Member of Parliament requests LG to Convene AAC and SPB Meetings at the earliest

Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 25: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, has stressed the need to convene Administrator’s Advisory Council (AAC) and State Plan Board (SPB) meetings for ensuring inclusive discussions and decision making.

In a letter addressed to the LG the MP has observed that in the absence of structured discussions and deliberations through established democratic forums in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, coordination between elected body and the Administration is missing. Historically, Administrators (Lt. Governors) of the Islands used to head State Plan Board meetings annually, facilitating discussions and decisions on major developmental works utilizing UT budget grants. Similarly, the Administrator’s Advisory Council meetings were convened each year to gather valuable inputs and suggestions from stakeholders, ensuring that the welfare measures reflected the aspirations and needs of the people. But as of now a structured system for deliberation or discussion is not in place. For the last many years the meetings of AAC and SPB have not been convened.

Today, the Islanders are suffering due to lack of basic needs including Drinking and potable water supply,  Electricity Problems, Lack of Healthcare Facilities, Deterioration of Roads, Curtailment of Development Funds for Local Bodies, Halted Economic Growth among other issues.

In light of the said challenges, the MP has requested the intervention of LG to urgently convene meetings of the Administrator’s Advisory Council and State Plan Board. Such meetings will allow for discussions, deliberations, and collaborative decision-making to address the pressing issues faced by the Islanders and ensure inclusive and participatory governance.