State PCS - Chhattisgarh (CGPSC)

• 21 Jun 2025

Abujhmad Region

Why in News? 

Amid efforts to eliminate Maoist influence by 2026, the development of Abujhmad in Chhattisgarh raises concerns on sustainable growth, tribal rights, and Maoist influence in the region. 

Key Points 

• About the Abujhmad Region:   
  • The name Abujhmad means ‘incomprehensible plateau’ in Hindi and is understood as ‘sal forest’ in the Gondi language. 
  • Abujhmadiya tribes: As per the 2011 Census, Abujhmad is inhabited by about 40,000 Abujhmadiya tribals, who are a subgroup of the Gond tribe. 
    • They are recognised as one of the seven Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Chhattisgarh. 
• Historical Context: 
  • Under British rule, it was categorised as an ‘excluded area’ under the Government of India Act, 1935. 
  • After independence, its remoteness and lack of development allowed Maoists to use it as an unofficial headquarters, calling it a ‘liberated zone’. 
• Government’s Plan to Reclaim Abujhmad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced Maoist elimination by March 2026, with plans to boost connectivity through new roads, facilities, and expanded iron ore mining into core forest areas. 
• Concerns Over Rights and Law: 
  • Forest and Habitat Rights: 
    • The Forest Rights Act, 2006, grants special rights to forest-dwelling communities, including habitat rights. 
    • In 2019, when Abujhmadiyas attempted to claim these rights, they faced Maoist threats and lack of state support. 
  • Cultural and Religious Importance: 
    • Verwakot hill inside Abujhmad holds great significance in Gondi religious beliefs as the starting point of human life. 

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) 

• About the PVTGs: They are the most vulnerable among India’s tribal communities. 
  • Because more developed tribes often secure a larger share of development resources, PVTGs require special attention and targeted support. 
  • In 1973, the Dhebar Commission identified Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) as the least developed tribes; this category was renamed PVTGs in 2006. 
  • The Government of India identified 52 such groups in 1975 and added 23 more in 1993, totaling 75 PVTGs out of 705 Scheduled Tribes. 
  • PVTGs are typically small, homogenous, geographically isolated, with simple technology, unwritten languages, and slow socio-economic progress. 
  • Odisha has the highest number of PVTGs in the country. 
• Government Support: 
  • The Ministry of Tribal Affairs runs the Development of PVTGs scheme, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with 100% central funding for 18 states and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.  
    • The scheme aims for the holistic socio-economic development of PVTGs while preserving their unique culture and traditions.  
    • It supports projects in education, health, and livelihoods, tailored to their specific needs.