Sri Vijaya Puram | January 15, 2026
The Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Raj Sangathan (RGPRS) conducted a week-long outreach programme across North and Middle Andaman from January 5 to 10, 2026. According to the organisation, the visit was aimed at strengthening the Indian National Congress at the grassroots level and consolidating the RGPRS organisational structure within Panchayati Raj Institutions.
The delegation was led by RGPRS State Chairman Mr. O. Bashir and included Vice Chairperson Ms. Usha Rashmi, State Organising Secretary Mr. M. Jaleel, State Office Secretary Ms. Rachael and Mr. Peter. The team was received by RGPRS State Joint Secretary Mr. Balakrishna, while Zilla Parishad Members Mr. P. Alagarsamy and Mr. P.A. Sharfuddin accorded a traditional welcome to the visiting leaders.
During the six-day tour, the RGPRS team conducted 21 programmes across Baratang, Rangat, parts of Middle Andaman, Mayabunder and Diglipur. The engagements included meetings with villagers, Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members, Congress party workers, fishermen and tribal communities, as well as visits to multiple MGNREGA worksites.
The outreach began with meetings at Baratang and Bakultala, where discussions were held with Zilla Parishad members, Pradhans, Up-Pradhans and local leaders on public welfare issues, organisational matters and rural development. During these interactions, RGPRS leaders raised concerns regarding the proposed renaming of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and distributed pamphlets outlining their position.
At Rangat, residents raised civic issues, including the lack of a mortuary facility and other basic amenities. Similar interactions took place at Betapur, Shaktigarh and Billiground, where local leaders and party workers highlighted issues such as poor road conditions, healthcare shortcomings and delays in development works. RGPRS leaders stated that these matters would be taken up at appropriate levels.
The delegation also visited MGNREGA worksites at Kaushalya Nagar, Webi village, Pinaki Nagar and Kadamtala. At these locations, workers raised concerns related to delayed wage payments, non-allotment of 100 days of employment and non-credit of wages despite deductions. Mr. Bashir stated that these issues would be conveyed to the concerned departments.
Outreach activities also included chattai meetings in remote and tribal villages such as Karmatang, Pudu Madhurai, Lorojig, Kattakhadi and Kattan. Residents in these villages raised issues related to road connectivity, drinking water supply, sanitation, electricity, healthcare access, mobile network availability and education infrastructure. In Lorojig village, residents highlighted health concerns arising from dust generated by prolonged ATR road construction. RGPRS representatives said the grievances would be raised before the authorities.
In Diglipur and Ariel Bay, the RGPRS team met villagers, fishermen and senior party leaders. Members of the fishermen community raised livelihood-related concerns, including reduced sales following fish market relocation, inadequate ice plant capacity, lack of facilities at fish landing jetties and safety issues along the coastline. RGPRS leaders said discussions would be held with the relevant departments regarding these matters.
During interactions with party workers and leaders at various locations, Mr. Bashir spoke about organisational issues, internal coordination within the Congress party and preparations for upcoming Panchayat and parliamentary elections. He stated that efforts would be made to hold joint meetings of the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) and Congress Campaign Committee (CCC).
The outreach programme concluded on January 10, 2026, with a review meeting involving RGPRS State Joint Secretary Mr. Balakrishna.
