PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE GROUPS (PVTG)

• Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are specific indigenous communities in India that face an exceptionally high risk of vulnerability and marginalization due to various factors like geographic isolation, social and economic deprivation, and historical injustices.
• These groups are identified based on criteria set by the Indian government, considering their unique cultural practices, distinct languages, and social customs that set them apart from the larger population.
• PVTGs receive special attention and support from government agencies and NGOs to protect their distinct identities, preserve their cultural heritage, improve their living conditions, and ensure their socio-economic development. Various welfare schemes and initiatives are directed towards these groups to address their specific needs, including access to healthcare, education, livelihood opportunities, land rights, and basic amenities. The aim is to empower these communities while respecting their traditions and way of life
• The actual number of PVTGs is around 63, accounting for overlaps and repetitions, as per the publication ‘The Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups of India — Privileges and Predicaments’ by the Anthropological Survey of India
• Baseline surveys have only been conducted for about 40 PVTG groups, emphasising the need for targeted development planning.
• In India, the identification and declaration of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) is done by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs at the national level, in collaboration with state governments. The identification process involves specific criteria and guidelines set by the government to assess the vulnerability and distinctiveness of tribal communities
• Odisha (formerly Orissa) in India is known to have the highest number of Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs). This state is home to a significant population of indigenous or tribal communities, some of which are categorized as Primitive Tribal Groups due to their isolated lifestyle, unique cultural practices, and historical marginalisation.

The development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) faces several challenges, primarily due to their unique circumstances, cultural isolation, historical marginalization, and specific vulnerabilities.

Some of the key challenges include:

• Many PVTGs reside in remote and geographically isolated areas, which pose challenges in terms of accessibility for delivering essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure development
• PVTGs often face economic deprivation, lack of livelihood opportunities, and limited access to resources. Poverty and inadequate infrastructure exacerbate their challenges
• Balancing the preservation of their distinct cultural identities and traditions with the need for socio-economic development poses a challenge. Development interventions must be culturally sensitive and respect their traditional practices
• PVTGs frequently experience health disparities and inadequate access to healthcare facilities. Malnutrition and lack of awareness about modern healthcare practices are common concerns
• Limited access to quality education due to factors like language barriers, lack of schools in remote areas, and cultural differences hampers educational development among PVTGs
• Disputes over land rights and lack of secure land tenure affect their livelihoods. Encroachment on their traditional lands and displacement due to development projects further exacerbate these challenges
• PVTGs are vulnerable to exploitation due to their marginalized status. They often face social discrimination, human rights violations, and exploitation in labor and other spheres

4.Government's Approach in addressing the Issues

• Participatory approach from the grassroots level: Rather than a standardized approach, the program tailors strategies to suit the unique requirements of PVTGs, actively engaging them in decision-making related to land rights, social integration, and cultural conservation. This method, rooted in community involvement, embraces their customs, beliefs, and traditions, ensuring their active involvement in the planning, execution, and oversight of development endeavors.
• Enhancing livelihoods: Empowering through skill-building programs and providing resources such as land and credit facilitates sustainable livelihoods. Implementation of the Forest Rights Act, specifically Section 3(1)(e) for the rights of primitive tribal groups and pre-agricultural communities, secures their access to forest resources. Encouraging traditional techniques and skill enhancement via partnerships with industries contributes to preserving cultural heritage alongside sustainable progress.
• Health, nutrition, and education focus: Deploying outreach methods like Mobile Medical Health Units becomes imperative in remote regions. Tailoring these strategies to address specific health concerns like teenage pregnancies and dental health, and bridging language and cultural gaps through trained healthcare personnel or recruiting community members is vital. Collaborating with trusted traditional healers can also assist in addressing intricate health challenges.
• Incorporating their language and culture into educational curricula, offering transportation services, and training educators about PVTG cultural contexts enhance educational accessibility. Additionally, incentivizing staff working in PVTG areas and establishing specialized educational institutions catering to PVTG needs can augment opportunities for these communities.
• Infrastructure development challenges: The settlements of PVTGs often fail to meet requirements for schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and Jal Jeevan Mission due to factors like population thresholds or insufficient surveys