Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 07 December 2025
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament representing the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has written to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, and Hon’ble Union Home Minister, Mr. Amit Shah, urging the Central Government to introduce a statutory mechanism to safeguard employment and academic alternatives solely for native island residents.
In his illustration, Mr. Ray famous that the long-standing “Local Certificate” system, which had earlier offered preferential consideration to islanders in authorities recruitment and now solely permits for admissions in increased training establishments in opposition to quota for varied classes of Islanders, is at present primarily based solely on government orders and lacks authorized safety. Following judicial scrutiny, the system has weakened, hundreds of island youth have misplaced alternatives in an already restricted job market.
Emphasising the islands’ strategic sensitivity, distant geography and restricted personal sector alternatives, the MP acknowledged that authorities employment and entry to skilled training stay the first pathways for upward mobility for native residents. He argued that with out authorized safeguards just like these applied in Ladakh, islanders could also be overshadowed by candidates from the mainland who’ve stronger entry to coaching and aggressive preparation.
Mr. Ray additionally identified that the Andaman & Nicobar Administration has not too long ago initiated recruitment for practically 400–500 Group B (Non-Gazetted) and Group C posts. He mentioned that whereas mainland candidates are higher geared up for aggressive examinations, aspirants from distant islands usually lack teaching amenities and different assist, inserting them at an inherent drawback.
The MP has urged the Central Government to legally outline “local residents” of the Union Territory and guarantee statutory choice in public employment and better training. Such a framework, he mentioned, would formalise long-practised government insurance policies and safe the longer term prospects of island youth.
Mr. Ray expressed optimism that the difficulty will obtain pressing and beneficial consideration underneath the management of the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
