MP Bishnu Pada Ray Raises PRI Fund Disaster and MGNREGA Wage Hike Demand with MHA Official

Tarun Karthick

Sri Vijaya Puram, 10 June 2025

Member of Parliament from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, met Mr. Nitesh Bias, Additional Secretary (Union Territories), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), just lately to debate crucial points regarding the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), the Municipal Council, and MGNREGA staff within the Islands.

During the assembly, MP Ray voiced considerations over the continued monetary disaster affecting PRIs and the Municipal Council, highlighting the pressing want for enhanced fund allocation. He identified that regardless of suggestions by the 4th Union Territory Finance Commission, the funds beneficial had not been launched and, as an alternative, there had been a discount in present allocations.

Responding to the considerations, Mr. Nitesh Bias knowledgeable the MP that the fifth UT Finance Commission is within the strategy of finalising its report, which incorporates proposals for elevated funding to the PRIs and Municipal Council. He assured that the suggestions of the fifth Commission will probably be carried out with particular and substantial monetary allocations this time.

Additionally, MP Ray submitted a reminder letter searching for early concurrence from the MHA for the long-pending enhancement of salaries for MGNREGA staff within the Islands. Mr. Bias gave a optimistic assurance that the matter could be forwarded to the Ministry of Rural Development for consideration. He additional assured that after the Ministry grants its approval, needed steps will probably be initiated to implement the revised wage construction.

MP Ray expressed hope that these developments would result in much-needed monetary reduction for PRIs and the Municipal Council, whereas additionally addressing the long-standing calls for of MGNREGA staff, thereby enhancing their morale and monetary well-being.