Mohammed Sajid & Tarun Kartick
Port Blair, Nov 27: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, the Member of Parliament, Andaman and Nicobar Islands today lauded the efforts of the Lt. Governor and the Andaman and Nicobar Administration in tackling the cyclone ‘Lehar’ which had hit the Capital city of the Islands hard.
While addressing a press conference at MP bhavan today Mr. Ray also raised the issue of Reservation of Govt. Jobs for Islanders. Mr. Ray speaking on the issue informed the scribes that in the Sanjay Pant Case which was disposed by the Supreme Court of India on 11th of December 1992 the apex court had ordered the administration to initiate reservation under article 16(4).
He further added that as per the article 16(3) the parliament can pass laws to bring in domicile for a state and he demanded from the PM to move the bill for Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He further added that as per a news item dated 21st of January 2003 the then Prime Minister had clearly said that “A service Selection committee should be constituted by Andaman and Nicobar Administration for recruitment of group C and D post. “He also added that the administration had approached the MHA on 5th of
March 2013 with a demand for a unit of Service Selection Committee and the MHA in reply to the demand had informed the administration that the MHA is already overloaded but in the second para it had clearly directed the Administration to initiate action for constitution of service selection committee but the administration remained silent even after the direction of the MHA.
The MP also informed that he had raised the matter of non-entry of mainlanders in Govt. Jobs in the IDA meeting on 3rd of October 2012 and also raised the issue where two mainlanders got jobs in the health department of the Islands in the parliament on 5th of March 2013 demanding service selection committee for the UT.
The MP also informed the scribes about the worst condition of Play ground and the irregularities in development of play ground by PRIs.
He elaborated on this issue by adding that a rocky undulated land was stated to be allotted to Gram Panchayat Beodnabad way back in 1997-98 for play ground on the request of villagers. The land allotted was not suitable for play ground, unless leveled and a layer of soft earth is filled. The work “Development of Play Ground” was stated to be awarded to some of contractor 10 years back and the contractor was supposed to level the ground and surface with a layer of soft earth as per contract. Whereas, the contractor removed same rocky soil from the adjoining land and paved on the play ground. Two drains were supposed to be constructed by the contractor on both side of the play ground, the contractor did not construct the drain.
He further added that during his visit to Kodiyaghat he witnessed the bad condition of Anganwadi there. He added that 6 inches of water was there inside the Anganwadi during his visit. There is no approach path to Anganwadi. There is no electric wiring, light connection, etc. The doors and windows are in broken condition and there is no approach path.
He further informed the scribes that Mr. K. R Muhtu, Zilla Parishad Member has violated all the provisions of Panchayat Regulations, which clearly states that the elected representatives cannot take any direct or indirect benefit. He added that Mr. K.R. Muthu with his influence converted seven shops of Panchayat Market Prothrapur into a shopping complex.
He further added that All the above seven shops in Panchayat Market under Prothrapur Panchayat were allotted in favour of Mr. K.Muthu, ZP, Member year’s back, clearly violating all the Rules and guidelines for allotment of fixed assets constructed by PRIs.
He also added that apart the seven shops another shop also stands allotted in favour of Mr. K.Muthu, Zilla Parishad Member in the same Prothrapur Panchayat @ rent Rs.400 per month, clearly violating all the above explained guidelines. He stores utensils, furnitures and other tent materials hired for marriage and other purposes.
He also added that apart from those above, he has also encroached the Panchayat/Govt. land and constructed a cement godown in the same Panchayat and Mr. K.Muthu had also made an attempt to forcefully evict and occupy the adjoining shop run by a widow namely Mrs. Aluvathaal W/o late Gandhi. He also made illegal earth cutting in the Govt. land and transported the mud without the permission of the Revenue Authorities.
He further informed the scribes that as per the present norms of the Govt. of India when a fishing boat is damaged due to some disaster an amount of Rs. 7000 is provided as compensation but according to the estimates made by him it takes almost Rs. 700000 to construct a fishing boat and in this regard he has given a letter to the Lt. Governor and will also raise the matter in the Parliament. He concluded the conference by informing the media that when a fisherman loses his boat he is not able to earn atleast for two months and the administration and the Govt. should take a note of his situation and provide him appropriate compensation for his damaged boat.
