Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 20 September 2023
The President of the Andaman and Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee, Mr. Rangalal Halder, took a proactive stance by addressing a range of pressing concerns affecting the Southern Group of Islands with the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration. In a formal letter submitted to the Chief Secretary’s office, Mr. Halder highlighted various urgent issues demanding immediate attention.
Among the key issues underscored by Mr. Halder were the non-issuance of Islander Cards to residents of Katchal, Kamorta, Terresa, Car Nicobar, and Campbell Bay. This matter has been a source of frustration for the local population, as Islander Cards are vital for accessing essential services and government benefits.
Another critical concern raised by Mr. Halder was the acute shortage of educational staff in the schools of Nicobar District. The absence of principals, vice-principals, and teachers has severely impacted the quality of education in the region, posing a significant challenge for students and parents alike.
In Kamorta Island, the unavailability of mortuary vans has exacerbated the difficulties faced by residents during times of bereavement. This deficiency in essential services has been a source of distress for the local community.
Additionally, Mr. Halder drew attention to the deplorable condition of Anganwadi Kendra’s in the villages of Katchal and Kamorta Island, hampering the crucial early childhood education and nutrition programs.
The lack of proper infrastructure was also a prominent issue. Mr. Halder highlighted the absence of roads and footpaths in the Tsunami Shelter of Katchal Island, impeding the movement of vehicles during emergencies. Furthermore, he brought to light the dire state of streetlights and water pipeline connections in the Tsunami Shelter areas of both Katchal and Kamorta Island.
The Southern Group of Islands has been grappling with a shortage of specialized doctors, with no regular visits from such medical professionals, which Mr. Halder emphasised as a matter of utmost concern.
Other issues noted in the letter included the non-filling of vacant posts under the Tribal Quota, the need for cleaning the dam in Kamorta Island, a shortage of STS buses in Katchal and Kamorta Islands, the deteriorating condition of the Katchal School building, and the non-updation of Aadhaar Cards in the Southern Group of Islands.
Concluding his letter, Mr. Halder appealed to the Chief Secretary to direct the relevant authorities to take immediate action to address these issues. He stressed that swift and effective resolution of these problems is crucial for the well-being and development of the Southern Group of Islands and its residents.