Nakkala Community in Jainad Struggles for ST Certificates Despite Parental Status

Members of the nomadic Nakkala community in Jainad mandal of Adilabad district are struggling to obtain Scheduled Tribe (ST) caste certificates for their children, despite parents already possessing valid documentation.

The denial of certificates has created hurdles for families attempting to transition away from nomadic lifestyles, access welfare schemes, secure admissions in residential government schools, and participate in local elections.

In Jainad, 33-year-old Rathod Deepak reported that revenue officials rejected his application for an ST certificate even after he submitted a photocopy of his father Rathod Anandrao’s ST certificate. His mother, Rathod Ranjana, received an ST certificate under Nakkala-32 in 2015, and his 31-year-old brother, Rathod Akash, holds a valid certificate. Deepak stated that officials asked him to apply for a BC-A certificate under the Pardhi community instead, which he refused. The rejection prevented him from planning to contest as a ward member in the 2026 sarpanch elections.

According to community members, only around 10 people residing in Jainad have obtained ST certificates under the Nakkala category. While children currently gain admission to government schools using Aadhaar cards listing Nakkala as their community, families fear future administrative hurdles when formal certificates are demanded.

Jainad Tahsildar Atram Narayana confirmed that revenue authorities had issued ST certificates to Nakkala individuals in the past, but noted that no such certificates have been issued over the last three years. Narayana stated he would seek clarification from the district collector regarding the issuance of ST certificates when community members apply.

Community elder Chouhan Chandrakala appealed to Adilabad District Collector Rajarshi Shah to facilitate hostel admissions for Nakkala children in Jainad. She questioned why certificates issued to parents are not being granted to the next generation, noting that the community speaks the Vagri language and has historically sought stable livelihoods and education through the efforts of leaders such as the late Dhood Ram and Adivasi leader Sidam Arju Master.