MP Seeks Revival of APWD Contractor Enlistment Course of for Good thing about Younger Native Engineers

Tarun Karthick

Sri Vijaya Puram, 15 February 2025

Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament from Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has urged the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD) to reinstate the enlistment course of for contractors below Central Public Works Department (CPWD) norms. The transfer, he emphasised, would guarantee honest alternatives for native engineering graduates and diploma holders looking for authorities contract work.

In a letter to APWD authorities, the MP highlighted the grievances of quite a few younger engineers and diploma holders who’ve approached him, expressing issues over the current system that APWD follows to award public sector contracts. Many declare that the present course of has hindered their skilled development and restricted entry to livelihood alternatives within the public works sector.

Mr. Ray identified that as a substitute of adhering to the well-established CPWD enlistment standards, APWD has launched a broader open system, which has diluted the possibilities of eligible native youths and current enlisted contractors to safe authorities tasks. He pressured that this shift has negatively impacted the employment prospects of skilled professionals within the islands

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In response to those issues, the MP has urged the administration to revert to the CPWD enlistment norms, making certain a structured and clear course of. He asserted that such a step wouldn’t solely present deserving native engineers and diploma holders with honest entry to contract work but in addition contribute to the area’s financial stability by fostering native employment.

The challenge now rests with the APWD authorities, whose choice might have vital implications for the skilled way forward for many younger engineers within the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.