Question : CENSUS OF TRIBAL POPULATION

(a) whether the Government has conducted any census to ascertain the tribal population in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof indicating the names and number of Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) out of them, State/UT-wise;

(c) whether there has been decline in the population of tribes, particularly PTGs in the country;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and

(e) the schemes being implemented by the Government to protect tribes, particularly primitive tribes in the country indicating the funds allocated/released and utilised in this regard during each of the last three years and the current year, State/ UT-wise?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SMT. RANEE NARAH)

(a): Yes, Madam. Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India under Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, is regularly conducting the decennial Census to ascertain the tribal population in the country.

(b): Year-wise details indicating the names and number of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PTGs) State/UT-wise; is as per Annexure-I.

(c): No, Madam.

(d): Does not arise.

(e): The Ministry of Tribal Affairs implements a Central Sector Scheme known as Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PTGs) exclusively for their development. The scheme aims at planning their socio-economic development in a holistic manner by adopting habitat development approach, intervening in all spheres of their social and economic life, so that the quality of life of PTGs is improved and a visible impact is made. The funds released and utilized during the last 3 years and current year, States/UTs-wise is given at Annexure-II.