Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 07 December 2025
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament representing the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has written to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, and Hon’ble Union Home Minister, Mr. Amit Shah, urging the Central Government to introduce a statutory mechanism to safeguard employment and educational opportunities exclusively for local island residents.
In his representation, Mr. Ray noted that the long-standing “Local Certificate” system, which had earlier provided preferential consideration to islanders in government recruitment and now only allows for admissions in higher education institutions against quota for various categories of Islanders, is currently based only on executive orders and lacks legal protection. Following judicial scrutiny, the system has weakened, thousands of island youth have lost opportunities in an already limited job market.
Emphasising the islands’ strategic sensitivity, remote geography and limited private sector opportunities, the MP stated that government employment and access to professional education remain the primary pathways for upward mobility for local residents. He argued that without legal safeguards similar to those implemented in Ladakh, islanders may be overshadowed by candidates from the mainland who have stronger access to training and competitive preparation.
Mr. Ray also pointed out that the Andaman & Nicobar Administration has recently initiated recruitment for nearly 400–500 Group B (Non-Gazetted) and Group C posts. He said that while mainland applicants are better equipped for competitive examinations, aspirants from remote islands often lack coaching facilities and other support, placing them at an inherent disadvantage.
The MP has urged the Central Government to legally define “local residents” of the Union Territory and ensure statutory preference in public employment and higher education. Such a framework, he said, would formalise long-practised executive policies and secure the future prospects of island youth.
Mr. Ray expressed optimism that the issue will receive urgent and favourable consideration under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
