Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 15 September 2023
Mr. Vishal Jolly, National Executive Committee Member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), met with the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration recently to discuss and highlight several pressing issues pertaining to the Nicobar Group of Islands.
Mr. E. S. Rajesh, District President of Nicobar District – BJP, and Mr. Raja, State Secretary of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha had recently visited various remote Islands of the Nicobar Group. During their weeklong stay, they had the opportunity to interact with the residents and villagers, shedding light on various issues that require immediate attention.
Among the key issues raised by Mr. Jolly during his meeting with the Chief Secretary are as follows:
1. Issuance of Islanders Card or Residential Card: Mr. Jolly emphasized the need to provide Islanders Card or Residential Cards to all the old inhabitants of Katchal, Kamorta, Car Nicobar, and Campbell Bay, along with their descendants. The absence of these identity cards has hindered their ability to access benefits as Islanders for travel and other essential purposes.
2. Repair of Anganwadi Centers: In Katchal Island, there are six villages, each with its own Anganwadi Center. However, all of these centres are in a state of disrepair. Mr. Jolly urged immediate repairs and proper operationalisation of these centres.
3. Infrastructure in Tsunami Shelters: None of the internal roads within the Tsunami shelters are currently in a motorable condition. Street lights remain unpowered, and water pipelines are damaged. Mr. Jolly requested the Chief Secretary to direct the appropriate authorities to expedite the repair and renovation of this infrastructure.
4. School Building in Upper Katchal: The school building in Upper Katchal is in dire need of attention, with its roofs severely damaged. Mr. Jolly called for the replacement of these roofs without delay.
5. Aadhaar Card Updating: Villagers reported that Aadhaar Card updating work had not been carried out in several years. Mr. Jolly urged the initiation of a scheduled updating program in the Islands at the earliest convenience.
6. Expedited Transportation of STS Buses: There has been a long-standing demand for new STS buses in Katchal and Kamorta. While approval was granted previously, the buses have yet to reach these remote Islands. Mr. Jolly appealed for expediting the transportation process to enhance public transportation services.
Chief Secretary Mr. Keshav Chandra attentively listened to the issues presented by Mr. Jolly and assured him that all matters would be treated with priority and addressed promptly.