Why in the news?

  • The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has asked the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (RGI) to consider inclusion of the most marginalised Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in the upcoming Census exercise.

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

  • Who are PVTGs?: Sub-category of Scheduled Tribes (STs) identified as the most vulnerable among tribal communities.
  • Concept: Introduced in 1973 by the Dhebar Commission (1960-61) which noted disparities among STs.
  • Naming: Initially called “Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs)” → Renamed as PVTGs in 2006.
  • Criteria Used for Identification (MoTA guidelines):
    • Pre-agricultural level of technology.
    • Low & declining population.
    • Extremely low literacy.
    • Subsistence level of economy.
  • Number and Distribution
    • 75 PVTGs identified (out of ~705 ST groups in India).
    • Spread across 18 States & UT of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
    • Largest numbers: Odisha (13 groups), Andhra Pradesh (12), Bihar & Jharkhand (9).
    • Notable Tribes
      • Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Great Andamanese, Onges, Shompens, Sentinelese, Jarwas.
      • Mainland India: Saharias (M.P.), Birhor (Jharkhand), Baiga (Chhattisgarh), Cholanaickan (Kerala), Dongria Kondh (Odisha).
  • Challenges Faced by PVGT
    • Socioeconomic Marginalization: extreme poverty, food insecurity, and low literacy rates (<10%).
    • Health Vulnerabilities: high infant mortality, malnutrition, lack of access to modern healthcare.
    • Cultural Threats: loss of traditional practices, displacement, deforestation.
    • Isolation: geographically and socially cut off, making integration & development difficult.
    • Climate & Environmental Risks: habitat loss, natural disasters, and climate change impacts.
  • Government Initiatives
    • Development of PVTGs Scheme (MoTA, 1975, revised 2015-16): Focus on housing, education, health, land distribution, agricultural development.
    • Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission (2023): Aim to saturate PVTG households & habitations with basic facilities like road, housing, electricity, water, education, health, nutrition.
    • Eklavya Model Residential Schools: Education for tribal children.