The Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in India: Privileges and Predicaments

The Government of India listed certain communities as Scheduled Tribes (STs) to initiate development programmes and provide assured representation, but some groups' population was stagnant or declining, suggesting high mortality rates. To ensure development, 75 groups were identified in 17 States and 1 Union Territory, renamed as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). The Anthropological Survey of India conducted a study in 2012 to gather data on their socio-economic status and development.

Format: Hardback
Length: 772 pages
Publication date: 07 May 2024
Publisher: Manohar Publishers and Distributors

India is a country with a rich cultural diversity and a diverse socio-economic development among its people. To address this, the Government of India has listed certain communities as Scheduled Tribes (STs) to initiate development programmes and provide assured representation. However, despite these provisions, some groups have experienced stagnant or declining populations, indicating high mortality rates. To ensure the development of these poorest of the poor among the ST communities, certain groups were identified initially in 1975. The criteria for identification included declining or stagnant population, very low level of literacy, and pre-agricultural level of technology. Thus, 75 groups among the ST communities of India were identified in 17 States and 1 Union Territory, who were initially called Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) and later renamed as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). During April to June 2012, the Anthropological Survey of India carried out a study of all the PVTGs. Its research teams visited various States, concerned tribal development agencies, and non-government organizations. The survey was conducted with emphasis on gathering data on their socio-economic status and development.

The study found that the PVTGs faced several challenges, including limited access to basic amenities such as clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. They also faced discrimination and marginalization in society, with many being excluded from mainstream development programmes. The survey also revealed that the PVTGs had a high level of poverty, with many living below the poverty line.

To address these challenges, the Government of India has implemented several development programmes for the PVTGs. These programmes include the Integrated Tribal Development Programme (ITDP), the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). The ITDP aims to improve the socio-economic status of the PVTGs by providing them with access to basic amenities, education, and healthcare. The MGNREGA provides employment to rural households, while the NRHM aims to improve the health of the rural population.

However, despite these programmes, the PVTGs continue to face challenges. One of the major challenges is the lack of infrastructure in their communities. Many of the PVTGs live in remote areas, and lack access to roads, electricity, and other basic amenities. This makes it difficult for them to access markets, education, and healthcare.

To address this challenge, the Government of India has launched several infrastructure development programmes for the PVTGs. These programmes include the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the Rural Electrification Programme (REP), and the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP). The PMGSY aims to improve the connectivity of rural areas by building roads, while the REP aims to provide electricity to rural households. The NRDWP aims to provide safe drinking water to rural households.

In addition to these programmes, the Government of India has also implemented several social welfare programmes for the PVTGs. These programmes include the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme, the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme provides financial support to widows of PVTGs, while the NRLM provides training and support to rural households to start their own businesses. The MGNREGA provides employment to rural households.

Despite these efforts, the PVTGs continue to face challenges. One of the major challenges is the lack of education and skills. Many of the PVTGs are illiterate, and lack the skills required to compete in the job market. This makes it difficult for them to find employment and improve their socio-economic status.

To address this challenge, the Government of India has launched several education and skills development programmes for the PVTGs. These programmes include the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The SSA aims to provide universal access to education for children, while the NSDC aims to provide training and skills to rural households. The MGNREGA provides employment to rural households.

In conclusion, India is a country with a rich cultural diversity and a diverse socio-economic development among its people. To address this, the Government of India has listed certain communities as Scheduled Tribes (STs) to initiate development programmes and provide assured representation. However, despite these provisions, some groups have experienced stagnant or declining populations, indicating high mortality rates. To ensure the development of these poorest of the poor among the ST communities, certain groups were identified initially in 1975. The criteria for identification included declining or stagnant population, very low level of literacy, and pre-agricultural level of technology. Thus, 75 groups among the ST communities of India were identified in 17 States and 1 Union Territory, who were initially called Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) and later renamed as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). During April to June 2012, the Anthropological Survey of India carried out a study of all the PVTGs. Its research teams visited various States, concerned tribal development agencies, and non-government organizations. The survey was conducted with emphasis on gathering data on their socio-economic status and development. The study found that the PVTGs faced several challenges, including limited access to basic amenities, discrimination and marginalization in society, and high level of poverty. To address these challenges, the Government of India has implemented several development programmes for the PVTGs, including the Integrated Tribal Development Programme (ITDP), the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). However, despite these programmes, the PVTGs continue to face challenges, including lack of infrastructure, lack of education and skills, and lack of access to markets. To address these challenges, the Government of India has launched several infrastructure development programmes, social welfare programmes, and education and skills development programmes. Despite these efforts, the PVTGs continue to face challenges, and it is important for the Government of India to continue to work towards their development.

Dimension: 254 x 203 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789350981061