Sri Vijaya Puram, November 2: Mr. TSG Bhasker, Chairman, Campaign Committee–ANTCC, has urged the Lt. Governor, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to intervene in ensuring equal opportunities for eligible local officers of the A&N Administration for induction and promotion into the Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Service (DANICS).
In a representation submitted to the Lt. Governor, Mr. Bhasker highlighted that the existing system restricts induction into DANICS to a limited number of feeder cadres, including Block Development Officers, Tehsildars and Assistant Registrars of Cooperative Societies, while several equally deserving Group A and Group B Gazetted officers from other departments remain excluded. He emphasised that officers serving in departments such as Fisheries, Agriculture and other allied sectors have acquired extensive administrative experience through years of dedicated service, including postings in remote and difficult areas.
Mr. Bhasker stated that local officers possess invaluable knowledge of the unique geographical, social and administrative challenges of the Islands, including island connectivity, rural development, disaster management, implementation of government schemes and public service delivery. Their experience and understanding of local conditions are essential for effective governance, particularly in remote and far-flung areas where administrative challenges differ significantly from those on the mainland.
He expressed concern that restricting DANICS induction to only a few identified feeder cadres has created a sense of inequity and discontent among other eligible officers who have risen through the ranks with years of dedicated service. Such an arrangement, he said, may adversely affect the morale of experienced local officers and deprive the Administration of their valuable expertise. Recognising their merit and experience through appropriate career progression would not only motivate officers but also strengthen administrative efficiency and improve public service delivery.
Mr. Bhasker has urged the Lt. Governor to take up the matter with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) for necessary amendments to the existing recruitment rules, enabling eligible Group A and Group B Gazetted officers from various departments of the A&N Administration to be considered for induction into DANICS. He has also requested that regular Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meetings be convened to ensure timely consideration of eligible island-based officers.
Mr. Bhasker expressed confidence that providing fair and equal career advancement opportunities to deserving local officers would strengthen the administrative framework of the Islands, ensure better governance and ultimately benefit the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
