Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) UPSC Notes - List, Identification Criteria & Schemes

PVTGs in India, or Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, are the most disadvantaged sub-category among the Scheduled Tribes. They are identified based on criteria like pre-agricultural practices, low literacy, and declining population. First recognized in 1975, they require focused policy attention. Ensuring their development is vital for inclusive tribal welfare in India.

Candidates can learn about the "Particularly Vulnerable Tribal groups" topic, its Full Form, Mission, Goals, Vision, and features in this article. This topic forms a significant part of the GS paper II in mains UPSC IAS exam. Testbook provides comprehensive notes for UPSC CSE COACHING, including different competitive examinations.

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What is PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group)?

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are a sub-category of Scheduled Tribes identified as being more vulnerable due to their primitive traits, pre-agricultural level of technology, stagnant or declining population, extremely low literacy, and subsistence-level economy. The category was created in 1975 based on the Dhebar Commission's recommendation. There are currently 75 PVTGs in India spread across 18 states and 1 UT. PVTGs live in isolation, often with limited access to health, education, and livelihood opportunities. Special schemes and targeted interventions are implemented to improve their socio-economic status.

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Latest News on PVTGs in India

• The Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), launched in late 2023, remains a central focus. News indicates ongoing efforts to accelerate its implementation.
• In January 2025, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs hosted a national conference of District Magistrates to share best practices for implementing PM-JANMAN, focusing on rural development, PVTG hostels, and drinking water.
• There's been a push for the expedited sanctioning of houses under the PM-JANMAN Housing Scheme to provide safe housing to PVTG families.
• Challenges in the enrollment process for PM-JANMAN, particularly with using the 'Awaas+' mobile app in states like Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Odisha, have been reported. Issues include discrepancies in village counts, Aadhaar-related problems, and network connectivity.
• The Union Budget 2025-26 saw a doubling of the allocation for PM-JANMAN to ₹300 crore, indicating continued government emphasis.

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India has several tribal groups living across the country. These groups are deemed the most marginalized and vulnerable among the tribal communities and require special attention.

Let us look at some of the PVTGs in India.

Read about the State Wise List of PVTGs in India Here!

Here's a list of the key PVTG schemes in India by the Government:

Umbrella Scheme for Development of PVTGs

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
• Objective: Holistic socio-economic development of PVTGs, focusing on their unique vulnerabilities while preserving their culture and heritage.
• Components: Flexible and demand-driven, addressing needs in areas like:
  • Housing
  • Land distribution and development
  • Agriculture and animal husbandry
  • Education
  • Healthcare and nutrition
  • Drinking water and sanitation
  • Road and communication connectivity
  • Livelihood generation
  • Conservation of culture

Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN)

• Launched: 2023
• Objective: To saturate PVTG households and habitations with basic facilities and ensure their inclusion in mainstream development.
• Focus: 11 critical interventions across 9 line ministries, including:
  • Safe housing (pucca houses)
  • Clean drinking water
  • Sanitation facilities
  • Improved access to education
  • Healthcare and nutrition
  • Road and telecom connectivity
  • Electricity access
  • Sustainable livelihood opportunities
• Implementation: Special focus on reaching the unreached PVTG habitations in remote areas.

Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) Scheme (earlier a Central Sector Scheme)

• Provides financial assistance to State/UT governments based on their project proposals for the development of PVTGs.
• Aims for comprehensive socio-economic development while retaining their culture.
• Supports various sectors like education, housing, infrastructure, and livelihood.

Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution

• Provides funds to states for the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes, including PVTGs, to raise their level of administration to that of other areas.
• Offers flexibility to states to address specific needs.

Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)

• Provides quality education with residential facilities to Scheduled Tribe students, with a 5% seat reservation for PVTG students in each school.
• Aims to improve literacy and educational outcomes.

National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students

• Provides financial assistance to ST students, including PVTGs, for pursuing higher education like M.Phil. and Ph.D.
• Includes a specific number of slots reserved for PVTG students.

National Overseas Scholarship for ST Students

• Offers opportunities for meritorious ST students, including PVTGs (specific reservations apply), to pursue postgraduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral studies abroad.

Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY)

• Focuses on the integrated development of villages with a significant tribal population, including PVTGs, by converging various schemes to bridge gaps in essential infrastructure and services.

Other Relevant Schemes

• Forest Rights Act, 2006: Recognizes and vests forest rights in forest-dwelling tribal communities, crucial for the livelihood of many PVTGs.
• TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India): Promotes tribal products and creates livelihood opportunities for tribal artisans, including those from PVTGs.
• Schemes related to health (e.g., National Health Mission), skill development, and livelihood missions also aim to include and benefit PVTGs.

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Issues Faced by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in India

Some of the major issues faced by PVTGs are

• PVTGs have faced marginalization and discrimination. This has resulted in their exclusion from mainstream society.
• PVTGs often face land alienation due to the appropriation of their land by non-tribal groups. It leads to loss of livelihoods and displacement.
• PVTGs have poor health indicators compared to the rest of the population. Poor access to healthcare facilities. Lack of awareness about health & hygiene. Traditional practices should replace modern medical practices.
• PVTGs depend on forest-based livelihoods, such as hunting, fishing, and gathering. Their livelihoods are threatened. Increasing restrictions on forest access and declining forest cover are major concerns.
• PVTGs have low literacy rates. They also face a lack of access to education facilities. Various factors such as remoteness, language barriers, and discrimination.
• PVTGs face the threat of cultural erosion. The influence of mainstream culture and globalization. This has resulted in losing traditional knowledge, practices, and beliefs.
• PVTGs are often located in disaster-prone areas. Vulnerability to natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and forest fires are some examples.
• PVTGs often need more political representation and participation. It makes it difficult for them to advocate for their rights. Access to government services and programs is also denied.

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