Lok Sabha Question No. 1204 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-09-19
Subject: Protection of PVTG from COVID-19 of Odisha
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Parvesh Sahib Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No.1204 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.09.2020

## PROTECTION OF PVTG FROM COVID-19 OF ODISHA

1204. SHRI PARVESH SAHIB SINGH VERMA:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)   the  details  of  the  steps  taken  for  the  protection  of  the  Particularly  Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) from the Covid-19 Pandemic;

(b)  the  details  of  the  steps  taken  after  some  members  of  PVTG  from  Odisha  and Andaman and Nicobar were found COVID-19 positive; and

(c)  whether  the  Government  has  taken  measures  to  inform  the  PVTG  about  the COVID-19 pandemic in their local language and if so, the details thereof ?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI  ARJUN  MUNDA)

- (a)           As  per  guidelines  issued  by  the  Government  in  the  wake  of  COVID-19 pandemic, Government has taken steps for protection of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal  Groups  (PVTG)  of   Odisha   from  the  COVID-19  pandemic  in  the  following manner:-
-  PVTG communities were sensitized on various practices of COVID19  prevention  like  Social  distancing,  hand-washing,  sanitization, wearing of  masks etc.  with  the  close  supervision  of  Micro  Project Agencies  (MPA)  and  Village  Development  Committees  (VDC) supported by the respective District Administration.
-  Across  all  17  MPAs  of  the  State  located  in  12  districts,  PVTG SHGs/Individuals have been supported with tailoring units through Odisha PVTG Empowerment & Livelihoods Improvement Program (OPELIP).  Under  this  activity,  stitching  masks  and  its  eventual supply to the community people in the areas is ensured.
- (b)   After some members of PVTG from Odisha were found COVID-19 positive, facilitation have been made jointly by Micro Project Agency (MPA) concerned and 427  number  of  PVTG  Village  Development  Committees  (VDC)  with  close coordination  from  ASHA  Worker  of  Health  &  Family  Welfare  Department  and Anganwadi Worker of Women  & Child Development & Mission Shakti Department, Government  of Odisha as well as District Administration in respective PVTG districts.
-  The  Andaman  &  Nicobar  Administration  is  giving  special  focus and attention to the protection and wellbeing of Particularly Vulnerable  Tribal  Group  (PVTG)  viz.  Great  Andamanese  (Strait Island),  Onges(Little  Andaman),  Jarawas  (South  Andaman)  and Shompens  (Greater  Nicobar  Islands).  The  health  of  these  tribals has been vigorously monitored and proactive measures to prioritize their  testing  have  helped  early  detection  of  cases.  11(Eleven) infected  members  of  the  Great  Andamanese  tribes  are  among those who were either themselves engaged or had families working in Government establishments. All of these infected Great Andamanese tribe except two have fully recovered and moved back to  their  settlement  in  Strait  Island.  The  samples  of  entire  Onges population has tested negative. Testing of Jarawas in three different areas has also confirmed their COVID free status. The Shompens are also safe in the Great Nicobar Island.

(c)      The COVID-19 pandemic guidelines have been translated in 09 (Nine)  Tribal Languages i.e. Munda, Santali, Ho, Sadri, Desia, Kuvi, Kui, Koya,    Saora and Odia languages. These translated guidelines have been widely circulated among the tribal people including PVTGs for generating awareness on COVID-19.

Odisha PVTG Empowerment & Livelihoods Improvement Programme (OPELIP) works in 17 MPAs of 12 districts. The extensive services of the program and  other  requirements  for  the  pandemic  and  other  Government  benefits  reaches the  communities  through  the  locally  engaged  youths  i.e.   Community  Resource Persons (CRPs), who are well-versed with the local dialect and language. There are around  478  local  youths  functioning  as   CRPs,  who  have  been  engaged  by  the Program. They have carried out all  kinds  of  awareness  program on COVID-19 in the  villages in their respective local language / dialect.

*****