Abstract

This paper is based on a study of the complete life cycle of the Baiga, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in the state of Chhattisgarh. The population of this tribe has witnessed a significant decline over the past several years. This study focuses on 7 villages of the Bodla development block of Kabirdham district, in which a study has been done on 250 Baiga families of the selected geographical area. Interview schedules and observation methods have been employed for primary data collection. Through the study, an attempt has been made to find out the root cause of the population decline of the primitive tribal Baiga groups and the impact of governmental and non-governmental efforts made to control population decline. It has been learned from the study that the population of Baigas is continuously decreasing over the last few decades. The government has implemented several schemes to improve the standard of living of the Baigas; despite this, the Baigas have been found ignorant of many schemes related to employment, health, and education being implemented by the government. Thus, the continuous decline in the population of Baigas is a matter of serious concern, because they are not able to communicate the expected awareness about government schemes. This study found that the main reason for the decline in the population of Baigas is their cultural and social beliefs.