Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 23: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, the Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, met Dr. Dinesh Sharma, the Lieutenant Governor, A&N Islands, in Delhi and discussed various important developmental issues concerning the Islands such as implementation of domicile law, central university matter, special category status for A&N Islands, transfer of ANIIMS under AIIMS, Establishment of Health & Wellness centre for retired Govt. employees for treatment under CGHS norms, enhancement of UT budget, regularization of DRMs, control of Air fare, deplorable condition of NH-4 road in N&M Andaman, healthcare crises, water crises, constitution of OBC commission, enhancement of oldage, widow pension etc.
During the meeting, the MP apprised the Lt. Governor about several urgent issues relating to the welfare of the Islanders and the overall development of the Islands. He requested the Lt. Governor to take up matters falling under the jurisdiction of the A&N Administration for necessary action and to pursue issues requiring the intervention of the concerned Central Ministries.
The MP said that after assuming office, the Lt. Governor held meetings with the Heads of Departments and undertook a detailed review of various sectors. Based on this assessment, he has prepared a developmental action plan covering different sectors of the A&N Islands.
During the meeting, it was come to know that the Lt. Governor presented the developmental requirements and action plan of the Islands before the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi during his meeting on September 22, 2026. The issues discussed included shipping, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), improvement of water supply under Jaljeevan mission, generation of Nuclear power, fishiers for fish export, dairy farming, healthcare, airfares and air connectivity, including regional air connectivity under the UDAN scheme, among other important sectors.
Besides the above, the Lt. Governor has also been meeting the concerned Union Cabinet Ministers, including Home Affairs, Health, Road Transport & Highways, Civil Aviation and Shipping, to apprise them of the requirements of the Islands and seek their support for development in the respective sectors, said MP.
The MP further said that he had, for the first time, seen such a welfare-oriented and people-minded Lt. Governor personally meeting the Union Cabinet Ministers to pursue matters relating to the development of the Islands and the welfare of the people of the A&N Islands.
The MP expressed hope that, with the concerted efforts of the Lt. Governor A&N Islands, the A&N Administration and the Central Government and in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat, several important developmental initiatives would be taken forward for the overall development and welfare of the people of the A&N Islands.
