For the development and welfare of De-notified, Nomadic and Semi- Nomadic Communities, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing a scheme namely, Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED) with budgetary allocation of Rs. 39.40 Cr. for 2025-26. The Scheme provides support for:

i.          Educational Empowerment: By giving them financial assistance for free coaching which will enable them getting admission in good institutes/employment in public and private sector,

ii.         Health: Ayushman Cards are being distributed among DNT communities,

iii.        Livelihoods: Self Help Groups (SHGs) have been formed in DNT clusters to enable them improve their economic condition, and

iv.        Land and Housing: Facilitates to provide houses to DNT communities under PMAY-G/PMAY-U, other government schemes. 

One of the objectives of the Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED) is to take initiatives to save their traditional art and facilitate their marketing initiatives for Skill Development, encouragement to community clusters, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs) etc. in order to boost livelihood opportunities to De-notified, Nomadic and Semi Nomadic Communities. Skill Development Training was provided to 2199 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), benefitting 10554 individuals  in areas like Sewing, Soap making, Jewellery making, training courses of Beauty Parlour, Food Processing, Animal Husbandry, Home Essentials & Crafts, and Basic Computer Training. A revolving fund of ₹25,000 was provided to promote financial stability. A culture of saving and inter-lending was inculcated. Women used loans to start businesses like kirana shops, bangle shops, and goat rearing. These 10554 beneficiaries were assisted under income generation and enterprise development through skill training, financial inclusion, and self-employment initiatives.

This information was provided by UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT, SHRI B.L. VERMA, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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