Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 12 September 2024
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, the Hon’ble Member of Parliament for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, visited Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) yesterday, accompanied by Mr. Sanjay Balan, a retired official from the A & N Administration. The visit followed a series of complaints from local residents regarding the removal of old encroachments, allegedly without following due legal procedures.
Residents raised concerns over what they described as excessive actions taken against local entrepreneurs, business owners, and farmers. They claimed that officials were targeting these groups unfairly, disrupting long-standing businesses and agricultural activities.
During the visit, the MP inspected areas where an arecanut plantation, said to be decades old and bearing fruit, was cut down in the name of the eviction drive. Local farmers and extended settler families also approached Mr. Ray, claiming they were being prevented from constructing small homes on their own land, further escalating tensions in the region.
Hotel owners and entrepreneurs also voiced their frustrations. Several longstanding businesses, which have contributed significantly to the local and national economy, reported facing unwarranted hurdles from local officials. These businesses, some of which have been operating for decades, contribute to the island’s economic fabric by paying GST and other taxes amounting to multi-crore rupees. “Why are they being harassed?” some questioned.
Mr. Ray advised the Assistant Commissioner and other officials present to exercise compassion and understanding when dealing with local residents and businesses. He emphasized the importance of considering local dynamics and ensuring that decisions are made with reason and fairness. The MP urged officials not to take the law into their own hands, but rather to ensure that legal procedures are followed meticulously.
In a striking observation, Mr. Ray pointed out the economic potential of Swaraj Dweep, stating that a single hotel on the island contributes ₹14 crore in GST. He suggested that with fewer bureaucratic obstacles, the island could generate between ₹1,500 crore to ₹2,000 crore in GST, bolstering the local and national economy. Such growth, he noted, would also lead to more job creation and business opportunities for the island’s residents.
“The administration’s goal should be to create a conducive environment for both islanders and businesses, enabling holistic development,” Mr. Ray stated. “This aligns with the vision of the Modi government for a prosperous and developed India.”
The visit by the MP underscores the growing tension between local officials and the island’s residents, especially as the government intensifies its efforts to reclaim land. However, the MP’s intervention may bring some relief to those affected, as he advocates for a balanced approach that ensures legal compliance while promoting economic growth and the well-being of the local population.