Chapter on PVTGs of Andaman be Introduced in School Curriculum to Sensitize Children: A.K. Singh
Port Blair, June 22: The 45th Meeting of the General Body of Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti (AAJVS) was held on 22nd June 2015 at 1100 Hrs. at Raj Niwas under the Chairmanship of Hon'ble Lt Governor which was attended by the Chief Secretary, Adhyaksha Zilla Parishad, South Andaman, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Director General of Police, Secretary (TW), Secretary (Law), Heads of Department of Andaman & Nicobar Administration and Central Government besides the Experts from ANTRI and AAJVS..
The Hon'ble Lt Governor complimented the role of the AAJVS and appreciated the measures taken for educating the children of Jarawas and impressed upon all concerned that any intervention in the tradition and culture of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) must be based on well researched and sound scientific principles in accordance with the policies laid down by the Government of India.
Expressing satisfaction on the efforts made by AAJVS under the expert guidance of Prof. Vishwajit Pandya in educating the Jarawa children, the Hon’ble Lt Governor and the Chief Secretary desired that the gains made in this regard must be further consolidated.
On the Addendum to the Policy on Jarawas of Andaman Islands, 2004 received from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Govt of India, the Hon’ble Lt. Governor was on the view that the AAJVS must be strengthened and equipped with the required infrastructures for reaching out the welfare measures and the programmes to the PVTGs in these islands. He also desired that a small chapter on PVTGs be brought into the curriculum of the school children for sensitizing them about the richness of the tradition and culture of these groups including the statutory provisions made in the A&N Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes), Regulation, 1956 for their information.
The Hon’ble Lt Governor desired that a team comprising of Secretary (TW), Prof. Vishwajit Pandya and other concerned shall make a visit to Dugong Creek and come up with a detailed programme for empowerment of the Onges for deciding their freewill within a period of two months, besides discussing a range of issues related to the other PVTGs for their welfare and development.
Concluding the discussions, the Hon’ble Lt Governor reiterated his desire to strengthen A&N Tribal Research & Training Institute (ANTRI) and develop the institute into a world class centre of excellence and also agreed for having a Curatorial Team under the leadership of Prof Visvajith Pandya which shall go into the details of the requirements for showcasing the tribal artefacts and other details of the Museum.
The Chief Secretary and Vice President of the AAJVS expressing his satisfaction, asked AAJVS to showcase the artefacts made by the Jarawas such as honey containers and baskets by putting them on sale through Sagarika Emporium at a price to be determined by Secretary (Tribal Welfare) and utilizing the sale proceeds for the essentials required by the community for their welfare and development.