Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 22 August 2025
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament from Andaman & Nicobar Islands, called on Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Thursday (21st August 2025) to press for urgent consideration of several long-pending issues concerning the Union Territory.
During the meeting held at Parliament on August 21, Ray submitted a written memorandum and reiterated critical demands that, he said, require immediate intervention from the Centre for the welfare and development of the Islands.
Among the key issues highlighted were:
• Domicile Law and Employment Age Relaxation: A proposal for framing a domicile law ensuring 100% job reservation for islanders, along with enhancement of the upper age limit to 40 years for local candidates in government jobs, similar to the provisions already in place in Ladakh.
• Enhanced Budget Allocation: A substantial increase in budgetary allocation under the Capital Head, pointing out that the present ₹162 crore allotted across 40 departments is inadequate to meet infrastructure needs in sectors like roads, water supply, healthcare, electricity, Panchayati Raj institutions, and urban development.
• Relaxation under PMGSY-IV: A request to reduce the population threshold for sanctioning rural roads under PMGSY-IV from 250 to 100, citing the unique demographic and geographic conditions of the Islands. Ray argued that without this relaxation, most rural settlements remain ineligible for benefits under the scheme, affecting connectivity in remote areas.
According to Ray, the Prime Minister gave a patient hearing and assured him that the concerns would be examined and appropriate action taken.
Expressing gratitude for the audience, Ray said the people of Andaman & Nicobar Islands have great faith in the Prime Minister’s leadership and are hopeful that these long-standing demands will soon see resolution, paving the way for a more developed and connected island territory.
