Why in the News?

• For the first time, members of the Shompen tribe, one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in the country took part in the election process by casting their votes in the Andaman and Nicobar Lok Sabha constituency.
• Seven members of the tribe exercised their franchise, said Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ Chief Electoral Officer B.S. Jaglan.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• About PVTGs (Basic Details, Characteristics, Govt. Schemes, etc.)
• About Shompen Tribe

What is a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)?

• PVTGs are more vulnerable among the tribal groups.
• Due to this factor, more developed and assertive tribal groups take a major chunk of the tribal development funds, because of which PVTGs need more funds directed for their development.
• In this context, in 1975, the Government of India declared 52 tribal groups as PVTGs on the recommendation of Dhebar commission.
• Currently, there are 75 PVTGs out of 705 Scheduled Tribes.
• The PVTGs are spread over 18 states and one Union Territory (UT), in the country (2011 census).
• Odisha has the highest number (more than 2.5 lakh) of PVTGs.
• Characteristics of PVTGs:
• Population – stagnant/declining
• Technology – pre-agricultural
• Literacy Level – extremely low
• Economy – Subsistence level

Government Scheme(s) for PVTGs:

• Ministry of Tribal Affairs implements a scheme in the name of 'Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)'.
• It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme having a provision of 100% Central assistance to 18 states and Union territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• The scheme of Development of PVTGs aims at socio-economic development of PVTGs in a comprehensive manner, while retaining their culture and heritage.
• As a part of the scheme, State Governments undertakes projects that are tailored to cater to sectors like education, health and livelihood schemes for the PVTGs.

About Shompen Tribe:

• The Shompen are one of the least studied Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India.
• They reside in dense tropical Rain forest of Great Nicobar Island of Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands.
• The Shompen habitat is also an important biological hotspot and there are two National Parks and one Biosphere Reserve namely:
  • Campbell Bay National Park,
  • Galathea National Park and
  • Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve
• Though according to Census (2011), the estimated population of Shompen is 229, the exact population of Shompen is unknown till today.
• They are semi-nomadic hunter-gatherer and their main sources of livelihood are hunting, gathering, fishing and little bit horticultural activities in a rudimentary form.
• Primarily, they used to hunt wild pig, python, monitor Lizard, crocodile, see turtle etc.