Port Blair, July 24: Mr. P K Halder, the President of Andaman Nicobar Democratic Congress and a Former Member of A & N Pradesh Council, has appealed for age relaxation for part-time employees serving as CI, PET, PPT, etc., in various remote islands under the Directorate of Education. In a letter addressed to Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Hon’ble Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Halder highlighted the plight of approximately 750 SSCT plus part-time employees who have been diligently working in the education sector on different isolated islands.
Many of these dedicated employees have been tirelessly serving for durations ranging from 5 to 20 years, and their current ages exceed 40 years. According to the recent Service Notification issued by the Directorate of Education, most part-time and SSCT employees are deemed ineligible to apply for further positions, leaving them disheartened and frustrated.
Mr. Halder emphasized the commendable services rendered by these employees in the schools of remote and isolated islands in the territory. He urged that their valuable contributions should be recognized and respected.
Drawing a comparison with other states such as Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, Mr. Halder pointed out that there is no upper age limit for PGT, GTT, and PST positions in those regions. Additionally, in almost all states and union territories across India, the age limit is set at 40 years, with an additional 5 years relaxation for ST/SC candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates. Remarkably, in Tamil Nadu, the upper age limit for these positions is 42 years.
He further expressed concerns regarding the discrepancies in the recruitment rules for PST, GTT, and PGT positions, stating that the age limits for these roles should not be the same.
Mr. Halder lamented the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, which have led to the lack of employment opportunities for the youths of Andaman and Nicobar Islands over the past 8 to 10 years. Consequently, many young Islanders who remain unemployed now find themselves ineligible to even apply for positions due to exceeding the age limit.
He called for the urgent intervention of authorities, emphasizing the frustration and hardships faced by the unemployed youths in the region. Mr. Halder highlighted the urgent need for age relaxation in the Education department under the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, mirroring the provisions offered in states like Uttar Pradesh.
The plight of the unemployed youths in the territory has drawn considerable concern, and Mr. Halder’s appeal seeks to address their plight and pave the way for a brighter future for these individuals.
