Bambooflat, Feb 14: Miss V. K. Mariyam Bibi, Zilla Parishad member of the Bambooflat constituency has officially addressed a significant concern to the Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman regarding the prolonged delay in the issuance of new Islander Smart Cards. This issue has adversely affected approximately 3,000 residents within the Ferrargunj Tehsil, who have been awaiting the transition from the old Islander cards to the new smart card format since September 2023.

The delay has caused widespread inconvenience and distress among the residents, many of whom have approached Miss Mariyam Bibi seeking updates and explanations regarding the status of their smart card applications. In her pursuit to resolve the matter, Mariyam Bibi engaged with officials at the Ferrargunj Tehsil office, where it was discovered that although all required documentation had been submitted to the Deputy Commissioner's office, the printed smart cards have not yet been distributed.

The Islander smart card is a critical tool for residents, facilitating access to various essential services and entitlements. Miss Mariyam Bibi has urgently called for the Deputy Commissioner and the relevant departments to prioritize this matter and expedite the printing and distribution of the new smart cards. Her proactive stance underscores the immediate need for action to alleviate the concerns and anxieties of the affected residents, ensuring they can access the services and entitlements they are entitled to without further delay.