Context:

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

About Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs):

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) represent a sub-category of Scheduled Tribes (STs), specifically identified for their extreme vulnerability and socio-economic challenges. PVTGs face several critical issues, including:

1.       Declining or Stagnant Populations: Many PVTGs have small, dwindling populations, with some groups showing a decline in numbers due to factors like health crises, displacement, and cultural erosion.

2.      Geographical Isolation: Many of these groups live in remote, often inaccessible areas, making them less integrated into the mainstream economy and society.

3.      Pre-Agrarian Lifestyles: Certain PVTGs still rely on traditional subsistence methods like hunting, gathering, and pastoralism, with minimal or no engagement in agriculture.

4.     Economic Backwardness: These groups often live in poverty, with limited access to basic amenities, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

5.     Low Literacy Rates: Educational access remains a challenge for these groups, contributing to their marginalization.

The Origin of the PVTG Category:

• • The creation of the PVTG category was the result of the Dhebar Commission's recommendations (1960-61), led by U N Dhebar, a former Member of Parliament.
  • Originally, 52 tribes were identified as Primitive Tribal Groups (the precursor to PVTGs) during the Fifth Five-Year Plan (1974-1979). In 2006, the central government expanded this list to 75 groups. These groups are now spread across 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The Importance of Separate Enumeration for PVTGs

1.       Better Targeting of Welfare Programs: Accurate data on PVTGs will enable better implementation of targeted welfare schemes, such as the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN), aimed at improving health, education, and livelihoods.

2.      Accurate Resource Allocation: Precise demographic data will allow the government to allocate resources more effectively, ensuring that welfare programs are tailored to the specific needs of PVTGs.

3.      Monitoring and Policy Evaluation: Separate enumeration will enable policymakers to track the progress of PVTGs, assess policy effectiveness, and make necessary adjustments to improve outcomes.

4.     Protection of Cultural Heritage: Many PVTGs live in ecologically sensitive areas and preserve unique cultural practices. Accurate enumeration will help safeguard their habitats from exploitation and ensure their cultural heritage is maintained.

PVTGs in Numbers:

• • According to a survey conducted as part of the PM JANMAN scheme in 2023, an estimated 47.5 lakh individuals belong to PVTGs across India. The distribution is varied, with the highest number of PVTGs living in Madhya Pradesh (13.22 lakh), followed by Maharashtra (6.7 lakh), and Andhra Pradesh (5.18 lakh).
  • In the 2011 Census, 13 PVTGs had populations of fewer than 1,000 individuals, including the Sentinelese, Jarawas, and Onges of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Some of these groups, like the Sentinelese, have a population as low as 15 individuals, while others, like the Baigas of Madhya Pradesh, number more than 4 lakh.

Conclusion:

The separate enumeration of PVTGs in the upcoming Census is a crucial step towards improving the welfare of these marginalized communities. It will provide accurate data that will help design effective policies, allocate resources efficiently, and ensure their unique needs are met, ultimately preserving their culture and improving their quality of life.