TSG Bhasker Urges Special Drive for Issuance of Islander Cards in Nicobar Islands

Tarun Karthick

Sri Vijaya Puram, 27 June 2025

The Chairman of the Congress Campaign Committee, Mr. TSG Bhasker, has urged the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to right away provoke a Special Drive for the issuance of Islander Cards within the Nicobar group of Islands.

In a proper letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, Mr. Bhasker expressed deep concern over the extended exclusion of a big part of the tribal inhabitants from entry to the Islander Card — a vital identification doc that facilitates numerous entitlements and concessions. Highlighting the state of affairs, he famous that no devoted drive for issuing Islander Cards has been carried out within the Nicobar area for the reason that devastating 2004 tsunami, leaving many tribal households—who’re among the many unique inhabitants of the Islands—with out the cardboard.

“These communities face severe hardships in inter-island travel, including booking ships and helicopters, due to the absence of Islander Cards,” Mr. Bhasker said. “They are denied fare concessions and are compelled to pay full rates for essential travel, which is both unjust and unacceptable.”

Calling for pressing administrative motion, Mr. Bhasker appealed to the Administration to conduct a Special Enrolment Drive completely for the tribal communities within the Nicobar area.

“This is not just an administrative task; it is a step towards tribal justice and social inclusion,” he reiterated in his concluding remarks.