Modi Government Pushes for Separate Enumeration of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in Census 2027

The upcoming 2027 Census is set to bring a major shift in how India counts and understands its tribal communities. For the first time, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has proposed that Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) be enumerated separately, rather than being subsumed under the broader Scheduled Tribes (STs) category. This move, if implemented, will provide detailed demographic, cultural, and socio-economic data about these groups, enabling more effective and targeted welfare policies.

Image via BlueKraft Digital Foundation | OpIndia

Who Are the PVTGs?

The concept of PVTGs traces back to the Dhebar Commission (1960–61), which recognized that not all Scheduled Tribes shared the same level of development. Some communities were far more disadvantaged, characterized by low literacy rates, economic backwardness, geographical isolation, stagnant population growth, and dependence on pre-agricultural practices. These were classified as “Primitive Tribal Groups,” later renamed as PVTGs.

Currently, India recognizes 75 PVTGs across 18 states and one Union Territory (Andaman and Nicobar Islands). Despite their recognition, nearly 40 of these groups were never separately recorded in earlier censuses, making it difficult for the government to accurately assess their population and development needs. Scholars have long argued that this lack of data has weakened welfare delivery for some of the country’s most marginalized communities.

Why Separate Enumeration Matters

The separate enumeration of PVTGs is not merely a statistical exercise—it is a matter of equity and recognition. By recording their population distinctly, the government can identify their exact numbers, living standards, and cultural practices. This will allow welfare schemes to be designed with greater precision. Experts such as Professor A. B. Ota, a leading authority on tribal studies, have pointed out that since PVTGs are often subgroups within larger Scheduled Tribes, their distinct identity and struggles remain invisible in census data. A separate count will finally address this gap.

The 2027 Census: A New Framework

The 16th Indian Census, scheduled for 2027, will be conducted in two phases, starting with house listing in April 2026, followed by population enumeration in early 2027. This census will also reintroduce caste data collection, which has not been part of India’s census for nearly a century. The inclusion of PVTGs in this framework signals the government’s intent to make the process more representative and inclusive, reflecting India’s social diversity with greater accuracy.

Population Estimates and Government Initiatives

Until recently, PVTGs were estimated to number around 2.8 million (28 lakh). However, updated surveys conducted under the PM Gati Shakti app as part of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) revised this figure to 4.556 million (45.56 lakh). The highest concentrations of PVTGs are found in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.

Launched in November 2023, PM-JANMAN is one of the most ambitious tribal welfare programs in India. It seeks to provide full infrastructural coverage—roads, schools, health centers, and electrification—to PVTG habitations within three years. The mission operates across more than 200 districts, with nine ministries working together to ensure that the most vulnerable tribal families are not left behind.

Expert Opinions and Ethical Challenges

Academics and anthropologists have welcomed this step but also cautioned that India must revisit its criteria for classifying PVTGs. Professor Kamal K. Misra, former Director of the Anthropological Survey of India, has noted that overlaps in naming across states and the possibility of omissions mean that the official list may not be fully accurate. He has also suggested the creation of a development index that would prioritize the most disadvantaged groups for immediate support.

An additional challenge lies in enumerating highly isolated tribes, such as the Sentinelese of North Sentinel Island. With a government-imposed exclusion zone to protect their way of life, earlier censuses only relied on distant observations to estimate their numbers. While drones and technology could provide more accuracy, such methods raise serious ethical questions about respecting their isolation.

Conclusion

The proposal to enumerate PVTGs separately in the 2027 Census marks a crucial turning point in India’s commitment to inclusive development. By ensuring that these vulnerable communities are not lost in broad statistical categories, the government is laying the groundwork for evidence-driven policies that recognize their unique needs. While challenges remain—such as revising classification criteria and addressing ethical concerns in counting isolated tribes—the initiative reflects a deeper resolve: to make every voice count in the story of India’s progress.

(Sources: OpIndia, Indian Express, PIB)