New Delhi, Aug 1: As part of his continued efforts to address the important issues concerning the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, met with the Additional Secretary (Home), Ministry of Home Affairs, in New Delhi today (01.08.2025).
During the meeting, the Hon’ble MP reviewed the status of multiple matters he had previously raised with the Ministry of Home Affairs and urged for their expeditious resolution. A key point of discussion was the long-pending demand for framing of a domicile-based job reservation policy for local candidates of the A&N Islands, along with enhancement of the upper age limit to 40 years for recruitment to Group (NG) and Group ‘C’ posts, in line with the provisions already extended to the Union Territory of Ladakh. Shri Ray reiterated that he has already taken up this matter with the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Home Minister in this regard.
Further, Shri Ray brought to attention the injustice caused to 23 qualified candidates from A&N Islands, who were excluded from being called for interview by UPSC for the post of Assistant Professors. The exclusion was based on the non-recognition of their Guest Faculty service as valid teaching experience a departure from earlier precedents when such service was duly considered. The Hon’ble MP strongly requested that this matter may be reviewed and considered to ensure fairness and justice for these deserving candidates.
In addition, the Hon’ble MP also urged early sanction for the revision of wages for MGNREGA staff as proposed by the A&N Administration recently. He highlighted that the earlier instructions from MHA do not permit salary enhancement in line with the Ministry of Finance’s directives, unless a specific express sanction is accorded by the competent authority. Further, the MP also enquired about the present status of the recommendations of the 5th UT Finance Commission, which, if implemented, would facilitate the betterment and strengthening of the PRIs and the Municipal Council.
After detailed discussions, the Additional Secretary (Home) assured the MP that the issues would be duly examined and considered. The Hon’ble MP expressed hope that the Ministry will take prompt and favourable action on all the above matters in the interest of the people of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.