Little Andaman: In a groundbreaking move towards tribal empowerment and economic self-sufficiency, the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) Onge community of Dugong Creek, Little Andaman, has witnessed a major development with the operational launch of the Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) on June 29, 2025.
Established under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN), this newly registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, aims to enhance the livelihoods of the Onge through sustainable enterprise, particularly in coconut-based product manufacturing.
The Onge VDVK currently operates with the support of seven Self-Help Groups (SHGs), comprising 56 Onge members. These groups are focused on producing value-added items like high-quality copra and cold-pressed coconut oil. The Directorate of Tribal Welfare functions as the Nodal Agency, with the Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti (AAJVS) serving as the State Implementation Agency and the Directorate of Rural Development acting as the training partner.
To facilitate this transformation, members of the Onge community have received hands-on training in copra processing, coconut oil extraction, and machinery usage. They’ve also been equipped with essential tools such as manual de-huskers, peelers, knives, steel containers, and a modern cold-pressOnge Tribe Makes Strides in Livelihood and Education with New Van Dhan Vikas Kendra and Historic Academic Milestone oil extraction and filtration machine, enabling the production of premium coconut oil that is expected to reach markets soon.
In another historic feat, nine students from the Onge community have successfully cleared the CBSE Class 10 examination this year—the first-ever such academic achievement for the tribe. The milestone is being hailed as a symbol of the growing access to education and the sustained efforts of the UT Administration and AAJVS field workers.
The Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration commended the dedication of the Onge community and praised the relentless support of the AAJVS team for their role in driving forward both economic and educational progress.
The Onge, who are indigenous to Little Andaman Island, have traditionally lived as semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers, relying on fishing, hunting, and foraging forest products like honey and wild fruits. Residing primarily in Dugong Creek after relocating post the 2004 tsunami, the community now consists of 140 individuals—74 males and 66 females.
With their own language and a tight-knit social fabric, the Onge belong to the Negrito racial group. Once dispersed across various parts of Little Andaman, they have gradually gained access to healthcare, education, and livelihood programs, thanks largely to consistent governmental support.
The recent developments mark a significant step toward self-reliance, skill development, and the preservation of the Onge’s cultural heritage, offering a hopeful blueprint for other PVTGs across India.
