Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Maharashtra Pledges Empowerment for Nomadic, Denotified Communities at Mumbai Conference
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde spoke at a meeting about nomadic and denotified communities.
He said these communities should have stable homes, education, jobs and basic services.
He promised that the government would help people obtain caste certificates.
He also said government programs should reach the people who need them.
Sanjay Rathod said the communities need better housing and political representation.
He warned that some traditional arts and customs could disappear.
The Tourism Department will help showcase these arts more widely.
Thousands of people attended the event in Mumbai and displayed their culture.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde pledged state support for the social, educational and economic empowerment of nomadic and denotified communities.
The government will prioritize caste-certificate difficulties, permanent housing and access to basic amenities.
Shinde said schemes would be delivered directly to beneficiaries to help families become self-reliant and join mainstream development.
Minister Sanjay Rathod called for permanent settlements, political representation and preservation of traditional arts facing decline.
Thousands of community members from across Maharashtra attended the Mumbai conference, featuring cultural performances and a film screening.
- Who
- Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister Sanjay Rathod and representatives of nomadic and denotified communities.
- What
- A conference discussed rights, justice, development, housing, representation and cultural preservation for 52 nomadic and denotified communities.
- When
- Monday; the article does not provide a specific date.
- Where
- Shanmukhananda Hall in Sion, Mumbai.
- Why
- To address long-standing difficulties involving displacement, housing, caste certificates, basic facilities, education, employment and cultural preservation.
Government Commitments
Community Demands
Housing and basic services
Government Commitments
Eknath Shinde said difficulties involving permanent housing and inadequate basic facilities would be addressed as a priority.
Community Demands
Sanjay Rathod said the communities need permanent settlements, housing and basic amenities, indicating that these demands remain unresolved.
Economic and social inclusion
Government Commitments
Shinde said Maharashtra would promote equal opportunities, education, employment and economic, social and educational empowerment.
Community Demands
Rathod called for greater unity and awareness of rights so the communities could press their concerns before the government and wider society.
Cultural preservation
Government Commitments
Shinde said the Tourism Department would provide a wider platform for traditional arts and culture, including global exposure.
Community Demands
Rathod said several traditional art forms and cultural practices were close to disappearing and required serious preservation efforts.
- Event
- Nomadic and Denotified Communities Rights, Justice and Development Conference
- Organizer
- Akhil Bharatiya Shiv Bhatke-Vimukta Sena
- Communities discussed
- 52 nomadic and denotified castes and communities
- Government priorities
- Caste certificates, permanent housing, basic amenities, education and employment
- Cultural support
- The Tourism Department will provide platforms for traditional arts and culture, including global exposure.
- Attendance
- Thousands of members from nomadic and denotified communities across Maharashtra attended.
- Additional event activities
- The film Shodh Bhakaricha was screened and an information booklet was released.