Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 17 October 2024
The Hon’ble Member of Parliament for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, is currently on a visit to Middle and North Andaman as part of his ‘MP Aapke Dwar’ initiative. The tour, which began on Friday, October 11th, has taken him through several areas, including Baratang, Uttara, Kadamtala, Rangat, Billiground, Tugapur, Mayabunder, and Mohanpur, where he interacted with local Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members, farmers, and the general public to address their concerns.
One of the most pressing issues brought to the forefront was the deteriorating condition of the National Highway, along with demands for fertilizers, power supply issues, and concerns over revenue matters.
In the final leg of his tour today, Mr. Ray visited Kalighat and Diglipur, where he once again engaged with PRI members, BJP workers, and residents. At Diglipur, the PRI members voiced their unanimous demand for a steady supply of chemical fertilizers to boost agricultural activities. Farmers expressed their struggle with purchasing fertilizers from the open market at inflated prices, especially during shortages, which has contributed to a rise in vegetable prices. They emphasized that while organic farming is encouraged, it has not yielded the expected productivity. The supply of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and Urea, they stated, is essential to maintaining vegetable production in the region.
In addition to fertilizer concerns, the PRI members also raised the issue of inadequate funding. At a meeting held at the APWD Guest House in Diglipur, representatives from both Diglipur and Kalighat Panchayats pointed out that the meager allotment of funds has hindered development efforts. The Pradhans, Panchayat Samiti members, and Zilla Parishad members noted that the lack of financial resources has made it difficult for them to undertake much-needed projects in their constituencies.
Another significant concern was the shortage of doctors and medical staff at the Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), sub-centres, and the Mayabunder District Hospital. The people of North and Middle Andaman appealed for immediate action to address the gaps in healthcare services.
Mr. Ray assured the public that he would take up all their genuine concerns with the appropriate authorities, including the Central Government and the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, to ensure early resolution of these issues.
As the ‘MP Aapke Dwar’ initiative continues, residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands hope their concerns will be addressed to foster development and improve living conditions in the region.