Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 05 September 2025
Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, along with his Advisor Mr. Sanjay Balan, met the Chief Secretary of Andaman & Nicobar Administration to review several long-pending issues concerning the Islands.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary assured that pending land conversion matters will be resolved in a time-bound manner. An awareness programme will also be launched to ensure that all eligible citizens can benefit from the restarted process. He further informed that a mechanism is being set up at his level to monitor revenue and court case pendencies, including subdivision matters.
On policy reforms, the Chief Secretary stated that a committee has been formed to examine circle rates and that the Administration is working on a new land law aimed at conferring ownership rights to landholders. He also said that the long-pending resettlement issue of Sri Lankan Tamil settlers at Katchal is under active consideration. Additionally, left-out cases of pre-1961 excess land regularisation will be examined so that genuine beneficiaries are not deprived of their rights.
Highlighting ongoing reforms, the Chief Secretary said the Administration is taking proactive measures to ease the lives of citizens and improve ease of doing business. This includes removing unnecessary certifications for registrations, restarting land conversion processes, and simplifying services such as subdivisions, which would reduce the burden on civil and criminal courts. He added that online applications and disposal of diversion cases will soon be introduced.
In Nicobar District, the Chief Secretary confirmed that the circular road of Car Nicobar will be handed over to NHIDCL, while tendering for the Kimious Bridge has been completed. The MP also shared a list of priority bridges and roads requiring urgent attention.
The Chief Secretary thanked the MP for securing CRF funding and informed that steps are underway to procure more boats for connectivity in the southern group of islands and to strengthen ship services with the mainland, which could help bring down flight fares.
Responding to the MP’s request, the Chief Secretary assured that enhancement of emoluments for ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, part-time employees, and old-age pensioners will be examined, along with possibilities for their coverage under EPF or similar schemes. He also agreed to look into the proposal for creating a separate Directorate of IT.
On the matter of including various groups under the OBC category, the Chief Secretary informed that the Administration has already issued a notification inviting applications for members of the OBC Commission, which will examine and place these matters before the Commission.
The MP expressed his gratitude to the Chief Secretary for his proactive approach and commitment towards addressing the concerns of the Islanders.
