Punjab Congress To Observe Vimukt Diwas In Ludhiana On August 31

Aug30,2026 | Jagrati Lahar Bureau | Chandigarh

Party to raise long-pending demands of DNT communities for their rightful share in education, employment, social security and political representation

LUDHIANA, August 30: The Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee will observe ‘Vimukt Diwas’ on August 31, 2026, at Royal Castle Resorts, Village Meharban, Rahon Road, Ludhiana, to highlight the long-pending issues and demands of Denotified Tribes (DNTs) and seek their social, economic, educational and political empowerment.

The Criminal Tribes Act, 1871, had unjustly branded several communities as “criminal tribes” and subjected them to discrimination and surveillance. The Act was repealed on August 31, 1952, and these communities were officially denotified. ‘Vimukt Diwas’ commemorates this historic development while drawing attention to the challenges DNT communities continue to face.

Despite being denotified decades ago, many DNT communities continue to struggle for access to education, employment, housing, social security, economic opportunities and meaningful political representation. The Punjab Congress will use the occasion to raise these concerns and demand concrete measures to address their longstanding grievances.

The Renke Commission and Idate Commission, constituted to study the socio-economic condition of DNT communities and recommend measures for their welfare, have made several important recommendations. The programme will underline the need for their effective implementation, proper identification and enumeration of DNT communities, equal opportunities in education and employment, social security, housing, economic empowerment and political and constitutional representation.

In Punjab, communities including Sansi, Bazigar, Bawaria, Gawariya, Sikligar, Sirkiband, Bheel, Banjara, Labana, Gurjar, Sapera, Kalbelia, Jogi, Nath, Odh, Madari, Merasi, Singiwala, Dheh and Kanjjar, among others, are associated with DNT, nomadic and semi-nomadic communities. The Congress believes that their concerns must be brought to the forefront through an organised and sustained effort.

Representatives of various DNT communities, social activists, intellectuals and senior Congress leaders will participate in the programme and raise issues concerning their social, economic, educational, political and constitutional rights.

Senior Congress leaders expected to attend include Shri K. Raju Ji, Shri Gurdeep Singh Sappal Ji, Shri Rajendra Pal Gautam Ji, Shri Bhupesh Baghel Ji, Shri Ravinder Dalvi Ji, Shri Amarinder Singh Raja Warring Ji, Shri Charanjit Singh Channi Ji, Shri Partap Singh Bajwa Ji, Dr. Amar Singh Ji, Shri Raj Kumar Verka Ji, Shri Sangat Singh Gilzian Ji, Shri Sukhwinder Singh Daini Ji and Shri Sadhu Singh Dharamsot Ji, besides other senior Punjab Congress leaders and office-bearers.

The programme will provide a platform for a wider discussion on the rights, problems and aspirations of DNT communities and reaffirm the Punjab Congress’ commitment to equality, dignity, social justice and empowerment.

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