NEW DELHI: The sub-group of experts on the Jarawa aboriginal tribe of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has recommended the setting up of a Jarawa Tribal Development Authority (JTDA). It will examine all aspects of their life, suggest policies and ensure their implementation.

The authority would monitor and suggest the areas and the extent of contact to ensure the protection of the tribe.

It would also be responsible for documenting their culture, the sub-group said in its report to the Government.

Sea transport

The sub-group was formed in February, at the instance of the National Advisory Council, to review the administrative practices related to the tribe. It was also to examine the feasibility of sea transport as an alternative to the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR). Its mandate was to look at issues pertaining to the Jarawas to preserve their life and lifestyle, identity and culture.

The nine-member team, headed by Dr. Syeda Hameed (Member, Planning Commission), was co-chaired by Jairam Ramesh, MP.

The report suggested that the JDTA be headed at the Centre by a high-power Jarawa Development Council, which would be responsible for suggesting minimum intervention in areas such as food and health.

To begin with, the sub-committee recommended that alternative arrangements for transportation be put in place before the stretch of the ATR that passes through the Jarawa reserve is closed. Tourist and private vehicles should not be allowed on the ATR, and the rules should be amended to ensure that only public transport, trucks in convoys, defence vehicles and ambulances ply on the road during fixed hours.

Susceptible to AIDS

Intervention should be limited to health and food security, and should be guided by experts, with attempts to gradually phase out any dependency that arises from this intervention.

Quoting recent research, the report said the Jarawa and other Negrito tribes of the Andamans were highly susceptible to HIV/AIDS; this makes it important to closely monitor all contact.

It recommended that alien crops and wildlife not be planted in the reserve, and that the Jarawas be not introduced to alien foods without prior research.

The sub-group said an expert panel should be formed to ascertain whether the Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Regulation, 1956, should be made tribe-specific or remain area-specific. There was a need for training and sensitising all field staff working with the Jarawas, the report said.

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