Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 15: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, the Member of Parliament representing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has formally raised serious concerns regarding alleged incorrect, misleading, and suppressive information furnished by the A&N Administration in response to his Parliamentary Questions (PQs).
In a letter addressed to the Additional Home Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr. Ray highlighted multiple instances where the administration’s replies failed to align with ground realities, violating procedural norms and potentially misleading the Parliament.
The Member of Parliament emphasized that the responses provided by the administration on critical issues were based on inaccurate data and failed to address the specific queries raised. He has called for disciplinary action against officials responsible for these discrepancies and requested immediate rectification of the replies.
Key Issues Highlighted
1. Revenue and Land Conversion (PQ No. 2402)
Mr. Ray questioned the suspension of statutory land conversion processes under the A&N Islands Land Revenue and Land Reforms Regulation, 1966. He pointed out that the administration’s reply lacked transparency, failing to provide year-wise and district-wise data for land applications received since 2020. Additionally, he asserted that citing a Master Plan to justify delays was irrelevant and contrary to statutory provisions.
2. Jal Jeevan Mission Coverage (PQ No. 2932)
The administration claimed 100% piped water supply coverage in villages, including Parnasala and Gandhinagar. Mr. Ray countered this, stating that several villages, including those in Nicobar, lacked adequate pipelines and water supply. He argued that water, as a basic amenity, should be provided irrespective of land ownership status, noting inconsistencies in the administration’s claims. Furthermore, he criticized the administration for dismissing the proposal to verify these claims as “does not arise.”
3. Creation of an IT Directorate (PQ No. 2713)
The MP had proposed the establishment of a separate Directorate of Information Technology in the islands to boost digital services. The administration’s response mentioned existing initiatives like DigiLocker and Common Service Centres but failed to address the specific proposal. Mr. Ray called this reply evasive and inadequate.
4. Other Issues
Mr. Ray also cited misleading responses regarding critical concerns like the stoppage of DAP-urea fertilizer supplies and road connectivity, which further highlighted systemic inefficiencies.
Call for Action
In his letter, Ray urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to intervene and ensure accountability among administrative departments. He requested the ministry to:
Rectify incorrect replies already submitted to Parliament.
1. Hold responsible officials accountable for breaching norms.
2. Ensure accurate and transparent responses to future Parliamentary Questions.
Ray expressed his intention to bring the matter to the Hon’ble Speaker of the Lok Sabha for further intervention.
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