Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups

PVTGs are subsection among tribals who are more vulnerable than others. There is a requirement to identify them as a major part of the tribal development funds are taken by more developed and assertive tribal groups.

Criteria for identification

The criteria for identifying Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups are

• Pre-agricultural level of technology
• Low level of literacy
• Economic backwardness
• A declining or stagnant population

Based on recommendation of Dhebar Commission, in 1975, the Government of India initiated to identify the PVTGs as a separate category. At present, 75 identified PVTGs in 18 States, and Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Schemes for development of PVTGs

Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission

• The mission is part of ‘Reaching The Last Mile’, one of the seven Saptarishi priorities of budget 2023-24.
• Focuses on their socio-economic development while retaining their culture and heritage through habitat level development approach
• It is an umbrella mission focused on development in the sectors of education, housing, land distribution, land development, agricultural development, animal husbandry, construction of link roads, installation of non-conventional sources of energy for lighting purpose, social security or any other innovative activity.

Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission

• has been conceptualized with the merger of
  • ‘Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP)’ – achieved through Minimum Support Price (MSP) and Development of Value Chain
  • ‘Institutional Support for Development and Marketing of Tribal Products’ – provides a safety net for Scheduled Tribe MFP gatherers and promotes their products and produce.
• It is a Central Sector Scheme with TRIFED will be the nodal agency at the central level for implementation.

Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)

• Aimed at imparting quality education to ST children in remote areas
  • This would in turn facilitate them to avail of opportunities in high and professional educational courses and get employment in various sectors.
• The schools focus not only on academic education but on the all-round development of the students.
• The mission aims to have an EMRS for every block with more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons by 2022.
• EMRS includes Eklavya Model Day Boarding Schools in areas of higher density of ST population and Centre of Excellence for Sports with state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY)

• Aims to transform villages with significant tribal population into model villages (Adarsh gram) with saturated basic services and adequate infrastructure
• It is a Centrally Sponsored scheme implemented by respective state/UT governments
• The village development plan would include
  • Skill development plan
  • Village development plan with community forest development
  • Integration of Van Dhan Programme
  • Conservation of perennial river resources and water bodies originating from forests