Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 20 November 2024
A meeting was convened on 19th November 2024 at the RK Pur Panchayat Hall under the chairmanship of Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, with Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of South Andaman, in attendance. The session saw participation from Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members, heads of various line departments, and local residents.
Key issues concerning Little Andaman were brought to the forefront during the meeting. The Hon’ble MP highlighted several critical matters, and local residents and PRI members voiced their grievances.
Issues Discussed:
1. Quarry Operations – Permit requirements.
2. PRI Empowerment – Funding, functions, and financial powers of PRIs.
3. Local Work Orders – Issuance to local societies.
4. Road Repairs – Under government schemes.
5. Land Conversion Cases – Addressing pending matters.
6. Water Supply – Pipeline provisions for individual households.
7. Healthcare Improvements – Enhanced facilities and ultrasound services for pregnant women.
8. Fuel Supply – Ensuring timely availability of diesel, petrol, and LPG.
9. Tourism Development – Boosting initiatives on the island.
10. Education Infrastructure – Repairing schools and ensuring adequate staff and textbooks.
11. Fishermen’s Welfare – Establishing a mini-modern fish market.
12. Agricultural Support – Supply of fertilisers like DAP and urea.
13. Transportation – Increasing ship schedules to Hut Bay and repairing the jetty.
14. Infrastructure Maintenance – Repairs to water dams and tsunami shelters.
15. MPLAD Projects – Speedy execution.
Response from Officials:
Deputy Commissioner Arjun Sharma assured attendees that issues falling under his jurisdiction would be addressed promptly. He also committed to coordinating with other departments to resolve matters beyond his purview.
The Hon’ble MP emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues to improve the quality of life for Little Andaman residents. He shared that during the upcoming Lok Sabha session, he would raise critical concerns, including the merger of ANIIMS with AIIMS, New Delhi, power and water scarcity, and PRI funding.
Community Engagement:
Local residents and PRI members expressed their gratitude to the MP for facilitating direct interaction with the Deputy Commissioner, which they felt brought much-needed attention to ground-level issues.
Earlier in the day, the MP inspected the PHC at RK Pur, where he interacted with healthcare staff and patients to understand their challenges.
The meeting underscored the commitment of the MP and local administration to the development of Little Andaman and the well-being of its residents.