Consider the following statements regarding Preservation of indigenous knowledge systems and linguistic diversity of PVTGs:
1. Article 350A of the Indian Constitution encourages states to provide instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage of education, which supports the preservation of PVTG linguistic heritage.
2. The 1996 PESA Act extends the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution to scheduled areas, and the legislation includes a specific clause that formalizes the script development for unwritten tribal languages.
3. The 2011 Census data recorded the linguistic profile of the Great Andamanese people, identifying their language as part of the unique Andamanese language family, which is currently classified as critically endangered.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Article 350A mandates states to provide instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage, aiding the preservation of indigenous linguistic heritage. Statement 3 is correct because the 2011 Census documented the Great Andamanese language, which is recognized by UNESCO as critically endangered due to the dwindling number of speakers. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the 1996 PESA Act empowers Gram Sabhas to safeguard tribal traditions and customs, it does not contain any specific legal clause mandating or formalizing the development of scripts for unwritten tribal languages.
Consider the following statements regarding Preservation of indigenous knowledge systems and linguistic diversity of PVTGs:
1. The Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission, launched in 2023, allocates a budget of ₹15,000 crore to improve basic infrastructure and preserve traditional livelihoods in tribal clusters.
2. The Scheme for Development of PVTGs provides financial assistance for the documentation of endangered tribal languages through the establishment of specialized cultural centers.
3. The Anthropological Survey of India identifies 75 communities as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, with the highest concentration of these groups residing in the state of Odisha.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission was launched in 2023 with an outlay of ₹15,000 crore to saturate PVTG households with basic facilities. Statement 2 is correct because the Ministry of Tribal Affairs provides financial support for the preservation of tribal culture and languages, including the documentation of endangered dialects. Statement 3 is correct as there are 75 identified PVTGs across India, and Odisha hosts the highest number of these groups (13) among all states.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of development-induced displacement on PVTG habitats:
1. The 1996 PESA Act grants the District Collector the power to approve mining leases in PVTG areas, provided the proposal undergoes a social impact assessment by the State Tribal Advisory Council.
2. The 2001 Dhebar Commission report introduced the criteria of pre-agricultural technology and stagnant population growth, which the Union Cabinet adopted to finalize the list of 75 PVTGs.
3. The 2013 Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act includes specific provisions for the mandatory consent of the Gram Sabha before acquiring land in Scheduled Areas.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the 2013 LARR Act mandates Gram Sabha consent for land acquisition in Scheduled Areas to protect tribal interests. Statement 1 is incorrect because the PESA Act, 1996, empowers the Gram Sabha, not the District Collector, to approve development projects and mining leases. Statement 2 is incorrect because the criteria of pre-agricultural technology and stagnant population were established by the Dhebar Commission in 1960-61, not 2001, and the list of 75 PVTGs was finalized by the government in 1975.
Consider the following statements regarding Legal protection against exploitation under SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act:
1. The 2015 Amendment added Section 3(2)(v-a) to the Act, which specifically addresses offences committed against members of Scheduled Tribes under the Indian Penal Code punishable with imprisonment for ten years or more.
2. Section 3(1)(g) of the SC/ST Act, 1989, criminalizes the wrongful dispossession of a member of a Scheduled Tribe from their land or premises or interference with the enjoyment of their rights over land.
3. Under the 2016 Rules of the SC/ST Act, the District Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee is chaired by the District Magistrate and meets at least once every quarter.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct: Section 3(2)(v-a), introduced by the 2015 Amendment, enhances penalties for IPC offences against SC/ST members punishable by ten years or more; Section 3(1)(g) explicitly protects against the dispossession of land or interference with land rights of ST members; and under the 2016 Rules, the District Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee is mandated to be chaired by the District Magistrate and must meet at least once every quarter to review the implementation of the Act.
Consider the following statements regarding Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission (PM-PVTG) implementation framework:
1. The mission framework incorporates the Van Dhan Vikas Yojana as its primary funding mechanism, which allocates 5,000 crore rupees specifically for the marketing of minor forest produce.
2. The Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 with a total financial outlay of approximately 15,000 crore rupees.
3. The PM-PVTG mission is governed by the provisions of the Forest Rights Act 2006 and provides for the direct transfer of land titles to individual tribal households in protected areas.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because the PM-PVTG Development Mission was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 with an outlay of Rs 15,000 crore to improve the socio-economic conditions of PVTGs. Statement 1 is incorrect as the mission is not funded by the Van Dhan Vikas Yojana; instead, it is implemented through the Development Action Plan for the Scheduled Tribes (DAPST) across 11 ministries. Statement 3 is incorrect because the mission focuses on providing basic infrastructure like road connectivity, housing, and telecommunications, and it does not mandate the direct transfer of land titles under the Forest Rights Act 2006.
Consider the following statements regarding Governance of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
1. The Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups of the Nicobar district fall under the administrative jurisdiction of the Nicobar District Council, which holds the authority to amend tribal reserve boundaries.
2. The Jarawa tribe, classified as a PVTG, resides within a designated reserve area that spans approximately 1,028 square kilometers in the South and Middle Andaman districts.
3. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Regulation of 1956 provides the legal framework for the notification of tribal reserves to prevent unauthorized entry into areas inhabited by PVTGs.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Nicobar District Council does not have the authority to amend tribal reserve boundaries; such powers are vested in the Andaman and Nicobar Administration under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Statement 2 is correct as the Jarawa Reserve, established to protect the tribe's habitat, covers approximately 1,028 square kilometers across South and Middle Andaman. Statement 3 is correct because the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956, serves as the primary legal instrument to regulate entry and protect the territorial integrity of PVTG habitats.
Consider the following statements regarding Implementation of PESA Act 1996 in PVTG-inhabited areas:
1. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, which introduced the three-tier Panchayati Raj system in 1992, automatically applied to all Scheduled Areas until the Bhuria Committee recommended the enactment of PESA in 1995.
2. The Forest Rights Act of 2006 grants the Gram Sabha the authority to manage minor forest produce, a power that was originally vested in the state forest departments by the PESA Act of 1996.
3. The PESA Act of 1996 extends the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution to the Scheduled Areas, which includes regions inhabited by PVTGs in ten states.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as PESA 1996 extends Part IX to Scheduled Areas under the Fifth Schedule, covering ten states with significant tribal populations, including PVTG regions. Statement 1 is incorrect because the 73rd Amendment did not automatically apply to Scheduled Areas; Article 243M explicitly exempted them, necessitating the separate PESA Act. Statement 2 is incorrect because PESA 1996 itself empowered the Gram Sabha to manage minor forest produce, meaning the Forest Rights Act of 2006 reinforced rather than superseded a power previously vested in state forest departments by PESA.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) in PVTG policy research:
1. As of 2023, there are 27 functional Tribal Research Institutes across various States and Union Territories in India.
2. The Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission, launched in November 2023, allocates specific roles to TRIs for conducting baseline surveys in PVTG habitations.
3. The Tribal Research Institute in Odisha, located in Bhubaneswar, maintains a specialized museum documenting the socio-cultural evolution of the Bonda and Dongria Kondh communities.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
As of 2023, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs recognizes 27 functional TRIs across the country, supporting evidence-based policy formulation. The Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission, launched in November 2023, mandates TRIs to conduct baseline surveys to bridge gaps in infrastructure and services in PVTG habitations. The SCSTRTI in Bhubaneswar is a premier institute that houses a renowned museum dedicated to the documentation and preservation of the unique cultural heritage of Odisha's PVTGs, including the Bonda and Dongria Kondh.
Consider the following statements regarding Socio-economic indicators and HDI status of PVTGs:
1. The criteria for identifying Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) include pre-agricultural level of technology, stagnant or declining population, and extremely low literacy levels.
2. The Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission was announced in the 2023-24 Union Budget with an allocated outlay of ₹15,000 crore to be implemented over three years.
3. As of 2023, there are 75 identified PVTGs spread across 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct: the criteria for PVTGs were established by the Dhebar Commission (1973) based on pre-agricultural technology, stagnant population, and low literacy; the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission was indeed launched in the 2023-24 Budget with a ₹15,000 crore outlay to provide basic infrastructure; and there are officially 75 identified PVTGs residing across 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Consider the following statements regarding Constitutional provisions for protection of PVTGs under Fifth and Sixth Schedules:
1. Under the Sixth Schedule, the Bodoland Territorial Council in Assam exercises authority over the administration of justice, including the power to try suits involving offences punishable with death or life imprisonment.
2. The Tribal Sub-Plan strategy was introduced in the Fifth Five-Year Plan to ensure the flow of funds for PVTG development, and it remains a constitutional requirement under Article 275(1).
3. The Constitution (Eighty-Ninth Amendment) Act, 2003, bifurcated the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and granted the new commission the power to define the criteria for PVTG status.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because while the Bodoland Territorial Council has legislative and executive powers, the Sixth Schedule restricts the jurisdiction of Autonomous District Councils in trying cases punishable by death or life imprisonment, which remain under the purview of the High Court. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Tribal Sub-Plan was indeed introduced in the Fifth Five-Year Plan, but it is a policy-based budgetary mechanism rather than a constitutional requirement under Article 275(1), which pertains to grants-in-aid. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 89th Amendment established the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), but the criteria for identifying PVTGs are determined by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs based on specific socio-economic indicators, not by the Commission.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of Ministry of Tribal Affairs in PVTG development schemes:
1. As of 2023, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has identified 75 tribal communities across 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
2. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs administers the 'Development of PVTGs' scheme, which provides 100% grant-in-aid to state governments for projects covering housing, land distribution, and connectivity in tribal habitations.
3. The Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 with an allocated outlay of Rs 15,000 crore to be implemented over a period of three years.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs recognizes 75 PVTGs across 18 states and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are characterized by pre-agricultural technology, stagnant population growth, and extremely low literacy. The 'Development of PVTGs' scheme is a central sector initiative providing 100% grant-in-aid to states for socio-economic development, while the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission, launched in the 2023-24 Budget with a Rs 15,000 crore outlay, aims to saturate PVTG habitations with basic facilities like road connectivity, telecommunications, and safe housing over three years.
Consider the following statements regarding Criteria for identification of PVTGs by Dhebar Commission:
1. Pre-agricultural level of technology is identified as one of the three primary criteria established by the Dhebar Commission for the classification of a tribal group as a PVTG.
2. The Dhebar Commission, formally known as the Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes Commission, submitted its comprehensive report to the Government of India in 1961.
3. The Dhebar Commission report of 1961 introduced the criterion of geographical isolation alongside the requirement of a minimum population threshold of 5,000 individuals for PVTG status.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 and 2 are correct as the Dhebar Commission (1960-61) established the criteria for 'Primitive Tribal Groups' (now PVTGs), including pre-agricultural technology, stagnant or declining population, and extremely low literacy. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Dhebar Commission did not mandate a minimum population threshold of 5,000; in fact, PVTGs are often characterized by small, isolated, and declining populations, and geographical isolation is a recognized feature rather than a strict numerical threshold.
Consider the following statements regarding Criteria for identification of PVTGs by Dhebar Commission:
1. Stagnant or declining population growth serves as a demographic indicator used by the Dhebar Commission to highlight the vulnerability of specific tribal communities.
2. The Government of India officially adopted the criteria proposed by the Dhebar Commission to create a distinct category initially known as Primitive Tribal Groups in 1975.
3. Extremely low levels of literacy are recognized by the Dhebar Commission as a significant socio-economic parameter for the identification of these groups.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The Dhebar Commission (1960-61) established the criteria for identifying the most vulnerable tribal groups, which include a pre-agricultural level of technology, stagnant or declining population growth, and extremely low literacy levels. Based on these recommendations, the Government of India created a separate category in 1975 initially named 'Primitive Tribal Groups' (PTGs), which was later renamed 'Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups' (PVTGs) in 2006. All three statements are factually correct as they accurately reflect the established criteria and the historical timeline of the official classification of these groups.
Consider the following statements regarding Constitutional provisions for protection of PVTGs under Fifth and Sixth Schedules:
1. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs identifies 75 communities as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups based on criteria established by the Dhebar Commission in 1973.
2. The 1960 Report of the Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes Commission recommended the creation of the PVTG category and suggested that these groups be administered directly by the Union Home Ministry.
3. Under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, the Governor is empowered to direct that any particular Act of Parliament or the State Legislature shall not apply to a Scheduled Area.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Ministry of Tribal Affairs identifies 75 PVTGs based on the 1973 Dhebar Commission criteria, while Statement 3 is correct because the Fifth Schedule empowers the Governor to restrict the application of specific laws in Scheduled Areas to protect tribal interests. Statement 2 is incorrect because, although the 1960 Dhebar Commission recommended creating a separate category for the most vulnerable groups, it did not suggest their direct administration by the Union Home Ministry; instead, the responsibility for tribal welfare lies with the respective State Governments under the constitutional framework.
Consider the following statements regarding Socio-economic indicators and HDI status of PVTGs:
1. The 2006 Forest Rights Act provides for the recognition of habitat rights for PVTGs, and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change serves as the nodal agency for the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission.
2. The PVTG status was originally designated as 'Primitive Tribal Groups' (PTGs) in 1975, and the nomenclature was officially changed to PVTGs in 2006.
3. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to five PVTGs, including the Great Andamanese, Jarawas, Onges, Sentinelese, and Shom Pens.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, not the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is the nodal agency for the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission. Statement 2 is correct as the government created the 'Primitive Tribal Groups' category in 1975 and renamed them 'Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups' in 2006 to emphasize their specific vulnerabilities. Statement 3 is correct because the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to these five specific groups, all of which are officially recognized as PVTGs.
Consider the following statements regarding Constitutional provisions for protection of PVTGs under Fifth and Sixth Schedules:
1. The Fifth Schedule permits the Governor to frame regulations for the peace and good governance of Scheduled Areas, which are subject to the prior concurrence of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
2. The Sixth Schedule provides for the formation of Autonomous District Councils in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, which possess legislative powers over land use and social customs.
3. Article 244(1) of the Constitution applies the provisions of the Fifth Schedule to the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in states other than those listed in the Sixth Schedule.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Governor's power to frame regulations for Scheduled Areas under the Fifth Schedule requires the assent of the President, not the concurrence of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. Statement 2 is correct as the Sixth Schedule empowers Autonomous District Councils in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram to legislate on matters like land, forests, and social customs to protect tribal autonomy. Statement 3 is correct because Article 244(1) mandates the application of the Fifth Schedule to Scheduled Areas in all states except those specifically covered by the Sixth Schedule (Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram).
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of development-induced displacement on PVTG habitats:
1. The 1989 Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act provides for the establishment of special courts in every district to address land alienation issues faced by the Jarawa people in the Andaman Islands.
2. The 2011 Census data indicates that the PVTG population in Odisha experienced a growth rate of 15 percent, a figure cited by the Ministry of Environment to justify the expansion of industrial corridors in the Eastern Ghats.
3. The 1958 Andaman and Nicobar Islands Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Regulation allows for the commercial extraction of timber in the buffer zones of the North Sentinel Island, subject to the approval of the local tribal council.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 focuses on preventing crimes against marginalized groups rather than land alienation specifically for the Jarawa, who are protected under the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956. Statement 2 is false as there is no such 2011 Census data or Ministry of Environment policy justifying industrial expansion in the Eastern Ghats based on PVTG growth rates. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 1958 Regulation (and the 1956 parent Act) strictly prohibits any commercial activity, including timber extraction, within the protected tribal reserves of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to ensure the absolute isolation and survival of groups like the Sentinelese.
Consider the following statements regarding Criteria for identification of PVTGs by Dhebar Commission:
1. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs currently oversees the development of the 75 identified PVTGs spread across 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
2. The 1961 Dhebar Commission report recommended that the identification of PVTGs be conducted every ten years in alignment with the decadal census operations to ensure administrative consistency.
3. The classification framework established by the 1973 Task Force on Tribal Development incorporated the Dhebar Commission's criteria while adding a specific provision for mandatory nomadic lifestyle patterns.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Ministry of Tribal Affairs oversees the 75 PVTGs identified across 18 states and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Dhebar Commission (1960-61) did not recommend a decadal identification process; rather, the criteria for PVTGs were established based on pre-agricultural technology, stagnant or declining population, and low literacy. Statement 3 is incorrect because the criteria were finalized by the Dhebar Commission, and the 1973 Task Force merely adopted these existing parameters without adding a mandatory nomadic lifestyle requirement.
Consider the following statements regarding Financial allocation mechanisms under Development of PVTGs (DPVTG) scheme:
1. Funds under the DPVTG scheme are released to States and Union Territories based on the specific needs of the 75 identified Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
2. The DPVTG scheme operates with a total financial outlay of approximately ₹15,000 crore over a period of three years starting from the financial year 2023-24.
3. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs coordinates the implementation of the DPVTG scheme, focusing on 11 critical interventions including housing, road connectivity, and telecommunication.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct: the DPVTG scheme, launched as part of the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission in the 2023-24 budget, allocates funds based on the specific needs of the 75 identified groups with a total outlay of ₹15,000 crore over three years. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs oversees the implementation of these 11 critical interventions, which aim to provide essential infrastructure such as safe housing, clean drinking water, and road and telecommunication connectivity to improve the socio-economic conditions of these vulnerable communities.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of climate change on the traditional livelihoods of PVTGs:
1. The 2019 report by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs identified that changing precipitation patterns in the Andaman Islands have led to a decline in the traditional honey-gathering season of the Jarawa PVTG.
2. The 2006 Forest Rights Act provides for the legal recognition of community forest resources, and it includes a specific clause that automatically grants PVTGs carbon credit ownership for all protected forest zones.
3. The Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana was launched in 2018 to support minor forest produce, and it functions as the primary administrative mechanism for implementing climate-resilient agriculture among the Baiga tribe.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as climate variability in the Andaman Islands has significantly disrupted the seasonal availability of resources for the Jarawa tribe. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Forest Rights Act, 2006, does not contain any provision for the automatic granting of carbon credit ownership to PVTGs. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana focuses on value addition and marketing of minor forest produce, rather than serving as an administrative mechanism for implementing climate-resilient agriculture.
Consider the following statements regarding Governance of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
1. The Sentinelese people are governed by the 1956 Regulation which permits supervised tourism activities in North Sentinel Island provided that visitors obtain clearance from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
2. The Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti was established in 1965 to oversee the resettlement of the Onge tribe from Little Andaman to the North Andaman forest regions.
3. The 2004 Tsunami relief operations included the construction of permanent concrete housing for the Shompen community in the interior regions of the Campbell Bay National Park.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956, mandates a 'buffer zone' around North Sentinel Island, strictly prohibiting all tourism and entry to protect the Sentinelese. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti (AAJVS) was established in 1976, not 1965, and its primary mandate is the welfare and protection of PVTGs, not the forced resettlement of the Onge tribe to North Andaman. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Shompen are a nomadic hunter-gatherer tribe, and government policy explicitly avoids permanent concrete housing in protected forest areas to preserve their traditional lifestyle and prevent cultural assimilation.
Consider the following statements regarding Demographic vulnerability and population decline trends in PVTGs:
1. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission in the 2023-24 Union Budget to provide basic infrastructure and socio-economic support to these vulnerable communities.
2. According to the 2011 Census data, the Great Andamanese tribe recorded a population of fewer than 60 individuals, highlighting the demographic fragility of the PVTGs in the archipelago.
3. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to five PVTGs, including the Jarawas and the Sentinelese, who remain among the most isolated populations in the Indian Ocean region.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission was announced in the 2023-24 Union Budget with an outlay of Rs. 15,000 crore to saturate PVTG habitations with basic facilities. Statement 2 is correct because the 2011 Census confirmed the Great Andamanese population had dwindled to 53 individuals, underscoring their extreme demographic vulnerability. Statement 3 is correct as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands host five recognized PVTGs-the Great Andamanese, Jarawas, Onge, Sentinelese, and Shompen-who are characterized by their extreme isolation and primitive socio-economic traits.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of Ministry of Tribal Affairs in PVTG development schemes:
1. The Eklavya Model Residential Schools are established in every block with a PVTG population, and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs provides additional boarding grants for these students under the 2019 Revised Guidelines for the Support to Tribal Research Institutes.
2. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs coordinates with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to implement the Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, which targets the total eradication of the disease among all 75 PVTG communities by the year 2025.
3. The 2006 Forest Rights Act provides the legal framework for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to grant land titles to PVTGs, and the Ministry currently reports that 90% of all identified PVTG households have received individual forest rights certificates.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Eklavya Model Residential Schools are mandated for blocks with 50% or more ST population or at least 20,000 tribal persons, not specifically every PVTG block, and the 2019 guidelines pertain to Tribal Research Institutes, not boarding grants. Statement 2 is incorrect as the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission aims for elimination by 2047, not 2025. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the Forest Rights Act (2006) does empower the Ministry, there is no official government data confirming that 90% of all PVTG households have received individual forest rights certificates.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) in PVTG policy research:
1. The TRI guidelines issued in 2017 link the release of central research funds to the successful implementation of the Forest Rights Act by the respective State Forest Departments.
2. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes oversees the administrative budget of Tribal Research Institutes under the provisions of the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003.
3. The Indian Institute of Public Administration serves as the nodal agency for coordinating the inter-state research activities of all Tribal Research Institutes established before 1990.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because TRI funding is based on performance indicators related to research and training, not the implementation of the Forest Rights Act by State Forest Departments. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, not the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, provides the administrative budget and policy oversight for TRIs. Statement 3 is incorrect because there is no such provision for the Indian Institute of Public Administration to act as a nodal agency for inter-state research coordination; instead, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs directly coordinates these activities through its own administrative framework.
Consider the following statements regarding Financial allocation mechanisms under Development of PVTGs (DPVTG) scheme:
1. The DPVTG scheme provides for a fixed annual grant of ₹50 crore to each State with a PVTG population, as determined by the 2021-22 Ministry of Tribal Affairs annual report.
2. Financial allocation for the DPVTG scheme is governed by the 2006 Forest Rights Act, which provides for the direct transfer of central grants to Gram Sabhas for local livelihood projects.
3. Financial assistance under the DPVTG scheme is provided as a gap-filling mechanism to supplement the efforts of existing Central and State sector schemes.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because the DPVTG scheme is designed as a flexible 'gap-filling' intervention to complement, rather than replace, existing Central and State sector schemes by addressing specific socio-economic needs of PVTGs. Statement 1 is incorrect because there is no fixed annual grant of ₹50 crore; instead, funds are allocated based on project proposals submitted by State Governments and UT Administrations. Statement 2 is incorrect because the scheme is administered by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs under the 'Development of PVTGs' guidelines, not the Forest Rights Act of 2006, and funds are routed through State Governments rather than directly to Gram Sabhas.
Consider the following statements regarding Monitoring and evaluation frameworks for PVTG-specific welfare interventions:
1. The 2006 Forest Rights Act includes provisions for the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes to conduct annual social audits of PVTG welfare funds, which was formally initiated in the 2012 fiscal year.
2. The 1975 identification criteria for PVTGs encompass pre-agricultural level of technology and stagnant population growth, and these were codified into the Constitution under the 94th Amendment Act.
3. The Van Dhan Vikas Yojana, launched in 2018, provides for the establishment of tribal clusters for value addition, and it currently serves as the primary monitoring framework for all PVTG healthcare outcomes.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Forest Rights Act, 2006, does not mandate the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes to conduct annual social audits of PVTG funds. Statement 2 is incorrect as PVTG criteria were established by the Dhebar Commission in 1973, not the 94th Amendment, which relates to the establishment of a separate Minister for Tribal Welfare in specific states. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Van Dhan Vikas Yojana focuses on the value addition of minor forest produce and is not a monitoring framework for PVTG healthcare outcomes, which are instead tracked through the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission.
Consider the following statements regarding Health and nutritional challenges specific to PVTGs (e.g., Sickle Cell Anemia):
1. The 2006 Forest Rights Act provides for the establishment of community-managed health centers in PVTG areas, and the Ministry of Health has integrated these centers into the Ayushman Bharat digital health stack since 2018.
2. The 1973 Task Force on Tribal Development recommended the creation of Micro-Projects for PVTGs, which currently function under the direct administrative control of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
3. The National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission, announced in the 2023-24 Union Budget, targets the screening of 7 crore people in the age group of 0-40 years.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission, launched in 2023, aims to screen 7 crore individuals aged 0-40 years in affected tribal areas. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Forest Rights Act, 2006, focuses on land and resource rights rather than establishing health centers, and there is no such integration with the Ayushman Bharat digital health stack. Statement 2 is incorrect because Micro-Projects for PVTGs are administered by the State Tribal Welfare Departments under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, not the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Consider the following statements regarding Preservation of indigenous knowledge systems and linguistic diversity of PVTGs:
1. The 1973 Tribal Sub-Plan strategy introduced the concept of Micro-Projects for PVTGs, and the Union Cabinet approved the inclusion of the Toda tribe of the Nilgiris under this specific classification in 1984.
2. The UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was ratified by India in 2005, and it provides direct annual budgetary grants to state governments for the revival of PVTG dialects.
3. The 2006 Forest Rights Act grants individual forest rights to PVTGs, and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs maintains a centralized digital repository of all indigenous oral histories documented under this specific legislative framework.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because while Micro-Projects were introduced under the Tribal Sub-Plan, the Toda tribe was identified as a PVTG (formerly PTG) in 1975, not 1984. Statement 2 is false as the 2003 UNESCO Convention, ratified by India in 2005, does not provide direct annual budgetary grants to states for dialect revival; such funding is managed through domestic schemes like the 'Development of PVTGs'. Statement 3 is incorrect because, although the Forest Rights Act 2006 provides legal recognition of forest rights, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs does not maintain a centralized digital repository of all indigenous oral histories.
Consider the following statements regarding Institutional role of TRIFED in economic empowerment of PVTGs:
1. The National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation provides the capital for TRIFED to procure forest produce from PVTG clusters at prices determined by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices.
2. The 2019 amendment to the Minor Forest Produce Act allows TRIFED to bypass state-level tribal corporations and procure goods directly from PVTG cooperatives at international market rates.
3. Under the Digital India initiative, the TRIFED-led Tribes India portal was launched in 2016 to provide a platform for PVTG artisans to receive direct subsidies for traditional handicraft production.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because TRIFED operates under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and procures Minor Forest Produce (MFP) under the 'Mechanism for Marketing of MFP through MSP' scheme, not via the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices. There is no '2019 amendment to the Minor Forest Produce Act' that allows bypassing state corporations; instead, state-designated agencies are integral to the implementation of the MSP for MFP scheme. Furthermore, the Tribes India portal is an e-commerce platform for marketing tribal products, not a mechanism for distributing direct subsidies to PVTG artisans.
Consider the following statements regarding Legal status and land rights of PVTGs under FRA 2006:
1. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, provides for the recognition of Habitat Rights for PVTGs, a category distinct from individual or community forest rights.
2. Section 3(1)(e) of the FRA 2006 refers to the rights of settlement and conversion of all forest villages into revenue villages, a provision that applies automatically to all PVTG settlements identified by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in 2008.
3. The 2006 Act incorporates the definition of PVTGs from the 1973 Dhebar Commission report, which serves as the primary legal basis for the administrative recognition of forest land titles.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct because Section 3(1)(e) of the FRA 2006 explicitly recognizes 'Habitat Rights' for PVTGs, acknowledging their unique socio-cultural and geographical connection to forest landscapes. Statement 2 is incorrect because the conversion of forest villages to revenue villages is not an automatic process but requires a formal application and verification process by the Gram Sabha under the Act. Statement 3 is incorrect because the FRA 2006 does not incorporate the Dhebar Commission report as its legal basis; rather, PVTGs are identified by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs based on criteria such as pre-agricultural technology, stagnant population growth, and extremely low literacy.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of Ministry of Tribal Affairs in PVTG development schemes:
1. Under the Article 342 of the Constitution, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs maintains the list of PVTGs, which includes the Sentinelese and Jarawas, and provides direct financial assistance to these groups through the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation.
2. The criteria for identifying PVTGs were established by the Dhebar Commission in 1960, and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs currently oversees the inclusion of new groups based on the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census data.
3. The Van Dhan Vikas Yojana, launched in 2018, focuses on the value addition of minor forest produce and serves as the primary funding mechanism for the infrastructure development of PVTG habitations under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Ministry of Tribal Affairs does not provide direct financial assistance to PVTGs through TRIFED, which is a marketing organization, and the list of PVTGs is notified by the President under Article 342. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Dhebar Commission (1960-61) established the criteria, but the Ministry of Tribal Affairs does not use the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census for identifying new groups; rather, it relies on proposals from State Governments. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Van Dhan Vikas Yojana focuses on the commercialization of minor forest produce for tribal livelihoods and is not the primary funding mechanism for infrastructure development, which is instead covered under the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission.
Consider the following statements regarding Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission (PM-PVTG) implementation framework:
1. The PM-PVTG mission utilizes the Aspirational Districts Programme dashboard to monitor infrastructure gaps, and it includes provisions for the automatic enrollment of all PVTG members in the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
2. The mission aims to reach out to approximately 2.8 lakh PVTG families residing in 22,544 habitations across 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
3. Under the PM-PVTG mission, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs coordinates with state governments to provide basic infrastructure such as road connectivity and telecommunications to habitations.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as the mission targets 2.8 lakh PVTG families across 22,544 habitations in 18 states and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while Statement 3 is correct because the Ministry of Tribal Affairs leads the convergence of 11 critical interventions, including road and telecom connectivity, in coordination with state governments. Statement 1 is incorrect because, while the mission focuses on saturation of schemes like Ayushman Bharat, it does not utilize the Aspirational Districts Programme dashboard for monitoring; instead, it uses a dedicated PM-PVTG dashboard to track progress.
Consider the following statements regarding Legal protection against exploitation under SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act:
1. The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules, 1995, specify that the relief amount for victims of atrocities is payable in three stages: initial FIR registration, charge-sheet filing, and final conviction.
2. The 2016 Rules define the role of the State Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee, which oversees the implementation of the Act and reports directly to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes on a monthly basis.
3. The 1989 Act includes Section 21, which provides for the setting up of special police stations in every district identified as an atrocity-prone area by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the 1995 Rules.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct because the 1995 Rules mandate the disbursement of relief to victims in three stages: 25% upon FIR registration, 50% upon charge-sheet filing, and the remaining 25% upon conviction. Statement 2 is incorrect because the State Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee reports to the State Government, not the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, and meets at least twice a year, not monthly. Statement 3 is incorrect because while Section 21 mandates measures for effective implementation, it does not specifically require the establishment of special police stations in every district, nor is the Ministry of Home Affairs the primary authority for such district-level identification under the 1995 Rules.
Consider the following statements regarding Integration of PVTGs with mainstream education vs. cultural assimilation:
1. The 2011 Census data indicates that the literacy rate among several PVTG communities remains below 30 percent, prompting targeted educational interventions by the government.
2. The Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) initiative, expanded in 2018, aims to provide upper primary to senior secondary level education to tribal students in remote areas.
3. Article 275(1) of the Indian Constitution provides for grants-in-aid to states for promoting the welfare of Scheduled Tribes, including specific funds for the development of PVTGs.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as 2011 Census data highlighted significant literacy gaps, necessitating targeted interventions like the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission. Statement 2 is correct because the EMRS scheme, significantly expanded in 2018, specifically targets quality education for ST students in remote areas to bridge the rural-urban divide. Statement 3 is correct as Article 275(1) mandates the Union government to provide grants-in-aid to states for tribal welfare, which serves as a primary financial mechanism for implementing development projects for PVTGs.
Consider the following statements regarding Socio-economic indicators and HDI status of PVTGs:
1. The Sahariya tribe, located primarily in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, is one of the largest PVTG communities in terms of population size.
2. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs provides 100% grant-in-aid to state governments under the Development of PVTGs scheme for infrastructure and socio-economic interventions.
3. The 2011 Census data indicated that the literacy rate among several PVTG communities remained below 30%, significantly lower than the national average for Scheduled Tribes.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Sahariya tribe is one of the most populous PVTGs, primarily inhabiting the Gwalior division of Madhya Pradesh and the Baran district of Rajasthan. Statement 2 is correct because the 'Development of PVTGs' scheme is a central sector scheme where the Ministry of Tribal Affairs provides 100% grant-in-aid to states for projects like housing, land distribution, and infrastructure development. Statement 3 is correct as 2011 Census data highlighted severe educational disparities, with many PVTG communities recording literacy rates well below 30%, reflecting a significant gap compared to the broader Scheduled Tribe population.
Consider the following statements regarding Legal status and land rights of PVTGs under FRA 2006:
1. The FRA 2006 encompasses the 1996 PESA Act provisions, granting the Gram Sabha the authority to issue land ownership certificates to PVTGs without further verification from the District Level Committee.
2. The 2012 Amendment Rules allow for the inclusion of buffer zones in Tiger Reserves as part of the Habitat Rights of PVTGs, provided the area was inhabited by the community prior to the 1972 Wildlife Protection Act.
3. The FRA 2006 includes provisions for the establishment of Tribal Advisory Councils in every state, which function as the final appellate authority for disputes regarding PVTG land claims.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, does not grant Gram Sabhas the power to issue land titles without District Level Committee (DLC) verification, nor does it override the DLC's role. Statement 2 is false as the 2012 Amendment Rules specifically emphasize that critical wildlife habitats and buffer zones within Tiger Reserves require rigorous scientific assessment and are not automatically granted as habitat rights based on 1972 occupancy. Finally, Statement 3 is incorrect because Tribal Advisory Councils are mandated under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, not the FRA 2006, and they possess no judicial or appellate authority over individual land claims.
Consider the following statements regarding Legal protection against exploitation under SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act:
1. Section 15A of the Act, inserted in 2015, provides for the rights of victims and witnesses, including the provision of state-funded legal aid and travel expenses for witnesses appearing before the Supreme Court.
2. The 1989 Act was enacted following the recommendations of the 1987 Elayaperumal Committee, which proposed the establishment of exclusive Special Courts in every sub-division of the country.
3. The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015, introduced Section 14A to provide for appeals in the High Court against orders passed by the Special Court.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the 2015 Amendment Act introduced Section 14A to facilitate appeals in the High Court against orders of Special Courts. Statement 1 is incorrect because Section 15A mandates state-funded legal aid and travel expenses for witnesses appearing before Special Courts, not the Supreme Court. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Act was not based on the Elayaperumal Committee; rather, it was enacted to address the inadequacy of existing laws in preventing atrocities, and the provision for Special Courts is mandated at the district level, not every sub-division.
Consider the following statements regarding Integration of PVTGs with mainstream education vs. cultural assimilation:
1. The 2006 Forest Rights Act includes provisions for the recognition of community forest resources, and the Ministry of Education introduced the Ashram School scheme in 1990 to replace traditional tribal pedagogical methods.
2. The Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission, launched in the 2023-24 Union Budget, allocates 15,000 crore rupees over three years to improve socio-economic conditions.
3. The Dhebar Commission of 1960-61 first identified the category of Primitive Tribal Groups, which was later renamed as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in 2006.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as the PM-PVTG Development Mission was indeed announced in the 2023-24 Budget with a ₹15,000 crore outlay to provide basic infrastructure and services to PVTG habitations. Statement 3 is correct because the Dhebar Commission (1960-61) originally created the 'Primitive Tribal Groups' category, which the government officially renamed as 'Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups' (PVTGs) in 2006. Statement 1 is incorrect because, while the Ashram School scheme exists, it was launched in 1990-91 to provide residential education to tribal students, not to replace traditional pedagogical methods, and the Forest Rights Act of 2006 focuses on land and resource rights rather than educational reform.
Consider the following statements regarding Health and nutritional challenges specific to PVTGs (e.g., Sickle Cell Anemia):
1. The Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission, launched in 2023, allocates 15,000 crore rupees over three years to improve socio-economic conditions including healthcare access.
2. Sickle Cell Anemia is a genetic blood disorder characterized by the substitution of valine for glutamic acid at the sixth position of the beta-globin chain.
3. The Sickle Cell Anemia Control Program, initiated under the 2005 National Rural Health Mission, utilizes the hydroxyurea protocol as the primary diagnostic tool for identifying trait carriers in tribal districts.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission was announced in the 2023-24 Union Budget with an outlay of Rs 15,000 crore to provide basic facilities to PVTG households. Statement 2 is correct, accurately describing the molecular basis of Sickle Cell Anemia where a point mutation leads to the substitution of valine for glutamic acid in the hemoglobin beta chain. Statement 3 is incorrect because the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission was launched in 2023, not 2005, and hydroxyurea is a therapeutic treatment for managing symptoms rather than a diagnostic tool for identifying trait carriers, which is done through solubility or electrophoresis tests.
Consider the following statements regarding Implementation of PESA Act 1996 in PVTG-inhabited areas:
1. The Fifth Schedule of the Constitution provides for the establishment of a Tribes Advisory Council in states having Scheduled Areas, and this council holds the power to veto any legislation passed by the Parliament concerning PVTG governance.
2. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs released the 'Draft National Policy for PVTGs' in 2023, which emphasizes the decentralization of governance in PVTG-inhabited areas through the framework established by the PESA Act.
3. Under Section 4(i) of the PESA Act, the Gram Sabha is empowered to approve plans, programmes, and projects for social and economic development before such measures are taken up for implementation by the district level authorities.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Tribes Advisory Council (TAC) is an advisory body under the Fifth Schedule and lacks the constitutional power to veto Parliamentary legislation. Statement 2 is correct as the 2023 Draft National Policy for PVTGs explicitly prioritizes the empowerment of Gram Sabhas and the implementation of PESA to ensure localized, culturally sensitive governance. Statement 3 is correct because Section 4(i) of the PESA Act, 1996, mandates that the Gram Sabha must approve all plans, programmes, and projects for social and economic development before their implementation by higher authorities.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of climate change on the traditional livelihoods of PVTGs:
1. The 2013 Land Acquisition Act provides for the mandatory consent of Gram Sabhas, and it includes a provision that restricts the conversion of PVTG-inhabited forest land into industrial zones during periods of prolonged drought.
2. The 2016 Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act provides for the utilization of funds for forest restoration, and it includes a framework that allows PVTG councils to oversee the selection of plant species for reforestation projects.
3. The PVTG development grants are disbursed through the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and these funds are distributed based on the 2001 socio-economic survey which categorized the Toda tribe as the most vulnerable to sea-level rise.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 2013 Land Acquisition Act (LARR) does not contain any specific provision restricting the conversion of PVTG forest land into industrial zones during droughts. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016, focuses on compensatory afforestation and does not grant PVTG councils the authority to select plant species for reforestation projects. Statement 3 is incorrect because PVTG development grants are not based on a 2001 survey regarding sea-level rise, and the Toda tribe is primarily located in the Nilgiri hills, making them geographically inland and not categorized as vulnerable to sea-level rise.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of development-induced displacement on PVTG habitats:
1. The 1973 Project Tiger initiative established the first core critical habitat zones, which led to the legal relocation of the Chenchu tribe from the Nallamala forest range under the Wildlife Protection Act.
2. As of 2023, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has identified 75 groups as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups across 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
3. The 2006 Forest Rights Act recognizes the right of PVTGs to protect and regenerate community forest resources, specifically addressing the habitat rights of groups like the Baigas in Madhya Pradesh.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as there are 75 PVTGs across 18 states and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Statement 3 is correct because the 2006 Forest Rights Act specifically provides for 'Habitat Rights' to protect the socio-cultural and livelihood practices of PVTGs like the Baigas. Statement 1 is incorrect because while the Chenchus were affected by the Nallamala tiger project, the 1973 Project Tiger did not initiate legal relocation under the Wildlife Protection Act (which was enacted in 1972 and later amended), and the Chenchus were notably allowed to remain within the core area as a unique case of coexistence.
Consider the following statements regarding Financial allocation mechanisms under Development of PVTGs (DPVTG) scheme:
1. The DPVTG scheme is administered under the Ministry of Home Affairs, utilizing the 2011 Census data to allocate funds directly to District Collectors for infrastructure development.
2. The Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission was initiated in 2014, and it utilizes the Van Dhan Vikas Kendra framework to channelize direct benefit transfers to individual PVTG households.
3. The Development of PVTGs (DPVTG) scheme was launched as part of the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission announced in the Union Budget 2023-24.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission was indeed announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 to improve the socio-economic conditions of PVTGs. Statement 1 is incorrect as the scheme is administered by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, not the Ministry of Home Affairs, and funds are allocated to States/UTs rather than directly to District Collectors. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Mission was launched in 2023, not 2014, and it focuses on providing basic facilities like road connectivity, housing, and water, rather than utilizing the Van Dhan Vikas Kendra framework for direct benefit transfers.
Consider the following statements regarding Monitoring and evaluation frameworks for PVTG-specific welfare interventions:
1. The 1999 National Policy on Tribals provides for the creation of a separate PVTG Development Authority in every district, which reports directly to the NITI Aayog's tribal welfare division.
2. Under the 2011 Census data framework, the government identified 75 PVTGs across 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
3. The 2023 guidelines for the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission include provisions for the saturation of 11 critical interventions, such as road connectivity and mobile medical units, in PVTG habitations.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because there is no such provision in the 1999 National Policy on Tribals for a district-level PVTG Development Authority reporting to NITI Aayog. Statement 2 is correct as the Ministry of Home Affairs identified 75 PVTGs across 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands based on the 2011 Census and earlier anthropological criteria. Statement 3 is correct because the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission, launched in 2023, aims to provide saturation coverage for 11 critical infrastructure and social services, including road connectivity and mobile medical units, in PVTG habitations.
Consider the following statements regarding Integration of PVTGs with mainstream education vs. cultural assimilation:
1. As of 2023, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs recognizes 75 distinct tribal communities across 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands as PVTGs.
2. The 1973 Tribal Sub-Plan strategy was designed to channelize funds from the general sector for tribal development, and the 1999 National Policy on Education established the first dedicated residential colleges for PVTG youth.
3. The 2003 Constitutional Amendment Act added 12 new communities to the list of PVTGs, and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs currently operates the Van Dhan Yojana to provide formal vocational certification to all tribal artisans.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Ministry of Tribal Affairs recognizes 75 PVTGs across 18 states and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Tribal Sub-Plan was introduced in the Fifth Five-Year Plan (1974-79), and there is no 1999 National Policy on Education provision for dedicated residential colleges for PVTGs. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 2003 Amendment did not add 12 communities to the PVTG list, and the Van Dhan Yojana focuses on minor forest produce value addition rather than providing formal vocational certification to all tribal artisans.
Consider the following statements regarding Governance of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
1. The Great Andamanese, one of the five PVTGs in the archipelago, currently reside primarily on Strait Island, which was declared a tribal reserve under the 1956 regulation.
2. The Shompen tribe, indigenous to the Great Nicobar Island, maintains a semi-nomadic lifestyle and was officially identified as a PVTG by the Government of India in 1975.
3. The 1991 Census of India recorded the first formal population count of the Jarawa tribe, which led to the subsequent withdrawal of the Andaman Trunk Road from the core tribal reserve area.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Great Andamanese were relocated to Strait Island, which is a designated tribal reserve under the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956. Statement 2 is correct because the Shompen are a semi-nomadic PVTG in Great Nicobar, officially categorized as a PVTG in 1975. Statement 3 is incorrect because, although the Jarawa had their first formal contact in 1997 and were included in the 2001 Census, the Andaman Trunk Road still passes through the Jarawa Reserve, and the Supreme Court's 2002 order to close it has faced significant implementation challenges.
Consider the following statements regarding Legal status and land rights of PVTGs under FRA 2006:
1. The 2006 legislation provides for the constitution of a National Level Monitoring Committee, which oversees the distribution of land titles to PVTGs under the oversight of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
2. As of the 2023-24 budget cycle, the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission allocates funds to improve basic infrastructure in PVTG habitations, supplementing the land tenure security provided under the FRA 2006.
3. Under the 2012 Amendment Rules of the FRA, the process for determining Habitat Rights for PVTGs involves the Free, Prior and Informed Consent of the Gram Sabha in consultation with the concerned tribal community.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 is administered by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, not the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and it does not mandate a National Level Monitoring Committee for land title distribution. Statement 2 is correct as the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission, launched in the 2023-24 budget, focuses on saturating PVTG habitations with basic facilities like housing and connectivity. Statement 3 is correct because the 2012 Amendment Rules explicitly introduced the procedure for recognizing 'Habitat Rights' for PVTGs, requiring the Gram Sabha to play a central role in the process to ensure the protection of their traditional socio-cultural and livelihood practices.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of Gram Sabhas in the protection of PVTG cultural heritage:
1. Under the Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act of 1996, the Gram Sabha possesses the authority to safeguard and preserve the traditions and cultural identity of the community.
2. The Forest Rights Act of 2006 empowers the Gram Sabha to protect, regenerate, conserve, or manage any community forest resource which they have been traditionally protecting and conserving for sustainable use.
3. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission in 2023, which encourages the Gram Sabha to participate in the identification of infrastructure gaps in tribal habitations.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as PESA Act, 1996 mandates that Gram Sabhas shall safeguard and preserve the traditions, customs, and cultural identity of the people. Statement 2 is correct because the Forest Rights Act, 2006 explicitly empowers the Gram Sabha to protect and manage community forest resources, which is vital for PVTG cultural heritage. Statement 3 is correct as the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission, launched in 2023 with an outlay of Rs. 15,000 crore, specifically leverages the Gram Sabha to identify infrastructure gaps to ensure inclusive development in tribal habitations.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of Gram Sabhas in the protection of PVTG cultural heritage:
1. The 2001 Census of India identified 75 tribal groups as PVTGs, and the subsequent implementation of the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana in 2014 granted the Gram Sabha the power to issue legal patents for traditional tribal medicinal practices.
2. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers Act of 2006 provides for the establishment of District Level Committees, which oversee the direct management of PVTG cultural heritage sites in coordination with the Ministry of Culture.
3. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes was established under the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003, and it functions as the primary appellate authority for Gram Sabha resolutions concerning the cultural heritage of PVTGs.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 75 PVTGs were identified by the Dhebar Commission (1960-61), not the 2001 Census, and the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana does not grant Gram Sabhas power to issue legal patents. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Forest Rights Act (2006) empowers Gram Sabhas to protect community forest resources and cultural sites, while District Level Committees primarily adjudicate individual and community forest rights claims rather than managing cultural heritage sites under the Ministry of Culture. Statement 3 is incorrect because while the NCST was established via the 89th Amendment (2003), it acts as an advisory and investigative body for tribal welfare and does not function as an appellate authority for Gram Sabha resolutions.
Consider the following statements regarding Monitoring and evaluation frameworks for PVTG-specific welfare interventions:
1. The Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission, announced in the 2023-24 Union Budget, allocates Rs 15,000 crore over three years to provide basic infrastructure to 75 identified tribal groups.
2. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs utilizes the 'e-Governance for Social Justice' portal to track the physical and financial progress of welfare schemes implemented under the Development of PVTGs scheme.
3. The Dhebar Commission of 1960-61 first identified the category of 'Primitive Tribal Groups', which was later renamed as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in 2006.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission was launched in the 2023-24 Budget with an outlay of Rs 15,000 crore to saturate PVTG habitations with basic facilities. Statement 2 is correct because the Ministry of Tribal Affairs uses the 'e-Governance for Social Justice' (e-GSJ) portal to monitor the physical and financial implementation of welfare schemes for PVTGs. Statement 3 is correct as the Dhebar Commission (1960-61) first identified 'Primitive Tribal Groups' as a separate category, which was officially renamed 'Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups' (PVTGs) by the Government of India in 2006.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of Gram Sabhas in the protection of PVTG cultural heritage:
1. The guidelines for the Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) issued in 2014 emphasize that the Gram Sabha acts as the primary institution for ensuring the protection of intellectual property rights related to traditional knowledge.
2. Section 4(d) of the PESA Act 1996 recognizes the role of the Gram Sabha in approving plans, programmes, and projects for social and economic development before such plans are taken up for implementation by the Panchayat.
3. As per the 2012 amendments to the Forest Rights Rules, the Gram Sabha is responsible for the constitution of a Forest Rights Committee to facilitate the process of recognizing community forest resource rights for PVTG settlements.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the 2014 guidelines empower Gram Sabhas to safeguard traditional knowledge and intellectual property within PVTG habitats. Statement 2 is correct because Section 4(d) of the PESA Act, 1996, explicitly mandates Gram Sabha approval for social and economic development plans in tribal areas. Statement 3 is correct as the 2012 amendments to the Forest Rights Rules formalize the Gram Sabha's authority to constitute Forest Rights Committees, which are essential for recognizing community forest resource rights for vulnerable tribal communities.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) in PVTG policy research:
1. The 2006 guidelines for Tribal Research Institutes designate the Ministry of Culture as the primary authority for approving research projects focused on the linguistic preservation of PVTGs.
2. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs provides 100% grant-in-aid to State Governments for the establishment and operational support of Tribal Research Institutes.
3. The Tribal Research Institute in Madhya Pradesh conducts periodic ethnographic documentation of the Baiga community, which is submitted directly to the NITI Aayog for annual budget planning.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because the Ministry of Tribal Affairs provides 100% grant-in-aid to State Governments to support the infrastructure and operational costs of TRIs. Statement 1 is incorrect as the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, not the Ministry of Culture, is the nodal agency responsible for the oversight and funding of TRIs and their research initiatives. Statement 3 is incorrect because while TRIs conduct ethnographic research, these reports are submitted to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for policy formulation, not directly to NITI Aayog for budget planning.
Consider the following statements regarding Demographic vulnerability and population decline trends in PVTGs:
1. The criteria for identifying Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups were established in 1975, initially designating 52 groups based on pre-agricultural level of technology and stagnant population growth.
2. The PVTG development scheme, which falls under the Article 338A constitutional framework, provides for direct financial transfers to tribal households based on the 1991 population baseline.
3. The Dhebar Commission report of 1961 introduced the official nomenclature of 'Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups' and proposed the first national census dedicated to tracking their genetic diversity.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the government created the PVTG category in 1975, initially identifying 52 groups based on pre-agricultural technology, low literacy, and stagnant or declining population. Statement 2 is incorrect because the PVTG development scheme is a central sector scheme under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, not a constitutional mandate under Article 338A (which establishes the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes), and it does not provide direct financial transfers based on a 1991 baseline. Statement 3 is incorrect because while the Dhebar Commission (1960-61) identified the need for a separate category for the most vulnerable groups, it did not coin the term 'PVTG' (originally 'Primitive Tribal Groups') nor propose a census for genetic diversity.
Consider the following statements regarding Institutional role of TRIFED in economic empowerment of PVTGs:
1. As of 2023, the Van Dhan scheme has established over 3,000 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, which serve as primary processing centers for tribal clusters including PVTG communities.
2. The Minimum Support Price for Minor Forest Produce scheme, launched in 2013, provides a safety net for PVTG gatherers by fixing procurement prices for 87 identified items.
3. TRIFED operates under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and implements the Van Dhan Vikas Yojana to improve value addition for minor forest produce collected by PVTGs.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as TRIFED has successfully established over 3,000 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) to facilitate value addition for tribal clusters, including PVTGs. Statement 2 is correct because the MSP for MFP scheme, launched in 2013, provides a crucial financial safety net by setting procurement prices for 87 identified Minor Forest Produce items. Statement 3 is correct as TRIFED functions as the nodal agency under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, specifically tasked with implementing the Van Dhan Yojana to enhance the economic status of tribal gatherers through value addition.
Consider the following statements regarding Health and nutritional challenges specific to PVTGs (e.g., Sickle Cell Anemia):
1. The 2011 Census data indicated that the literacy rate among several PVTG communities remained below 20 percent, which significantly impacts the uptake of health awareness programs.
2. The Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) includes the provision of mobile medical units to reach PVTG habitations in remote forest areas.
3. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs identifies 75 communities as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) based on criteria established by the Dhebar Commission of 1960-61.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct: the 2011 Census highlighted critical literacy gaps among PVTGs that hinder health literacy; the PM-JANMAN mission specifically addresses the 'last-mile' connectivity challenge by deploying mobile medical units to isolated forest habitations; and the 75 PVTGs were indeed identified based on the criteria (pre-agricultural level of technology, stagnant population, and extremely low literacy) recommended by the Dhebar Commission.
Consider the following statements regarding Institutional role of TRIFED in economic empowerment of PVTGs:
1. TRIFED functions as a statutory body under the Companies Act 1956 and oversees the implementation of the PVTG Development Plan which was introduced in the 2014 Union Budget.
2. The Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana was launched in 2018 as a sub-component of the Forest Rights Act 2006 to provide direct cash transfers to PVTG households.
3. The Eklavya Model Residential Schools are managed by TRIFED to provide vocational training specifically for PVTG youth in the 75 identified tribal groups across 18 states.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
TRIFED is a multi-state cooperative society under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 1984, not a statutory body under the Companies Act, and the PM-PVTG Development Mission was launched in 2023, not 2014. The Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY) is a value-addition scheme for Minor Forest Produce, not a direct cash transfer program, and it operates under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs rather than being a sub-component of the Forest Rights Act. Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) are managed by the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous organization, not by TRIFED.
Consider the following statements regarding Implementation of PESA Act 1996 in PVTG-inhabited areas:
1. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers Act of 2006 serves as the primary legislation for the implementation of PESA in PVTG regions, providing the legal basis for the formation of the District Planning Committees.
2. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj issued guidelines in 2010 for the implementation of PESA, which established the Tribal Advisory Council as the final appellate authority for disputes arising in PVTG-inhabited Gram Sabhas.
3. The 2001 Census identified 75 PVTG groups across India, and the PESA Act framework provides for the direct representation of these groups in the State Legislative Assemblies through reserved constituencies.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the PESA Act of 1996 is a standalone legislation extending Part IX of the Constitution to scheduled areas, not a derivative of the 2006 Forest Rights Act. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Tribal Advisory Council is an advisory body under the Fifth Schedule, not an appellate authority for Gram Sabha disputes, which are typically resolved through local customary mechanisms or statutory grievance redressal. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while there are 75 identified PVTGs, the PESA Act does not mandate direct representation in State Legislative Assemblies; such representation is governed by Articles 330 and 332 of the Constitution, independent of the PESA framework.
Consider the following statements regarding Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission (PM-PVTG) implementation framework:
1. The implementation strategy relies on the Eklavya Model Residential Schools to provide vocational training, and it covers 75 distinct tribal groups as classified by the 2011 Census.
2. The PM-PVTG mission functions under the administrative oversight of the NITI Aayog, which tracks the progress of 15 key performance indicators across all identified tribal districts.
3. The implementation framework of the PM-PVTG mission involves the saturation of 11 critical interventions across 9 different ministries to improve socio-economic conditions.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the mission aims for saturation of 11 critical infrastructure and socio-economic interventions across 9 ministries. Statement 1 is incorrect because the mission focuses on 75 PVTGs, but it is implemented through the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, not specifically via Eklavya Model Residential Schools for vocational training. Statement 2 is incorrect because the mission is under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, not NITI Aayog, and it utilizes the PM Gati Shakti platform for monitoring rather than tracking 15 specific performance indicators.
Consider the following statements regarding Demographic vulnerability and population decline trends in PVTGs:
1. The 2006 Forest Rights Act includes provisions for the creation of 'Critical Wildlife Habitats' within PVTG territories, which were implemented by the Ministry of Environment in 2008 to stabilize tribal migration patterns.
2. Anthropological studies conducted by the Anthropological Survey of India indicate that the decline in fertility rates among the Cholanaikans of Kerala is linked to their traditional isolation and limited gene pool.
3. The Saharia tribe in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan is currently recognized as the most populous PVTG in India, with a demographic count exceeding 600,000 individuals according to recent estimates.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because while the Forest Rights Act (2006) mentions Critical Wildlife Habitats, they are not specifically created for PVTG territories to stabilize migration, nor were they implemented by the Ministry of Environment in 2008 for that purpose. Statement 2 is correct as the Anthropological Survey of India has documented that the Cholanaikans, a hunter-gatherer tribe, face demographic stagnation due to genetic isolation and limited gene pools. Statement 3 is correct because the Saharia tribe is officially recognized as the largest PVTG in India, with a population significantly exceeding 600,000, primarily concentrated in the Gwalior division of Madhya Pradesh and parts of Rajasthan.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of climate change on the traditional livelihoods of PVTGs:
1. The 2011 Census data indicates that the Sahariya PVTG population resides primarily in Madhya Pradesh, and this demographic concentration is linked to the state's 2014 policy of providing permanent irrigation for all tribal agricultural lands.
2. The National Action Plan on Climate Change, formulated in 2008, includes a dedicated mission for the Himalayan ecosystem, which provides for the direct financial compensation of the Bhotia PVTG for losses due to glacial retreat.
3. The 1973 Project Tiger guidelines include provisions for the relocation of human settlements, and these guidelines were amended in 2015 to allow PVTGs to maintain traditional shifting cultivation inside core critical tiger habitats.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because while Sahariyas are a PVTG in Madhya Pradesh, there is no 2014 state policy mandating permanent irrigation for all tribal lands. Statement 2 is false as the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem focuses on conservation and adaptation, not direct financial compensation for specific PVTGs like the Bhotia. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 2006 Forest Rights Act and subsequent tiger conservation guidelines strictly prohibit shifting cultivation within core critical tiger habitats, and no 2015 amendment granted such an exemption.