Vikas Kumar
Sri Vijaya Puram, 23 April 2025
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has reiterated his support for the long-standing demand of Daily Rated Mazdoors (DRMs) seeking regularisation of their services. In a press release issued today, he emphasized that the issue, which affects the livelihood and future security of thousands of workers, was formally raised during the recent District Planning Committee (DPC) meeting for South Andaman district held from April 15 to 17.
According to the MP, the proposal for regularisation and absorption of approximately 7,520 DRMs employed across various departments under the A&N Administration was discussed in depth and received unanimous support from the committee members. The DPC for South Andaman comprises Zilla Parishad Members, Municipal Councillors, and Panchayat Samiti Pramukhs. Following this endorsement, the proposal has now been included in the district’s Action Plan as a part of the mandatory procedural steps.
Ray assured that similar proposals will be introduced before the DPCs of North & Middle Andaman and Nicobar districts in the near future. “Once these discussions are concluded, the matter will be submitted to the State Plan Board, and I will personally pursue it with the competent authorities to ensure a timely and favourable outcome,” he said.
To maintain transparency, the MP also released the full text of the proposal he presented before the committee. It outlines the plight of DRMs, many of whom have been working for over two decades on daily wages with no retirement benefits. Despite a 2017 directive allowing them to receive 1/30th of the Pay plus Dearness Allowance (DA), their status remains precarious.
The proposal recommends a one-time regularisation of DRMs either against existing vacancies or by creating supernumerary posts. It also calls for administrative action, in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs, to facilitate this policy-level decision.
Additionally, concerns were raised regarding DRMs who were initially hired directly by departments such as Zilla Parishads and Municipal bodies but have since been reclassified as contractual or outsourced staff. Ray stressed that these individuals should also be granted the same 1/30th Pay + DA benefit and be included in the regularisation process without discrimination.
The MP’s intervention is seen as a significant step toward securing the rights of thousands of long-serving workers in the union territory.