Punjab DNT delegation seeks certificates, welfare support from Union Minister
A delegation of leaders from Punjab’s De-notified Tribes (DNT), led by Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, met Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Virendra Kumar at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, to highlight long-pending issues concerning the identity, rights and socio-economic development of DNT communities in the State.
The delegation submitted a memorandum seeking the issuance of DNT certificates to eligible communities, stating that the absence of formal identity documents has prevented many families from accessing Government welfare schemes. Representatives of communities including Bazigar, Sansi, Bawaria, Nat, Od, Marasi, Rai Sikh and Sikligar Sikh urged the Centre to ensure recognition, educational opportunities, scholarships, skill development, employment and self-employment for DNT families.
The meeting also focused on expanding access to the Centre’s Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED), including coaching for competitive examinations, healthcare, housing and livelihood support. Community representatives stressed the need to connect DNT youth with opportunities for UPSC, State Civil Services, SSC, Railway, Banking, IIT-JEE and NEET preparation.
Union Minister Dr Virendra Kumar assured the delegation that the Ministry would make positive efforts to address the concerns of Punjab’s DNT communities and ensure that eligible families receive the benefits of Central welfare schemes.
Speaking after the meeting, MP Satnam Singh Sandhu said, “Over the last 12 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, social justice has gone beyond welfare to include identity, participation and dignity.
Punjab’s DNT communities deserve equal rights, opportunities and access to education, employment and Government schemes so they can become equal partners in the journey towards a Viksit Bharat.”
