The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took cognisance of the exposure of particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) to Covid-19 last year. It noted that they would not be able to survive if infected, “which will be a great loss for humanity and its diversity.”
The commission called for immediate and proactive measures from the government, such as exhaustive testing, supply of medical equipment, use of drones and “zero contact” of outsiders with the tribals.
“Ensure vaccination of all PVTGs having population less than 50,000 within 60 days by sending mobile medical teams,” the NHRC last year recommended, along with “prompt delivery of reports …addressing the concern of PVTGs persistent digital divide.”
The commission also vested responsibility with the Union Health Secretary for testing of tribes with population less than 1 lakh within two months, along with the required coordination with states.
The Union Tribal Affairs Secretary and states were told to submit monthly reports on implementation of safety measures for PVTGs till the end of Covid-19. A provision to cover vaccination of all PVTGs soon was made.
Data on the current vaccination status of these groups is not available, according to sources in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
The tribals had been hit particularly during the virulent second wave and NHRC noted the same. Additionally, vaccination was not an easy task, according to initial reports, as vaccine hesitancy was rampant. Many tribals fled their villages when they came to know that health officials were arriving for inoculations.
However, the Centre has roped in UNICEF to carry out awareness campaigns to encourage the tribes to get jabbed.
The pandemic’s consequences are magnified for these tribes due to backwardness in terms of health, education and awareness, along with their unequal socio-economic stature and isolation.
The NHRC advised all state governments to ensure the right to food — through doorstep delivery of ration, cash in hand, community kitchen and focus on children, lactating and pregnant women — the right to livelihood and continuation of education and skill development.
Earlier, Junior Minister for Tribal Affairs Renuka Singh Saruta had informed the Parliament about measures undertaken to control and mitigate spread of Covid-19 among tribals, including revising the minimum support price (MSP) for minor forest produce and relaxing lockdown provisions for collection, harvesting and processing of produce by STs.
