Daily Current Affairs : 16-November-2023

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) represent a distinct segment among India’s tribal communities, characterized by primitive traits, geographical isolation, low literacy, zero to negative population growth, and overall backwardness. These groups rely on hunting and pre-agricultural technologies, often facing health challenges due to their specific dietary habits.

Historical Perspective: Evolution from Primitive Tribal Groups to PVTGs
  1. Genesis of PVTG Classification (1975):
    • Created during the fourth Five Year Plan.
    • Derived from the Dhebar Commission report and other studies.
    • Initially termed “Primitive Tribal Group,” later renamed “Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group” in 2006.
  2. Identification Criteria:
    • Pre-agricultural technology.
    • Low literacy.
    • Economic backwardness.
    • Declining or stagnant population.
  3. Population Overview:
    • A total of 75 PVTGs in India.
    • No new group declared post-2001 census.
    • Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh (including Telangana) home to significant PVTG populations.
The Need for Special Attention: Why PVTGs Require Dedicated Support
  1. Vulnerability Challenges:
    • Higher susceptibility to diseases (anaemia, malaria, etc.).
    • Dependence on hunting and NTFP collection.
    • Limited access to mainstream development funds.
  2. Identifying the Gap:
    • Developed tribal groups often receive a larger share of development funds.
    • PVTGs necessitate targeted and focused support for upliftment.
The PM-PVTG Development Mission: A Comprehensive Approach
  1. Overview of the Mission:
    • A Rs 24,000-crore project for PVTG development.
    • Focus on providing basic facilities to remote and inaccessible areas.
  2. Key Development Areas:
    • Road and telecom connectivity.
    • Electricity.
    • Safe housing.
    • Clean drinking water and sanitation.
    • Improved access to education, health, and nutrition.
    • Sustainable livelihood opportunities.
  3. Implementing Ministries and Schemes:
    • Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
    • Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana.
    • Jal Jeevan Mission, among others.
  4. Budgetary Allocation:
    • Aligned with ‘Reaching The Last Mile,’ a priority in the Union Budget 2023-24.
Important Points:

Understanding Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs):

  • Characterized by primitive traits, geographical isolation, low literacy, and backwardness.
  • Dependence on hunting, pre-agricultural technology, and collection of Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP).
  • Face health challenges like anaemia, malaria, gastrointestinal disorders, and skin infections due to their dietary habits.

Evolution from Primitive Tribal Groups to PVTGs:

  • Originated during the fourth Five Year Plan based on the Dhebar Commission report.
  • Initially termed “Primitive Tribal Group” and later renamed “Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group” in 2006.
  • Criteria for identification include pre-agricultural technology, low literacy, economic backwardness, and a declining or stagnant population.

Need for Special Attention to PVTGs:

  • Higher vulnerability compared to other tribal groups.
  • Often overlooked in mainstream development funds.
  • Require targeted support for upliftment and improvement.

The PM-PVTG Development Mission: A Comprehensive Approach:

  • A Rs 24,000-crore project aimed at PVTG development.
  • Focus on providing basic facilities to remote and inaccessible areas.
  • Key development areas include road and telecom connectivity, electricity, safe housing, clean drinking water, sanitation, education, health, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Implementing Ministries and Schemes:

  • Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
  • Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana.
  • Jal Jeevan Mission, among others.

Budgetary Allocation and Union Budget 2023-24:

  • Aligned with ‘Reaching The Last Mile,’ a priority in the Union Budget.
  • Reflects a commitment to inclusive development for the most vulnerable tribal communities.
Why In News

The Prime Minister of India, in a historic move, launched the PM-PVTG Development Mission for the most backward of the Scheduled Tribes, demonstrating a commitment to uplift and empower marginalized communities for inclusive and sustainable development.

MCQs about Unveiling the PM-PVTG Development Mission

  1. What is the primary focus of the PM-PVTG Development Mission?
    A. Economic growth for all tribal groups
    B. Infrastructure development for particularly vulnerable tribal groups
    C. Urbanization of tribal areas
    D. Agricultural advancements in tribal regions
    Correct Answer: B. Infrastructure development for particularly vulnerable tribal groups
    Explanation: The PM-PVTG Development Mission specifically aims at the development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) by focusing on infrastructure development in remote and inaccessible areas.
  2. Why were Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) initially termed “Primitive Tribal Groups”?
    A. Based on linguistic criteria
    B. Derived from the Constitution of India
    C. Originated from the Dhebar Commission report and other studies
    D. A result of the first Five Year Plan
    Correct Answer: C. Originated from the Dhebar Commission report and other studies
    Explanation: The term “Primitive Tribal Groups” was derived from the Dhebar Commission report and other studies during the fourth Five Year Plan, later renamed as “Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups” in 2006.
  3. What criteria are used for the identification of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)?
    A. Advanced technological practices
    B. High literacy rates
    C. Economic prosperity
    D. Declining or stagnant population, low literacy, economic backwardness, and pre-agricultural level of technology
    Correct Answer: D. Declining or stagnant population, low literacy, economic backwardness, and pre-agricultural level of technology
    Explanation: The identification criteria for PVTGs include a declining or stagnant population, low literacy, economic backwardness, and a pre-agricultural level of technology.
  4. Which priority in the Union Budget 2023-24 aligns with the PM-PVTG Development Mission?
    A. Digital Transformation
    B. Sustainable Agriculture
    C. Reaching The Last Mile
    D. Women Empowerment
    Correct Answer: C. Reaching The Last Mile
    Explanation: The PM-PVTG Development Mission aligns with ‘Reaching The Last Mile,’ one of the priorities enlisted in the Union Budget 2023-24.

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