Billyground, Feb 21: On February 21, 2025, the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) of Mayabunder and Rangat Blocks staged a protest and road blockade at Billiground Bazar in response to the indifferent attitude of the A&N Administration toward their demands. The protest was led by SmtiShibaniMazumder, Pramukh of Panchayat Samiti Mayabunder, and Smti Sita Majhi, Pramukh of Panchayat Samiti Rangat, along with PRIs, members of Cooperative Societies and the general public.
The key demands of the protest includedRestoration of the Work Order System to Cooperative Societies at the Gram Panchayat and Block Panchayat levels; Immediate transfer of Md. Yusuf (AE-PRIs) from the Engineering Wing of Mayabunder. (Demand Fulfilled); Separation of administrative roles, ensuring that the same person does not hold both the posts of Deputy Commissioner and Secretary RD/PRIs; Allocation of quarry products to government departments, local bodies, and private parties.
During the protest, a joint petition letter was signed and addressed to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Minister of Panchayati Raj Rajiv ji. The petition highlighted pressing issues concerning governance and rural development in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Upon the arrival of the Tehsildar of Mayabunder Tehsil, the Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Swadesh Nagar explained the grievances and urged for the presence of the Deputy Commissioner of North & Middle Andaman District. However, in the absence of the Deputy Commissioner, the Assistant Commissioner of Headquarter Mayabunder assured his presence to address the demands.
When the Assistant Commissioner arrived, he requested the PRIs to elaborate on their concerns. The PRIs expressed their dissatisfaction with the administration’s approach, claiming that their actions contradicted key central government initiatives such as:
• BerozgarMukt Bharat (Unemployment-Free India)
• Viksit Bharat Sankalp (Resolution for a Developed India)
• Vocal for Local (Promotion of Local Enterprises)
The PRIs strongly criticized the administration for policies that negatively impact rural livelihoods.
The Assistant Commissioner stated that only the concerned PRIs/RD authorities could decide on the work-order issue for cooperative societies. However, he assured that he would reconvey the demand to the higher authorities.
He also mentioned that other demands would be addressed soon but did not provide any written confirmation, which led to further dissatisfaction among the protesters.
As a result, the protesters declared the continuation of the Pen-Down Strike and Non-Cooperation Movement. Additionally, they planned to escalate the protest in Sri Vijayapuram on March 9, 2025, emphasizing their discontent with the Administrator’s inaction in addressing the rural crisis.
Despite the road blockade, the protesters ensured that ambulances, patients, and students were allowed passage to minimize public hardship. The blockade was immediately removed after the conclusion of the protest.
