Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 10 June 2025
Member of Parliament from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, met Mr. Nitesh Bias, Additional Secretary (Union Territories), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), recently to discuss critical issues concerning the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), the Municipal Council, and MGNREGA employees in the Islands.
During the meeting, MP Ray voiced concerns over the ongoing financial crisis affecting PRIs and the Municipal Council, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced fund allocation. He pointed out that despite recommendations by the 4th Union Territory Finance Commission, the funds recommended had not been released and, instead, there had been a reduction in existing allocations.
Responding to the concerns, Mr. Nitesh Bias informed the MP that the 5th UT Finance Commission is in the process of finalising its report, which includes proposals for increased funding to the PRIs and Municipal Council. He assured that the recommendations of the 5th Commission will be implemented with definite and substantial financial allocations this time.
Additionally, MP Ray submitted a reminder letter seeking early concurrence from the MHA for the long-pending enhancement of salaries for MGNREGA employees in the Islands. Mr. Bias gave a positive assurance that the matter would be forwarded to the Ministry of Rural Development for consideration. He further assured that once the Ministry grants its approval, necessary steps will be initiated to implement the revised salary structure.
MP Ray expressed hope that these developments would lead to much-needed financial relief for PRIs and the Municipal Council, while also addressing the long-standing demands of MGNREGA employees, thereby improving their morale and financial well-being.