Context:
International Day of Indigenous Peoples was observed recently to promote advocacy for Indigenous rights.
International Day of Indigenous Peoples:
- Observed annually on 9th August, following the UN General Assembly’s recognition.
- Commemorates the 1st meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in Geneva in 1982.
- Theme for 2024 – “Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact.”.
Indigenous People:
- An estimated 476 million Indigenous Peoples living across 90 countries, mainly in countries like Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, India etc.
- They make up less than 6% of the world’s population but account for at least 15% of the poorest.
Tribals in India:
- Constitutes 8.6% of India’s general population, which adds up to around 104 million people (2011 Census)
- Essential Characteristics as identified by Lokur Committee (1965) –
- Indication of Primitive Traits
- Distinctive Culture
- Shyness of Contact with the Community at Large
- Geographical Isolation
- Backwardness
Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India:
- Refer to the various indigenous communities or tribes that are recognized by the government for special protection and assistance.
Related Article: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India:
1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.
2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
There are only 75 PVTGs officially notified in the country.
