Govt to launch scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs

New Delhi: Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar will launch the Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs in New Delhi today for the welfare of De-notified, Nomadic and Semi Nomadic Tribes. The DNTs are the most neglected, marginalized and economically and socially deprived communities. Historically, these communities never had access to private land or home ownership and used forests and grazing lands for their livelihood and residential use.

Free Coaching for DNT students has been envisioned under the Scheme. The objective is to provide good coaching quality for DNT candidates to enable them to appear in



competitive examinations or admissions to professional courses. Approximately, 2,000 clusters will benefit under this component in five years. The total funds spent in the five years will be 49 crore rupees.

Considering the shortage of houses for DNTs, it has been proposed to earmark a separate outlay for PMAY for DNTs living in rural areas who have not taken benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and are living below poverty line. The support is 1.20 lakh rupees in plains and 1.30 lakhs in hilly areas. Approximately, 4,200 houses will be constructed under this component in five years.