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

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India

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Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are communities that are considered to be at a greater risk of social, economic, and cultural marginalization. These groups are identified by the Government of India based on criteria such as low population, extreme backwardness, and isolation from mainstream society. The identification of PVTGs is a part of the special provisions made to uplift these communities, particularly in terms of health, education, and economic development.

As of now, there are 75 such groups in India, spread across various states, particularly in remote and inaccessible areas. PVTGs are officially recognized under the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order of 1950 and subsequent amendments. These communities are generally considered to be at a very low level of development compared to other Scheduled Tribes and face unique challenges in terms of survival and progress.

Characteristics of PVTGs:

PVTGs are typically characterized by:

1. Small Population Size: They have very small populations, making them vulnerable to extinction or cultural erosion.
2. Isolation: Many PVTGs live in geographically isolated areas such as forests, hills, and remote villages, which limits their access to resources, health services, and educational facilities.
3. Primitive Habits and Economic Backwardness: These communities often engage in traditional, subsistence-based economies like hunting, gathering, and shifting agriculture. They may lack modern farming techniques and face food insecurity.
4. Distinct Cultural Traits: PVTGs have unique languages, cultures, traditions, and rituals, which distinguish them from mainstream society.

List of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups:

Some of the well-known PVTGs in India include:

• Siddi (Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra): Of African origin, they are one of the most marginalized groups.
• Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa, and Shompens (Andaman and Nicobar Islands): These groups face threats from external contact, with their numbers severely dwindling.
• Madhya Pradesh: Bharia, Baiga, and Sahariya.
• Odisha: Bondo, Didayi, and Kharia.
• Chhattisgarh: Abujh Maria, Gonds of Bastar.
• West Bengal: Toto, Lodha, and Birhor.
• Jharkhand: Asur, Korba, and Birhor.

Problems Faced by PVTGs:

1. Geographical Isolation:
   • Many PVTGs live in remote, forested, or hilly areas that are difficult to access. This geographical isolation limits their ability to participate in mainstream economic, social, and political activities. It also restricts their access to essential services like education, healthcare, and transportation.
2. Low Literacy and Education Levels:
   • PVTGs face severe educational backwardness. Due to isolation and lack of infrastructure, they have very low literacy rates, which contribute to their socio-economic marginalization. The lack of formal schools, language barriers, and culturally irrelevant curriculums make it harder for children from these communities to access quality education.
3. Health and Nutrition Challenges:
   • Poor healthcare facilities, high rates of malnutrition, and limited access to medical services are major issues. PVTGs are often vulnerable to diseases due to their limited immunity and lack of access to modern healthcare. Infant mortality rates are higher in these communities, and life expectancy is lower.
4. Economic Marginalization:
   • Most PVTGs depend on traditional livelihoods such as hunting, gathering, and shifting cultivation, which are increasingly unsustainable due to environmental degradation and changing land use patterns. Modern economic opportunities, including jobs and market-based agriculture, are often inaccessible to them. Lack of skills and capital further exacerbates their economic vulnerability.
5. Loss of Traditional Practices and Cultural Erosion:
   • The contact with mainstream society has led to the erosion of traditional cultures, languages, and practices. These groups, especially those living in areas of contact with other populations, are often pressured to adapt to external cultural norms, risking the loss of their distinct identity.
6. Land Alienation and Resource Deprivation:
   • In many areas, PVTGs face land alienation due to commercial development, mining, agriculture, and the expansion of urban areas. This threatens their traditional sources of livelihood, such as forests and land. Lack of legal protection and ownership over their lands increases their vulnerability.
7. Insecurity and Political Disempowerment:
   • Many PVTGs are politically marginalized and have little representation in decision-making processes. This political exclusion hampers their ability to secure their rights and interests. They often lack the legal literacy and resources to fight for land rights, education, or healthcare in the broader political arena.
8. Threat of Extinction:
   • Some PVTGs, like the Great Andamanese, Onge, and Jarawa, face the risk of extinction due to their declining population. Their traditional lifestyles are increasingly incompatible with the changing environment, and external pressures from tourism, contact with outsiders, and disease exposure have made these groups particularly vulnerable.
9. Climate Change and Environmental Stress:
   • Many of these groups are highly dependent on the environment for their sustenance (e.g., hunting, fishing, gathering). With climate change affecting natural resources like water and forests, PVTGs are often among the hardest hit. Changes in weather patterns, droughts, and natural disasters can have devastating impacts on their survival.

Government Measures and Challenges:

The Indian government has taken several measures to address the challenges faced by PVTGs, including:

1. Special Schemes and Welfare Programs:
   • The government has set up schemes specifically designed for the welfare of PVTGs, such as health and education programs, the provision of basic infrastructure, and the introduction of livelihood alternatives. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs runs a welfare scheme for the development of PVTGs, which includes the provision of housing, water, education, and health facilities.
2. Reservation Benefits:
   • PVTGs, being part of the Scheduled Tribes, enjoy reservation in educational institutions, government jobs, and political representation. However, the effective implementation of these reservations remains a challenge, particularly in remote areas.
3. Protection of Land Rights:
   • Legal provisions like the Forest Rights Act (2006) have been enacted to protect the rights of tribal groups, including PVTGs, over forest land. This act aims to address the historical injustice of forest-dwelling communities being denied their rights over forest resources.
4. Development of Infrastructure:
   • Special development programs are being initiated to improve the basic infrastructure in areas where PVTGs live. These include efforts to improve road connectivity, provide electricity, enhance sanitation, and establish better healthcare and educational facilities.

Conclusion:

PVTGs in India face significant challenges due to their geographical isolation, economic backwardness, health vulnerabilities, and marginalization in mainstream society. Despite government efforts to uplift these groups, there are many obstacles to their development, including lack of infrastructure, cultural erosion, and environmental stress. To ensure their survival and improve their living conditions, more focused and culturally sensitive policies, along with greater participation from the communities themselves, are essential. The recognition and protection of their distinct identities, rights to land, and access to modern services are crucial to their long-term well-being.