Nomadic communities constitute one of the most marginalised and vulnerable sections of Indian society. In Karnataka, these communities possess distinct cultural identities and traditional occupations, yet they continue to experience socio-economic deprivation and social exclusion. This study examines the identity and socio-economic challenges faced by nomadic communities in Karnataka, with particular emphasis on education, employment, healthcare, housing, and access to welfare schemes. The paper is based on secondary data collected from government reports, scholarly articles, census records, and other published sources. The analysis reveals that despite various welfare initiatives, nomadic communities continue to face difficulties due to poverty, illiteracy, inadequate healthcare, unemployment, and lack of permanent settlement. The study highlights the need for targeted policy interventions, improved access to social services, and greater socio-economic inclusion to enhance the living conditions of these communities.
Dr. Shashikumar V (2025) studied this question.