Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 22 February 2025
A high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration was held on 22nd February 2025, at the Secretariat to address issues concerning Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). The meeting was attended by the Member of Parliament (MP), concerned Secretaries, and Deputy Commissioners from both districts. The discussion stemmed from concerns raised by the MP to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Secretary on February 21, 2025.
During the meeting, the MP presented a detailed list of grievances outlined in a letter dated February 22, 2025. Key demands included the devolution of power, funds, and functions to PRIs in line with the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, the separation of the Directorate of Panchayati Raj from the Rural Development (RD) Department, and the reassignment of the Secretary (RD/Panch) role to a dedicated official instead of the Deputy Commissioner, who is already burdened with multiple responsibilities.
Additional concerns raised included delays in fund allocation, bureaucratic hurdles, the enhancement of financial powers for PRIs, and the requirement for prior permissions before PRI officials could travel. The MP also stressed the need for the timely submission of engineering estimates, improvement in rural infrastructure such as the repair of the SH-11 road from Tushnabad Junction to Manpur-Tirur, and an increase in honorariums for PRI members.
Another major point of contention was the alleged non-cooperation by administrative officials, leading to unnecessary delays and procedural obstacles for PRIs. The MP highlighted the lack of financial provisions for certain Samitis despite previous commitments, restrictions on earth-cutting permissions and quarry allotments, and the non-disbursal of DAP-Urea to farmers despite budgetary provisions made by the central government.
Expressing frustration over the administration’s inaction, the MP declared that PRIs across the islands were agitated over the withdrawal of their legally sanctioned powers. In response, he announced plans for a protest and dharna on March 5, 2025, in front of Raj Niwas, with an additional delegation set to take the matter to Delhi for escalation before the BJP high command.
Following the deliberations, the Chief Secretary directed all concerned Secretaries to study the issues raised and submit their reports within a week for further examination and decision-making. However, despite the ongoing review, the MP appealed to the PRIs that the protest planned at Raj Niwas on 05th March 2025, should be held as planned, emphasizing the urgent need for administrative reforms and policy implementation to strengthen PRIs in the islands.