Correct Option (C)
Statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct.
- Statement 1: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are distributed across 18 States and one Union Territory, specifically the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This geographical spread encompasses various regions of India.
- Statement 2: A stagnant or declining population is a key criterion for identifying a tribal community as a PVTG. Other criteria include a pre-agricultural level of technology, extremely low literacy levels, and a subsistence-level economy. These criteria were initially recommended by the Dhebar Commission (1960-61).
- Statement 4: Both the Irular tribe, predominantly found in Tamil Nadu, and the Konda Reddi tribe, residing in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, are officially recognized and listed among the PVTGs in India.
Incorrect Options
- Statement 3: The total number of officially notified Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in the country is 75, not 95. These 75 groups are spread across 18 states and one Union Territory.