Sri Vijaya Puram, June 6: Member of Parliament, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray has once again raised the pressing issue of administrative inefficiency caused by the dual charge held by the Deputy Commissioner (South Andaman), who is concurrently functioning as the Secretary (Rural Development/Panchayat).
In a communication addressed to the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, the MP referred to his earlier letter dated 22nd February 2025, wherein he had flagged the concerns of overburdened responsibilities held by the Deputy Commissioner. The MP noted that the DC (SA) is already vested with more than 20 critical subject matters related to district administration and is unable to devote adequate time and attention to the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), which includes 70 Gram Panchayats, 7 Samities and 2 Zilla Parishads across the Islands.
Shri Ray stated that since 2018, the functioning of the RD Department has suffered expressively due to this dual charge arrangement, leading to poor coordination, stagnation of development projects and delayed decisions affecting rural areas. He emphasized that RD and Panchayat-related responsibilities require consistent engagement with elected PRI members and regular field visits to remote Panchayat areas stretching from Campbell Bay to Diglipur, tasks that cannot be carried out effectively under the current arrangement.
In light of growing concern among PRI representatives and to ensure focused and efficient governance, Mr. Shri Ray, Hon’ble MP has urged the Administration to reassign the charge of Secretary (RD/Panchayat) to a full-time officer, preferably the CEO, Zilla Parishad (South Andaman), or any other suitable IAS officer not holding dual charges.