BY SUDHANSHU PANT
The Government of India, through the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and the Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC), is implementing the Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED) to promote education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and livelihood generation among Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic (DNT, NT and SNT) communities.
The Scheme is making a meaningful contribution towards enhancing access to education, supporting entrepreneurship and encouraging sustainable livelihood opportunities across the country. Through its various components, SEED is helping beneficiaries pursue their aspirations and participate in India’s growth journey.
During 2025-26, more than 1.10 lakh beneficiaries were covered under different components of the Scheme, including education, livelihood and healthcare initiatives, with financial assistance amounting to Rs.53.06 crore released for implementation. The impact of the Scheme is reflected in numerous success stories emerging from different parts of the country.
Expanding Enterprises and Enhancing Incomes
In Theni district of Tamil Nadu, Chinnathai established a home-based idli and dosa batter enterprise with livelihood assistance of Rs.12,500 received under the SEED Scheme.
She utilised the assistance for purchasing a wet grinder and steadily expanded her customer base in the locality. Over time, the enterprise has grown into a regular source of income, with monthly earnings of approximately Rs.3,000. Alongside managing her business, she actively participates in programmes on savings, health awareness and entrepreneurship.
Today, her enterprise contributes to household income and reflects the role of the SEED Scheme in promoting entrepreneurship and livelihood generation.
Weaving Prosperity
In Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, the Maheshwari DNT Self-Help Group, comprising nine women artisans from Buchinaidu Kandriga Mandal, expanded their traditional bamboo weaving enterprise through assistance received under the SEED Scheme.
Formed in November 2024 under the DNT SEED Project, the group received Revolving Fund support of Rs.25,000 in April 2025. The assistance enabled the members to procure bamboo raw materials from Sullurupeta, increase the production of bamboo baskets and other woven products, and strengthen their collective business activities. Working together through the Self-Help Group, the members have also developed regular savings practices and enhanced their entrepreneurial capabilities.
The enterprise has contributed significantly to household incomes, with each member now earning between Rs.20,000 and Rs.25,000 per month from the sale of bamboo products. Today, the bamboo weaving initiative serves as a sustainable source of income for the members and their families and stands as an example of community-led entrepreneurship supported under the SEED Scheme.
Supporting Educational Achievement
The education component of the SEED Scheme is also facilitating academic achievement among beneficiaries.
Under the Free Coaching component of the SEED Scheme (2025–26), Sandesh received coaching assistance of Rs.32,000 for preparation for competitive examinations. With the benefit of structured coaching, he successfully cleared the SSC GD Examination and joined the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as a Constable.
His achievement reflects how educational assistance under the Scheme is enabling beneficiaries to pursue professional careers and realise their aspirations.
Advancing Aspirations and Opportunities
The success stories emerging from different parts of the country reflect the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment’s commitment to promoting education, entrepreneurship, healthcare and livelihood generation among Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic communities.
From expanding enterprises and enhancing household incomes to supporting educational achievement and professional careers, the SEED Scheme is contributing to inclusive growth and socio-economic development across the country.
As beneficiaries continue to achieve success in diverse fields, the Scheme stands as a testament to aspirations, enterprise and accomplishment. Through education, entrepreneurship and livelihood support, SEED is helping individuals and families create new milestones and contribute to India’s development journey.
The author, Shri Sudhansh Pant (IAS) is Secretary, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
