Who are the particularly vulnerable tribal groups in India? Discuss the problems faced by these groups

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India

In India, Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are a category of tribes identified by the government due to their extreme levels of socio-economic vulnerability.

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These groups are often characterized by their distinct culture, geographic isolation, limited contact with mainstream society, and lack of basic infrastructure. PVTGs are identified based on criteria such as low population, pre-agricultural technology, subsistence economy, and relative backwardness in terms of health, education, and economic development.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) maintains a list of PVTGs, which is updated periodically. As of now, there are 75 PVTGs recognized across different states in India. These groups are spread throughout various regions, including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Jharkhand, Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, among others.

Criteria for Identifying PVTGs

The criteria used for identifying Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups are:

  1. Pre-agricultural technology: The group uses or retains primitive methods of hunting, gathering, or farming, often without the use of modern technology.
  2. Low population: The group is characterized by a small population, making them more vulnerable to extinction.
  3. Subsistence economy: They generally have a subsistence economy, relying on traditional methods of livelihood like hunting, gathering, fishing, or small-scale farming.
  4. Social and economic backwardness: They are often marginalized and lack access to modern education, healthcare, and other social services.
  5. Geographical isolation: Many of these tribes live in isolated or difficult-to-reach areas, which limits their access to development programs and government assistance.

List of Some Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups

Examples of PVTGs include:

  • Jarwa (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
  • Sentinalese (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
  • Great Andamanese (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
  • Kondh (Orissa)
  • Bonda (Orissa)
  • Santal (Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal)
  • Baiga (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh)
  • Mundas (Jharkhand, Bihar)
  • Chenchus (Telangana, Andhra Pradesh)

Problems Faced by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups

PVTGs face numerous challenges due to their geographic isolation, socio-economic conditions, and lack of integration into mainstream society. Some of the key problems faced by these groups include:

1. Geographical Isolation

  • Many PVTGs live in remote, difficult-to-access areas such as dense forests, hills, and islands, which makes it hard for them to interact with mainstream society or receive government support.
  • Impact: This isolation leads to limited access to healthcare, education, market facilities, and social services. It also hinders their ability to engage in economic activities that would improve their standard of living.

2. Lack of Basic Infrastructure

  • PVTGs often lack access to basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, potable water, sanitation, and communication facilities.
  • Impact: The absence of these basic facilities makes their daily lives more difficult, impacting their health, education, and overall quality of life.

3. Poor Health and Nutrition

  • PVTGs often face high rates of malnutrition, poor sanitation, and inadequate healthcare. They are more vulnerable to diseases, particularly due to their limited access to medical facilities.
  • Impact: High mortality rates, especially among infants and children, and a lack of access to proper healthcare services are prevalent among these groups.

4. Socio-Economic Marginalization

  • PVTGs often live in poverty, relying on subsistence farming, hunting, or gathering, which are not always sufficient to meet their needs. They are often excluded from mainstream economic activities and have limited access to jobs, markets, and other sources of income.
  • Impact: This marginalization results in deep economic inequality, with PVTGs having little opportunity for upward mobility.

5. Cultural and Social Disintegration

  • Due to increased exposure to external influences and government policies, PVTGs are at risk of losing their traditional way of life, languages, rituals, and practices. Their cultures often face erosion, particularly when they are brought into contact with modern education, media, and economic systems.
  • Impact: This leads to a loss of identity, making these communities vulnerable to social disintegration and cultural extinction.

6. Land Alienation and Resource Exploitation

  • Many PVTGs traditionally depend on forest lands and natural resources for their livelihood. However, with the expansion of agricultural lands, mining, deforestation, and urbanization, they often lose access to these resources.
  • Impact: The loss of land and resources forces them into poverty and increases their dependence on government aid, while also contributing to environmental degradation.

7. Lack of Educational Opportunities

  • Education levels among PVTGs are generally very low due to the absence of schools, teachers, or educational infrastructure in their areas. When education is available, it is often disconnected from their traditional knowledge systems.
  • Impact: Low literacy rates and lack of education perpetuate the cycle of poverty, limited employment opportunities, and reduced social mobility for these communities.

8. Displacement due to Development Projects

  • Many PVTGs are displaced due to large-scale development projects such as dams, mining, and industrial projects. These projects often result in the loss of their traditional lands and forced migration to urban areas.
  • Impact: Displacement further marginalizes PVTGs, leading to the loss of cultural heritage and livelihood. They often face discrimination and struggle to adapt to new environments.

9. Vulnerability to Exploitation

  • Due to their isolation and lack of awareness, PVTGs are often vulnerable to exploitation by outsiders. This can include economic exploitation, such as forced labor, and social exploitation, such as human trafficking or forced relocation.
  • Impact: This exploitation deepens their vulnerability and further isolates them from mainstream society.

Government Measures for the Welfare of PVTGs

The Indian government has introduced several measures to address the problems faced by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups:

  1. Special Development Programs:
    • The government has established programs specifically designed for the upliftment of PVTGs, focusing on their economic development, health, education, and cultural preservation.
  2. Financial Assistance:
    • Special funds are allocated for the development of PVTGs, including assistance for housing, healthcare, and education.
  3. Reservation Policies:
    • PVTGs benefit from affirmative action policies, such as reservations in education, employment, and legislative bodies, aimed at improving their socio-economic conditions.
  4. Forest Rights Act:
    • The Forest Rights Act (2006) grants forest-dwelling tribal communities, including PVTGs, the right to access and manage forest resources, protecting them from land alienation and ensuring their traditional rights are recognized.
  5. Tribal Sub-Plan:
    • Under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP), specific provisions for the development of tribal areas, including those inhabited by PVTGs, are made, with an emphasis on infrastructure development, health, and education.

Conclusion

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in India face numerous challenges, including geographic isolation, lack of basic infrastructure, economic marginalization, health problems, cultural erosion, and exploitation. While the government has implemented various measures for their protection and welfare, much more needs to be done to ensure their empowerment, preserve their cultures, and improve their socio-economic conditions. The struggle of these communities is a reminder of the need for inclusive development that respects their rights, traditions, and aspirations.

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