Reaching Jarawa Tribes For Census from Vajirao & Reddy Institute

REACHING JARAWA TRIBES FOR CENSUS

Context

• The Central Government has announced the 16th Census of India, to be conducted in 2 phases:
  • October 1, 2026 – for areas like the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (A&NI)
  • March 1, 2027 – for the rest of India
• This census will include the first nationwide caste enumeration since 1931.
• Experts like Ratan Chandra Kar believes reaching tribes like the Jarawa will be feasible due to prior successful contact and welfare measures.

JARAWA TRIBE: AN OVERVIEW Ancient Community

• The Jarawas are among the oldest surviving tribes, residing in the Andaman Islands for approximately 55,000 years.

Lifestyle

• They are nomadic hunter-gatherers, living in bands of 40–50
• Their habitat includes dense forests, mangroves, and coastal zones in the South and Middle Andaman Islands.

Health Profile

• Free from lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, heart conditions.
• Normal deliveries and a life expectancy of 50+ years.
• Use their own natural medicinal practices and possess strong immunity.

Classification

• Recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).

HISTORICAL CONTACT Initial Contact (1998)

• Initiated by Ratan Chandra Kar, a physician who played a central role in establishing trust with the tribe.

Measles Outbreak (1999)

• A major health crisis was averted due to Dr. Kar's medical intervention.

POPULATION GROWTH

• 1998: Estimated at 260 individuals (approximate figure).
• 2011 Census: 380 Jarawas recorded out of 28,530 STs in A&NI.
• 2025: Population reached 647, considered a much more accurate count.

Reasons for Growth

• Government's "meaningful contact" strategy helped in:
  • Winning trust
  • Developing friendly relations
  • Using satellite imagery and close contact for accurate estimation

HEALTHCARE & WELFARE MEASURES LEADING TO TRUST Sustained Medical Care

• Government provided continuous, proactive healthcare.
• Managed diseases like measles, malaria, conjunctivitis, mumps, hepatitis with minimal mortality.

Non-Interference Policy

• Key approach: Healthcare without disrupting the Jarawas' traditional practices.
• This policy has helped in building long-term trust.

Facilitating the Census

• Due to this trust, officials expect smooth access to Jarawa areas during the 16th Census.

OTHER INDIGENOUS TRIBES OF A&N

• 6 main tribes:
  • Great Andamanese
  • Onge
  • Jarawa
  • Sentinelese
  • Nicobarese
  • Shompen
• PVTG Classification:

All except the Nicobarese are designated as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. CHALLENGES IN PVTG POPULATION ESTIMATION & SCHEME DELIVERY Estimation Difficulties

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs struggles to accurately estimate PVTG populations in A&NI.

PM-JANMAN Scheme

• Launched to benefit PVTG households.
• So far, only 191 individuals identified in A&NI — highlighting the difficulty in reaching all beneficiaries.

IMPACT OF ANDAMAN TRUNK ROAD & WAY FORWARD Dual Nature of ATR

• Serves as a lifeline for residents across South, Middle, and North Andaman.
• However, it increases proximity between Jarawas and local settlers, risking cultural intrusion.

Expert Recommendation – Dr. Kar

• The best survival strategy for Jarawas is minimal intervention.
• Traffic regulation on the ATR is essential to prevent unwanted contact.
• Modern medicine should supplement, not replace, their natural healthcare system.

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