Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
- PVTGs are those that depend on hunting for food, have pre-agriculture level technologies, zero or negative population growth, and extremely low levels of literacy, and are in need of greater support and development.
- Background: On the recommendation of the Dhebar Commission, the Central government began to identify the most vulnerable tribal groups as a separate category in 1975.
- The highest number is found in Odisha.
- There are around 75 PVGTs in India.
Criteria
- Low level of literacy.
- Pre-agricultural level of technology.
- A declining or stagnant population.
- Economic backwardness.
Issues faced
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Extreme Social and Economic Marginalization:
- Geographical Isolation: Many PVGTs reside in remote areas with limited access to necessities like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
- Livelihood Challenges: Their traditional occupations like hunting and gathering are often threatened by deforestation and environmental changes, making it difficult to find alternative sources of income.
- Exploitation: Due to their social isolation and lack of awareness, PVGTs are more susceptible to exploitation by money lenders, traders, and even government officials.
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Cultural and Identity Threats:
- Loss of Traditional Knowledge: Modernisation and development projects can disrupt traditional practices and knowledge systems, impacting their cultural identity.
- Displacement: Development projects like dams and mining often displace PVGTs from their ancestral lands, severing their connection to their cultural roots.
- Assimilation Pressures: Dominant social forces can sometimes pressure PVGTs to assimilate into the mainstream, leading to a loss of their unique cultural heritage.
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Lack of Representation and Awareness:
- Limited Political Voice: PVGTs are often underrepresented in the political system, making it difficult to advocate for their specific needs and rights.
- Low Literacy Rates: Low literacy rates among PVGTs can hinder their access to information and government schemes, further marginalising them.
- Lack of Awareness: There is a general lack of awareness and understanding about the specific challenges faced by PVGTs within the broader ST community and Indian society at large.
Government Schemes
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Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
- The Ministry of Tribal Affairs implements this as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme having a provision of 100% Central assistance.
- It aims at the socio-economic development of PVTGs comprehensively, while retaining their culture and heritage.
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Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission
- It will saturate PVTG families and habitations with basic facilities and stress education for PVTGs.
- Rs.15,000 crore will be made available to implement the Mission in the next three years under the Development Action Plan for the Scheduled Tribes.
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National Health Mission
- Financial and technical support to strengthen healthcare systems to provide affordable healthcare to the poor and vulnerable populations in the tribal areas.
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Mission to Eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia
- The government has targeted to eliminate sickle cell anaemia by 2047, steps will be taken for awareness creation, universal screening of 7 crore people in the age group of 0-40 years in affected tribal areas, and counselling through collaborative efforts of central ministries and state governments.