The Uttar Pradesh state government announced on Tuesday that it will soon establish the 'Uttar Pradesh Ghumantu Vikas Board' to promote the development of denotified, nomadic, and semi-nomadic communities. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Uttar Pradesh State Backward Classes Commission, chaired by its chairman, Rajesh Verma.
Background of the Decision
In February this year, representatives of Ghumantu tribes met with Asim Arun, the Minister for Social Welfare (Independent Charge), and were promised permanent housing and identity proof documents. The delegation highlighted that the lack of ID proofs prevented them from having permanent homes, which in turn made it difficult to obtain any official documents. Without IDs, their children could not be enrolled in schools, and they could not access benefits from government schemes.
Review of Welfare Schemes
Tuesday's meeting also included a review of the progress of public welfare schemes being implemented across the state. The commission issued instructions to ensure effective action for protecting the interests of backward classes and resolving their issues. Rajesh Verma emphasized that the concerned departments should expedite the disposal of complaints received from the National Backward Classes Commission.
This initiative aims to address the long-standing grievances of nomadic communities, ensuring their integration into mainstream society with access to education, housing, and government benefits.
