The criteria for the specification of a community as Scheduled Tribes, including PVTGs, are as follows:

Historical Backwardness: The community should have a history of being socially, economically, and educationally marginalized. They should have remained in a primitive or pre-agricultural stage of development for a significant period.

Geographical Isolation: The community should inhabit remote and isolated areas such as hilly, forested, or geographically disadvantageous regions, which have helped preserve their distinctive culture, lifestyle, and social organization.

Low Population: The population of the community should be relatively small. The numerical strength of a community is considered while recognizing it as a Scheduled Tribe, ensuring the preservation of its unique identity and culture.

Pre-agricultural Economy: The community should depend predominantly on hunting, gathering, or traditional occupations like shifting cultivation, fishing, or herding for their sustenance, rather than on settled agriculture.

Backwardness: The community should exhibit a low level of literacy and inadequate access to healthcare facilities, basic amenities, and economic opportunities. They should face social discrimination, exploitation, and oppression.

Conclusion 

Recognizing the distinct vulnerabilities faced by PVTGs is crucial for ensuring their inclusive development and protecting their unique cultural heritage. Efforts are made to empower these communities, promote their participation in decision-making processes, and improve their overall quality of life.