Staff Correspondent
Sri Vijaya Puram, July 9: Congress Campaign Committee Chairman Mr. TSG Bhasker today launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Central Government and the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, alleging that islanders are facing severe hardship due to soaring airfares, deteriorating healthcare services, poor road infrastructure and lack of adequate employment opportunities for local residents.
Addressing a press conference, Mr. Bhasker said the steep increase in airfare between Port Blair and mainland cities has placed travel beyond the reach of common people. He claimed that fares on certain days had crossed Rs. 1 lakh for Chennai-Port Blair and around Rs. 37,000 for Delhi-Port Blair, making it extremely difficult for patients, students and families to travel. He urged the Centre to regulate airfares and introduce seasonal charter flights during peak travel periods to provide relief to islanders.
Raising concerns over the healthcare sector, Mr. Bhasker alleged that the GB Pant Hospital was facing an acute shortage of specialists, including cardiologists, nephrologists and neurologists. He claimed that several medical facilities and equipment remained underutilised due to the absence of specialist doctors and called upon the Administration to immediately fill vacant posts and strengthen healthcare services. He also urged the Administration to provide financial assistance for critically ill patients requiring referral treatment on the mainland.
On infrastructure, Mr. Bhasker alleged that large stretches of the NH-4 highway remained in poor condition despite repeated assurances regarding its completion. He questioned the pace of the project and demanded that the remaining work be completed without further delay.
The Congress leader also demanded 100 per cent job reservation for eligible islanders in recruitment drives undertaken by the Administration, stating that employment opportunities should primarily benefit local youth. He further appealed for long-term planning to address drinking water shortages, including the establishment of desalination plants, and criticised the Administration for failing to adequately address several public issues affecting the islands.
Earlier, welcoming media persons at the press conference, Andaman Pradesh Congress Committee Spokesperson Mr. Tamil Selvem said the interaction had been convened to highlight several issues affecting the people of the islands. He stated that the Congress intended to draw public attention to concerns relating to rising airfares, healthcare facilities, the NH-4 project and employment opportunities for islanders, while reiterating the party’s commitment to raising public issues before the Administration and the Central Government.
