In News:

Tribal leaders have raised concerns that the Andaman and Nicobar administration is attempting to bring the Shompen, an isolated indigenous community of Great Nicobar Island, into a “modern lifestyle”, raising questions about tribal autonomy, cultural preservation and development in ecologically sensitive areas.

About the Shompen Tribe

• The Shompen are among the most isolated indigenous communities in the world.
• They are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
• Location: Dense tropical forests of Great Nicobar Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Lifestyle: Traditionally nomadic hunter-gatherers, living in small groups.
• Food: Collect a wide variety of forest produce; pandanus fruit (larop) is an important staple.
• Language: Shompen language with several dialects; distinct from the languages of neighbouring communities.
• Social structure: Primarily nuclear families; the eldest male traditionally exercises authority within the family.
• Marriage: Generally monogamous, though polygamy is permitted.
• Belief system: Traditionally associated with the worship of the Moon (Houou), regarded as a goddess and creator of the universe.

Why are they Particularly Vulnerable?

PVTGs are tribal communities identified as facing high vulnerability due to factors such as small population, dependence on traditional livelihoods, geographical isolation and limited access to modern services.

For isolated groups such as the Shompen, sudden external interventions can create risks of:

• Loss of traditional culture and knowledge
• Disruption of customary livelihoods
• Exposure to diseases and outside social pressures
• Ecological degradation of their habitat

Development vs. Tribal Rights

The issue highlights the need to balance infrastructure and development with:

• Protection of indigenous identity and culture
• Habitat and livelihood security
• Community participation and informed decision-making
• Conservation of fragile island ecosystems
• A rights-based rather than assimilationist approach to tribal development.

In News:

During his address to the Indian community in Auckland, the Prime Minister of India invoked the M?ori concept of "Waka" to symbolise the growing partnership between India and New Zealand, emphasising a shared journey based on trust, cooperation and common values.

Who are the M?ori?

• The M?ori are the indigenous people of New Zealand, who first settled on the islands in the early 13th century. They belong to the Polynesian ethnic group and are most closely related to the Eastern Polynesians.
• Today, M?ori constitute about one-sixth of New Zealand's population, with nearly 86% residing on the North Island.
• Despite centuries of colonial rule and displacement, the M?ori have preserved their language, traditions and cultural identity, and have witnessed a significant cultural revival in recent decades.

Language and Cultural Heritage

• The M?ori language (Te Reo M?ori) belongs to the Polynesian group of the Eastern Oceanic branch of the Austronesian language family and is one of the official languages of New Zealand. While most M?ori are fluent in English, nearly one-third continue to speak their ancestral language.
• At the heart of M?ori society is the Marae, a sacred communal space comprising meeting houses and open grounds where communities gather for ceremonies, discussions, cultural performances and social events.
• The M?ori are globally recognised for the Haka, a traditional ceremonial dance characterised by rhythmic chanting, vigorous movements and expressive facial gestures. Another distinctive cultural tradition is Ta Moko, the sacred art of facial and body tattooing, which reflects an individual's genealogy, social status, achievements and identity.

Cultural Revival

A renewed assertion of M?ori identity emerged during the civil rights movements of the 1960s. This was further strengthened by the Treaty of Waitangi Act, 1975, which enabled M?ori communities to pursue claims relating to historical injustices and reinforced efforts to preserve their language and cultural heritage.

What is ‘Waka’?

In the M?ori language, "Waka" literally means a canoe or vessel. Beyond its physical meaning, it represents a shared journey, unity, collective purpose and cooperation. Traditionally, waka symbolisedthe voyages undertaken by the ancestors of the M?ori to reach New Zealand and continues to represent solidarity and common destiny in M?ori culture.

By invoking the concept of Waka, the Prime Minister highlighted the shared aspirations of India and New Zealand to move forward together through mutual trust, partnership and collaboration.

In News:

According to the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) State of the World Population Report 2025, India’s population has reached 146.39 crore as of April 2025, surpassing China (141.61 crore) to remain the world’s most populous country. Importantly, India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has declined to 1.9, falling below the replacement level of 2.1.

Key Highlights:

Population Growth and Future Projections

• Current population (2025): 146.39 crore
• Projected peak: 170 crore in the next 40 years, after which population will begin to decline.
• Working-age population (15–64 years): 68%
• Youth population:
  • 0–14 years: 24%
  • 10–19 years: 17%
  • 10–24 years: 26%
• Elderly population (65+ years): 7% (expected to rise steadily)

Fertility Trends and the Real Crisis

What is TFR?

• Total Fertility Rate measures the average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime.
• Replacement level TFR: 2.1 (to maintain population size across generations)
• India’s TFR in 2025: 1.9, marking a demographic shift toward stabilization.

Fertility Divergence Across States:

• High TFR states: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand
• Low TFR states: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Delhi – already below replacement level

The Real Fertility Crisis (UNFPA View):

• The true concern is unmet fertility goals, not overpopulation or underpopulation.
• Barriers to achieving desired family size:
  • Financial constraints (40%)
  • Job insecurity (21%) and housing issues (22%)
  • Lack of childcare (18%)
  • Social/family pressures (19%)
  • Modern concerns like climate change and shifting gender norms

Structural & Social Challenges

• Persisting inequalities in access to reproductive health across caste, income, and regional lines
• Youth bulge in LMICs (including India) offers demographic dividend but needs skill-building and employment opportunities
• Ageing population calls for future-proof policies on healthcare, pensions, and social security

Life Expectancy & Data Reliability

• Life expectancy (2025):
  • Men: 71 years
  • Women: 74 years
• Data drawn from: DHS, MICS, World Population Prospects 2024, Family Planning Indicators (2024)
• India’s decennial Census delayed to 2027, limiting official data updates since 2011

UNFPA Recommendations for India:

• Expand SRH (Sexual & Reproductive Health) Services: Universal access to contraception, safe abortion, and infertility care
• Tackle Structural Barriers: Affordable housing, childcare, flexible work policies, and women’s education
• Promote Reproductive Agency: Ensure informed choices on family planning for all, including LGBTQIA+ and unmarried individuals
• Balance Youth & Elderly Policies: Invest in youth employability while preparing for ageing-related challenges

In News:

The Chenchus of Penukumadugu have lived in the dense Nallamala forests for centuries, their existence intertwined with the wilderness around them. However, their inability to keep up with the relentless pace of modernisation has led to dwindling work opportunities under the MGNREGA.

Chenchu Tribe Overview

• Location: Primarily in the dense Nallamala forests, Andhra Pradesh (AP).
• Tradition: Historically hunter-gatherers, now relying on subsistence farming.
• Vulnerable Status: Classified as one of the 12 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Andhra Pradesh due to low literacy, stagnant population growth, and limited access to development.
• Livelihood: Dependent on forest resources (Non-Timber Forest Produce - NTFP) and agricultural labor.

Impact of MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme)

• MGNREGS Chenchu Special Project: Launched in 2009 to address specific needs of the Chenchus, such as physical strength, food insecurities, and cultural practices.
• Before Discontinuation: Provided 180 days of work per person annually, which helped Chenchus access regular income, improving food security and living conditions.
• Post-Discontinuation (2022):
  • The project was integrated into a nationwide MGNREGS framework, reducing workdays to the standard 100 days per household.
  • Consequences: Many Chenchus stopped engaging with MGNREGS due to bureaucratic hurdles (Aadhaar and bank linkage), reduced job days, and irregular wage payments.
  • Only 1,500 out of 4,000 enrolled households currently participate in MGNREGS work.

Key Issues Post-MGNREGS Reform

• Aadhaar & Bank Account Challenges:
  • Lack of literacy and digital skills makes the Aadhaar-based system intimidating.
  • Many Chenchus are excluded from PDS and health benefits due to missing or unlinked Aadhaar cards.
  • Absence of mobile phones and access to banks makes wage disbursement difficult.
• Irregular Payments & Trust Issues:
  • The shift to bank payments has created trust issues, as many Chenchus are illiterate and cannot verify wage deposits.
  • Distance from banks (up to 30 km) adds to the difficulty in accessing payments.

Forest Rights and Wildlife Conservation

• Forest Dependency: The Chenchus continue to depend on the forest for food and livelihood, but increasing restrictions due to wildlife conservation (e.g., Nagarjuna-Srisailam Tiger Reserve) have further curtailed their access to forest produce.
• Forest Rights Act (FRA): Many Chenchus have land pattas under the FRA but lack resources or support to utilize their land effectively due to the discontinuation of MGNREGS.

Government and Policy Response

• PVTG Initiatives: Various government initiatives like PM PVTG Mission, Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, and Janjatiya Gaurav Divas aim to uplift PVTGs, but their impact remains limited without proper implementation of specialized support programs like the MGNREGS Chenchu Special Project.

Mission Overview:

• Launched on October 1, 2021, as the second phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
• Aims for "Garbage-Free Status" in all urban areas by 2026.
• Focuses on 100% source segregation, door-to-door waste collection, and scientific waste management.

Legacy Waste Issues:

• Legacy waste consists of improperly collected and stored solid waste, often found in landfills and abandoned sites.
• Approximately 15,000 acres of prime land are buried under nearly 16 crore tonnes of legacy waste in India.
• The mission seeks to convert legacy dumpsites into green zones and establish scientific landfills to manage untreated waste.

Current Progress:

• Of 2,424 identified dumpsites (each with over 1,000 tonnes of waste), only 470 have been fully remediated (16% reclaimed).
• 1,224 sites are under ongoing remediation, while 730 remain untouched.
• Out of 28,460 acres of affected land, 4,552 acres have been reclaimed, with 23,908 acres still to be addressed.

State Performance:

• Tamil Nadu: 837 acres reclaimed (42% of its total dumpsite area).
• Gujarat: Leads in percentage, reclaiming 75% of its landfill area (698 out of 938 acres).

Financial Aspects:

• Central assistance of ?3,226 crore has been approved for remediation efforts.
• States and Union Territories must provide a matching share to access these funds.

Challenges:

• Legacy waste management involves complexities such as radiological characterization, leachate management, and fire control.
• Current municipal solid waste generation in India is around 150,000 tonnes per day.

Historical Context:

• The original Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM-U 1.0) launched on October 2, 2014, focused on making urban areas Open Defecation Free (ODF).