The Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC), under the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, organized 'SAMAVESH UTSAV' at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi on September 1, 2026. The event celebrated the inclusion, empowerment and progress of DNT communities with participation from more than 700 beneficiaries including community leaders and artisans from across the country.
The event showcased success stories under the Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED), which focuses on interventions in education, healthcare, livelihood and housing. Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar highlighted the positive impact of the SEED Scheme in transforming lives of DNT communities, while Minister of State Shri B. L. Verma emphasized the scheme's role in reliably improving socio-economic conditions and reiterated the government's continued commitment to holistic welfare.
A major exhibition featured twenty stalls showcasing traditional skills and products of DNT artisans from six states and union territories: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Delhi. The participating communities included Banjara, Chamar, Nat, Sutar, Vadar, Lohar, Gadiya Lohar, Waghri and Naik. Displayed products included handmade godhadis, jute bags, traditional jhulas, hand embroidery, blue pottery, iron products, appliqué and block-print work, pickles, spices and fruit jams, demonstrating the rich craft heritage and entrepreneurial potential of these communities.
The DWBDNC was constituted through a notification dated February 21, 2019, to implement welfare and development programmes for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic communities, with the SEED Scheme launched subsequently to supplement efforts aimed at their holistic welfare and socio-economic empowerment.