Rabindranath Biswas & Vikramaditya
Harinagar/Billiground, Nov. 19: A Gram Sabha Meeting was held recently at the Vegetable Market, Billiground Bazar.
According to information, the meeting reportedly focused on crucial issues concerning rural development, infrastructure, and public welfare. It culminated in the unanimous passage of key resolutions addressing alleged Governance failures and Administrative negligence, along with a collective appeal for immediate intervention from higher authorities and Government departments to resolve these long-pending issues.
The Gram Sabha meeting reportedly passed two crucial resolutions:
1. Resolution to Urge Parliamentary Intervention: The Gram Sabha Members of Gram Panchayat Harinagar reportedly directed the Panchayat body to recommend the Hon’ble Member of Parliament, A & N Islands to raise the following long-standing issues of villagers in the Lok Sabha, during the forthcoming Parliament Winter Session to be held from 01-12-2025 to 19-01-2025.
A. Implementation of the 73rd Amendment Act: The Gram Sabha unanimously demanded the immediate implementation of all 29 functional items under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, applicable to the Panchayati Raj system in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
B. Immediate Repair & Maintenance of National Highway-4: The Sabha reportedly expressed deep concern over the deteriorating condition of NH-4, which serves as the lifeline for North and Middle Andaman, and immediate repair and maintenance. The construction of NH-4 in North and Middle Andaman reportedly has not adhered to the same quality standards as those in South Andaman, resulting in prolonged hardships for the rural population, including patients, school students, and vehicle drivers, who have endured daily risks and losses for the past eight years due to administrative inaction and discriminatory governance. Therefore, the Sabha reportedly demanded a proper inquiry into the matter of NH-4.
Additionally, it urged the authorities to resume the pending work on NH-including the construction of roadside RCC drains and the replacement of electric poles with transmission lines.
C. Healthcare Facilities: A strong appeal was made for the up-gradation of modern medical facilities at the District Hospital, Mayabunder, with CT Scan, MRL ultrasonography, air ambulance etc, for ensuring better accessibility and emergency services for rural communities. Further the Gram Sabha Member strongly demanded for providing at least 02 bedded dialysis unit for kidney patients for PHC Billiground.
D. Infrastructure and Road Repair: The Gram Sabha emphasized the urgent need for repair and maintenance of all village roads, particularly addressing potholes and damaged stretches across Harinagar and adjoining areas. The A & N Administration reportedly completely failed to Implement PMGSY in the rural area of Gram Panchayat Harinagar and allegedly surrenders huge amounts of this scheme to GOI every year.
E. Shipping Connectivity: The Gram Sabha demanded the introduction of cargo ship service between the Mainland and Sri Vijaya Puram to Mayabunder and Diglipur to facilitate the movement of essential goods and strengthen regional connectivity and economy. They also demanded that the Mainland passengers (Kolkata bound) ship should call at Mayabunder Port and inter-island ships like Nalanda/Sindhu, should be provided between Sri Vijaya Puram to Mayabunder and Diglipur.
F. 100% job reservation for islanders: The Members of Gram Sabha demanded for 100% Job reservation for Islanders.
G. Separate quota for government jobs for OBC categories, community-wise: The Members of the Gram Sabha demanded that a separate quota for Government jobs under the OBC category be fixed community-wise, based on the population density of each community.
H. Completion of other line departmental Pending Works: All line departments were urged to reportedly complete pending requisitions raised by Gram Panchayats before December 19, 2025.
The resolution categorically stated that if the Hon’ble Member of Parliament, A & N Islands, fails to honor and act upon this directive, the Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members will reportedly tender their RESIGNATION collectively in protest by calling a Special Gram Sabha meeting.
2. Resolution to Boycott Elections: In a bold and unprecedented move, the Gram Sabha Members resolved to reportedly boycott all forthcoming elections under the jurisdiction of Gram Panchayat Harinagar.
The resolution was passed in protest against the alleged importunate negligence by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration and its higher authorities toward public grievances and the concerns of elected representatives, who, despite repeated petitions, appeals. representations, and protests, reportedly have not seen any visible action or accountability from the authorities.
Terming it allegedly an “insult to democracy and the will of the people,” the Gram Sabha unanimously resolved to reportedly boycott every future election until concrete action and accountability are ensured.
The meeting was held in the Vegetable Market, Billiground Bazaar under the chairmanship of Shri Manojit Halder, Pradhan, GP, Harinagar and was attended by officials of Line Departments while Gram Sabha Members and villagers raised public issues and their grievances.
The PRIs finally urged the honourable Member of Parliament, A & N Islands in a letter addressed to the lone MP to raise the crucial voice of the General Public of N&M Andaman in the forthcoming Lok Sabha winter session.
