The government of Andaman and Nicobar Islands has registered 19 people from the Jarawa community and given them their voter ID cards. The Chief Secretary, Chandra Bhushan Kumar, personally gave these voter IDs to the members of the Jarawa tribe at their home in Jirkatang, South Andaman. This important event was announced by government officials on Tuesday.

South Andaman District Election Officer Arjun Sharma explained the efforts taken to minimise disruption in the daily lives of the Jarawa people while educating them on their rights as Indian citizens. "We adopted a comprehensive measure to uphold the unique identity of the Jarawa community and safeguard their privacy," Sharma said. "Their enrolment process was designed in such a way that intrusion into their daily lives is minimal, but their understanding of rights as citizens of India is maximum."

Preserving culture while promoting inclusivity

Sharma stated that this step symbolises India’s commitment to democracy and ensuring equal rights for all citizens. "This is a landmark achievement in India's democratic evolution, symbolising the country's commitment to ensuring inclusivity and equity for all citizens," he said.

The Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti (AAJVS), an organisation that works to improve the lives of indigenous communities, played a key role in helping the Jarawa tribe learn about the voting process. The AAJVS explained the importance of elections in a way that respected the tribe's traditions.

The Jarawas are a semi-nomadic tribe, well known for their deep connection to the forest and their knowledge of nature. They have lived in isolation for many years, keeping their unique customs. The first significant contact with the outside world happened in April 1996, when the administration gave medical help to one of the tribe members. This event helped build trust between the Jarawas and the administration.