Port Blair, Aug 11: Shri D. Ayyappan, Secretary, CPI (M) Andaman & Nicobar State Organising Committee met the new Chief Secretary, A&N Administration at his chamber in the Secretariat on 10th August, 2022 and submitted a Memorandum containing some of the burning issues of the islanders. He told the Chief Secretary that about 10,000 posts of various categories (direct recruit posts) are lying vacant under the Andaman & Nicobar Administration. CPI (M) stated in the Memorandum that a large number of these posts are operational posts and should have been filled up immediately on its falling vacant.
Expressing concern at the rising unemployment in the islands, Ayyappan informed the Chief Secretary that about one lakh unemployed youths have registered with the local Employment Exchange and waiting for a job. He stated that the CPI (M) has been requesting the Administration to fill up these posts, but due to the unknown reason, the posts remain vacant. Shri Ayyappan requested the Chief Secretary to look into this issue personally and take all possible measures to fill up all the vacant posts under the Administration.
On the deplorable condition of the ATR Road/NH, Shri Ayyappan in his memorandum stated that the ATR Road (NH) was handed over to the NHIDCL during 2017 for relaying and maintenance by the APWD on the basis of a decision taken by the Govt. of India. During the last 5 years, the people have been experiencing untold hardship while using the ATR/NH as the condition of the road has become worst at many places. CPI (M) Secretary told the Chief Secretary that at several places, people cannot even walk over certain stretch of road. He informed the Chief Secretary that the NHIDCL has completely failed to construct the road or to maintain the road handed over to it by the APWD.
CPI (M) requested the Chief Secretary to review the progress of the construction of ATR/NH and take appropriate steps to ensure that the NHIDCL completes the road work at the earliest without any further delay. Chief Secretary immediately took action on this issue and assured of taking further action in the matter. CPI (M) further requested the Chief Secretary to restore the boat services to various outstations including southern group of islands as existed before the Covid pandemic.
Ayyappan further informed the Chief Secretary that despite the Dhanikhari dam overflowing and getting sufficient water from Rutland project, the PBMC and APWD are not supplying water on daily basis to the residents of Port Blair town and rural South Andaman respectively. Despite heavy rain over the last several weeks, water supply is still limited to 20 minutes on alternate days, which is insufficient for a family. CPI (M) requested the Chief Secretary to look into this issue and take appropriate steps to ensure that sufficient water is supplied to the residents of Port Blair town and rural South Andaman.
Chief Secretary after discussing each of the demands assured that appropriate action would be taken by the Administration