Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 22 February 2025
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has voiced critical concern over the mass dharna staged by Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members in North & Middle Andaman. The protests, held at Billiground Bazaar and Diglipur on February 21, 2025, stem from the administration’s alleged inaction on longstanding calls for affecting native governance.
The PRI representatives—together with members from Zilla Parishad, Panchayat Samiti, and Gram Panchayats—have raised key points associated to the implementation of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. Their main calls for embody:
1 Restoration of funds, devolution of powers, and adherence to the 73rd & 74th Constitutional Amendments—a dedication made throughout a 2023 assembly, however but to be honoured.
2 Restoration of the Gram Panchayat’s authority to subject work orders to societies as per the 2012 notification.
3 Timely preparation of estimates—delays allegedly brought on by non-cooperation from the Engineering Wing of PRIs, resulting in setbacks in work approvals and execution.
4 Allocation of funds to PRIs and municipal our bodies in accordance with the suggestions of the 4th UT Finance Commission, guaranteeing at the least 35% of the whole plan fund.
Expressing solidarity with the aggrieved PRI representatives, the Member of Parliament emphasised that the withdrawal of their legally sanctioned features and powers has severely hampered their capacity to deal with the wants of their constituencies, leaving them in a troublesome place earlier than the general public.
In gentle of the escalating state of affairs, MP Bishnu Pada Ray has urged the Hon’ble Lt. Governor and Chief Secretary of Andaman & Nicobar Islands to take rapid motion to resolve the grievances. He has additionally requested an pressing assembly with PRI representatives at Sri Vijaya Puram to facilitate dialogue and expedite administrative measures.
“A timely resolution will not only bring an end to the ongoing protest but also ensure the smooth functioning of local governance in the interest of the people of North & Middle Andaman,” the MP acknowledged, interesting to the administration to deal with the matter with the urgency and seriousness it warrants.
