through various corporations would be delivered directly to the last beneficiary to help community members achieve self-reliance.
Shinde also emphasized the preservation of the communities' cultural heritage and traditional arts. He stated that the Tourism Department will provide a wider platform to showcase traditional arts and culture to a global audience, alongside expanding educational and employment opportunities for youth from these communities.
The conference was organized by Maharashtra Minister for Soil and Water Conservation Sanjay Rathod, who serves as the national leader of the Akhil Bharatiya Shiv Bhatke-Vimukta Sena. Rathod called for serious intervention regarding the long-pending demands of the 52 communities, highlighting the need for permanent settlements, housing, basic amenities, and adequate political representation.
Rathod noted that nomadic and denotified communities comprise a population of around 20 crore, emphasizing the need for unity and rights awareness. He mentioned that Shinde had instructed that a meeting of prominent community representatives be convened soon.
The event was also addressed by Union Minister of State Prataprao Jadhav, state ministers Gulabrao Patil, Sanjay Shirsat, and Shambhuraje Desai, MPs Jyoti Waghmare and Sanjay Deshmukh, writer and scholar Laxman Gaikwad, and DNT Federation national coordinator Digambar Rathod. Thousands of community members attended the gathering, which featured traditional musical performances, the screening of a short film titled Shodh Bhakaricha, and the release of an information booklet by Shinde.
