Employment Dynamics Among PVTGs in Jharkhand: Challenges and Opportunities

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are among the most marginalized communities in India, grappling with profound socio-economic challenges. This study examines the employment landscape of PVTGs in Jharkhand, through primary survey in Latehar district, a tribal-dominated district in Jharkhand, focusing on opportunities, obstacles, and current interventions. This paper dives into the exploration of the employment opportunities and challenges among PVTGs and seeks to offer insights into ways these communities can be incorporated into the larger economic framework while safeguarding their cultural heritage. The findings highlight the necessity for targeted policies, skill-building initiatives, and inclusive economic programs to overcome systemic barriers and foster sustainable livelihoods. Sectors such as handicrafts (including bamboo and terracotta), lac production, cultural arts like Sohrai-Khovar, and value-added products derived from forest resources should be promoted through improved infrastructure and market access supported by government initiatives, to enhance livelihood opportunities among PVTGs.