The present study focuses on the Maset community, which is a nomadic community in Haryana, India, and their struggle for basic rights, entitlements and policy measures for inclusive development. The community is primarily engaged in their traditional occupation of showcasing magic tricks and traditionally uses Pellet Drum, Flute, and rubber/plastic made snakes and mongooses as their main gimmicks. They have their own code language called Parsi. The community faces challenges in fulfilling basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as access to basic amenities like safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and healthcare. The community is divided into six main clans and follows their traditional caste (Jati/Biradari) Panchayat system. Women are not allowed to present their opinion in the Panchayat, and the community is not allowed to report to police or government court of law. The community is stigmatized by society and accused of committing petty thefts while performing their act. Despite possessing civil identity cards issued by the state/central government, the community faces discrimination and exclusion from mainstream society. The study emphasizes the importance of policy measures for the community's inclusive development, which includes education and skill-building programs, health and welfare schemes, and measures to protect their cultural heritage.
