Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 27 June 2025
The Chairman of the Campaign Committee of the Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC), Mr. TSG Bhasker, has raised strong objections to the recent draft notifications issued by the A&N Administration that propose lowering the upper age limit to 27 years for recruitment to the posts of Mazdoor/Field Worker under the Directorate of Health Services and Surveyor under the Revenue Department.
In a letter addressed to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, Mr. Bhasker described the move as “unjust, discriminatory, and damaging to the aspirations of thousands of Islander youths” who have long been awaiting government employment opportunities.
He pointed out that due to a prolonged absence of recruitment for Group C and D posts, many qualified youth have already crossed the age threshold. “Now, by reducing the upper age limit instead of widening opportunities, the Administration is further denying justice to these deserving candidates,” the letter read.
According to employment exchange records, more than 85,000 youths are estimated to be unemployed in the Islands as of 2025. Of these, only 4,915 received job appointments during the Rozgar Melas conducted in 2023 and 2024, leaving a significant number still in search of fair employment opportunities.
Mr. Bhasker further stressed the critical dependence of the island population on government jobs, citing the lack of a robust private sector in the Union Territory. He urged the Administration to reconsider and amend the draft notifications, aligning the age criteria with those of other States and Union Territories to ensure inclusive recruitment.
“This is not just about employment; it’s about securing the future of our youth,” he emphasized.
