Reaching Jarawa Tribe for 2027 Census in Andaman Islands Deemed Feasible
Dr. Ratan Chandra Kar, a physician involved in healthcare for the Jarawa tribe, believes that conducting the 2027 Census among the six indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will not be difficult. He attributes this to the Central government's successful efforts in establishing meaningful contact and trust with the tribes, especially the Jarawas, since 1998. Proactive medical care has significantly increased the Jarawa population from an estimated 260 in 1998 to 647 today, successfully countering diseases without interfering with their traditional medicinal practices. The article also touches upon the impact of the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) and emphasizes minimal intervention for the tribe's survival, highlighting the importance of respecting their way of life.
Key Points
- The 2027 Census is expected to successfully include indigenous tribes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including the Jarawas, due to established government contact and trust.
- Proactive medical interventions since 1998 have significantly increased the Jarawa population by countering diseases while respecting traditional practices.
- The Jarawas, one of the world's oldest surviving tribes, are primarily hunter-gatherers living in nomadic bands.
- Minimal intervention and careful management of external contact, such as from the Andaman Trunk Road, are crucial for the tribe's survival.
Exam Facts
- The 16th Census will take place in two phases, with reference dates of October 1, 2026 (snow-bound areas) and March 1, 2027 (rest of country).
- The Jarawa population has increased from an estimated 260 in 1998 to 647 today.
- The 2011 Census recorded 380 Jarawa individuals out of 28,530 Scheduled Tribe individuals in Andaman and Nicobar.
- The PM JANMAN scheme targets Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) households.
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