Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 06 June 2025
Member of Parliament Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray has written to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, raising serious concerns over the continued appointment of non-technical officers to head critical departments such as Agriculture & Fisheries in the Union Territory.
In his communication, the MP highlighted that these departments, which play a pivotal role in supporting rural and island livelihoods, are currently being overseen by DANICS officers holding additional charge. While acknowledging the administrative capabilities of such officers, he strongly pointed out that they lack the technical and subject-specific expertise essential for informed policy-making, scientific planning, and sustained sectoral development.
“These departments are the backbone of rural and island livelihoods. Without subject experts at the helm, the growth and functional efficiency of these sectors have stagnated, directly affecting farmers, fishermen, and livestock owners across the Islands,” the MP stated.
Calling for immediate corrective measures, Mr. Ray has proposed two key solutions:
1 Promotion of eligible technical officers from within the respective departments as per the existing Recruitment Rules (RRs).
2 Deputation of qualified subject experts from other state governments or relevant central departments.
Until these posts are filled by qualified professionals on a regular basis, the MP has urged the Administration to at least assign charge to technically competent senior officers already serving within the departments, rather than continuing the practice of entrusting these vital roles to non-technical personnel.