Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has requested the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (RGI) to consider enumerating the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) separately in the upcoming Census.

About Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

PVTGs are a sub-category of Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India who are considered more vulnerable than other tribal groups due to several factors. These groups are not only marginalized in terms of economic and social development but also face challenges due to their isolated way of life and historical disadvantage.

Criteria for Identifying PVTGs

PVTGs are identified based on specific criteria that include:

1. Declining or Stagnant Population: These groups exhibit low or stagnant growth rates due to their isolation and economic challenges.

2. Geographical Isolation: They are often located in remote and inaccessible areas, making it harder for them to interact with the rest of the population and access resources.

3. Pre-Agrarian Practices: Many PVTGs still rely on hunting, gathering, and shifting cultivation instead of modern agricultural methods.

4. Economic Backwardness: They tend to have lower income levels and lack access to basic amenities and infrastructure.

5. Low Literacy Levels: These groups have lower education levels compared to other communities.

Historical Context

The Dhebar Commission (1960-61), led by former Member of Parliament U N Dhebar, recommended the creation of this category to provide specific welfare and developmental support to these vulnerable tribal communities.

Current PVTGs in India

• There are 75 recognized PVTGs in India, spread across 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

• Madhya Pradesh has the highest estimated population of PVTGs, followed by Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.

• According to recent surveys, the estimated population of PVTGs in India is 47.5 lakh.

Livelihoods of PVTGs

The livelihoods of PVTGs are often based on traditional practices that are subsistence-oriented. These include:

• Food Gathering: Many PVTGs continue to rely on the collection of forest produce, including fruits, tubers, and roots.

• Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP): This includes products like medicinal plants, honey, and other forest-based resources.

• Hunting: Some PVTGs still hunt for food and sustenance, though this practice has been increasingly restricted due to environmental and conservation concerns.

• Livestock Rearing: Rearing of animals like goats, cattle, and poultry is common among certain tribes.

• Shifting Cultivation: Also known as slash-and-burn agriculture, this practice is still prevalent in some communities.

• Artisan Works: Some groups engage in traditional crafts, weaving, pottery, or basket making as a source of livelihood.

Welfare Schemes for PVTGs

To address the socio-economic challenges faced by PVTGs, the government has launched a number of welfare schemes:

1. PM JANMAN Scheme:

   • PM JANMAN (Pradhan Mantri Jan Janata Manav Abhiyan Yojana) is a comprehensive initiative rolled out with an allocation of Rs 24,104 crore.

   • The scheme aims to uplift the socio-economic status of PVTGs by improving their health, education, livelihoods, and amenities.

   • The program targets over 200 districts where these vulnerable communities reside, aiming to provide better access to healthcare, improved education, livelihood opportunities, and overall better living conditions.

2. Other Welfare Initiatives:

   • Health and Education: Focus on providing healthcare infrastructure, improving literacy rates, and building schools in tribal areas.

   • Infrastructure Development: Efforts to build roads, transportation, and electricity in remote tribal areas to integrate them into the larger socio-economic fabric of the country.

   • Skill Development: Providing skills training to PVTGs to enhance their livelihood options, particularly in the modern economy.

Challenges

Despite these schemes, challenges remain in fully integrating PVTGs into mainstream society. Their isolation, lack of awareness about government schemes, and deep-rooted poverty continue to affect their quality of life. The proposal to enumerate these groups separately in the upcoming census can help in addressing these challenges more effectively by providing more accurate and focused data, which can in turn improve policymaking and resource allocation for their development