Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
Why it Matters?
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs asked the Registrar General to enumerate 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) separately in the 2027 Census. Accurate enumeration will aid targeted schemes like PM-JANMAN and improve welfare planning, policy, and representation.
What You Should Know?
PVTGs are the most marginalised among Scheduled Tribes.
They are identified by low literacy, pre-agricultural technology, isolation, and economic backwardness.
The category originated through the Dhebar Commission (1960–61) and was renamed PVTGs in 2006.
The term “PVTG” replaced “Primitive Tribal Groups” in 2006.
There are 75 PVTGs in India.
They are spread across 18 States and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
In the 2011 Census, only about 40 PVTGs were enumerated under the ST category.
The Dhebar Commission was set up under Article 339 of the Constitution in April 1960, which were assigned various tasks of investigation and reporting problems of STs.
Article 339
The President may appoint a Commission to report on the administration of Scheduled Areas and the welfare of Scheduled Tribes.
This Commission must be appointed at least once every ten years.
The President may also direct a State to set up a tribal advisory council or take other measures for tribal welfare.
The Union Government may issue directions to States regarding the welfare of Scheduled Tribes.
The first Commission under this Article was set up in 1960 under U.N. Dhebar (known as the Dhebar Commission).