Dr. Virendra Kumar Reviews SEED Scheme Progress in Maharashtra’s Tisgaon Tanda Village

In a significant step towards strengthening the welfare delivery mechanisms for marginalized communities, the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, visited Tisgaon Tanda village in Taluka Khultabad, District Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, on May 8, 2025. The visit focused on a comprehensive review of development and welfare initiatives for De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs), with particular attention to the implementation of the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) programme.

Focus on Marginalized Communities

Dr. Virendra Kumar reiterated the Union Government’s firm commitment to uplifting DNT communities, describing them as one of the most socio-economically vulnerable segments in Indian society. He emphasized that the Government of India, through the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), has set up the Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC) to ensure targeted interventions for these communities.

The Minister’s visit aligns with the government’s larger agenda of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka Vishwas, aimed at fostering inclusive growth. “The DNT communities have remained on the fringes for far too long. Through focused schemes like SEED, we aim to integrate them into the mainstream and ensure their socio-economic development,” said Dr. Kumar.

Interactive Engagement with Beneficiaries and Local Stakeholders

The Minister held extensive interactions with a diverse range of stakeholders including local State Government officials, representatives from NGOs engaged in SEED implementation, beneficiaries of the scheme, SHG members, students, and community elders. These interactions yielded valuable ground-level feedback about the reach, challenges, and impact of the welfare initiatives.

The Minister’s dialogue with Self Help Groups (SHGs) and youth underlined the importance of financial empowerment, skill development, and education in transforming the lives of DNT families. Students and youth participating in competitive examination coaching under the SEED scheme shared their aspirations and progress.

Distribution of Key Welfare Entitlements

As part of the outreach effort, Dr. Kumar oversaw the distribution of several crucial welfare entitlements to eligible DNT individuals, which included:

• Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Cards: Providing cashless healthcare coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.

• Kamgar Kalyan Smart Cards: A gateway to access various welfare schemes targeted at unorganized sector workers.

• Caste Certificates: Essential for availing reservation benefits in education, employment, and other affirmative action schemes.

• Revolving Funds to SHGs: Financial aid aimed at encouraging group-based microenterprises and entrepreneurial initiatives.

• Entry Point Activities: Community mobilization measures that aim to instill trust and promote unity among newly formed SHGs.

Overview of the SEED Programme

The SEED programme is a dedicated central sector scheme that targets families from DNT/NT/SNT communities with an annual income below ₹2.50 lakh and who are not covered under similar welfare schemes. The scheme comprises four key components:

1. Coaching Support: Funding quality coaching for DNT youth aspiring to clear competitive exams for employment or higher education.

2. Health Insurance: Extending coverage under Ayushman Bharat to ensure DNT communities have access to quality healthcare.

3. Livelihood Promotion: Supporting small-scale livelihood activities by organizing community-level groups and providing them with financial and capacity-building support.

4. Housing Assistance: Offering financial grants for DNT individuals to build houses, ensuring dignified living conditions.

Towards Holistic Development and Inclusion

The Minister’s visit reinforced the Centre’s resolve to not only monitor welfare initiatives but also continuously improve delivery mechanisms. “It is our duty to reach the unreached and to ensure that every citizen, regardless of their socio-economic status, has the opportunity to live with dignity and purpose,” Dr. Kumar stated.

He also acknowledged the efforts of the Maharashtra State Government and partner NGOs in supporting the implementation of central schemes and creating synergy with state-level welfare programmes.

Dr. Virendra Kumar’s visit to Tisgaon Tanda is a pivotal moment in the ongoing mission to empower De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities in India. By directly engaging with beneficiaries and ensuring the timely distribution of benefits, the Union Government has reaffirmed its dedication to inclusive development and social justice. The SEED programme is poised to play a transformative role in enabling DNT communities to rise above historical disadvantages and build a brighter, more secure future.