NAC directed the Tribal Affairs Ministry to consult Jarawas on their Future

The National Advisory Council (NAC) directed the Tribal Affairs Ministry on 22 June 2011 to consult the Jarawas, a primitive tribal group in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands who are threatened with extinction, before drafting a policy on their future. The question on their future revolves around whether they should continue to live in their pristine habitat, in splendid isolation, or be allowed to mingle with the local population.

NAC’s concern was raised following a recommendation made by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration that as the Jarawas have already begun mingling with the local population, the policy of isolation should end. Earlier in 2011, the NAC itself had sent an official to the island to check whether the Jarawas were being adversely affected by the droves of tourists. There have been fears of exploitation, including sexual exploitation of the Jarawas.

Sonia Gandhi headed NAC wanted a full-fledged discussion on the issue regarding the future of Jarawas. Lieutenant Governor of the Islands, Lt.Gen. (retd.) Bhopinder Singh, made a presentation on the Jarawa policy adopted by the government in 2004 and the current status of the threatened tribal group. Arvind Chugh, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, followed it up with another presentation, as the policy is currently being reviewed by a sub-group of an Expert Committee that he heads.

The Ministry was directed following the presentations to consult the Jarawas on their future before finalising their recommendations.

Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh and Planning Commission member Syeda Hameed, who as members of the NAC, had jointly prepared a report on the Jarawas a few years ago participated in the deliberations. Union Home Secretary G.K. Pillai and Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Shakti Sinha were also present.