Archives for December 12, 2024

Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 12: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, the Member of Parliament for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has written to Mr. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, the Minister for Communication and Development of the North Eastern Region and the Chairman, MPs Redressal Committee, highlighting several pressing issues affecting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The letter, dated December 10, 2024, requests urgent intervention on seven key matters impacting the region’s residents and economy.
1. Land Conversion Stalled Since 2018
Mr. Ray emphasized that land conversion activities have been halted for over six years, causing immense difficulties for citizens requiring land for housing, enterprises, and other uses. He criticized the inaction of the local administration and the lack of accountability, urging time-bound resolutions to clear the backlog of cases.
2. Unjustified Stamp Duty and Circle Rates
The letter pointed out that the reimplementation of high circle rates and stamp duty fees, without stakeholder consultation, has caused widespread discontent. Mr. Ray requested the cancellation of these rates and adherence to legal procedures.
3. Healthcare Crisis
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS) is reportedly facing a severe shortage of specialists, with critical services like cardiology and nephrology unavailable. Mr. Ray called for immediate deployment of specialists on rotation and suggested that ANIIMS be taken over by the Ministry of Health to ensure better facilities and medical education standards.
4. Curtailment of Local Body Powers and Funds
Ray alleged that Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have been paralyzed due to fund cuts and withdrawal of powers. He urged the restoration of PRI authority and funding, as mandated by the 4th UT Finance Commission, to facilitate grassroots development.
5. Neglect of Port Infrastructure
The MP highlighted the lack of maintenance of port structures, warning of potential collapses that could disrupt inter-island connectivity. He criticized the administration’s sidelining of the Andaman and Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW) in favor of inexperienced agencies and called for immediate action to safeguard marine infrastructure.
6. Essential Commodity Supply Chain Disruptions
The refusal of Chennai port terminals to provide priority berthing for coastal ships has caused significant delays in the supply of essential goods to the islands. Mr. Ray requested intervention to resolve this issue, warning of severe shortages and price inflation.
7. Long-Delayed Chatham-Bambooflat Bridge
Mr. Ray reminded the minister of the unfulfilled promise to construct a bridge between Chatham and Bambooflat, first announced in 2015. He appealed for expedited action to address this long-pending demand of South Andaman residents.
The letter concludes with an urgent plea for the central government’s attention and action to resolve these critical issues, which are vital for the well-being and development of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Rabindranath Biswas
Basantipur, Dec. 12: Amid the recent protest rally held by the locals of Billiground organized by the Billiground Citizen Forum to oppose the proposed location of a petrol pump in Basantipur, the Basanti Gram Unnayan Sangathan Basantipur, Middle Andaman A&N Islands has decided today to hold a counter protest for setting up a Petrol Pump at a location under Basantipur Panchayat.
According to information, the Secretary, Basanti Gram Unnayan Sangathan Basantipur, on behalf of the villagers of Basantipur, has reportedly written a letter to the Deputy Commissioner, North and Middle Andaman, Mayabunder and in which he narrated that since their settlement in the village in 1968, they have been reportedly facing a severe shortage of basic infrastructure, including medical facilities, a bank, an ATM, a police station, and many other essential services.
In this context, the proposal for setting up a petrol pump is the first initiative aimed at addressing the growing needs of their community, the Secretary said.
He further wrote in the letter, a copy of which has been shared with Andaman Sheekha today, that some political figures from the neighboring Gram Panchayats of Harinagar and Swadesh Nagar reportedly raised objections to this proposal, and he reportedly wanted to clarify that the site for the proposed petrol pump is reportedly well-suited for the purpose, as it reportedly meets all the necessary criteria set by IOCL and ANIIDCO, he said. Furthermore, the establishment of this petrol pump will not only benefit Basantipur but also the residents of Hartringar and Swadesh Nagar, as these areas will have better access to fuel, the Secretary BGUSB emphasized in the letter.
Additionally, the administrative offices of Mayabunder Block including the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, AC Office, Tehsil Office, Court, Medical, EE APWD, BDO Office Zilla Parishad Office Panchayat Samiti Office, MGNREGA office, NIC Center, SP Office, DSS Office, and many other govt. offices are located in the Mayabunder area, he said. The proposed petrol pump at Basantipur would reportedly provide a much- needed resource for all these offices and the surrounding localities, the Secretary further wrote in the letter.
In light of the situation cropping up, the Basanti Gram Unnayan Sangathan Basantipur has planned to reportedly organize a protest at Nimbudera Bazar to express their support for this proposal and raise awareness about the necessity of this development, the BGUSB Secretary said. As per the schedule of their protest for which they sought permission from the Deputy Commissioner, North and Middle Andaman, Mayabunder, the Rally will be reportedly held on 16th Dec. 24 at 03:30 pm at Nimbudera Bazaar, Dharna will be reportedly held on 17th Dec. from 08:30 am to 01:00 pm at Nimbudera Bazaar and Chakka Jaam will be reportedly held on 18th Dec. at 07:00 am at Nimbudera Bazaar, the letter further read.