PM JANMAN AND PVTGs

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WHY IN NEWS ?

Recently, PM JANMAN scheme has been approved by Union Cabinet which is aimed at uplifting PVTGs conditions.

MORE ABOUT THE NEWS:

The Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) scheme is aimed at providing PVTG households and habitations.
It also provides for basic facilities such as safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation with improved access to education, health and nutrition, road and telecom connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
This initiative is part of the Pradhan Mantri-PVTG Development Mission announced in Union Budget of 2022-23, allocating Rs 15,000 crore for the period of three years.

ABOUT PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TRIBAL GROUPS (PVTGs):

PVTGs are spread across 18 states and one union territory.
There are total 75 PVTGs inhabiting diverse ecological landscapes from serene plains and lush forests to rugged hills and remote, inaccessible areas.
These groups are culturally different from one another and from other tribal groups.

In 1960-61, the Dhebar Commission distinguised various Scheduled Tribes, leading to the creation of the “Primitive Tribal Groups” (PTG) category.
In 2006, this category was renamed Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
PVTGs are mostly found in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

IDENTIFICATION OF PVTGs:

The PVTGs in India are identified by the Government based on following criteria:

CHARACTERSTICS OF PVTGS:

PVTGs are mostly homogenous, with a small population.
They are relatively physically isolated with absence of written language, relatively simple technology and a slower rate of change etc.
According to the 2001 census, the PVTGs population is approximately. 27,68,322.
There are 12 PVTGs with population above 50,000 and the rest groups have a population of 1000 or less.
The level of inequalities in socio-economic conditions are very high amongst PVTGs.
PVTGs depend on food gathering,Non Timber Forest Produce (NTFP), hunting, livestock rearing, shifting cultivation and artisan works for their livelihood.
The health status of PVTGs is in ill state of affairs due to multiple factors like lack of safe drinking water, bad sanitary conditions, malnutrition, poor maternal and child health services, unavailability of health and nutritional services, superstition and deforestation.
The condition of education among PVTGs is very poor, with an average literacy rate of merely 10% to 44%.

CONCERNS REGARDING PVTGs:

MARGINALISATION: PVTGs are severely marginalised due to their isolation, low population, believe in superstitions and different socio-economic and culture.
They struggle with limited access to basic services, social discrimination, and vulnerability to displacement from development and natural disasters.
Lack of political representation hinders their participation in decision-making.
LOSS OF LIVELIHOOD: They are facing loss of traditional livelihoods and resource rights, lack of market knowledge for Non-Timber Forest Produce, and exploitation by middlemen, threatening their traditional occupations.

HOW PM-JANMAN CAN HELP PVTGs?

There are provisions for proper identification and recognition as the earlier criteria for identifying PVTGs have been criticised for being outdated.
The Government also aims to create a HDI Index for PVTGs .It is a significant step towards addressing these vulnerabilities.
By discarding ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach with customised strategies that respect their unique needs and priorities, scheme ensures efficiency in PVTGs administration.
Involvement of PVTGs in decision-making, addressing land rights, social inclusion, and cultural preservation.

The scheme also aim at providing sustainable livelihood by providing skills training and resources, like land and credit.
Implemention of the Forest Rights Act by granting land titles secures access to forest resources as section 3(1)(e) of the FRA specifically supports the rights of primitive tribal groups and pre-agricultural communities.
Outreach strategies like Mobile Medical Health Units will be impactful in providing healthcare in remote and inaccessible areas.
Guidelines for infrastructure creation have been relaxed to improve access to housing, water, sanitation, electricity, and connectivity as earlier schemes had complexities regarding criteria.

WAY FORWARD:

India’s rich tribal heritage, with over 700 distinct tribal groups, especially Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, deserve focused efforts to secure their rights and enhance their quality of life.
Incorporating their culture and language into the curriculum, providing transportation, teachers training about PVTG cultural contexts and their participation in mainstream can be helpful in uplifting their overall socio-economic condition.

SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS, UNDP.ORG

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