The administration calls this “democratisation”. But the Nicobarese are deeply worried. Their leaders fear that turning their old, agreement-based way of governing into a rigid election system will break their community harmony. Many also suspect a hidden aim: that elected councils may be easier for the government to manage — smoothing the way for a huge infrastructure project that locals have opposed.

They are a Scheduled Tribe of about 30,000 people living across the Nicobar islands. Their villages are led by chosen leaders called “Captains” (a First, Second and Third Captain in each village). This system is bound to the Tuhet — the large traditional joint family that forms the backbone of Nicobarese social and political life. Today, leaders are picked mostly by community agreement and informal local voting — not by a fixed government election machine.

1. Under Article 240, the President can make regulations for the peace, progress and good government of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
2. The Nicobarese are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
3. The PESA Act, 1996 applies to Fifth Schedule areas and recognises traditional Gram Sabhas.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only    (b) 1 and 3 only    (c) 2 and 3 only    (d) 1, 2 and 3

• Statement 1 — Correct: Article 240 empowers the President to make regulations for certain Union Territories, including the A&N Islands — the source of the 2009 Tribal Councils Regulation.
• Statement 2 — Incorrect (the trap): The Nicobarese are a Scheduled Tribe, not a PVTG. The Shompen of Great Nicobar are the PVTG. The two groups are swapped here to mislead.
• Statement 3 — Correct: PESA, 1996 extends to Fifth Schedule areas and gives legal backing to Gram Sabhas and customary self-rule — though it does not directly cover A&N.