Sri Vijaya Puram, July 25: The Hindu Rashtra Shakti, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has extended its full and unwavering support to Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, for his ongoing efforts to establish a statutory framework for the Local Certificate system in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. In a statement issued today, the organization lauded Mr. Ray’s recent letter to the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, dated 22nd July 2025, which highlighted the pressing need for the legal recognition of the Local Certificate system to ensure justice and equity for the native population of the Islands.
For over three decades, the youth, especially those from rural and disadvantaged areas, have been deprived of rightful opportunities in public employment and higher education due to the lack of legal backing for the Local Certificate system. What was once a protective measure introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 1984 has remained in a state of uncertainty after the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s 1992 judgment, which declared it void for lacking statutory backing.
The Hindu Rashtra Shakti emphasized that this issue has become a matter of urgency. The socio-economic challenges facing the youth of the Islands have intensified, and without a statutory framework to prioritize local candidates in employment and education, the native population continues to face marginalization, unemployment, and a growing loss of identity.
Pointing to the Ladakh Resident Certificate Order, 2021 as a precedent, the organization urged that if other Union Territories like Ladakh can receive statutory recognition for their residents, there is no justification for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to be excluded. The principle of fairness under the Constitution should apply equally to safeguard the interests of indigenous residents across all Union Territories.
The Hindu Rashtra Shakti called for the fast-track implementation of the statutory framework for the Local Certificate system, warning that any further delay would only worsen the sense of injustice felt by the people of the Islands. The organization stressed that the legal recognition of “local” status, a transparent process for issuing Local Certificates, and fair reservation in public employment are crucial steps towards restoring dignity and justice to the islanders.
In conclusion, the Hindu Rashtra Shakti, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, reaffirmed its commitment to this noble cause and urged the Hon’ble Home Ministry and the Government of India to give this matter the urgent attention it deserves.
