Calls for immediate posting of Subject-Specialist Officers in Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Departments
Sri Vijaya Puram, June 5: In a communication to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament has urged an immediate review and corrective action regarding the current ad-hoc management of critical technical posts under the Andaman & Nicobar Administration. At present, the posts of Director (Agriculture), Director (Fisheries), and Director (Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services) which are highly technical and specialized in nature are being held as additional charge by a DANICS officer. While such officers may be administratively competent, they lack the subject-specific expertise required for effective policy planning, scientific guidance, and sectoral growth.
“These departments are the backbone of rural and island livelihoods. Without subject experts at the helm, the growth and functional efficiency of these sectors have stagnated, directly affecting farmers, fishermen, and livestock owners across the Islands,” the MP stated. The Member of Parliament has proposed two immediate solutions to address the situation i.e. Promotion of eligible officers from within the respective departments, as per the existing Recruitment Rules (RRs); or Deputation of qualified subject experts from other states or central government departments, wherever available.
Until the key posts are filled on a regular basis, the MP has suggested assigning the charge to technically qualified senior officers already serving in the respective departments, rather than continuing with non-technical officers.