In India, tribal people make up about 8.6% of the overall population. Scheduled Tribes are those communities that are scheduled by Article 342 of the Constitution, according to Article 366(25) of the Constitution. The Scheduled Tribes are tribes or tribal communities, or parts of or groups within these tribes and tribal communities, that have been declared as such by the President by a public announcement, according to Article 342 of the Constitution.

Although many tribal tribes have adapted to modern life, there are tribal groups that are more vulnerable. The Dhebar Commission (1973) established the "Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs)" category, which was renamed "Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)" in 2006.

Scheduled Tribes in India

According to the 2011 Census, there are 104 million Scheduled Tribes in the United States, accounting for 8.6% of the total population. These Scheduled Tribes are primarily found in forested and hilly areas around the country.

• The essential characteristics of these communities are: -
  • Primitive Traits
  • Geographical isolation
  • Distinct culture
  • Shy of contact with the community at large
  • Economically backward
• The Plan's goal of empowering the tribals, like that of the SCs, is being met through a three-pronged strategy of social empowerment, economic empowerment, and social justice.

State Scheduled tribes List

The total number of Scheduled Tribes in each State/UT is tabled below.

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

PVTGs (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groupings) are particularly vulnerable tribal groups. As a result of this aspect, more developed and aggressive tribal groups receive a larger share of tribal development monies, necessitating additional funding for PVTG development.

• The Indian government designated 52 tribal groups as PVTGs in 1975.
• 23 new groups were added to the list in 1993.
• As a result, out of 705 Scheduled Tribes, there are 75 PVTGs.
• The state with the most PVTGs in Odisha. Odisha's government selected 888 villages/hamlets inhabited by PVTGs in 2020.
• PVTGs can be found in 18 states and one Union Territory (UT) across the country (2011 census).
• PVTGs have the following characteristics:
  • Population – stagnant/declining
  • Technology – pre-agricultural
  • Literacy Level – extremely low
  • Economy – Subsistence level

Issues faced by PVTGs in India

Some of the concerns and challenges faced by PVTGs in the country are covered in this section.

1. The lack of data - The census does not collect detailed data on PVTGs.
2. PVTGs aren't often recognized as STs.
3. Some PVTGs are located outside of Schedule 5 and Schedule 6 zones and are so unprotected.
4. Culture Contact Issues that Lead to:
   1. Native culture is being degraded.
   2. Introducing exotic germs and diseases that have the potential to wipe out entire communities. (Jarawas with syphilis)
   3. Due to the economic exploitation of the area's resources, the traditional way of life has been disrupted (Resource curse)
   4. The rise of exploitative economic systems such as the Juangs' Goti system, which is based on bonded labor.
5. The tension between environmental protection and indigenous rights protection.
6. Because PVTGs are a near Mendelian population, they are more susceptible to modern diseases, increasing their chances of extinction.
7. Indicators of socioeconomic deprivation are poor. Himalayan tribes, for example, suffer from goiter due to a lack of iodine in their diet.

Conclusion

While working for the welfare of PVTGs, the ideals of Tribal Panchsheel must be observed, and they must be permitted to catch up with the mainstream at their own pace. Communities must be given the freedom to choose their own life and livelihood decisions, as well as to pick their development route.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which Article of the Indian Constitution provides for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha?

A) Article 330

B) Article 332

C) Article 335

D) Article 340

2. How many PVTGs are identified in India?

A) 65

B) 72

C) 75

D) 78

3. Which ministry is responsible for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes in India?

A) Ministry of Home Affairs

B) Ministry of Tribal Affairs

C) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

D) Ministry of Rural Development

4. Which constitutional provision establishes the Fifth Schedule for the administration of Scheduled Areas?

A) Article 244(1)

B) Article 275

C) Article 330

D) Article 338

5. What is one key criterion for identifying a PVTG?

A) Urban residency

B) Pre-agriculture level of technology

C) High literacy rates

D) Population stability

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the constitutional provisions and safeguards provided to Scheduled Tribes in India and their impact on tribal welfare.

Answer: Scheduled Tribes in India are provided extensive constitutional safeguards to promote their socio-economic development. Articles 15 and 46 prohibit discrimination and direct the state to protect their educational and economic interests. Articles 244 and 275 establish mechanisms like the Fifth and Sixth Schedules for the administration of tribal areas and the allocation of special funds. Additionally, Articles 330, 332, and 335 ensure political representation and job reservations. These measures have improved literacy, political participation, and access to welfare schemes, though challenges like displacement and marginalization persist. Effective implementation of these provisions is crucial for comprehensive tribal development.

Q2: Analyze the socio-economic challenges faced by PVTGs in India and suggest measures for their upliftment.

Answer: PVTGs face acute socio-economic challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, poor health indicators, and loss of traditional livelihoods. Many are displaced by development projects and suffer from cultural erosion. To address these issues, targeted measures such as promoting education through tribal schools, improving healthcare access, and providing skill-based training for alternative livelihoods are essential. Strengthening the implementation of government schemes like the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana and Forest Rights Act can enhance their socio-economic conditions while preserving their unique cultural identity.

Q3: Evaluate the role of government schemes in preserving the cultural heritage and improving the livelihoods of Scheduled Tribes and PVTGs in India.

Answer: Government schemes like the Development of PVTGs Scheme, Eklavya Model Residential Schools, and Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana play a vital role in preserving the cultural heritage and improving the livelihoods of STs and PVTGs. These programs focus on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment while ensuring the preservation of traditional practices. However, effective implementation, addressing gaps in outreach, and ensuring tribal participation in planning are critical for achieving sustainable outcomes. Measures to mitigate displacement and environmental degradation are equally important for maintaining cultural identity and promoting inclusive development.

Previous Year Questions on Scheduled Tribes and PVTGs

1. UPSC CSE 2020:

Question: Critically examine the role of the Forest Rights Act in ensuring the socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes in India.

Answer: The Forest Rights Act (FRA) aims to recognize and vest forest rights to Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers. It empowers them with ownership rights, promotes sustainable livelihoods, and enhances their participation in forest governance. However, implementation challenges, such as bureaucratic delays and lack of awareness, have limited its effectiveness. Strengthening institutional mechanisms and raising awareness can improve the Act's impact on tribal development.

2. UPSC CSE 2019:

Question: Discuss the importance of education in improving the socio-economic conditions of PVTGs in India.

Answer: Education is a critical factor in improving the socio-economic conditions of PVTGs. It enhances literacy, creates employment opportunities, and empowers communities to access government schemes and resources. Programs like Eklavya Model Residential Schools provide targeted educational support. However, cultural sensitivity in curriculum design and infrastructure development is essential to ensure meaningful participation of PVTGs in the education system.