The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, through the Development and Welfare Board for De‑notified, Nomadic and Semi‑Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC), has reported a landmark performance under the Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED) during 2025–26. DWBDNC adopts a holistic approach to uplift DNT, NT, and SNT communities through education, livelihood development, housing, and health coverage.

During FY 2025–26, DWBDNC disbursed ₹26.75 crore under its Educational Empowerment component — a remarkable surge of over 402.8% compared to the preceding financial year. This exceptional growth was accompanied by a substantial expansion in outreach, extending benefits to 4,485 beneficiaries, reflecting an extraordinary increase of 714% over FY 2024–25.

Under the Livelihood Component, DWBDNC channelled ₹16.00 crore to empower 64,701 individuals, registering a robust growth of over 220% year-on-year. This component has catalysed the formation of 5,623 Self-Help Groups across eight states, fostering grassroots entrepreneurship and community-led economic resilience. Under the Health Component, 73,569 Ayushman Bharat cards were issued — a striking growth of over 419% over the previous year — significantly strengthening healthcare access for some of India's most underserved communities.

This remarkable upward trajectory underscores SEED’s effectiveness in scaling educational empowerment, livelihood security, and healthcare access for DNT communities.

The DWBDNC remains committed to fostering inclusive growth and sustainable empowerment of DNT communities nationwide, with continued focus on education, livelihood, housing, and health.

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