Scheme for Economic Empowerment of De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SEED) – Livelihood Component
The Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED) is a scheme under the Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJ&E), Government of India. The scheme aims to promote the development of the De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes through interventions in education, housing, health, and livelihoods.
The NSFDC serves as an implementing agency for the DWBDNC, MoSJ&E, Government of India, specifically for the livelihood component of the SEED scheme. Since the financial year 2024-25, the scheme has been implemented in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. The livelihood component enables the target group to earn a sustainable livelihood. Key interventions include Self-Help Group (SHG) formation, capacity building, skill training, and the facilitation of employment or self-employment. Furthermore, the target group is assisted in accessing various entitlements, including the Ayushman Card, Aadhaar Card, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pension Schemes, and Caste Certificates.
The project has been sanctioned for 1,450 SHGs [viz., Andhra Pradesh (150 SHGs), Maharashtra (300 SHGs), Tamil Nadu (500 SHGs), and Uttar Pradesh (500 SHGs)].
The project is being implemented by the NSFDC across 28 districts in 4 States through 8 Partner Agencies.
State-wise Implementation Details
| S. No. | State | Name of the Agency | Name of Districts | SHGs Target (Nos.) | No. of SHGs Formed (Nos.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andhra Pradesh | Ni-MSME | YSR Kadapa, Tirupati & Chittoor | 150 | 150 |
| 2 | Maharashtra | Nirman Bahu Uddheshiya Sanstha | Aurangabad, Beed & Jalna | 150 | 150 |
| Navchetana Sarvangin Vikas Kendra | Parbhani, Osmanabad & Ahmednagar | 150 | 150 | ||
| 3 | Tamil Nadu | DHAN Foundation | Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Dindigul, Kancheepuram, Salem, Thanjavur, Theni & Tiruvallur | 400 | 400 |
| MYRADA | Erode & Ramanathapuram | 100 | 100 | ||
| 4 | Uttar Pradesh | Aga Khan Foundation | Lakhimpur Kheri, Shravasti, Baharaich & Sitapur | 250 | 250 |
| Arpan Seva Sansthan | Agra, Mathura, Mainpuri & Firozabad | 200 | 200 | ||
| The Goat Trust | Mirzapur | 50 | 50 | ||
| Total | 08 Agencies | 28 districts | 1450 | 1450 | |
Through these efforts, the NSFDC aims to empower DNT communities by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, preserving traditional crafts, and fostering economic growth. This initiative aligns with the Corporation’s broader goal of promoting inclusive development and enhancing the socio-economic status of marginalized communities.