Recently, the Great Andamanese tribe were in news when some of its members tested positive for COVID-19.
They are one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal group (PVTG) of the region.
This is one of the first cases of COVID-19 infection among the endangered PVTGs of the region.
Important value additions
The Great Andamanese
They are one of five PVTGs that reside in the Andamans archipelago.
They speak Jeru among themselves.
Total population is just 74.
The five PVTGS residing in Andamans are Great Andamanese, Jarawas, Onges, Shompens and North Sentinelese.
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG)s
Concerned Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) & Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MTA)
75 tribal groups have been categorized as PVTGs by MHA.
They reside in 18 States and UT of A&N Islands.
MTA implements “Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)” scheme exclusively for them.
Under the scheme, Conservation-cum-Development (CCD) Plans are to be prepared by each State/UT for their PVTGs based on their need assessment.
The plans are then appraised and approved by the Project Appraisal Committee of the Tribal Affairs Ministry.
Sectors for which activities are undertaken: Education, Health, Livelihood and Skill Development, Agricultural Development, Housing & Habitat, Conservation of Culture etc.
