August 31 to be celebrated as ‘Bhatke Vimukt Diwas' across Maharashtra
The decision marks a long-standing demand of these communities and aims to honour their struggle and contributions to nation-building.
The announcement comes as a response to appeals made to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis by various community leaders and organisations, including the Bhatke Vimukt Vikas Parishad. Now, August 31 will now be observed at both state and district levels to commemorate the repeal of the Criminal Tribes Act on the same date in 1952.
Originally enacted in 1871 by the British regime, the Criminal Tribes Act branded 193 communities as "criminal," subjecting them to widespread discrimination, surveillance, and social ostracisation. The law caused generations of nomadic and denotified communities to suffer isolation and state-sanctioned atrocities.
Sharing the update on social media, Nagpur Central MLA Pravin Datke expressed gratitude towards CM Fadnavis, OBC welfare minister Atul Save, and the Parishad for their role in achieving this milestone.
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"This is a fight for the dignity of our community. It is a tribute to the sacrifices and resilience of our ancestors," Datke wrote.
Leaders and activists across the state welcomed the move, calling it a step forward in recognising historical injustices and reaffirming the state's commitment to social justice and inclusion.
Celebrating Bhatke Vimukt Diwas annually is expected to raise awareness about the history, culture, and contributions of nomadic and denotified tribes in Maharashtra.
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