Saurabh Adhikari & Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 22: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, the Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, today addressed a press conference and highlighted a range of pressing issues that were brought to light. From infrastructure delays and challenges in agricultural supply to a growing drug menace affecting the youth, Mr. Ray expressed deep concerns about the administration’s performance and the future of the islands.
One of the key issues highlighted by MP was the delay in completing the National Highway projects and the construction of Middle Strait bridge in the region. MP Mr. Ray highlighted that despite multiple assurances from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, the projects have faced continuous delays. He mentioned that letters and official statements from the ministry have provided specific timelines, but these deadlines have repeatedly been pushed back.
Mr. Ray cited a letter from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, which promised that the work of National Highway-4 (Baratang to Ram Nagar) will be completed by November 25, 2025. According to the Member of Parliament the Minister of Road Transport and Highways has also assured to complete Middle Strait (Baratang) Bridge by February 26, 2026.
Another significant point raised was the shortage of essential agricultural inputs, specifically DAP and urea. MP Mr. Ray revealed that he had written to Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, in August to address the shortage. However, by the end of September, the islands had still not received the required supplies, leaving local farmers in distress.
The MP expressed frustration at the administrative processes and blamed local bureaucracy for the delay. He warned that the prolonged shortage of fertilizers could severely affect the farming community, potentially impacting food production in the islands.
The healthcare system in the Andaman Islands was another focal point of Mr. Ray’s address. He mentioned his recent visit to several hospitals, including those in Mayabunder and Baratang, where he observed a lack of essential medical equipment and services. Pregnant women, he noted, were particularly vulnerable due to the unavailability of crucial testing machines, and the general population was suffering from a lack of proper medical care in rural health centers.
In addition to the inadequate facilities, Mr. Ray criticized the administration for not hiring enough medical professionals to manage the existing healthcare infrastructure. He called the situation “dangerous” and implored the local government to make immediate improvements. He warned that if these healthcare issues were not resolved, they would continue to endanger the lives of residents in the more remote parts of the Andaman Islands.
One of the most alarming topics discussed during the press conference was the growing drug problem in the region. MP Mr. Ray expressed deep concern about the rising drug abuse among the youth, blaming both local law enforcement and the administration for not addressing the issue adequately. According to him, a significant drug racket is operating in the islands, with narcotics being smuggled into the region from mainland India and other countries.
Mr. Ray accused the police of being complicit in allowing the drug trade to flourish, claiming that several cases had been mishandled or not investigated properly. In his words, “The future of our youth is at stake, and the authorities must take immediate action to protect them from falling into this trap.”
Attacking the Lt. Governor in several fronts, the Member of Parliament accused the Lt. Governor for not meeting the General Public and requested him to leave the post.
Regarding Deemed University the Member of Parliament warned the Administration not to start Deemed University in these islands.
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