BharatNotes Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
A sub-classification of Scheduled Tribes identified by the government as the most marginalised — characterised by pre-agricultural technology, very low literacy, declining or stagnant population, and subsistence-level economy.
Context & Background
First identified as "Primitive Tribal Groups" during the Fourth Five Year Plan period (1969–74) following the Dhebar Commission (1960–61) which highlighted intra-ST inequality; renamed PVTGs in 2006; currently 75 groups across 18 states/UTs.
UPSC Exam Relevance
PM-JANMAN (PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan) — launched November 15, 2023; covers 75 PVTGs in 18 states + 1 UT (Andaman & Nicobar Islands); budget ₹24,104 crore (2023-24 to 2025-26, final year); 11 interventions under 9 ministries; as of mid-2025: 1.36 lakh houses, 7,406 villages with piped water, 694 Mobile Medical Units, 2,516 mobile towers; EMRS for residential education.
