What is the Pradhan Mantri PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) Development Mission?

Feb. 3, 2023

Union Finance Minister recently announced a mission for the welfare of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in the 2023-24 Union Budget.

About Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission:

  • The mission will be launched as part of ‘Reaching The Last Mile’, one of the seven Saptarishi priorities enlisted in this year’s Budget.
  • The mission will saturate the particularly vulnerable tribal groups with safe housing, clean drinking water, education, nutrition, road and telecom connection and livelihood. 
  • A Budget of Rs 15,000 crore will be dedicated to this mission in the next three years.
  • The scheme will benefit 3.5 lakh tribals.

Saptarishi priorities (seven priorities) enlisted in the 2023-24 budget:

  • Inclusive Development
  • Reaching the Last Mile
  • Infrastructure and Investment
  • Unleashing the Potential
  • Green Growth
  • Youth Power
  • Financial Sector

Who are PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) ?

  • PVTGs are more vulnerable among the tribal groups who are in need of greater support and development.
  • Out of the 705 Scheduled Tribes in India, 75 have been identified as PVTGs and are spread across 17 states and one Union Territory.
  • Government of India follows the following criteria for identification of PVTGs
    • Pre-agricultural level of technology
    • Low level of literacy
    • Economic backwardness
    • A declining or stagnant population.
  • In 1975, the Government of India initiated to identify the most vulnerable tribal groups as a separate category called PVTGs and declared 52 such groups.
  • An additional 23 groups were added to the category in 1993.
  • Some Examples: Cholanaikayan (Kerala), Kathodi (Gujarat), Jarawas (Andaman & Nicobar Islands), Koraga (Karnataka)