Around 3% of population in 177 tribal-dominated districts Covid positive

NEW DELHI: A recent survey conducted by Indian Institute of Technology Delhi for the ministry for tribal affairs has revealed that though there has been no major outbreak of Covid-19 in 117 districts with 25% or more tribal population, about 3% of the population is infected by the virus. The sero prevalence, released by Indian Council of Medical Research for May, has been pegged at 0.73%. However, higher figures have been reported in Delhi where one-third of the population has been estimated to have been exposed to the virus.

According to government sources, the prevalence of Covid-19 in tribal-dominated districts has not been termed as “alarming” but the tribal affairs ministry and National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) is keeping a close watch on tribal-dominated districts, especially with particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs). District-wise data is being monitored from states and union territories including Odisha, Andaman and Nicobar, Ladakh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Covid-19 has already been reported from one of the four PVTGs in Andamans and the Bonda and Didayi tribes in Odisha. So far, 11 Great Andamanese tribals have tested positive. All the tribals infected either working in government establishments or one of their family members was reported to have been employed. Two of 11 are still undergoing treatment. The other three PVTGs – Onges, Jarawas and Shompens – are Covid free. The government has also expressed concern over six cases from two tribes of Odisha.

The tribal affairs ministry has constituted a Covid response team to prepare a health and livelihood roadmap for tribal dominated districts. This has been circulated among the state governments. All states and union territories have been asked to utilise the funds from State tribal sub plan for any Covid-related activity. The government has proposed to the states to set up community kitchens for the tribals and help in quarantining centres also. Awareness messages are being pushed at weekly markets frequented by tribals in remote areas and also at Van Dhan Vikas Kendras in different blocks.