SEED: Scheme for Economic Empowerment of Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes
Last updated: 2026-11-13 · MockMentor
SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes) supports some of India's most neglected communities. These groups were labelled "born criminals" under the colonial Criminal Tribes Act, 1871, and were denotified in 1952, but stigma remains. The scheme follows the recommendations of the Idate Commission and is run by the Development and Welfare Board for DNT communities (DWBDNC), set up in 2019.
In one line: education, health cover, livelihoods and homes for denotified and nomadic communities not covered by SC or ST lists.
At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Nodal agency | Development and Welfare Board for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities |
| Who | DNT/NT/SNT families not in SC/ST lists |
| Income limit | ₹2.5 lakh a year |
| Application | Online through the SEED portal |
Four components
- Free coaching for competitive and entrance exams, for 1,250 students a year, with a stipend.
- Health insurance of ₹5 lakh a family a year through PM-JAY.
- Livelihood clusters through NBCFDC.
- Housing in convergence with PMAY.
Possible exam questions
- Why do denotified tribes remain excluded despite constitutional safeguards?
- Discuss the role of identity documents in accessing welfare.
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