Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 18 December 2023
Andaman and Nicobar Islands Member of Parliament, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, has intensified the call for immediate action on the longstanding concerns of the Amalgamated Information Technology Cadre (AITC) in a letter directed to the Hon’ble Lt Governor of the Islands.
Established in 2000 by consolidating dispersed positions from various Line Departments, the AITC comprises 70 officials pivotal in spearheading crucial IT initiatives across multiple administrative sectors. However, despite their commendable service spanning two decades, these officials have encountered a staggering lack of promotions, with only a handful benefiting from exceptional circumstances like absorption into other departments or voluntary retirement.
Sharma highlighted the dire consequence of this prolonged stagnation in cadre growth, emphasising the imminent retirement of several officials within the next 2-3 years. Urgent intervention is crucial to mitigate the long-standing grievances of the AITC.
Unlike other administrative cadres, AITC operates without a well-defined structure, depriving its officials of growth prospects and rightful exposure. The Information Technology Department, lacking a comprehensive framework, operates by redirecting officials from other departments, disrupting routine activities and overburdening the diverted IT workforce.
Highlighting past initiatives, Sharma noted a restructuring proposal from 2015-2016 aimed at creating senior positions for promotions, which, to date, has not materialised. However, a recent comprehensive work study conducted through the Ministry has yielded crucial recommendations for the AITC’s overhaul, including restructuring, creating new posts, re-designating existing positions, formulating comprehensive rules, and arranging training for IT officials.
The MP urgently urged the Hon’ble Lt Governor to expedite the review process and issue directives for the swift implementation of the recommendations outlined in the Work Study Report. He emphasised, “The delay not only affects the morale of AITC officials but also impedes the optimal functioning of crucial IT initiatives in the administration.”