Sheekha Bureau Report
Sri Vijaya Puram, July 18: Long Island Zilla Parishad Member Mr. Ashok Halder has expressed concern over the reported hiring of private boats by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), questioning the necessity of outsourcing marine transport when government-operated vessels have been providing satisfactory services between Yeretta Jetty and Long Island. He also urged the Administration to invest in expanding and modernising the government marine fleet instead of relying on private operators.
While talking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, Mr. Ashok Halder said that several youths from Long Island had contacted him seeking clarification after noticing a private vessel operating on the route. He said many residents were asking whether the introduction of private boats signalled the beginning of privatisation of marine transport services in the Islands.
Mr. Halder stated that he had repeatedly raised the issue during District Planning Committee (DPC) and Development Committee meetings, highlighting the long-standing transportation difficulties faced by residents of Long Island.
He pointed out that despite repeated requests over the years, Long Island continues to receive only two ferry trips a day. According to him, local residents, government employees and commuters have been demanding at least three daily trips to improve connectivity and facilitate easier movement between the islands.
At the same time, Mr. Halder appreciated the services provided by the government-operated Marine Department vessels. He said the department’s boats have been rendering reliable services for many years and that staff members often wait for passengers whenever they receive information that someone may miss the scheduled departure by a few minutes.
Questioning the decision to hire private boats, Mr. Halder asked why the department had not procured new government vessels if the existing fleet had become old. He said he wanted the Director of Shipping Services and the Shipping Secretary to explain why new boats had not been purchased despite the department having engineers, technical staff and the required manpower.
He further expressed concern that increasing dependence on private operators could eventually reduce employment opportunities for local youth. Mr. Halder said educated young people of the Islands are already facing stiff competition for jobs, and if more government services are gradually privatised, local employment prospects would become even more limited.
The Zilla Parishad Member questioned the expenditure being incurred on hiring private vessels and sought details regarding the daily, monthly and annual payments being made to private operators. He asked how long the Administration intended to continue hiring private boats and whether the same funds could instead be utilised to purchase new government vessels for long-term public benefit.
Appealing to both the Administration and the Government, Mr. Halder urged them to give priority to strengthening government-run services rather than encouraging privatisation. He said expanding the government marine fleet would not only ensure reliable transportation but would also generate employment opportunities for Islanders and support the overall development of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
