140 Nicobari Tribals to Join Andaman Police Force

Quick Summary:

• 140 individuals from the Nicobari tribe adn Especially Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), including Onge, Great Andamanese, and Shompens, were recruited into the Andaman and Nicobar Police as Home Guard Volunteers.
• The recruitment process was conducted transparently with a focus on inclusivity, especially among women candidates.
• Selected candidates include 132 Nicobaris (41 females), three Great Andamanese (one female), and five Onges.
• The selected individuals possess diverse educational qualifications such as hotel management, computer applications, and ITI trades.
• Director General of Police Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal congratulated the candidates and emphasized specialized training tailored to their culture.
• Initiatives for gradual integration of PVTGs include policies supporting interaction development, education modules like ‘AngKatha,’ documenting traditions to support adaptation to mainstream lifestyles.
• Shompens took a step toward integration by voting in Lok Sabha elections for the first time in April 2024.

Images: Representational image only; PTI File.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The recruitment of PVTGs into the police force represents meaningful progress in integrating marginalized tribal communities within mainstream society while preserving their unique cultural identity. This move aligns with broader efforts to ensure inclusivity under India’s tribal policies while addressing community-specific challenges through education and targeted training programs. The emphasis on diversity-both gender-based and academic-shows an attempt at equitable portrayal.

The milestone achieved by Shompens during Lok Sabha elections further illustrates evolving participation of tribal groups in governance structures. By reinforcing communicative channels through initiatives like ‘AngKatha,’ authorities foster trust while facilitating smoother adaptation for these communities into broader societal frameworks. However,sustaining this inclusion requires continued sensitivity toward cultural preservation alongside empowerment measures that resonate deeply within these tribes’ customary values.

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