Scheduled Tribes & Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in India - Testbook

Key Facts about Scheduled Tribes

Scheduled Tribes in India

As per the 2011 Census, the Scheduled Tribes account for 104 million people, representing 8.6% of the country’s population. These Scheduled Tribes are predominantly located in forest and hilly regions across the country.

• The key attributes of these communities include:
  • Primitive Traits
  • Geographical isolation
  • Unique culture
  • Reluctance to engage with the larger community
  • Economically disadvantaged
• To empower the tribals, the government has adopted a three-pronged strategy of social empowerment, economic empowerment, and social justice.

One of the important topics related to Scheduled Tribes is the Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989 .

Also, read about the Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes Amendment Act, 2015 here.

Statewise List of Scheduled Tribes

The comprehensive list of Scheduled Tribes in each State/Union Territory is provided below. Candidates can download the complete state-wise list of STs from the link given at the end of this section:

State-Wise List of STs in India [Complete List]:- Download PDF Here

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are the most vulnerable among the tribal groups. Due to their vulnerability, they often miss out on the major chunk of tribal development funds, which are usually taken by more developed and assertive tribal groups. Hence, there is a need for more funds to be directed towards their development.

• In 1975, the Indian Government identified 52 tribal groups as PVTGs.
• In 1993, 23 more groups were added to the list.
• Currently, there are 75 PVTGs out of 705 Scheduled Tribes.
• Odisha has the highest number of PVTGs. In 2020, the Odisha government identified 888 more villages/hamlets inhabited by PVTGs.
• The PVTGs are spread across 18 states and one Union Territory (as per the 2011 census).
• Characteristics of PVTGs include stagnant or declining population, pre-agricultural level of technology, extremely low literacy levels, and subsistence level of economy.