Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay , 04 December 2025
Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, has written to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister requesting an increase in the upper age limit for recruitment to Group-B (Non-Gazetted) and Group-C posts under the Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
In his letter, Mr. Ray sought fixation of the maximum age limit at 40 years, along with an additional five-year relaxation for permanent residents of the Islands — similar to a recent order issued for the Union Territory of Ladakh.
The MP referred to his earlier communication dated 26 July 2025 and expressed concern that despite multiple representations, the Administration continues to follow the existing age criteria. He stated that the current norms have rendered many local aspirants ineligible for government employment, especially given the geographical isolation, delayed access to higher education and limited employment avenues in the Islands.
Mr. Ray noted that several states and Union Territories — including Ladakh, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam and Haryana — have already revised the upper age limit to between 40 and 42 years in response to socio-economic realities and delayed entry of youth into the job market.
He further highlighted challenges unique to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, such as a small government employment sector, remoteness affecting educational opportunities, high costs associated with seeking jobs on the mainland, and a growing number of qualified youth losing eligibility due to outdated age norms.
In his appeal to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr. Ray requested:
- Fixing the upper age limit at 40 years for all Group-B (Non-Gazetted) and Group-C posts under the A&N Administration.
- Providing an additional five-year relaxation for local candidates/permanent residents, in line with the Ladakh framework.
The MP stated that such a measure would be a “much-needed relief” for island youth, restoring fairness, confidence and equal opportunity in government recruitment.
