Chenchus (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group)

Context

Recently, the plight of the Chenchus, one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Andhra Pradesh, has come to the forefront due to the significant socio-economic challenges they face.

About the Chenchus (children of the forest)

The Chenchus are an aboriginal tribe that speaks Telugu and are considered one of the oldest tribes in Andhra Pradesh.
They are the original inhabitants of the Nallamala Hills.
The community is characterized by low literacy rates and a subsistence economy, relying heavily on forest resources for food and livelihood.
The total Chenchu population stands at approximately 28,349.
Traditionally, they have been food gatherers, depending on wild fruits, tubers, and non-timber forest produce.

Living Conditions

The living conditions of the Chenchus are starkly contrasted with the neighboring town of Dornala, which has experienced significant growth in recent years.
In the hamlet of Panukumadugu, where many Chenchus reside, homes are simple thatched huts, with few pucca houses in disrepair.

Fact Box: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

The Ministry of Home Affairs has designated 75 tribal groups across 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Identified as the most vulnerable among tribal communities, the concept of PVTGs was introduced in 1975 by the Government of India.
Initially comprising 52 tribal groups, this category expanded in 1993 with the inclusion of 23 additional groups, bringing the current total to 75.
PVTGs are more vulnerable among the tribal groups and are determined by the given criteria:
- They have declining or stagnant populations
- low levels of literacy
- pre-agricultural levels of technology
- Economically backward

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Chenchus (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group)

About the Chenchus (children of the forest)

Living Conditions

Fact Box: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

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