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Counting PVTGs Separately in Census
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Context:
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has requested the Registrar General of India to enumerate Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) separately in the upcoming Census to improve welfare targeting.
Historical and Policy Background
- Constitutional Recognition: PVTGs, the most marginalized within Scheduled Tribes, were identified in 1973 based on criteria such as pre-agricultural level of technology, low literacy, economic backwardness, and stagnant population.
- Past Census Approach: In 2011, 40 PVTG groups were enumerated within the broader Scheduled Tribe category, but no separate data was maintained.
- Current Status: Presently, there are 75 PVTGs across 18 States and one Union Territory, yet they remain inadequately represented in official statistics.
Socio-Economic Vulnerabilities
- Educational Deficit: Female literacy among PVTGs is the lowest in India; a recent Odisha study (2020–23) revealed alarming literacy and health gaps.
- Health Challenges: PVTGs face high malnutrition and poor access to health facilities, as highlighted in the Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition (2024).
- Developmental Neglect: Despite targeted schemes like PM-JANMAN launched in 2023, progress remains slow due to lack of precise data and monitoring.
The Way Forward
- Census Importance: Separate enumeration will provide disaggregated data to design precise welfare measures and track socio-economic conditions of PVTGs.
- Policy Rethink: The outdated “pre-agricultural technology” definition must be revisited, as modernization has altered socio-economic realities of many communities.
- Inclusive Approach: Beyond counting, addressing exclusion through education, health, skill development, and culturally sensitive tools is vital for empowerment.
Practice Question:
“Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) remain among the most marginalized communities in India despite decades of welfare interventions. Critically examine the challenges in addressing their socio-economic vulnerabilities, and discuss how separate enumeration in the Census can aid inclusive policy-making.” (250 words)
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