Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 1 June 2023
In the picturesque Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the local administration, in collaboration with Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited, operates a fleet of helicopters dedicated to inter-island connectivity. The primary purpose of this service is to provide crucial support for medical evacuations, emergency assistance, and transportation for the islanders.
To ensure accessibility, the helicopter service offers highly subsidized rates to its users. Islanders and the families of government servants enjoy a remarkable 90% subsidy for their inter-island helicopter travel.
However, discrepancies arise when it comes to the non-Islander spouses of the islanders. Unfortunately, these individuals are only provided a subsidy of 75% for their travel by helicopter. Consequently, they face substantial financial burdens, particularly the settlers’ families residing in Great Nicobar Island.
The impact of these disparities is evident in the cost of travel between Port Blair and Campbell Bay. Non-Islander spouses of Great Nicobar Island residents must pay a hefty amount of Rs. 13,400 for this journey, further straining their budgets.
To avail themselves of the subsidized helicopter tickets, Islanders must present their Islander Card or Local Certificates as proof of residency. However, the process for obtaining these documents has become more challenging. Previously, the administration would issue local certificates to settlers’ spouses immediately after marriage. Unfortunately, this convenience has been discontinued, and local certificates are now only issued after ten years of marriage. Moreover, the issuance of Islander Cards depends on surveys, with no fixed timeframe for conduct of the surveys.
Consequently, the non-Islander spouses, particularly settlers’ families, face significant difficulties due to the high costs associated with helicopter travel. The situation in Great Nicobar Island is particularly dire, as their spouses bear the brunt of these financial burdens.
The affected individuals and concerned stakeholders are urging the local administration to address these disparities and streamline the process for obtaining subsidies and necessary documents. By implementing fair policies and reducing financial strain, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands can ensure equitable access to inter-island transportation for all residents.