VAID'S ICS – Best UPSC Anthropology Coaching in Delhi Since 1985

Comprehensive Classroom Course · Admissions openRegister now
+91 93113 37737
  • +91-93113 37737, +91-99999 46748
  • 73(FF), Old Rajender Nagar Market, Delhi - 110060
  • MON to SUN 9.00 am - 6.00 pm
Facebook Youtube Instagram
Menu
Enquire Now
Home/Anthropology/Mains PYQ/2017/Paper II/Tribal Development, Policy & Safeguards
UPSC MainsAnthropology Optional Paper II 2017 10 Marks Model Answer Available

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups — 2017 Paper II

Question · 2017 · Paper II · 10 Marks

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (earlier known as PTG).

Model Answer

VAID ICS

Approach

  • Demand of Question:Define PVTGs, explain criteria, distributional-administrative rationale and special development approach, while updating the older PTG terminology.
  • Structuring the Response:Origin/renaming -> four criteria -> number/distribution -> vulnerabilities -> policy shift from generic welfare to habitat/community-specific saturation. • Key Dimensions to Cover: Dhebar Commission background, PTG category from 1975, renamed PVTG in 2006; 75 groups in 18 states and A&N Islands; criteria; CCD Plans; habitat rights; PM-JANMAN (2023-24) as current value addition.

Model Answer

Introduction Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are a sub-classification of Scheduled Tribes requiring highly focused policy intervention. Created on the recommendation of the Dhebar Commission (1973) as "Primitive Tribal Groups" (PTGs), the terminology was anthropologically corrected to PVTG in 2006 to remove pejorative undertones.

Body Identification Criteria: The government identifies PVTGs based on four specific traits:

  1. Pre-agricultural level of technology (e.g., hunting-gathering).
  2. Stagnant or declining population.
  3. Extremely low literacy.
  4. Subsistence-level economy. Currently, there are 75 PVTGs spread across 18 states and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (e.g., Sentinelese, Baiga, Dongria Kondh, Sahariya).

Anthropological Vulnerabilities & Policy Shift: PVTGs suffer from compounded vulnerabilities including genetic bottlenecks (due to small populations), rapid loss of traditional ecological knowledge, and extreme nutritional stress. Generic tribal welfare often fails to reach them due to their remoteness and lack of political voice.

Consequently, policy has shifted from uniform welfare to targeted saturation. The PM-JANMAN (2023) initiative is a landmark ₹24,000-crore scheme designed to saturate PVTG habitations with 11 critical interventions (safe housing, clean water, mobile connectivity, and health).

Conclusion Anthropologically, the development of PVTGs must avoid forced assimilation or paternalistic isolation. Interventions like PM-JANMAN must operate strictly alongside the recognition of their Habitat Rights (under the Forest Rights Act, 2006), ensuring that development is culturally appropriate and driven by community consent.

2026 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) of the islands. 2026 'Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan aims to meet some of the Sustainable Development Goals'. Discuss. 2026 Write an account on the contribution of Verrier Elwin in developing policies for the tribal populations in post-independent India. 2026 Article 371A of the Indian Constitution.

Want feedback on your answer?

Join the Anthropology workshop or get structured answer-writing guidance from VAID ICS.

Join Workshop Contact VAID ICS

UPSC Anthropology Optional 2017 — Paper II

28 questions

5(b) Ethnicity and regionalism.

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 7.3 The concept of ethnicity > Regionalism and demand for autonomy
2017Paper IIEthnicity, Tribal Movements & Social ChangeModel answer available

1(d) Ethno-archaeology.

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 1.3 Ethno-archaeology in India > The concept of ethno-archaeology
2017Paper IIPrehistoric ArchaeologyModel answer available

5(e) Impact of Christianity on Indian tribes.

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 8.1 Impact of Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and other religions on tribal societies > Christianity
2017Paper IIEthnicity, Tribal Movements & Social ChangeModel answer available

1(e) Nature-man-spirit complex.

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 3.3 Sacred Complex and Nature-Man-Spirit Complex
2017Paper IIIndian Society, Caste & CivilizationModel answer available

1(a) Neolithic cultures of South India.

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 1.1 Evolution of Indian Culture and Civilization > Neolithic > South India
2017Paper IIPrehistoric ArchaeologyModel answer available

5(c) Other Backward Class.

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 7.1 Problems of exploitation and deprivation of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes
2017Paper IIIndian Society, Caste & CivilizationModel answer available

1(c) Varnashram and the concept of Rina.

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 3.1 Structure and nature of traditional Indian social system > Varnashram, Purushartha, Karma, Rina and Rebirth
2017Paper IIIndian Society, Caste & CivilizationModel answer available