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Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PTGs)

Photographs by Mr. Bibhuti Pradhan

Orissa has the distinction of having largest number of PTGs among all the States and Union Territories of India. At present there are 75 PTGs distributed in 14 undivided states and 1 Union Territory. According to Ministry of Tribal Affairs' Annual Report 2005-06, the estimated population is around 1.36 million, which accounts for 2% of the total Scheduled Tribes population of the country in 2001.

Orissa is home to 62 types tribes, of which 13 tribes are designated as "Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups" for their distinct culture, life style and socio-economic conditions.

Bonda is first tribe which was designated as PTG in Orissa during 5th Five Year Plan and in subsequent years other 12 tribes like Juang, Lanjia Saora, Kutia Kondh, Dongaria Kondh, Saora, Paudi Bhuyan, Birhor, Didayi, Hill Kharia, Mankirdia, Lodha and Chuktia Bhunjia were included in the list of 'Primitive Tribal Groups' (at present in place of 'Primitive' Govt. of India has decided to use 'Particularly Vulnerable' terminology). PTGs are spread over 13 districts of the State with a total population of 78519, which accounts less than 1% of the States' Tribal Population.

Information on PTGs