PVTG(Primitive Vulnerable Tribal Group) also known as PTG are a special class of tribal groups, classified as such by the govt of India, due to their specially low development indices when compared to other local tribes.
--These were classified under the Dhebar Commission (1960-61), so as to better facilitate their growth, on par with other STs on national scale, and help them include in the mainstream development, while using their indigenous knowledge.
--Their characteristics include:
1. Pre agricultural system of existence, i.e. they practice hunting or gathering
2. Zero or negative population growth
3. Extremely low level of literacy
4. Absence of a written language
--Being distributed over the whole country in small groups, their cultural practices vary widely. They have their own traits of governance. Due to such isolated living, their development level varies widely from region to region, along with a high inequality index found in economic and social conditions.
--Even though various schemes have been initiated by the govt to help the tribes develop, the ground level implementation needs attention, due to lack of infrastructure for them. A holistic approach of the govt is needed for preserving their culture, alongwith modernising them, by preparing a long term Conservation cum Development plan, which includes their needs, as well as imparts them vocational knowledge