to social and economic neglect.

Vimukt Jati (Denotified) communities suffered decades of stigma and discrimination, even after independence. Social exclusion also affected cultural recognition. This long-standing neglect created inter-generational poverty reinforcing cycles of social and economic disadvantage. These tribal communitites lived in remote, forested areas with poor connectivity, limiting access to education, healthcare, and government services Also for decades, they have remained invisible in policy, development, and society, struggling to access even basic rights and opportunities. Tharu farm and celebrate festivals but face economic neglect. Gonds rely on forests yet lose land. Kol and Chero practice crafts but face stigma. Kharwar gather forest produce with little market access, and Vanvasi depend on handicrafts but remain disadvantaged.

Uttar Pradesh government, protecting and empowering tribals today marks the celebration of Vimukt Jati Divas, highlighting the recognition of denotified Tribes and restoring dignity after historical stigma. Addressing past setbacks, today’s event saw Hon’ble Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasize that the government’s priority is to make every citizen self-reliant through education, healthcare, employment, and livelihood initiatives. He also stated that this initiative will serve as a model for similar programs aimed at benefiting other tribal communities.

Special livelihood schemes Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Forest Rights Act (FRA) for communities to be provided quality education to tribal children in remote areas, secure homes for families, protecting tribal properties and ensuring sustainable forest access & Women-focused programs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) promote entrepreneurship, financial independence, and leadership among tribal women. Platforms like the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS) and One District One Product (ODOP) scheme have provided tribal artisans with a national and international stage to showcase their crafts, textiles, and traditional products gaining recognition from buyers across the globe this initiatives have bridged the gap between traditional skills and modern markets empowering the Communitites.

Thousands of women from these communities now operate micro-enterprises, craft cooperatives, forest-based product businesses, and agro-processing units, boosting family income and strengthening community decision-making, while fostering self-reliance, leadership, and long-term economic empowerment across tribal regions. With government support, women have access to financial literacy programs, microcredit, and market linkages, enabling them to scale up businesses, innovate traditional crafts, and participate in global trade fairs.

With continued commitment and expansion of such initiatives, Uttar Pradesh is proving that targeted, empowering policies can transform generations, turning decades of neglect into sustained prosperity, dignity, and pride, and charting a path for other states to replicate this model of holistic tribal empowerment. Tribal communities in UP are now equipped, empowered, and poised to thrive, marking a new era of opportunity, recognition, and sustainable development, and setting a model for inclusive growth across India.