Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar. 5: Serious concerns over transparency in the recently announced Forest Ranger recruitment examination results were raised by Mr. TSG Bhasker, Chairman of the Campaign Committee of the Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC), during a press conference held this evening.
Highlighting the Forest Ranger recruitment results while addressing media, Mr. Bhasker questioned the lack of transparency in the manner the results were published. According to him, the results released by the authorities contained only serial numbers and roll numbers, without revealing the names of candidates, marks obtained, or other details.
He said that such a format does not allow the public or candidates to properly verify the selection process. Mr. Bhasker demanded that the administration revise the results and publish complete details including candidate names, roll numbers, marks obtained, and category information, so that transparency is maintained in the recruitment process.
He emphasized that transparency is a fundamental right for candidates and the public, especially when the islands have long been struggling for 100 percent job reservation for local residents.
During the press conference, Bhasker also raised issues related to air connectivity and medical emergencies in the islands. Referring to the recent helicopter accident near Mayabunder, he said that although most passengers survived, a woman lost her life and questions remain about the handling of medical evacuation. He argued that critically ill patients should be airlifted immediately in defense aircraft rather than being transported by road in life-threatening conditions.
Mr. Bhasker also criticized airlines for failing to provide timely assistance to stretcher patients. He mentioned the case of a Zilla Parishad member suffering from a brain stroke who has been waiting to travel to the mainland for treatment but has faced difficulties arranging air transport. He alleged that airlines were demanding very high charges—sometimes up to ₹4 lakh—for transporting stretcher patients and stressed that stretcher services are a necessity, not a luxury.
The senior Congress leader also expressed concern about the condition of medical infrastructure in the islands, claiming that several essential facilities and equipment were missing at the local hospital. According to him, there is currently no MRI machine, no neurologist or nephrologist, and even essential medical supplies are often unavailable.
He further urged the administration to reconsider a decision by the Education Department to conduct teacher skill development training during the summer vacation, stating that many teachers had already planned travel to the mainland for family commitments or medical treatment. He suggested that the training be conducted either in March or July instead.
Mr. Bhasker also pointed out shortcomings in tourism infrastructure, including inadequate toilet facilities for tourists travelling through areas such as Jirkatang, Nilambur, and Middle Strait, and poor garbage management at several tourist spots and beaches.
He appealed to the administration to strengthen tourism infrastructure, stating that tourism has become the “bread and butter” of the islands and must be supported through better facilities and professional management.
Earlier in the event, ANTCC spokesperson Mr. Tamil Selvam welcomed all media representatives and thanked them for attending the press conference and bringing public issues to light.
