<h4>Historic First Vote by Shompen Tribe</h4><p>In a significant development for India's democratic process, <strong>seven members</strong> of the <strong>Shompen tribe</strong> cast their votes for the first time in the <strong>Andaman and Nicobar Lok Sabha constituency</strong> during the <strong>2024 elections</strong>.</p><p>This event marks a crucial step towards the inclusion of one of India's most isolated indigenous communities into the mainstream electoral system.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Event:</strong> First-ever voting by Shompen tribe members.</p><p><strong>Location:</strong> Great Nicobar Islands, Andaman and Nicobar Lok Sabha constituency.</p><p><strong>Year:</strong> 2024.</p><p><strong>Number of Voters:</strong> 7 Shompen individuals.</p></div><h4>Who are the Shompen?</h4><p>The <strong>Shompen</strong> are recognized as one of the <strong>Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)</strong> in India. They inhabit the remote <strong>Great Nicobar Islands</strong>, maintaining a traditional way of life.</p><p>They are primarily a <strong>semi-nomadic hunter-gatherer</strong> community, known for their deep connection to the forest and its resources. Their high degree of isolation has preserved their unique cultural identity.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Population:</strong> Estimated <strong>229</strong> individuals as per the <strong>2011 Census data</strong>.</p><p><strong>Lifestyle:</strong> Highly isolated, semi-nomadic <strong>hunter-gatherers</strong>.</p><p><strong>Location:</strong> Great Nicobar Islands.</p></div><h4>Unique Language and Social Structure</h4><p>The <strong>Shompen tribe</strong> possesses a distinctive and unique language. This language consists of various <strong>dialects</strong>, which are often understood only within specific family bands or groups.</p><p>Their social structure is predominantly <strong>patriarchal</strong>. The eldest male member typically holds authority and oversees family affairs, guiding decisions and traditions.</p><p>While <strong>monogamy</strong> is a common practice within the tribe, <strong>polygamy</strong> is also permissible under their traditional customs, reflecting a flexible social framework.</p><h4>Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Andaman and Nicobar</h4><p>The <strong>Andaman archipelago</strong> is home to <strong>five distinct PVTGs</strong>. These groups represent some of the most ancient and vulnerable communities in India, facing unique challenges.</p><ul><li><strong>Great Andamanese</strong></li><li><strong>Jarwas</strong></li><li><strong>Onges</strong></li><li><strong>Shompens</strong></li><li><strong>North Sentinelese</strong></li></ul><div class='key-point-box'><p><strong>Origin of PVTG term:</strong> Initially termed <strong>Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs)</strong> by the <strong>Dhebar Commission in 1973</strong>.</p><p><strong>Renaming:</strong> The Government of India officially renamed them <strong>Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in 2006</strong>, to better reflect their heightened vulnerability and specific needs.</p></div><div class='exam-tip-box'><p>Understanding the characteristics and challenges of <strong>PVTGs</strong>, especially those in the <strong>Andaman and Nicobar Islands</strong>, is crucial for <strong>UPSC Mains GS Paper I (Indian Society)</strong> and <strong>GS Paper II (Governance, Social Justice)</strong>. Questions often focus on their conservation, integration, and protection of rights.</p></div>