Identity documents for 45 members of the Fakir community

24 fakir families have  made Nandasan village of Mehsana district their home for years. These families roam around on streets and neighbouring villages performing Allah’s Bandagi, People give them money, food, grains etc.  on which these families survive. It is a routine they have been performing for decades. Although they live nomadic lives this community does not find inclusion in the list of nomadic tribes. The  Meer and Fakir communities lead a life similar to many other nomadic communities but because they are not included in the government’s list they do not benefit from any of the government welfare schemes for economically and socially  deprived sections of the society. 

As it is common with other nomadic communities these families have no identity or citizenry documents. This year Tohid, our co-ordinator of Mehsana district filed applications for voters ID cards of 54 adult Fakir community members. 45 of the 54 applicants received their Voter’s ID cards their first every identity proofs.