Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 19 December 2024
In a significant move to enhance governance and ensure effective policy feedback, the Narendra Modi government recently introduced the ‘MP’s Redressal Mechanism’. This initiative enables Members of Parliaments to address pressing regional issues, provide feedback on policies through groups chaired by Union Ministers.
As part of this mechanism, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, the Hon’ble MP of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, submitted a detailed letter to Mr. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister of Communication and Development of North Eastern Region. In his letter, Mr. Ray highlighted several critical issues affecting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and sought urgent resolutions.
Responding promptly, Mr. Scindia forwarded copies of Mr. Ray’s letter to the respective Union Ministers, urging immediate attention and action on the issues raised. His recommendations spanned multiple ministries, reflecting the diverse challenges faced by the islands.
Mr. Scindia directed a letter to Mr. Manohar Lal Khattar, Minister of Housing, Urban Affairs, and Power, seeking solutions for land conversion, circle rates, and stamp duty concerns. Mr. Ray had emphasized that land conversion in the islands has been halted since 2018 without valid justification. Additionally, the MP raised objections to the reintroduction of excessively high circle rates without public consultation, even after the Court’s intervention.
In a separate communication to Mr. Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Mr. Scindia requested urgent measures to upgrade the healthcare infrastructure in the islands. Mr. Ray’s letter painted a grim picture of the deteriorating state of local hospitals and called for immediate deployment of six specialists in general medicine and one cardiologist on a rotational duty-cum-tour basis.
Furthermore, Mr. Ray advocated for the Ministry of Health to take over the administration of ANIIMS (Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences) to ensure better healthcare services and enhanced medical education standards for students.
Mr. Scindia also reached out to Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister, highlighting Mr. Ray’s concerns about the inadequate release of funds to elected bodies and the alleged withdrawal of powers from Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and the Municipal Council. According to Mr. Ray, the failure to allocate funds as per the 4th UT Finance Commission’s recommendations has disrupted the smooth functioning of these local bodies.
Addressing maritime issues, Mr. Scindia wrote to Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports and Shipping, regarding the MP’s grievances over the declining state of port infrastructure in the islands. Mr. Ray alleged a lack of funding for the repair of jetties constructed by the Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW) and described the denial of timely berthing for coastal ships at Chennai Port as a serious concern. The denial of timely berthing of costal ships at Chennai has resulted in shortages of essential commodities, including defence supplies and Public Distribution System (PDS) items.
Lastly, Mr. Scindia brought up the long-standing demand for constructing a bridge between Chatham Island and Bambooflat in a letter to Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways. Mr. Ray emphasized that fulfilling this demand is crucial for the region’s development and connectivity.
The MP’s Redressal Mechanism has facilitated a robust platform for raising regional concerns, and Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray’s proactive engagement has brought the challenges of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands into the spotlight. With letters dispatched to several Union Ministers, it remains to be seen how swiftly the government acts to address these pressing issues and improve the quality of life for the islanders.