Staff Correspondent
Mayabunder, June 10: Zilla Parishad Member Mrs. Sunity Halder, representing the Kerala Puram constituency, voiced strong concerns over a range of issues affecting North and Middle Andaman while speaking to the media after attending a meeting at the Mayabunder Zilla Parishad office with other PRI representatives.
Mrs. Halder said that several Panchayat and PRI members from across North and Middle Andaman had gathered in Mayabunder to discuss various development works that remain incomplete or stalled in their respective areas. She stated that one of the most pressing concerns is the acute shortage of fertilizers in Diglipur, a region known for its significant contribution to vegetable and paddy cultivation in the Islands.
According to her, farmers are facing serious difficulties as not a single bag of fertilizer is currently available in Diglipur at a time when the monsoon season and paddy cultivation activities are underway. She said she had already submitted representations to the concerned authorities, including the Deputy Commissioner, requesting immediate intervention to ensure an adequate supply of fertilizers to farmers.
Mrs. Halder also expressed concern over what she described as inadequate financial support for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). She stated that despite the completion of nearly four years of the current PRI tenure, many elected representatives, including Pradhans, Samiti Members and Zilla Parishad Members, have been unable to undertake developmental works due to limited financial resources. She urged the Administration to strengthen PRI institutions and provide them with greater financial support to effectively address local issues.
Referring to information circulating regarding unutilized funds of APWD, Mrs. Halder questioned the return of substantial allocations earmarked for various sectors, including Public Works, Electricity, Shipping, Education, Health and other departments. She argued that several public services continue to face serious challenges despite the availability of funds and called for better planning and utilization of financial resources.
She highlighted concerns regarding healthcare services in the Islands, claiming that hospitals continue to face shortages of medicines, equipment and other essential facilities. She also referred to difficulties faced in remote areas in accessing diagnostic services, particularly during disease outbreaks.
The Zilla Parishad Member further criticized the condition of roads in North and Middle Andaman, especially sections of the National Highway 4 affected by recent rains. According to her, many stretches have deteriorated significantly, creating hardships for commuters and residents. She also raised concerns about delays in the implementation of road and bridge projects in rural areas.
On the issue of power supply, Mrs. Halder said that frequent power outages continue to affect residents in Diglipur, Mayabunder and Rangat despite assurances regarding power generation capacity. She called for immediate measures to improve electricity services in the region.
She also expressed concern over the state of education, stating that students continue to face challenges due to shortcomings in the existing system. According to her, improving education, healthcare, roads, electricity and agricultural support should be among the top priorities of the Administration.
Mrs. Halder urged political leaders and public representatives to focus on issues concerning public welfare and development while engaging with the Administration. She emphasized the need to address the concerns of ordinary citizens and strengthen democratic institutions at the grassroots level.
Reiterating her support for stronger Panchayati Raj Institutions, she said that local self-government bodies must be adequately empowered and funded if democratic governance is to function effectively at the village level. She appealed to the Administration to provide sufficient funds to Zilla Parishads, Panchayat Samitis and Gram Panchayats to enable them to carry out developmental activities and meet the expectations of the public.
