Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 22: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has appealed to the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and the Union Home Minister Mr. Amit Shah for urgent intervention to safeguard the people and economy of the islands from the adverse consequences of the proposed electricity tariff increase initiated by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC).
In his written appeal dated 16.08.2025 submitted to them, Mr. Ray highlighted that while cost-reflective tariffs may be a financial necessity, the unique geographic, economic, and logistical challenges of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands demand special consideration under the welfare-state policy framework. He stressed that the islands are entirely dependent on costly diesel-based generation, with every litre of fuel and every spare part transported by long and difficult sea routes. This makes the cost of electricity as well as all essential commodities significantly higher than in mainland states.
He further pointed out that electricity supply in the islands remains erratic with frequent outages, load-shedding, and low voltage, leading to daily protests across the territory. A steep tariff hike, he cautioned, would hit small businesses, tourism operators, and middle- and low-income households the hardest, resulting in price inflation across sectors and weakening the purchasing power of the common people.
Mr. Ray, MP emphasized that the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, being a Union Territory of strategic importance, deserve the same or higher subsidy support as extended to other remote and frontier regions such as Lakshadweep and the North-East.
In his communication, the Hon’ble MP requested the following immediate measures:
- A special central subsidy/grant-in-aid to cover the high cost of diesel-based power generation, so that consumers do not bear an unreasonable tariff burden.
- A deferral of steep tariff hikes until such subsidies are sanctioned and quality-of-supply benchmarks are ensured.
- A stakeholder consultation process involving elected representatives, PRI members, and business bodies to ensure that decisions reflect the ground realities of the islands.
The people of Andaman & Nicobar Islands look to the leadership of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister for equitable treatment and timely relief in this essential service. Central intervention at this stage will not only prevent a potential economic crisis but also reaffirm the Union Government’s commitment to inclusive growth and national integration,” Mr. Ray said.
