Daily Current Affairs : 11-December-2023

Recently, the Tribal Affairs Ministry provided contrasting statements to the Rajya Sabha, asserting that the population of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) is not declining, despite previous Census data indicating a significant drop in numbers.

Understanding PVTGs:
  • PVTGs constitute a highly vulnerable subset among tribal groups in India.
  • Characteristics include primitive traits, geographical isolation, low literacy, zero to negative population growth, and economic backwardness.
  • Dependent on hunting and Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) collection for sustenance and income.
  • Prone to health issues such as anaemia, malaria, gastrointestinal disorders, and skin infections due to their dietary practices.
Historical Context:
  • Originating during the fourth Five Year Plan, a sub-category within Scheduled Tribes named “Primitive tribal group” was created.
  • Renamed as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group in 2006.
  • Criteria for identification include pre-agricultural technology, low literacy, economic backwardness, and declining or stagnant population.
  • 75 PVTGs identified in India, with Odisha having the highest number (15).
PM-JANMAN Initiative:
  • The Cabinet approved the ₹24,000 crore Pradhan Mantri-Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan.
  • Allocation includes ₹15,336 crore from the central government and ₹8,768 crore from State governments.
  • Implementation through nine ministries with comprehensive targets, including housing, roads, water supply, medical units, anganwadi centers, multipurpose centers, hostels, mobile towers, vocational centers, and solar power connections.
Challenges Ahead:
  • Lack of Current Data:
    • Government faces challenges due to the absence of recent data on PVTGs.
    • Baseline surveys initiated, but no public disclosure of results.
    • No separate Census for PVTGs since 1951; a 2013 NAC report recommended a dedicated Census for comprehensive socio-economic insights.
Important Points:
  • Understanding PVTGs:
    • Highly vulnerable subset among Indian tribal groups.
    • Characteristics: primitive traits, geographical isolation, low literacy, zero to negative population growth, economic backwardness.
    • Dependence on hunting and Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) collection.
    • Health issues due to dietary practices: anaemia, malaria, gastrointestinal disorders, skin infections.
  • Historical Context:
    • Originated during the fourth Five Year Plan, initially named “Primitive tribal group.”
    • Renamed Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group in 2006.
    • Identification criteria: pre-agricultural technology, low literacy, economic backwardness, declining or stagnant population.
    • 75 PVTGs identified in India, highest in Odisha (15).
  • PM-JANMAN Initiative:
    • Cabinet approves ₹24,000 crore Pradhan Mantri-Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan.
    • Allocation: ₹15,336 crore central share, ₹8,768 crore State share.
    • Implementation through nine ministries with comprehensive targets:
      • Housing: 4.9 lakh pucca homes.
      • Roads: 8,000 km connecting roads.
      • Water: Linking all households with piped water.
      • Health: 1,000 mobile medical units.
      • Education: 2,500 anganwadi centers, 1,000 multipurpose centers, 500 hostels.
      • Connectivity: Mobile towers in 3,000 villages.
      • Economic empowerment: Vocational and skill training centers, 500 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras.
      • Energy: Off-grid solar power system for 1 lakh households, solar street lights.
  • Challenges Ahead:
    • Lack of Current Data:
      • Government faces challenges due to the absence of recent data on PVTGs.
      • Baseline surveys initiated, but no public disclosure of results.
      • No separate Census for PVTGs since 1951; a 2013 NAC report recommended a dedicated Census for comprehensive socio-economic insights.
Why In News

Recently, the Tribal Affairs Ministry informed the Rajya Sabha that the population of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) was not in decline, as per data provided by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (ORGI). The Ministry emphasized the successful implementation of targeted welfare programs contributing to the sustained well-being of these groups.

MCQs about Empowering Vulnerable Tribes in India

  1. The Pradhan Mantri-Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan primarily focuses on:
    A. Agricultural development
    B. Pucca home construction
    C. Urban infrastructure
    D. Educational reforms
    Correct Answer: B. Pucca home construction
    Explanation: The initiative aims to construct pucca homes for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) among other comprehensive development goals.
  2. What are the key characteristics of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India?
    A. High literacy and economic prosperity
    B. Advanced technological skills
    C. Primitive traits, geographical isolation, and low literacy
    D. Urban lifestyle and modern technology use
    Correct Answer: C. Primitive traits, geographical isolation, and low literacy
    Explanation: PVTGs exhibit primitive traits, geographical isolation, and low literacy, making them a highly vulnerable subset among tribal groups.
  3. Which state in India has the highest number of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)?
    A. Madhya Pradesh
    B. Odisha
    C. Tamil Nadu
    D. Andhra Pradesh
    Correct Answer: B. Odisha
    Explanation: Odisha has the highest number of PVTGs, with 15 identified groups.
  4. The primary challenge faced by the government in implementing initiatives for PVTGs is:
    A. Lack of financial resources
    B. Lack of political will
    C. Lack of current data on PVTGs
    D. Lack of community participation
    Correct Answer: C. Lack of current data on PVTGs
    Explanation: The principal challenge is the lack of current data on PVTGs, hindering effective implementation of initiatives.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading