Why in the News?

• According to information received from the media, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch 'PM-PVTG Development Mission' in Khunti district on 'Tribal Pride Day' (Birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda).

Key Points:

=> The PM-PVTG Development Mission program aims to improve the socio-economic status of Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

=> For this, availability of Rs 15,000 crore for Scheduled Tribes has been envisaged in the Union Budget.

=> The mission includes providing basic facilities like safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, education, health and nutrition, better access to roads in settlements for backward scheduled tribes.

Prime Minister PVTG Development Mission:

• It may be noted that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced 'Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission' under the Union Budget 2023-24 on February 1, 2023.
• The Central Government has allocated Rs 15,000 crore under the 'Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes' to implement this mission in the next three years.

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs):

• The Ministry of Home Affairs has classified 75 tribal groups in 18 states of the country and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
• PVTGs are the most vulnerable among the tribal groups.
• In 1975, the Government of India took the initiative to identify the most vulnerable tribal groups as a separate category called PVTGs .
• Initially 52 tribal groups were classified as PVTGs.
• In the year 1993, 23 additional tribal groups were included in this category, due to which there are currently 75 tribal groups under PVTG.
• Of the 75 listed PVTGs, the highest number are found in Odisha (13), followed by Andhra Pradesh (12).