- Contrary to previous statistics, the Union Tribal Ministry informed the Rajya Sabha that the number of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) is not dropping.
- With a considerable budget commitment, the Pradhan Mantri-Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) strives to offer basic services to PVTGs.
PVTGs:
- PVTGs, originally known as Primitive Tribal Groups, are defined by characteristics such as dwindling population, pre-agrarian technology, economic backwardness, and poor literacy.
- Distribution: India has 75 PVTGs spread throughout 18 states and union territories, with the largest concentrations in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
- Historical Context: These tribes have historically been among the most vulnerable sections of Scheduled Tribes since they live in remote places.
PM-JANMAN: Goals and Funding
- Mission Objectives: The mission, which was announced earlier this year, aims to improve infrastructure and basic amenities in PVTG districts.
- Budget Allocation: The Cabinet authorised a package of 24,000 crores, comprising contributions from both the national and state governments.
- The programme, which comprises nine ministries, aims to improve housing, connection, healthcare, education, and economic prospects in PVTG communities.
Implementation Difficulties
- Data Gaps: One major difficulty is a lack of up-to-date and reliable data about PVTG populations and socioeconomic situations.
- Baseline Surveys: While surveys are being undertaken, the findings are not yet available, and no separate Census for PVTGs has been conducted since 1951.
- Recommendations: The National Advisory Council proposed organising a special Census for PVTGs in order to better understand their educational, health, and housing requirements.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/truth-lies-and-politics/a-focus-on-pradhan-mantri-janjati-adivasi-nyaya-maha-abhiyan-pm-janman-governments-effort-to-bring-tribals-in-the-mainstream/