Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 24 November 2023
In a compelling representation of the concerns of the Ex-Servicemen Settler Families of Great Nicobar Island, Mr. E S Rajesh, the Pramukh of the Panchayat Samiti, Campbell Bay, penned a poignant letter to the Hon’ble Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways. The letter, a heartfelt plea, sheds light on the pressing concerns and requests of these families amidst the large scale development planned on the Island.
Expressing profound gratitude for the Government of India’s initiatives, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to rejuvenate Great Nicobar, Rajesh’s letter underscores the families’ long-standing presence on the island since their settlement from 1969.
The missive outlines the enduring challenges faced by the 330 settled Ex-Servicemen families, encompassing critical issues such as inadequate access to medical facilities, education, transportation, and other essential amenities. Rajesh emphasises the resultant minimal representation in government jobs, prompting migration and adversely affecting local businesses. Additionally, the absence of OBC status to Ex-Servicemen Settler families, adds to their predicament.
Rajesh, on behalf of the Ex-Servicemen Settler Families, expresses support for the proposed development projects while flagging uncertainties surrounding land acquisition and compensation specifics. The letter underscores the necessity for clarity in these domains to assuage the community’s concerns.
Within the letter, Rajesh passionately advocates for crucial interventions:
- Equivalent Land Allocation: He urges land provisions elsewhere on the island in place of agricultural land acquisition to sustain the families’ farming activities.
- Fair Compensation: Rajesh stresses the necessity for fair compensation, highlighting dissatisfaction with prior compensations post-tsunami, and calls for adequate remuneration alongside land arrangements.
- Employment Opportunities: He appeals for government job opportunities for Ex-Servicemen Settler Families, seeking employment for one family member per household, including their descendants.
The letter, a poignant appeal, resonates as a collective voice representing the Ex-Servicemen Settler Families’ struggles.
Mr. E S Rajesh’s letter stands as a resolute call to address the challenges faced by the Ex-Servicemen Settler Families, echoing their aspirations for a dignified existence amidst the island’s transformative journey.