Staff Correspondent
Sri Vijaya Puram, April 24: Concerned over recent administrative developments, elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in Diglipur have submitted a representation to the Secretary (RD), A&N Administration, seeking the re-establishment of the PRIs Engineering Wing division at Diglipur and retention of existing DRM staff in the sub-division.
In their representation, the PRI members highlighted that earlier two divisions of the PRIs Engineering Wing were functioning in North and Middle Andaman, with one based at Diglipur and the other at Mayabunder. However, during the COVID-19 period, both divisions were temporarily merged and stationed at Mayabunder. Despite restoration of normalcy, the Diglipur division has not yet been re-established.
The PRIs emphasized that Diglipur covers a vast geographical area comprising 15 Gram Panchayats along with the Panchayat Samiti, making it essential to have a dedicated engineering division in the region. They stated that the demand for re-establishment has been raised repeatedly through various forums, including official meetings and representations.
At present, in the absence of an Executive Engineer’s office, the sub-division is functioning under an Assistant Engineer with the support of DRM staff, who have been managing operations across the region despite limited resources. The PRI members noted that the current arrangement has been effective in maintaining workflow and ensuring service delivery.
However, concern has been raised over a recent order reportedly issued by the Executive Engineer (PRIs), N&MA Division, Mayabunder, directing the transfer of five DRM staff from Diglipur to Mayabunder. The PRIs have alleged that this decision was taken without consultation with the Panchayat Samiti Pramukh or local Pradhans, leading to apprehensions among stakeholders.
They further stated that such transfers would not only disrupt ongoing developmental works but also cause hardship to the staff, many of whom belong to middle-class families and are not provided with adequate transfer benefits.
In view of the situation, the PRIs have urged the Administration to retain the existing DRM staff at Diglipur until a final decision is taken on re-establishing the division. They stressed that such a step is crucial for maintaining administrative efficiency and ensuring uninterrupted development activities in the region.
The representation has been submitted under the leadership of the Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti Diglipur, along with several Gram Panchayat Pradhans, seeking immediate intervention from the authorities.
