Recent news reveals that six members of two Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Odisha, namely the Bondas and Didiayis tribes, have contracted Covid-19. This has raised concerns with the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, prompting them to request a report from the state government.
Understanding Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
The Government of India adopted the classification of PVTGs following observations made by the Dhebar Commission (1960-1961). The commission highlighted significant disparities in development rates within the Scheduled Tribes. The government created a sub-category during the 4th Five Year Plan (1969-74) to identify groups at a lower level of development. Initially referred to as the “Primitive tribal group,” this is now known as PVTG.
The criteria used to identify PVTGs include factors such as relative physical isolation, stagnant or declining population, low literacy levels, absence of written language, and a pre-agricultural stage of economy. The Ministry of Home Affairs has identified 75 tribal groups as PVTGs. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs aims to promote the development of PVTGs exclusively.
PVTGs in Odishia: An Overview
Odisha has 62 tribal groups, with 13 recognized as PVTGs – the highest number in the country. The state’s PVTG population totals 2.5 lakh. Identified PVTGs in Odisha include the Bonda, Birhor, Chuktia, Didayi, Dongaria Kandha, Juang, Kharia, Kutia Kondh, Lanjia Saora, Lodha, Mankirida, Paudi Bhuyan, and Saora tribes.
Detailed Look at the Bondas and Didiayis Tribes
The Bondas and Didiayis tribes, affected by Covid-19 in recent news, hail from Malkangiri district. This district borders Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The Bondas, believed to have migrated from Africa about 60,000 years ago, live across 32 hilltop villages in the Eastern Ghats. On the other hand, the Didayis, an Austro-Asiatic tribe, reside near the Bondas in the Konda Kamberu hills of Malkangiri. The 2011 census records a Didayi population of 7,250.
The Implication of Covid-19 on PVTGs
The emergence of Covid-19 among these tribes is deeply concerning due to their low health status. Common diseases among PVTGs include respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, micronutrient deficiency, and skin infection. Multiple factors contribute to these health challenges: poverty, illiteracy, lack of safe drinking water, unsanitary conditions, difficult terrain, malnutrition, inadequate healthcare services, and deforestation.
The Poverty and Human Development Monitoring Agency (PHDMA), which monitors such issues, falls under Odisha Government’s Planning & Convergence Department.
Next Steps in Pandemic Management Among PVTGs
In the trying times of Covid-19, it is essential to respect the way of life of the tribal populations while providing them with necessary care. This includes not interfering with their environment. The government needs to monitor and provide basic food, health, and water facilities. Civil societies also have a significant role to play in this effort.
