1) Isolation of indigenous groups is crucial today. Comment in light of the recent debate around the issue.(250 words)

Topic – Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

1) Isolation of indigenous groups is crucial today. Comment in light of the recent debate around the issue.(250 words)

Key demand of the question

The recent incident involving Sentinelese tribe has brought the attention on such indigenous tribes and our policy with respect to them. The article delves deep in the issue and discusses why it’s important for us to leave such indigenous tribes alone.

Key demand of the question

The question expects us to bring out the current status of indigenous tribes, highlight our policy towards them, explain the reasons why it’s important to leave them and discuss the way forward.

Directive word

Comment – When you are asked to comment, you have to pick main points and give your ‘opinion’ on them based on evidences or arguments stemming from your wide reading.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – Discuss why this issue is in news.

Body

• Discuss the status quo highlighting the situation of such tribes
• Discuss how such tribes are protected currently – The Govt. of India issued the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956 to declare the traditional areas occupied by the tribes as reserves, and prohibited entry of all persons except those with authorisation. Photographing or filming the tribe members is also an offence. The rules were amended later to enhance penalties. But restricted area permits were relaxed for some islands recently.
• Discuss why it’s important to leave them alone
  • large chunk of the population of the 10 Great Andamanese tribes was wiped out after the indigenous peoples caught syphilis, measles, and influenza on an epidemic scale following contact with the early settlers etc

Conclusion – Give your view and discuss way forward.