Nearly 10% of India’s Population Still Marginalized
In India, nomadic, semi-nomadic, and denotified tribes constitute nearly 10% of the population. Due to their migratory lifestyle, they are often left out of government schemes and social welfare benefits. Recently, the Rajasthan government introduced special identity cards for children from nomadic communities, enabling them to gain school admissions without permanent documentation. Similarly, Uttar Pradesh announced the formation of a special board for these groups to ensure their inclusion in welfare schemes. These developments highlight that, even after almost 80 years of independence, the nomadic population continues to remain socially and economically unstable, with an urgent need for permanent identity and access to essential services.

A Game-Changing Step: National Common Identity Card
According to Dr. Atul Malikram, a national-level common identity card could prove to be a game changer for nomadic communities. This card would carry multiple benefits:

  1. Direct Access to Government Schemes – It would allow them to avail ration, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities seamlessly.

  2. Strengthened Democratic Rights – With the card, they could cast their votes from anywhere in the country, ensuring stronger political participation.

  3. Education Access – As seen in Rajasthan’s example, such a card would simplify school admissions, securing the future of nomadic children by integrating them into mainstream education.

  4. Healthcare and Employment – The card would enable them to seek medical facilities at hospitals and apply for jobs across states, providing security and stability.

Simply put, this card would safeguard their rights, validate their identity, and include them in the national mainstream, irrespective of where they reside.

Need for Central and State-Level Collaboration
Though states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh have initiated certain welfare measures, these remain inadequate. Dr. Malikram emphasized that both central and state governments must collaborate to introduce a nationwide identity card system.

A Step Towards Social Inclusion
Past experiences and media reports suggest that many schemes for nomadic groups remain unimplemented after being announced. Additionally, society has historically viewed these communities with suspicion, often branding them as criminals. Changing this perception will not be easy, and constitutional as well as legal frameworks will play a critical role. In this context, a national identity card would not only uplift their living standards but also mark a significant step towards social inclusion and justice in India.

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