A series of controversial orders issued by Lakshadweep's administrator Praful Khoda Patel has sparked widespread criticism. Regulations that have been introduced are perceived to be a threat to the cultural identity of the inhabitants and the sensitive ecology of the region. The draft notification for the creation of the Lakshadweep Development Authority, which makes provision "for acquisition and development of land for planning", is widely opposed by the islanders, 94.8% of whom are Scheduled Tribes, given that 97% of the Union Territory's land is under forest/tree cover. A draft regulation that penalises selling or buying beef products has come under heavy criticism given that 64.8% of the population consume beef.
Other proposals
A draft law called Prevention of Anti-Social Activities has raised eyebrows, given that the archipelago has the lowest crime rate among States. The move to lift the restriction on use of alcohol was also decried given that Lakshadweep has the lowest alcohol use in India.
How to read the charts
Each circle corresponds to a State/ UT, with Lakshadweep highlighted in a darker shade. The data are sourced from the Census, Niti Aayog, NSO 68th round, NFHS-4, NCRB, and the RBI.
Share of tribal population (2011)
Lakshadweep has the highest ST population (94.8%).
Land under forest/tree cover (2017)
Around 97% of the land in region is covered by forest or trees, the highest in India.
Share of Muslim population (2011)
Over 96.5% of the population is Muslim, the highest in India.
Also read: Editorial|Imperious missteps: On Lakshadweep restrictions
Beef consumption (2011-12)
As many as 65% inhabitants consume beef, the second-highest in India.
Reported murders per lakh people
No murders were recorded in 2017.
Alcohol prevalence among men (2014-15)
Only about 7% of men consumed alcohol, the lowest in India
Population living below the poverty line (2011-12)
About 3% of people in the region were living below the national poverty line, the second lowest in India.
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