Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 31 May 2025
In a significant move aimed at bolstering the welfare of vulnerable sections in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Member of Parliament Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray has urged the Lt. Governor of the Union Territory to enhance monthly social security allowances for the elderly, widows, persons with disabilities (Divyangjan), and destitute individuals from the current ₹2,500 to ₹5,000.
In his representation to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, the MP expressed concern over the stagnant state of these allowances, which were last revised in April 2018. At present, beneficiaries receive ₹2,500 per month, with those above 80 years receiving ₹3,000. However, with the cost of living in the islands rising steadily over the past seven years, Mr. Ray emphasized that the current amounts are grossly inadequate.
He highlighted the unique challenges faced by island residents, citing the high cost of essential commodities and transportation as key contributors to inflation. “It is extremely difficult for beneficiaries to survive with the current allowance,” he said, referencing Consumer Price Index (CPI) trends and growing financial stress among the vulnerable population.
Drawing a comparison with government employees and pensioners, who receive biannual revisions in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA), the MP said social security beneficiaries have been left behind. He proposed a revised monthly allowance of ₹5,000 for persons aged 60 and above, and ₹6,000 for those over 80.
He also called for an update to the income eligibility limit, which has remained unchanged at ₹4,000 per month since 2015. “This threshold no longer reflects current economic realities,” the MP stated, recommending it be raised to ₹10,000 or more to ensure fairer and broader inclusion.
Mr. Ray informed that the matter was discussed in the April 2025 meeting of the South Andaman District Planning Committee (DPC), where members unanimously supported the enhancement of both the allowance amounts and the income eligibility criteria.
Additionally, the MP raised concerns over delays in pension disbursement, attributing them to administrative and technical lapses such as non-availability of funds, failure to upload life certificates, and delays in digital processing. He urged the Administration to ensure timely disbursement of pensions on a fixed date each month to alleviate the hardship faced by beneficiaries.
Reaffirming his commitment to the welfare of the most vulnerable, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray called on the A&N Administration to take immediate action on the matter, stressing the urgent need for a compassionate and responsive approach.