Introduction
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are the most marginalized and disadvantaged among India’s Scheduled Tribes (STs). They were identified as a separate category to ensure focused development and welfare policies. PVTGs are characterized by low levels of literacy, pre-agricultural technology, stagnant or declining population, and economic backwardness. As of now, there are 75 such groups spread across 18 states and one Union Territory in India.
Identification of PVTGs
The concept of PVTGs was first introduced by the Government of India in 1975 under the name “Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs),” which was later renamed to “Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups” in 2006. The Dhebar Commission (1960-61) had noted that within the STs, there existed groups with special needs requiring priority attention. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs laid down the following criteria to classify a tribe as a PVTG:
- Pre-agricultural level of technology
- Low levels of literacy
- Stagnant or declining population
- Subsistence level economy
Examples of PVTGs
- Baiga – Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh
- Birhor – Jharkhand
- Sahariya – Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh
- Cholanaikkans – Kerala
- Great Andamanese – Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Kutia Kondh – Odisha
Problems Faced by PVTGs
1. Economic Backwardness
- Most PVTGs practice subsistence farming, hunting, and gathering. They lack access to stable income sources.
- Poor infrastructure, lack of roads, electricity, and irrigation facilities hinder economic development.
- Market access is limited, and they often fall prey to exploitation by middlemen and traders.
2. Health and Nutrition
- PVTGs suffer from malnutrition, high infant and maternal mortality rates, and poor access to healthcare facilities.
- Traditional healers are often the only healthcare providers, and medical services are scarce in remote areas.
3. Low Literacy Rates
- Literacy levels among PVTGs are significantly lower than other tribal groups.
- Language barriers, lack of schools in remote areas, and poverty hinder children’s education.
- Dropout rates, especially among girls, are high due to early marriage, domestic duties, or cultural reasons.
4. Displacement and Land Alienation
- PVTGs are often displaced due to mining, industrial projects, wildlife sanctuaries, and dams.
- Loss of access to forests and land disrupts their traditional lifestyle and leads to food insecurity and poverty.
5. Cultural Erosion
- Modernization, exposure to mainstream society, and forced resettlement often result in the loss of traditional customs, languages, and practices.
- Younger generations may not be interested in learning traditional skills, leading to cultural disintegration.
6. Inadequate Government Implementation
- Although multiple schemes exist for tribal welfare, they are poorly implemented.
- Lack of proper data, poor coordination between departments, and corruption hinder progress.
- Some PVTGs are still not officially recognized in certain states, making them ineligible for benefits.
Government Initiatives
- PVTG Development Scheme: Implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to provide housing, education, health, and livelihood support.
- Forest Rights Act (2006): Recognizes the rights of forest dwellers over land and forest resources, although implementation is slow.
- Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana: Aims at holistic development of tribal communities including PVTGs.
Conclusion
PVTGs represent the most vulnerable and marginalized tribal communities in India. Despite constitutional safeguards and government initiatives, they continue to face severe challenges in health, education, livelihood, and cultural preservation. There is an urgent need for focused, community-specific, and participatory development strategies to ensure that these groups are not left behind in India’s progress. Protection of their land rights, cultural identity, and sustainable livelihoods must be central to any policy intervention.