94 i RIGHTS OF THE VULNERABLE requested to examine their schemes and policies from the perspective of the human rights of the elderly. The Commission has also expressed its concern over the plight of older persons belonging to economically weaker sections of society in the unorganised sector. HelpAge India is particularly involved with such groups. The representatives of the Insurance companies indicated that policies can be prepared for different groups, but it was important to identify the agency that could pay the premiums on their behalf. The Companies expressed their willingness to discuss these matters further. E] Problems of Denotlfied and Nomadic Tribes 8.46 The communities designated as Denotified "fribes (DNT) and Nomadic Tribes (NT) of India were identified as 'Criminal Tribes' (which included both castes as well as tribes) in pre-independence India. Though the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871 was annulled soon after independence, the police, as well as members of the public, frequently and most regrettably continue to treat persons belonging to these communities as 'born criminals' and 'habitual criminals'. They therefore remain amongst the most disadvantaged and discriminated against in the country. 8.47 The eminent activist and author, Smt. Mahzisvetadevi, President, Denotified and Nomadic Tribals Rights Action Group, sent a petition to the Commission on the plight of the Denotified and Nomadic Tribal Communities of India referring to their illtreatment by the administration, and by the police in particular. The Commission thereafter convened a meeting of the Chief Secretaries and senior officers of a number of concerned states on 15 February 2000 to deal further with this matter. A number of specific recommendations were then made to the State Governments and the Commission has sought to follow-up on the action taken on those recommendations. Regrettably, the situation on the ground has not yet perceptably altered for the better and the responses of most State Governments has been desultory. The Commission will therefore pursue this matter, which affects most seriously the human rights of members of the Denotified and Nomadic Tribes and reflects most poorly on the capacity of the State and society to treat them with the respect that is their right. 8.48 On the recommendations of the Commission, the Ministry of Home Affairs sent a copy of the views of the Commission to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION