Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 12: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, the Member of Parliament for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has written to Mr. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, the Minister for Communication and Development of the North Eastern Region and the Chairman, MPs Redressal Committee, highlighting several pressing issues affecting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The letter, dated December 10, 2024, requests urgent intervention on seven key matters impacting the region’s residents and economy.
1. Land Conversion Stalled Since 2018
Mr. Ray emphasized that land conversion activities have been halted for over six years, causing immense difficulties for citizens requiring land for housing, enterprises, and other uses. He criticized the inaction of the local administration and the lack of accountability, urging time-bound resolutions to clear the backlog of cases.
2. Unjustified Stamp Duty and Circle Rates
The letter pointed out that the reimplementation of high circle rates and stamp duty fees, without stakeholder consultation, has caused widespread discontent. Mr. Ray requested the cancellation of these rates and adherence to legal procedures.
3. Healthcare Crisis
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS) is reportedly facing a severe shortage of specialists, with critical services like cardiology and nephrology unavailable. Mr. Ray called for immediate deployment of specialists on rotation and suggested that ANIIMS be taken over by the Ministry of Health to ensure better facilities and medical education standards.
4. Curtailment of Local Body Powers and Funds
Ray alleged that Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have been paralyzed due to fund cuts and withdrawal of powers. He urged the restoration of PRI authority and funding, as mandated by the 4th UT Finance Commission, to facilitate grassroots development.
5. Neglect of Port Infrastructure
The MP highlighted the lack of maintenance of port structures, warning of potential collapses that could disrupt inter-island connectivity. He criticized the administration’s sidelining of the Andaman and Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW) in favor of inexperienced agencies and called for immediate action to safeguard marine infrastructure.
6. Essential Commodity Supply Chain Disruptions
The refusal of Chennai port terminals to provide priority berthing for coastal ships has caused significant delays in the supply of essential goods to the islands. Mr. Ray requested intervention to resolve this issue, warning of severe shortages and price inflation.
7. Long-Delayed Chatham-Bambooflat Bridge
Mr. Ray reminded the minister of the unfulfilled promise to construct a bridge between Chatham and Bambooflat, first announced in 2015. He appealed for expedited action to address this long-pending demand of South Andaman residents.
The letter concludes with an urgent plea for the central government’s attention and action to resolve these critical issues, which are vital for the well-being and development of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
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