Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), formerly known as Primitive Tribal Groups, are identified based on specific criteria related to pre-agricultural levels of technology, low literacy, economic backwardness, and a declining or stagnant population. These groups face unique challenges and require targeted interventions. As of 2023, the government recognizes 75 PVTGs across 18 states in India. Recognizing their vulnerability, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched several specialized programs aimed at their holistic development, focusing on improving their socio-economic conditions and preserving their cultural identity. This answer will detail some of these crucial programs.
Understanding PVTG Programs: A Categorical Overview
Programs for PVTGs are multi-faceted, addressing various aspects of their lives. They can be broadly categorized into livelihood & economic development, health & nutrition, education & cultural preservation, and habitation & infrastructure development.
1. Livelihood and Economic Development
- Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY): Launched in 2018, this scheme focuses on value addition of Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) and creating sustainable livelihoods for tribal communities, including PVTGs. It supports the formation of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) at the village level.
- TRIFED’s initiatives: The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) plays a crucial role in procuring NTFPs directly from PVTGs at Minimum Support Price (MSP), ensuring fair prices and eliminating intermediaries.
- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM): While not exclusively for PVTGs, NRLM prioritizes their inclusion in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and provides access to micro-credit and skill development programs.
- Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006: Securing land tenure and forest resource rights under FRA empowers PVTGs economically and provides them with a sustainable livelihood base.
2. Health and Nutrition
- National AYUSH Mission: Promotes traditional healthcare systems, which are often deeply ingrained in the cultural practices of PVTGs, providing accessible and culturally appropriate healthcare.
- Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): A conditional cash transfer scheme aimed at promoting institutional deliveries, crucial for reducing maternal and infant mortality rates among PVTGs.
- POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission): Focuses on improving nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, with specific attention to vulnerable groups like PVTGs.
- Mobile Health Units: Deployment of mobile health units in remote PVTG areas to provide basic healthcare services, including antenatal care, immunization, and treatment of common ailments.
3. Education and Cultural Preservation
- Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): Established in every block with a significant tribal population, EMRSs provide quality education to tribal students, including those from PVTGs, from Class VI to XII. The scheme has been significantly expanded in recent years.
- Scholarships for Tribal Students: Various scholarship schemes, such as the Post-Matric Scholarship and National Fellowship, provide financial assistance to PVTG students pursuing higher education.
- Support for Traditional Arts and Crafts: Initiatives to preserve and promote the traditional arts, crafts, and cultural heritage of PVTGs through training, exhibitions, and marketing support.
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Emphasizes culturally responsive pedagogy and the inclusion of tribal knowledge systems in the curriculum, benefiting PVTG students.
4. Habitation and Infrastructure Development
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G): Provides housing assistance to eligible rural households, including those belonging to PVTGs, improving their living conditions.
- Integrated Action Plan (IAP): Previously implemented, IAP focused on providing infrastructure and services in tribal areas, including PVTG habitations, such as roads, schools, health facilities, and drinking water. (Now subsumed under other schemes)
- Development of Tribal Circuits for Tourism: Promoting sustainable tourism in tribal areas, generating livelihood opportunities for PVTGs while preserving their cultural heritage.
Recent Initiatives
In 2023, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched the PVTG Development Mission with a budget of ₹24,109 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26. This mission aims to saturate PVTG habitations with basic facilities like safe housing, clean drinking water, improved road connectivity, and access to education and healthcare. It focuses on a convergence approach, bringing together various government schemes and programs to address the holistic needs of PVTGs.
Conclusion
Addressing the needs of PVTGs requires a sustained and integrated approach. While numerous programs have been launched, effective implementation, convergence of schemes, and community participation are crucial for achieving tangible results. The recent PVTG Development Mission represents a significant step towards ensuring the socio-economic upliftment and cultural preservation of these most vulnerable communities. Continuous monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation of programs based on ground realities are essential for long-term success.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.