Jarawa Tribe Enters Electoral Process: Historic Step for A & N Islands and Indian Democracy

Tarun Karthick

Campbell Bay, 22 November 2024

In a historic move, the Jarawa tribe of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been officially included in India’s democratic fold with their enrolment in the electoral roll. For the first time, members of the Jarawa community will participate in the electoral process, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s journey toward greater inclusivity.

A total of 19 Jarawa tribe members were enrolled in the electoral roll through the submission of Form-6 to the Booth Level Officer. The Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS, personally received the first Form-6 from a Jarawa member at their hamlet in the Jirkatang area of South Andaman.

This decision reflects the ongoing efforts to integrate all indigenous communities into India’s democratic framework while safeguarding their unique cultural heritage. The enrolment process, led by the District Election Officer of South Andaman, Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, was carried out with careful attention to the traditions and privacy of the Jarawa people.

To ensure the process was both culturally sensitive and smoothly executed, the Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti, part of the Tribal Welfare Department, played a crucial role in educating the Jarawa community about the electoral process and assisting with their registration.

Chief Secretary Keshav Chandra expressed pride in the achievement, emphasizing, “This is a significant milestone for our democratic process. It underscores the Government’s commitment to ensuring that all tribal communities, including the Jarawa, have the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights while preserving their cultural heritage.”

This historic development not only strengthens the inclusivity of India’s democratic system but also reaffirms the Andaman and Nicobar Administration’s dedication to empowering tribal communities and safeguarding their rights.