Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are identified based on deeper, more severe disadvantage than other tribal groups. As of 2023, 75 PVTGs have been identified across 18 states in India, representing a critical subset of the tribal population facing existential threats. These groups exhibit pre-agricultural levels of technology, low literacy, and a declining or stagnant population. The formulation of special programs for their development is crucial for ensuring their socio-economic inclusion and preserving their unique cultural identities, but is fraught with challenges stemming from their remoteness, socio-cultural complexities, and administrative hurdles.
Problems Faced by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups
PVTGs face a multitude of interconnected problems that contribute to their vulnerability. These can be broadly categorized as follows:
1. Socio-Economic Vulnerabilities
- Land Alienation: Loss of traditional land rights due to encroachment, development projects, and flawed land revenue systems.
- Poverty and Indebtedness: High rates of poverty, often exacerbated by exploitative moneylending practices.
- Lack of Livelihood Opportunities: Limited access to employment opportunities beyond traditional, often unsustainable, practices like shifting cultivation.
- Malnutrition: High prevalence of malnutrition, particularly among children and women, due to food insecurity and lack of access to nutritious food.
2. Health Challenges
- High Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) & Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR): Significantly higher than the national average, linked to poor healthcare access and inadequate nutrition.
- Prevalence of Diseases: Susceptibility to infectious diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and sickle cell anemia.
- Limited Healthcare Access: Remote locations and lack of healthcare infrastructure hinder access to quality medical services.
- Traditional Healing Practices: Reliance on traditional healers, which may not always be effective for modern ailments.
3. Educational Disadvantage
- Low Literacy Rates: Significantly lower literacy rates compared to the national average. (As per the 2011 Census, tribal literacy rate was 59.4% compared to the national average of 74.04%).
- Poor School Infrastructure: Lack of schools, inadequate infrastructure, and shortage of qualified teachers in remote areas.
- Language Barriers: Difficulty in learning in a language different from their mother tongue.
- High Dropout Rates: High dropout rates, particularly among girls, due to socio-economic factors and lack of parental support.
4. Political and Social Marginalization
- Lack of Political Representation: Limited representation in political institutions and decision-making processes.
- Social Discrimination: Facing social discrimination and exclusion from mainstream society.
- Displacement and Rehabilitation Issues: Displacement due to development projects without adequate rehabilitation and resettlement.
- Loss of Cultural Identity: Erosion of traditional cultural practices and languages due to modernization and assimilation.
Challenges in Formulation of Special Programmes
Formulating effective programs for PVTG development faces several significant challenges:
1. Geographical and Logistical Challenges
- Remoteness and Inaccessibility: Many PVTG settlements are located in remote and inaccessible areas, making it difficult to deliver services and implement programs.
- Poor Infrastructure: Lack of roads, communication networks, and other essential infrastructure.
2. Socio-Cultural Challenges
- Cultural Sensitivity: Programs need to be culturally sensitive and respect the traditional practices and beliefs of PVTGs. Imposing external models can be counterproductive.
- Resistance to Change: Some PVTGs may be resistant to change and reluctant to adopt new technologies or practices.
- Language Barriers: Communication difficulties due to language differences.
3. Administrative and Institutional Challenges
- Coordination Issues: Lack of coordination between different government departments and agencies involved in PVTG development.
- Bureaucratic Bottlenecks: Delays in fund disbursement and implementation of programs due to bureaucratic procedures.
- Lack of Capacity Building: Insufficient capacity building of local officials and community leaders to effectively implement and monitor programs.
- Fund Utilization: Inefficient fund utilization and diversion of funds.
4. Legal and Policy Challenges
- Implementation of Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006: Slow implementation of FRA, hindering the recognition of traditional forest rights and land tenure security.
- Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996: Inadequate implementation of PESA, limiting the role of tribal communities in self-governance.
- Lack of Monitoring and Evaluation: Insufficient monitoring and evaluation of programs to assess their effectiveness and impact.
| Challenge | Impact on Program Formulation |
|---|---|
| Geographical Remoteness | Increases program costs, logistical difficulties, and delays in implementation. |
| Cultural Sensitivity | Requires participatory approaches and culturally appropriate program design. |
| Administrative Bottlenecks | Hinders timely fund disbursement and effective program implementation. |
| Lack of Monitoring | Reduces accountability and hinders program improvement. |
Conclusion
Addressing the problems faced by PVTGs requires a holistic and integrated approach that prioritizes their socio-economic inclusion, cultural preservation, and empowerment. Overcoming the challenges in program formulation necessitates strengthening inter-departmental coordination, ensuring culturally sensitive program design, enhancing local participation, and improving monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. A rights-based approach, coupled with sustained investment in education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities, is crucial for securing a dignified future for these vulnerable communities. The focus should shift from welfare-based approaches to empowerment-based strategies, enabling PVTGs to become active agents of their own development.
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.