Social Transformation and Periphery: Contextualizing Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups of Odisha

Despite significant outlays, a sizable segment of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) is still highly susceptible. Ulrich Beck reveals that the current development programs are merely embraced with “reflexive modernity.” The implementation’s apathetic nature has made it difficult to bring about sustainable development in tribal society, thereby echoing the inherent “risk” involved rather than bringing in pertinent benefits. The article has tried to address the context of their exposure to such dangers and critically analyze related developmental policies’ efficacy. This article is a research study conducted among four PVTGs—Juang, Lodha, Hill Kharia, and Mankirdia—of Odisha, based on a sample of 360, to understand the livelihood pattern and key challenges in the study areas.