Sri Vijaya Puram, May 12: Mr. Manojit Halder, Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Harinagar, met Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, on May 11, 2026, and raised serious concerns regarding the continuous transfer of permanent staff from the Panchayat without any alternative arrangements.
During the meeting, the Pradhan informed that all permanent staff posted at Gram Panchayat Harinagar have been transferred one after another, leaving the Panchayat Office completely without regular personnel. He stated that the Village Level Worker (VLW) was transferred first, followed by the Multi Tasking Staff (MTS), who was relieved on genuine medical grounds. Subsequently, the Panchayat Secretary—who serves as the overall in-charge of the Panchayat Office—was also transferred without posting any replacement. The tractor driver posted at the Panchayat was also transferred later.
Mr. Halder pointed out that he had earlier raised the issue during a previous visit, specifically highlighting that the Panchayat Secretary’s name had appeared in the draft transfer list without any alternative arrangement. Despite his request, the transfer was effected without posting a substitute. At present, Gram Panchayat Harinagar is reportedly functioning without a single permanent staff member.
The Pradhan requested the Chief Secretary to ensure that the Panchayat Secretary is not relieved until an alternative official is posted in his place, in order to maintain basic administrative functioning at the Panchayat level.
He also raised concerns regarding the transfer of Dr. Mamta, a doctor posted at Primary Health Centre (PHC) Billiground, whose name has been included in the draft transfer list without any replacement arrangement. He urged the Administration to ensure posting of an alternative doctor at PHC Billiground if her transfer is implemented.
In addition, Mr. Halder highlighted the poor condition of doctors’ quarters at PHC Billiground, stating that the existing quarters were constructed in 1971–72 and are now in a dilapidated state. Due to the lack of proper residential facilities, doctors posted there are compelled to continue residing in unsafe and outdated buildings. He therefore requested the construction of four double-storied quarters for doctors at the health centre.
The Chief Secretary reportedly gave a patient hearing to all the issues raised and assured that appropriate steps would be taken to address the concerns highlighted by the Pradhan.
