UPSC Prelims 2019 Q51: Indian Polity – Social Justice & Vulnerable Sections
- (a) 1, 2 and 3
- (b) 2, 3 and 4
- (c) 1, 2 and 4
- (d) 1, 3 and 4
Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 4
Explanation
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
| Statement | Claim | Verdict | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PVTGs reside in 18 States + 1 UT | TRUE | 18 States + Andaman & Nicobar UT host PVTGs. |
| 2 | Stagnant/declining population is a criterion | TRUE | Dhebar Commission (1960) criteria used by MoTA: (i) pre-agriculture, (ii) stagnant/declining pop, (iii) low literacy, (iv) subsistence economy. |
| 3 | 95 PVTGs officially notified | FALSE | There are 75 PVTGs officially notified (not 95). |
| 4 | Irular and Konda Reddi are PVTGs | TRUE | Both are on the PVTG list (Irular in TN/Kerala, Konda Reddi in AP/Telangana). |
Statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct. Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 4.
Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 4.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 3 (95 PVTGs) is wrong - only 75.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 3 is wrong.
- (c) CORRECT. 18 States + 1 UT host PVTGs (S1), stagnant/declining pop is a criterion (S2), and Irular + Konda Reddi are on the list (S4). Statement 3 is wrong (75, not 95).
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 3 is wrong.
Key point
PVTGs: 75 officially notified across 18 states + 1 UT. Criteria: pre-agriculture, stagnant/declining pop, low literacy, subsistence economy (Dhebar Commission).
Remember
PVTGs (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) are found in 18 States and 1 Union Territory. Stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria (per Dhebar Commission). Irular and Konda Reddi are on the list. But the total number of officially notified PVTGs is 75, not 95 - so statement 3 is wrong.
Common mistakes
- Confusing 75 (correct) with 95 or 105.
- Assuming all NE tribes are PVTGs - most PVTGs are in mainland states (Odisha has the most - 13).
- Not knowing key PVTGs: Jarawa/Onge/Sentinelese (A&N), Birhor (Jharkhand), Chenchu (AP), Kadar (Kerala).
Exam tip
PVTG facts to know: Total = 75. Highest count states: Odisha (13), Andhra Pradesh (12). All NE PVTGs recognized. Ministry of Tribal Affairs administers via Development of PVTGs scheme. PM-JANMAN mission (2023) targets PVTGs.
Sources
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs - PVTG list and criteria
- Dhebar Commission Report (1960-61)