Census To Count Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups Separately: MoTA

General Studies Paper-2

Context

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has written to the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, urging that particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) be separately enumerated in the upcoming census.
  • While data on Scheduled Tribes was collected during the 2011 Census, data separately for PVTGs was not collected.

Who are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)?

• In 1973, the Dhebar Commission set up a separate category for Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs).
• In 1975, the Union identified 52 tribal groups as PTGs.
  • In 1993, 23 more groups were added to the list. Later, in 2006, these groups were named PVTGs.
• PVTGs are a more vulnerable group among tribal groups in India.
  • These groups have primitive traits, geographical isolation, low literacy, zero to negative population growth rate, and backwardness.
  • Moreover, they are largely dependent upon hunting for food and a pre-agriculture level of technology.
• Out of more than 700 tribal communities, there are 75 tribal communities identified as PVTGs residing in 18 States and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
  • As per the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the PVTG population is estimated to be 45.56 lakh.
  • Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh are the top three in terms of PVTG population.

Challenges Faced by the PVTGs

• Marginalisation: Due to their isolation, small population size, and distinct socio-economic and cultural traits.
• Limited Access to Services: Poor access to healthcare, education, and other basic facilities.
• Discrimination and Vulnerability: Subject to social discrimination and displacement from development projects and natural disasters.
• Lack of Political Representation: Minimal role in decision-making due to low political visibility.

Why the Census Matters?

• Better Resource Allocation: Helps the government to channel resources effectively for infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
• Targeted Welfare Schemes: It will enable the design and delivery of focused development programmes.
• Improved Planning: Provides data for long-term development strategies and policy decisions.
• Support for Research and Governance: Offers reliable information for the judiciary, policymakers, and scholars to study trends in migration, urbanisation, employment, and fertility.

Government Initiatives

• PM-JANMAN Scheme: It was launched on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in 2023 in Jharkhand, targeting 75 PVTGs communities.
• Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) Development Program: The PVTG program targets the most vulnerable tribal communities, focusing on improving access to healthcare, education, clean water, and electricity.
  • Around 7 lakh PVTG families across 22,000 habitations in 200 districts benefit from comprehensive development plans under this initiative.

Conclusion

• PVTGs are one of the most marginalized and socio-economically backward vulnerable sections of the population. Thus, it was imperative to have a “consolidated database” on their population and socio-economic indicators.
• The precise enumeration of PVTGs will help the implementation of targeted welfare schemes.