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.