Context

For the first time, members of the Shompen tribe, one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India took part in the election process by casting their votes in the Andaman and Nicobar Lok Sabha constituency.

• According to the provisional figures made available, the voter turnout was 63.99%. 
  • However, in 2019, the voter turnout was 65.09%

About Shompen Tribe

• Shompen Tribe Belongs to: These are the indigenous people of the interior of Great Nicobar Island. 
  • They are designated as a PVTG within the list of Scheduled Tribes.
• Characteristics:
  • Shompen Tribe are one of the most isolated tribes.
  • They are semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers.
    • Their main sources of livelihood are hunting, gathering, fishing, and a little bit of horticultural activities in a rudimentary form.
• Population: The estimated population of Shompen Tribe was 229 as per the 2011 Census data.
• Language Known: They speak their own language, which has many dialects. Members of one band do not understand the dialect of the other.
• Social structure: The family is controlled by the eldest male member, who controls all activities of the women and kids.
• • Monogamy is the general rule, although polygamy is allowed too.
• Others: 
  • The Shompen habitat is also an important biological hotspot and there are two National Parks and one Biosphere Reserve namely:
    • Campbell Bay National Park
    • Galathea National Park and
    • Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve

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About Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

• About: These groups are among the most vulnerable sections of India as they are few in numbers.
  • 75 such groups have been identified and categorised as PVTGs.
    • Among the 75 listed PVTG’s the highest number are found in Odisha.
• Characteristics: There are certain tribal communities who have:
  • Declining or stagnant population
  • Low level of literacy
  • Pre-agricultural level of technology
  • Economically backward
• Others: In 1973, the Dhebar Commission created Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) as a separate category, which are less developed among the tribal groups. 
  • In 2006, the Government of India renamed the PTGs as PVTGs.

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