New Members Narayan Dewasi, Swaroop Singh Banjara Sworn In to DWBDNC Governing Body

Newly appointed members Narayan Dewasi and Swaroop Singh Banjara on Wednesday took the oath of office as members of the governing body of the Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC).

Sudhansh Pant, Secretary of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Chairman of the DWBDNC, administered the oath to the two members at the ministry’s office in New Delhi.

According to the Ministry, Dewasi and Banjara pledged allegiance to the Constitution of India and to uphold the country’s sovereignty and integrity. They also vowed to discharge their responsibilities faithfully and conscientiously and work for all persons belonging to De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic (DNT/NT/SNT) communities without fear or favour.

The two members were appointed by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment for a three-year tenure from the date of joining or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Banjara assumed charge on September 17, while Dewasi joined on September 25, 2026. The official DWBDNC website now lists both as members of the board.

Pant expressed hope that their appointment would strengthen the governing body and help advance programmes focused on the welfare, socio-economic development and empowerment of DNT communities.

The DWBDNC was constituted on February 21, 2019, following recommendations concerning the welfare and development of communities that have historically faced social and economic marginalisation. Its mandate includes formulating welfare programmes, identifying gaps in access to existing government schemes and entitlements, and monitoring the implementation of development initiatives for these communities.

A key initiative implemented through the board is the Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED), which focuses on education, healthcare, livelihoods and housing. The scheme includes support for competitive-exam coaching, health insurance access, livelihood initiatives and housing assistance for eligible beneficiaries.

The government expects the strengthened governing body to further improve the reach of such welfare and empowerment measures among De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic communities.