Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, June 19: Raising serious concerns over the rising cost of air travel to and from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. John Robert Babu, District President of the Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC), today urged the Central Government to take immediate steps to reduce airfares, stating that expensive flight tickets are adversely affecting tourism, local businesses and the common people.
Addressing the media, Mr. John Robert Babu said that the steadily increasing airfare has made travel to the islands unaffordable for many tourists. “How can we expect tourists to visit the Andaman Islands when flight tickets cost thousands of rupees more than before? Tourism is the backbone of the islands’ economy, and if tourists stop coming, local businesses and the livelihood of thousands of youth will be severely affected,” he said. He urged the Government to bring down airfares and extend greater support to the tourism sector.
Mr. Babu also alleged that despite repeated claims of development by the BJP-led Central Government, islanders continue to face serious issues relating to electricity, drinking water, transportation and the rising prices of essential commodities. He claimed that ration card holders are receiving fewer benefits compared to earlier years and questioned what tangible improvements had been made in the islands over the last twelve years.
Commenting on the recent letter reportedly written by Member of Parliament regarding the non-utilisation of development funds, Mr. John Robert Babu said merely writing a letter was not enough. He claimed that if development funds worth over 127 crore rupees remained unutilised, the elected Member of Parliament must also accept responsibility, as he represents the people of the islands and should ensure that allocated funds are effectively utilised for development.
He further alleged that several sectors, including roads, healthcare, education and other public infrastructure, continue to face shortcomings despite repeated assurances of development. According to him, changing the names of places cannot be considered development when basic public services remain inadequate.
Mr. Babu also appealed to the youth of the islands to actively participate in public life and upcoming Panchayat, Municipal and local body elections. He said young and committed individuals should come forward to strengthen democratic institutions and work for the development of the islands.
He further accused the BJP Government of focusing more on publicity than addressing public grievances and alleged that excessive public funds were being spent on promotional campaigns instead of resolving issues affecting the daily lives of islanders. He said the Congress Party would continue to raise matters concerning inflation, unemployment, electricity, water supply, transportation and public welfare before the people.
Concluding his address, Mr. Babu asserted that the people of the islands are facing increasing hardship due to rising prices, inadequate civic services and declining public amenities. He urged both the Central Government and the local administration to focus on resolving these issues instead of making what he described as “developmental claims” without visible improvements on the ground.
