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Context

NHRC has sought report from Odisha government on alleged human rights violations of Juanga tribe (PVTG) in Keonjhar following a petition by a Human Rights activist highlighting poor access to healthcare, roads & basic amenities emphasizing need for immediate government intervention to address these infrastructural deficiencies.

Juanga Tribe

Juanga tribe is Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) in India primarily residing in Keonjhar & Dhenkanal districts of Odisha.

Their name Juanga means sons of man in their dialect. They are Munda ethnic group with deep rooted traditions in art, music & cultural expressions.

Specific Legal Provision:

Section 3(1)(e) of the Forest Rights Act, 2006: Habitat rights are specifically granted to PVTGs under section 3(1)(e) of Scheduled Tribes & Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.

Lifestyle & Livelihood:

Juanga people primarily depend on shifting cultivation (slash & burn agriculture), foraging & minor forest produce for their livelihood.

Many Juanga families are also engaged in handicrafts & basket weaving showcasing their indigenous craftsmanship.

They live in small, scattered villages often in hilly forested regions maintaining close relationship with nature.

Art & Paintings:

Juanga tribe practices wall & body painting during festivals as well as rituals.

They use natural dyes derived from plants & minerals to create motifs on their houses, bodies & ritual objects.

Their tribal art features geometric patterns, animal figures & nature inspired themes symbolizing their spiritual beliefs.

Women of tribe are known for their intricate tattoos on their arms, forehead & legs which are considered symbols of identity, beauty & protection from evil spirits.

Music & Dance:

Juanga people play traditional instruments like: Mandar (drum) used during ceremonies as well as festivals, Tuila (string instrument) played during storytelling & gatherings, Flutes & folk percussion instruments used for celebrations as well as rituals.

Dhema Dance: Performed during harvest festivals where men & women dance in circular formations to beats of drums.

Ritual Dances: Specific dances are performed for rain invocation, marriage & religious ceremonies.

Their folk songs revolve around themes of nature, love, bravery as well as daily life. These songs are passed down orally through generations & are sung during community gatherings as well as agricultural festivals.

Religion & Festivals:

Juanga people follow animistic beliefs worshipping nature, spirits, ancestors. Their main deities include Dharam Devta (Supreme God) & local forest spirits.

They celebrate Maghe Parab (Harvest Festival) & Karma Puja where they offer food, dance as well as sing to appease gods.

Challenges Faced:

Lack of healthcare and infrastructure –Many villages lack hospitals leading to high mortality rates.

Malnutrition and poverty – Due to limited access to resources & employment.

Loss of traditional practices – Modernization & migration are threatening their indigenous art & music.

List of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India

PVTGs are sub classification of Scheduled Tribes in India & are considered more vulnerable than regular Scheduled Tribes.

India has 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) spread across 18 states & 1 Union Territory (Andaman & Nicobar Islands).

Key Features of PVTGs

Pre-agriculture level of technology – Depend on shifting cultivation, hunting, gathering.

Low level of literacy – Education rates are lower than other ST communities.

Economic backwardness – High poverty levels, lack of employment opportunities.

Small and declining population – Threat of extinction due to poor healthcare & malnutrition.

Geographical isolation – Reside in remote, forested or hilly areas with limited infrastructure.

Government Initiatives for PVTGs

Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) Scheme – Focuses on livelihood, education, healthcare, infrastructure.

Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana – Aims at holistic development through financial assistance.

Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) – Provides quality education.

Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Minor Forest Produce (MFP) – Ensures fair prices for forest products collected by PVTGs.

Sources:

TIMES OF INDIA