PVTGs in India: UPSC Anthropology Paper 2 Notes & Government Schemes

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs): An Overview

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are the most marginalized section among Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India, characterized by extreme social, economic, and technological isolation. Originally designated as Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) in 1975 following the recommendations of the Dhebar Commission (1960–61), they were renamed PVTGs in 2006. Currently, there are 75 recognized PVTGs spread across 18 States and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with the highest concentration in Odisha (13 groups).

Criteria for Identification of PVTGs

Identification Criterion	Anthropological Implications	Representative PVTG Examples
1. Pre-Agricultural Technology	Subsistence based primarily on hunting, gathering, foraging, and shifting cultivation (jhum/podu).	Birhor (Jharkhand - rope making & foraging), Sentinelese & Jarawas (A&N Islands).
2. Low Level of Literacy	Extremely low educational penetration, absence of written scripts, and linguistic barriers.	Chenchus (Andhra Pradesh/Telangana), Kondh subgroups (Odisha).
3. Economic Backwardness	Near-absence of monetized economy, heavy reliance on barter, seasonal wage exploitation, and debt traps.	Korku (Maharashtra/MP), Katkari (Maharashtra).
4. Stagnant / Declining Population	High infant mortality rate (IMR), endemic genetic disorders (Sickle Cell Anemia, G6PD deficiency), and reproductive health distress.	Great Andamanese, Onge, Toda (Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu).

PVTG Policy & Development Intervention Framework:

[Dhebar Commission (1973/75) Classification]
    ↓ (Identifies 75 Vulnerable Groups)
[Conservation-cum-Development (CCD) Plans & FRA 2006 Habitat Rights]
    ↓ (Mission-Mode Saturating Interventions)
[PM-JANMAN (Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan)]

Major Anthropological Challenges & Government Initiatives

• Loss of Habitat & Forest Rights: Section 3(1)(e) of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 recognizes Habitat Rights for PVTGs (e.g., Baigas of MP and Kamar of Chhattisgarh securing habitat titles).
• Health & Genetic Vulnerabilities: Preponderance of Sickle Cell Trait and nutritional anemias. Addressed through the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission.
• PM-JANMAN Scheme: A ₹24,000+ crore mission aimed at saturating PVTG habitations with basic infrastructure (pucca housing, clean drinking water, electricity, road connectivity, mobile medical units, and Van Dhan Vikas Kendras).
• Virginius Xaxa Committee Recommendations (2014): Urged respect for PVTG autonomy, non-intrusive healthcare delivery, free prior informed consent, and safeguarding customary land systems under PESA Act, 1996.

---

Return to the complete AnthroForUPSC HTML Sitemap for Paper 1 and Paper 2 notes.