Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 09 September 2023
Mr. TSG Bhasker, Chairman of the Campaign Committee for the Andaman and Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC), has raised a crucial demand for the issuance of Islander Cards to the general public of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Mr. Bhasker underscored the pressing need to initiate the Islander Card issuance process, which has been dormant for an extended period. He emphasised that many Islanders who qualify for an Islander Card have been unable to obtain one due to the prolonged hiatus in the issuance drive.
Mr. Bhasker highlighted the adverse consequences of not having Islander Cards, citing that it prevents individuals from accessing concessional benefits, including subsidised rates for tickets in the Shipping Sector.
“Due to the absence of Islander Cards, many people are unable to avail the benefits they are entitled to,” stated Mr. Bhasker.
In light of these concerns, Mr. Bhasker made a fervent request to the Chief Secretary, urging the immediate commencement of the Islander Card issuance drive for a minimum duration of one month. This, he believes, will help clear the backlog of pending applications and enable genuine Islanders to acquire their Islander Cards promptly.
Furthermore, Mr. Bhasker emphasised the importance of extending the issuance drive to interior Islands, including Katchal, Kamorta, Teressa, and Campbell Bay. Notably, even the Nicobarese tribe residing in these regions currently lack access to Islander Cards.