A NATIONAL LEVEL COMMON IDENTITY CARD WILL BE THE FOUNDATION FOR A NEW LIFE FOR THE NOMADIC COMMUNITY

NEW DELHI (RNI) In India, nomadic, semi-nomadic, and denotified castes constitute approximately 10% of the country's total population and are often deprived of government schemes and social benefits due to their nomadic lifestyle. Recently, the Rajasthan government issued nomadic caste identity cards for children from these communities, enabling them to gain admission to schools even without permanent documents. Furthermore, Uttar Pradesh has announced the formation of a special board for nomadic castes to enable them to benefit from government schemes. This demonstrates that the situation of nomadic communities in the country remains unstable even after nearly 80 years of independence, and they desperately need permanent identification and facilities. Taking this step forward, a national-level common identity card could be a game-changer in their lives.

This common identity card will have many implications for the nomadic community, allowing them to benefit at various levels. First, this card will provide them direct access to government schemes such as rations, healthcare, education, and employment. This facility will ensure their economic and social empowerment. Second, this card will empower them to vote from anywhere, strengthening their democratic rights and increasing their political participation. Third, in the field of education, this card will help children enroll in schools, as seen in the recent example of Rajasthan. This will secure their future and enable them to become part of the mainstream education system. Fourth, in the field of health and employment, this card will enable them to avail healthcare facilities in hospitals and pursue employment opportunities. Simply put, this card will protect their rights, recognize their identity, and integrate them into the mainstream, regardless of their state or city.

Some states, such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, have launched schemes for nomadic communities, but this is not enough. The central and state governments must jointly take the initiative to issue a national-level common identity card. Many media reports also suggest that plans are shelved after being formulated and announced. This is a community that has consistently been viewed as criminal by a self-proclaimed civilized society. Changing this perception will not be easy overnight, and constitutional and legal considerations will play a crucial role in this process, including a national-level common identity card, which will not only help improve their quality of life but also significantly contribute to social inclusion in India.