Bawankule sets July 15 deadline for document distribution to all DNTs
Nagpur: Maharashtra revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Wednesday issued strict instructions to all district administrations to complete comprehensive door-to-door survey of de-notified and nomadic tribes (DNTs) across the state by July 15.
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This is part of a broader govt effort to provide these historically marginalised communities with official documents such as caste certificates, ration cards, Aadhaar cards, and other essential identification papers.
In a state-level review meeting held in Mumbai under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj revenue campaign, Bawankule emphasised that revenue officials must organise cluster-wise camps to identify eligible DNT members and facilitate issuance of their documents efficiently.
"It is crucial that not a single individual from these communities is left behind. In case documentary evidence is missing, home verification must be conducted to ensure proper identification," the minister said.
This initiative aims to bridge the gap in documentation that often prevents DNT members from accessing welfare schemes, govt benefits, and social security programs. The lack of formal identity proof was a major barrier for these communities, denying them their rightful entitlements.
The meeting was attended by state-level tribal council representatives, district collectors, and revenue officers who shared progress updates through videoconferencing. The minister reiterated that the deadline of July 15 must be strictly adhered to, underscoring the govt's commitment to empowering the de-notified and nomadic tribes by providing them official recognition and facilitating their integration into mainstream welfare programs.
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