What are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)?
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In 1973, the Dhebar Commission created Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) as a separate category, who are less developed among the tribal groups.
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In 2006, the Government of India renamed the PTGs as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
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PVTGs have some basic characteristics:
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they are mostly homogenous,
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with a small population,
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relatively physically isolated,
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social institutes cast in a simple mould,
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absence of written language,
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relatively simple technology and a slower rate of change etc.
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These groups are among the most vulnerable section of our society as they are few in numbers, have not attained any significant level of social and economic development.
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75 such groups have been identified and categorized as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
PVTGs in Andaman
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Great Andamanese is one of five PVTGs that reside in Andamans archipelago.
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The Great Andamanese speak Jeru dialect among themselves and their number stands at 51 as per the last study carried out by Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti in 2012.
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The five PVTGS residing in Andamans are Great Andamanese, Jarwas, Onges, Shompens and North Sentinelese.