‘Group Certificate Fairs’ to be Organized Across the State for Vimukta Jatis and Nomadic Tribes

Fairs to be Held Across 2,625 Circles in 936 Settlements of 203 Talukas as Part of a Major Decision by the Home and Bahujan Welfare Departments

Mumbai, August 7: The Maharashtra State Government has taken a major decision to ensure that citizens belonging to Vimukta Jatis and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT) receive government scheme benefits and various essential certificates promptly and with ease. Across the entire state, special camps will be organized at the taluka and circle levels jointly by the Revenue Department, departments associated with the respective welfare schemes, and the Directorate of Other Backward Bahujan Welfare. These special camps have been officially designated as the ‘Bhatke Vimukta Samuh Dakhla Melava’ (Denotified and Nomadic Tribes Group Certificate Fair).

Looking at the historical context, the British government declared certain communities as criminals under the Criminal Tribes Act in 1871. Following independence, this law was repealed in 1952, and these communities were formally recognized as ‘Vimukta Jatis’ (Denotified Tribes). Given their migratory lifestyle and unique social conditions, ensuring that fundamental rights, official identification documents, and welfare benefits reach these citizens is crucial. With this intent, the state government has resolved to conduct these fairs on the first Tuesday of every quarter starting October 6, 2026. Accordingly, four state-level fairs will take place on the exact same days each year, specifically on October 6, 2026, January 5, 2027, April 6, 2027, and July 6, 2027. During these camps, essential documents and certificates will be facilitated for citizens, including identity cards (Aadhaar [Redacted]), Voter ID cards, ration cards, caste certificates, Ayushman Bharat cards, income certificates, non-creamy layer certificates, domicile certificates, marriage registrations, disability certificates, and birth or death certificates. Furthermore, grievances related to central and state government welfare schemes will be resolved on a priority basis.

To ensure effective execution, beneficiary lists will be finalized and preliminary documentation collected 15 days prior to the scheduled fair date. Application forms will be collected on the day of the fair itself, and the actual distribution of certificates or scheme benefits will be completed either on the same day or no later than the end of that month. In the initial phase, these fairs will target 936 settlements across 203 talukas having high concentrations of nomadic and denotified populations, before expanding statewide across all talukas and 2,625 revenue circles. Attendance has been made mandatory for all key administration personnel, including Sub-Divisional Officers, Tehsildars, Block Development Officers, Taluka Health Officers, Village Development Officers, Anganwadi workers, and health nurses. State authorities have issued strict directives to ensure that services are provided with utmost transparency, courtesy, and efficiency without causing any inconvenience to citizens.