Sri Vijaya Puram, June 16: Mr. TSG. Bhasker, Chairman, Campaign Committee of the Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC), has submitted a representation to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands demanding 100% reservation/preference for eligible islander youth in the recruitment process for the Combined Matric Level Examination-2026 and Common Higher Secondary Level Examination-2026, through which 1,535 government posts are proposed to be filled under the Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
In his representation, Mr. Bhasker highlighted that the recruitment drive is being conducted after several years and has generated immense hope among thousands of unemployed educated youths across the islands. He stated that islanders have patiently waited for government employment opportunities and deserve first priority in jobs available within their own Union Territory.
Mr. Bhasker expressed serious concern over the recurring trend of candidates from the mainland securing appointments in the Administration while local youth remain unemployed. He pointed out that island students face numerous disadvantages, including limited access to quality educational institutions, coaching facilities, and competitive examination resources when compared to their mainland counterparts.
He further stated that experience has shown that many candidates recruited from the mainland do not continue in service for long due to the geographical isolation and unique challenges of working in these remote islands. Their eventual departure results in vacant posts, repeated recruitment exercises, administrative inconvenience, and unnecessary expenditure of public funds.
“The Andaman & Nicobar Islands have a large pool of educated and capable unemployed youth. When over 1,500 vacancies are being filled, the Administration must ensure that the interests of islanders are protected. Employment opportunities generated in these islands should primarily benefit the sons and daughters of these islands,” Shri Bhasker said.
He urged the Lt. Governor to devise an appropriate mechanism that guarantees maximum participation and selection of local candidates. He also demanded that recruitment notifications should be publicized only through local media such as The Daily Telegrams, All India Radio, and local newspapers, instead of putting on online platforms that attract large-scale participation from mainland candidates.
Mr. Bhasker has expressed hope that the Administration will sympathetically consider the demand and take appropriate action in the larger interest of the unemployed youth of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
