Nishar Mohammed
Sri Vijaya Puram, June 4: The Campaign Committee Chairman of the Andaman and Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC), Mr. TSG Bhasker, on Wednesday held a detailed press conference highlighting a range of issues concerning healthcare infrastructure, transport connectivity, and recent administrative proposals related to tribal governance in the islands.
Addressing the media, Mr. Bhasker said that during his recent interactions with the Chief Secretary, several critical concerns were discussed, particularly the deteriorating condition of the medical system in the islands. He alleged that essential diagnostic equipment such as MRI machines have not been functional or available for nearly four years, raising serious concerns about healthcare delivery.
He further claimed that procurement practices in the health sector require urgent scrutiny, alleging that low-quality equipment such as BP and sugar testing machines were being supplied under questionable procurement processes. According to him, this has resulted in repeated equipment failures, affecting patient care and overall trust in the system. He also raised concerns over the availability and quality of medicines, alleging over-reliance on generic drugs and inconsistencies in supply chains.
Mr. Bhasker also spoke at length about what he described as severe staff shortages and inadequate medical infrastructure at GB Pant Hospital. He highlighted cases of critical patients waiting for proper transport facilities, including patients with severe spinal injuries who reportedly remain in intensive care due to lack of timely evacuation options. He strongly advocated for the introduction of a dedicated air ambulance service for the islands, stating that emergency medical evacuation remains a major gap despite the administration’s substantial budgetary allocations.
He also suggested improving airline connectivity by reserving a portion of seats for island residents, particularly economically weaker sections, to ease the burden of high airfare during medical emergencies and urgent travel requirements.
Turning to infrastructure issues, Mr. Bhasker raised concerns over prolonged closure of the Chatham Bridge, stating that it has remained non-operational for nearly a year, contributing to traffic congestion and inconvenience to commuters. He also highlighted severe traffic bottlenecks between Dairy Farm Junction and the airport, suggesting road widening measures to ease congestion.
In the second part of the briefing, Mr. Bhasker strongly objected to a recent draft proposal concerning the inclusion of tribal communities in the electoral system of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He stated that the existing traditional governance structure of tribal councils is a time-tested system that has functioned effectively for generations without political interference.
According to him, the proposed electoral integration of tribal councils could disrupt the existing social and cultural framework of indigenous communities, particularly in Nicobari regions. He emphasized that the tribal councils operate through a unique customary system involving community-based decision-making, resource sharing, and dispute resolution, which should not be altered without comprehensive consultation.
Mr. Bhasker alleged that the draft proposal was introduced without adequate consultation with key stakeholders, including tribal leaders and local communities. He warned that such unilateral measures could lead to division within indigenous groups and potentially undermine their traditional unity.
He further stated that development initiatives in the region should be inclusive and consultative, rather than imposed without proper dialogue. He also raised concerns about settlement populations in different parts of the islands and argued that any administrative changes should account for both tribal and non-tribal residents in a balanced manner.
Reiterating his stand, Mr. Bhasker said that his team would continue engaging with stakeholders across Nicobar and other regions to understand public opinion on the issue before any final decisions are made.
