Chenchu tribe

The news highlights the challenges faced by the Chenchu tribe in Andhra Pradesh due to the discontinuation of the MGNREGS Chenchu Special Project. This has adversely affected their livelihoods, food security, and access to essential services. Here’s a detailed analysis:

Who are the Chenchus?

1.     Historical Background:

o    The Chenchus, also known as 'Chenchuvaru' or 'Chenchwar', are among the oldest Telugu-speaking tribes.

o    They are classified as one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Andhra Pradesh, a designation given to tribes that face specific challenges, including low literacy rates, stagnant population growth, and limited access to development.

2.     Lifestyle and Livelihood:

o    Traditionally, the Chenchus have relied on hunting and food gathering and are largely dependent on the forest ecosystem, particularly the Nallamala forest.

o    They rely on forest produce for their subsistence and have a limited involvement in agriculture or other formal employment sectors.

3.     PVTG Classification:

o    Being one of the 12 PVTGs in Andhra Pradesh, the Chenchus are prioritized for targeted development initiatives by the government, but they remain vulnerable due to their reliance on traditional livelihoods and minimal integration into mainstream economic activities.

The Impact of MGNREGS Discontinuation

1.     About MGNREGS:

o    Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) was launched in 2005 by the Ministry of Rural Development. It is one of the largest work guarantee programs globally, providing a legal guarantee of 100 days of employment per year for adult members of rural households.

o    The program focuses on unskilled manual work, with a statutory minimum wage, and mandates that at least one-third of beneficiaries be women.

2.     The MGNREGS Chenchu Special Project:

o    This project was designed specifically to support the Chenchu tribe under MGNREGS, offering employment opportunities in public work that helped supplement their traditional livelihood.

o    Discontinuation of this project has led to reduced income and has impacted the tribe’s ability to afford essentials, leading to food insecurity and reduced access to healthcare and education.

3.     Effects on the Chenchu Community:

o    Loss of Livelihoods: The Chenchu tribe now lacks regular employment, increasing their economic vulnerability and pushing them back to solely relying on the forest for sustenance.

o    Food Security: With reduced income, their ability to purchase food and other necessities has diminished, heightening food insecurity.

o    Access to Services: The reduction in income limits their access to healthcare and education, exacerbating existing challenges related to low literacy and healthcare access within the community.

Government Initiatives for PVTGs

1.     Janjatiya Gaurav Divas: Celebrated to honor tribal leaders and heroes, raising awareness about tribal issues and cultural heritage.

2.     Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra: An initiative aimed at promoting inclusive development and connecting tribal areas with mainstream economic activities.

3.     PM PVTG Mission: A targeted mission for the development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, focusing on improving their socio-economic status and ensuring sustainable development.

These initiatives aim to provide support to PVTGs, but their effectiveness largely depends on sustained and localized efforts, such as the now-discontinued MGNREGS Chenchu Special Project.

Challenges Faced by PVTGs like the Chenchus

1.     Economic Vulnerability:

o    PVTGs are often dependent on traditional livelihoods, which are not financially sustainable and are vulnerable to environmental changes.

2.     Limited Access to Education and Healthcare:

o    Low literacy rates and limited healthcare facilities in remote forest areas make it challenging for PVTGs to achieve socio-economic progress.

3.     Dependence on Forest Resources:

o    The Chenchus’ traditional reliance on forest resources can lead to conflict with forest conservation policies and limits their adaptability to modern employment opportunities.

4.     Disruption in Welfare Programs:

o    Inconsistent implementation and discontinuation of welfare schemes, such as the MGNREGS Special Project, undermine the stability and support that these communities rely on.

Conclusion

The discontinuation of the MGNREGS Chenchu Special Project highlights the importance of targeted and sustained support for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like the Chenchus. While the government has launched several initiatives for the welfare of PVTGs, consistent funding, community engagement, and tailored approaches are crucial to ensure these groups are not left behind. Reviving or replacing projects like the MGNREGS Chenchu Special Project could help secure the livelihoods, food security, and socio-economic development of the Chenchu tribe, enabling them to integrate into broader development processes while preserving their unique way of life.

MCQs for Practice

Q1. With reference to the Chenchu tribe, consider the following statements:

1.     The Chenchus are primarily dependent on agriculture for their livelihood.

2.     They are classified as one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Andhra Pradesh.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• (a) 1 only
• (b) 2 only
• (c) Both 1 and 2
• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation: The Chenchus rely primarily on hunting and gathering, not agriculture, for their livelihood.

Q2. The MGNREGS Chenchu Special Project was implemented to support the Chenchu tribe in which of the following areas?

• (a) Providing access to healthcare services
• (b) Offering skill development training
• (c) Ensuring employment through public work-related unskilled manual work
• (d) Providing educational scholarships

Answer: (c) Ensuring employment through public work-related unskilled manual work
Explanation: The MGNREGS Chenchu Special Project was aimed at providing employment opportunities under the MGNREGS framework for the Chenchu tribe.

Q3. Which of the following features are correct regarding the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)?

1.     It provides a legal guarantee of 100 days of employment per year to rural households.

2.     Wages must be paid according to the statutory minimum wages specified for agricultural laborers in the respective states.

3.     It aims to provide employment to all adults, including urban households.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: MGNREGS is aimed specifically at rural households, not urban households.

Q4. Which of the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) is/are correct?

1.     PVTGs are identified based on criteria like low literacy rates, declining population, and economic backwardness.

2.     The Chenchu tribe is classified as a PVTG in Odisha.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 only
• (b) 2 only
• (c) Both 1 and 2
• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation: The Chenchu tribe is classified as a PVTG in Andhra Pradesh, not Odisha.

Q5. The nodal ministry responsible for the effective implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) at the national level is:

• (a) Ministry of Labour and Employment
• (b) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
• (c) Ministry of Rural Development
• (d) Ministry of Tribal Affairs

Answer: (c) Ministry of Rural Development
Explanation: The Ministry of Rural Development is the nodal ministry responsible for implementing MGNREGS.