• India’s development has excluded Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), who remain marginalised despite constitutional provisions.
• The Dhebar Committee (1960–61) first classified these groups, now officially numbering 75 across India.
• PVTGs make up just 0.6% of India’s population and largely live in remote, ecologically fragile areas, limiting access to government schemes.
• Their livelihoods depend on forests, subsistence farming, and traditional occupations; most face extreme poverty, low literacy, and health crises.
• According to the Karnataka Tribal Human Development Report 2022, alarming health issues such as heart disease and cancer-like conditions have prompted genetic research initiatives. Chronic malnutrition, widespread anaemia, inadequate infrastructure, and social isolation exacerbate their socio-economic vulnerabilities
• In Karnataka, PVTGs include the Jenu Kuruba and Koraga tribes, with the latter experiencing a declining population and severe health issues.
• Despite laws like the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, implementation remains poor; only a fraction of claims result in titles.
• A 2024 case in Nagarahole Reserve saw 52 Jenu Kuruba families’ land claims rejected due to lack of official records, revealing gaps between policy and reality.
• Tribal development remains bureaucratic, often ignoring community voices; top-down models have failed.
• Nehru’s Panchsheel Principles advocate culturally sensitive, community-led development without imposed modernisation.
• Government schemes like PM-JANMAN aim to improve education, health, housing, and infrastructure in PVTG areas.
• Inclusive progress requires integrating tribal voices, respecting traditional rights, and ensuring genuine, ground-level implementation of policies.

MAINS QUESTIONS

1. Discuss the challenges faced by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India, and evaluate the effectiveness of government initiatives aimed at their development.
2. Analyze the role of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, in addressing the rights and livelihoods of tribal communities. What are the major implementation challenges, and how can they be addressed?