Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 27 May 2025
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has urged the Administration to overview the delegation of Powers for Granting of Administrative Approval and Expenditure Sanction of Developmental Works as much as ₹50 lakhs. The MP has known as for the restoration of those powers to the Chief Engineer (CE), Andaman Public Works Department (APWD), citing delays and inefficiencies following a coverage shift in 2021.
Under Order No. 141 dated January 18, 2021, the authority to grant Administrative Approval (AA) and Expenditure Sanction (ES) for tasks valued as much as ₹50 lakhs was transferred from the CE, APWD to the respective Deputy Commissioners (DCs), as a part of a decentralization effort. However, Mr. Ray famous that this transfer has unintentionally hindered the well timed execution of essential growth works, notably these routed by means of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
In a letter addressed to the Administration, the MP emphasised that the dearth of technical experience on the district degree has led to frequent delays, pointless queries, and even unwarranted rejections of undertaking proposals submitted by Executive Engineers. “Since the implementation of this order, many important works have either been stalled or significantly delayed, thereby affecting service delivery and developmental progress,” he acknowledged.
Mr. Ray additional identified that the Deputy Commissioners are already burdened with key obligations reminiscent of income administration, regulation and order, and the implementation of centrally sponsored schemes. The added accountability of evaluating technical engineering proposals with out adequate experience, he argued, is counterproductive.
“The Chief Engineer and his team have the technical knowledge and institutional experience required to assess and sanction such projects efficiently,” he stated, recommending that the powers for tasks as much as ₹50 lakhs be returned to the CE, APWD. “Such a step would expedite the execution of essential works and serve public interest more effectively,” he added.
The MP expressed confidence that the Administration would acknowledge the gravity of the problem and take immediate motion to streamline the approval course of for the welfare of the individuals of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
