Lok Sabha Question No. 1085 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-08
Subject: Disparities between PVTGs and other Social Group
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Vishnu Dayal Ram

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## (MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1085

TO BE ANSWERED ON 08.02.2021

## DISPARITIES BETWEEN PVTGS AND OTHER SOCIAL GROUP

1085. SHRI VISHNU DAYAL RAM:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether there is a Vulnerability Index to classify Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs);
- (b) if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government aims to establish similar mechanisms to assess the socio-economic disparities between PVTGs and other social groups in order to design policy interventions required for the upliftment of PVTGs; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SMT. RENUKA SINGH SARUTA)

(a) & (b) :         No, Sir.

At  present,  Government  has  identified  75  tribal  groups,  which  are classified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) spreading across 18 States and Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands on the criteria adopted for identification/classification of PVTGs as under:

- i. a pre-agriculture level of technology;
- ii. a stagnant or declining population;
- iii. extreme low literacy; and
- iv. a subsistence level of economy.
5. (c) & (d) :    There is an existing mechanism under the scheme of Conservation-cumDevelopment  of  PVTGs  which  aims  at  socio-economic  development  of  PVTGs  in  a comprehensive manner, while retaining their culture and heritage. Under this mechanism,  the  State  Tribal  Development  /  Social  welfare  or  other  Department  (in charge of tribal development activities) will formulate PVTG community wise long-term Conservation Cum Development plan (3-5 Years) of their State based on requirements assessed  through  Baseline/  other  specific  surveys  conducted  by  them  and  with  the approval  or  Executive  Committee  chaired  by  the  Chief  Secretary.  While  formulating

CCD plans under the scheme, efforts are also made for due convergence of resources with the line Departments after assessment of gaps and identification of "Critical Deficit Areas'.

Financial  assistance  provided  to  the  18  States  and  1  UT  under  the  scheme  of 'Development of PVTG' for wide range of activities like,

-  Livelihood generation
-  Education
-  Housing
-  Agricultural development
-  Animal husbandry
-  Construction of link roads
-  Installation of Non-conventional sources of energy for lighting purpose
-  Social security
-  Any other innovative  activity  meant  for the comprehensive development of PVTGs.

Moreover,  in  order  to  ensure  effectiveness  of  the  Scheme,  following  provisions  are provided for,

-  State Governments are given the flexibility of utilizing the funds gaps identified through Base Line Survey.
-  Emphasis given on Micro planning.
-  Conservation cum Development (CCD) plans are aimed at preserving traditional architecture, traditional  medical  practices  and  cuisine and  maintaining  the heritage and culture of PVTGs.
-  Monitoring  of  the  physical  progress  of  works  approved  under  the  scheme  and impact assessment is part of the regular review of schemes of the Government.

*****