We work with Adivasi and de-notified tribes (DNT) living in the slums of Indore, focusing particularly on the Pardhi community, traditional hunter-gatherers. Forest conservation and protection policies have deprived them of access to forests and traditional livelihoods, forcing many to migrate to cities in search of employment. These families often reside in makeshift shanties lacking land titles and living under constant threat of eviction.
Currently, their primary employment is in the informal sector, including roles such as daily wage laborers, rag pickers, beggars, and trinket sellers. Despite their resilience, these communities face significant economic hardship and remain largely excluded from formal education systems. Furthermore, a lack of official documents, such as caste certificates or inclusion in the list of Scheduled Tribes, restricts their access to government schemes and provisions.
DNT communities continue to endure discrimination due to the stigma associated with their historical labeling as criminals by the British government. They face a high incidence of violence, suicides, and substance abuse, leaving individuals within these communities vulnerable to complex trauma. This significantly impacts their well-being, highlighting an urgent need to address the mental health concerns of the DNT communities.