Introduction
Odisha has one of the largest tribal populations in India and is known for its rich ethnic and cultural diversity. Tribals form an integral part of the state’s social structure. However, within the tribal population, certain groups remain extremely backward and vulnerable, requiring special attention.
Body
Odisha is home to 62 Scheduled Tribes (STs). These can be broadly classified into two types: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and other Scheduled Tribes.
Among these, 13 tribes are identified as PVTGs in Odisha, such as Dongria Kondh, Bonda, Juang, and Lanjia Saora. These groups are characterized by pre-agricultural level of technology, declining or stagnant population, low literacy, and subsistence economy.
The issues and problems of PVTGs are multidimensional. They suffer from chronic poverty, food insecurity, and heavy dependence on forest resources. Poor access to education, healthcare, and safe drinking water leads to high levels of malnutrition, infant mortality, and disease burden. Displacement due to mining, industrial projects, and deforestation further threatens their livelihood and cultural identity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Odisha’s tribal diversity is vast, PVTGs remain the most marginalized section. Ensuring their development requires targeted interventions, community-based planning, protection of land and forest rights, and effective delivery of health, education, and livelihood programs to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.
