Sri Vijaya Puram | February 19, 2026
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Mr. Ramdas Athawale, addressed a press conference at Hotel TSG Emerald on Thursday during his visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti.
Introducing himself, Mr. Athawale said he represents the Republican Party of India (RPI) and currently serves as Minister of State in the Narendra Modi-led NDA government. He stated that his party follows the philosophy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and works to ensure social, economic and educational justice for all sections of society, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, transgender persons, women, youth, farmers and the economically weaker sections.
He noted that his Ministry caters to nearly 80–85 percent of the population of the country.
Highlighting the achievements of the NDA government over the past 11 years, Mr. Athawale said India has risen to become the fourth-largest economy in the world. He referred to a recent agreement with the United States valued at approximately ₹45 lakh crore, stating that it is expected to boost small-scale industries and generate employment.
He also outlined the progress of major Central schemes:
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana: Over 57 crore bank accounts have been opened nationwide, including about 64,000 accounts in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana: More than 56 crore beneficiaries have received loans across the country, with women accounting for nearly 60 percent of recipients. Around 37,000 people in the Islands have benefited from the scheme.
- Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: Over 10.5 crore LPG connections have been distributed nationwide, including around 14,000 in the Islands.
- Ayushman Bharat (PM Jan Arogya Yojana): More than 11 crore people across India have benefited, with approximately 4,500 beneficiaries in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
He also cited the implementation of 10 percent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill as major milestones of the present government.
Responding to a question from Nicobar Times regarding the low amount of social security pensions—such as old age, widow and disability pensions—in the Islands compared to the high cost of living, Mr. Athawale said the matter would be examined at the Ministry level.
He stated that the Ministry has schemes to support senior citizens, including assistance for old age homes. If eligible NGOs apply, financial grants can be provided to establish such facilities. He added that proposals from the Islands would be considered.
On the growing drug problem in the Islands, the Minister said that the “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” (Drug-Free India Campaign) is implemented under his Ministry. He noted that de-addiction centres can be supported through NGOs under the Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA) scheme. If any eligible organisation from the Islands applies online, the Ministry would consider sanctioning a centre with annual grants.
Addressing concerns raised by members of the Joint Action Forum Against Deemed University over the reported move to shift local colleges from Pondicherry University to a deemed university structure, Mr. Athawale said he would take up the matter with the Union Education Minister.
He stated that if such a move could adversely affect students—particularly in terms of increased fees or accessibility—the concerns would be conveyed to the appropriate authorities.
Concluding the press interaction, the Minister said the NDA government is committed to addressing the issues of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and ensuring that Central funds and schemes reach the people effectively.
