Sri Vijaya Puram, July 21: Hon’ble Member of Parliament for Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, has requested the Chief Secretary, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, to introduce a fixed one-year tenure policy for all Government employees posted to Nicobar District, similar to the policy already being followed by the Andaman & Nicobar Police.
In his letter, the MP stated that many Government employees serving in Nicobar District face severe hardships due to limited transport connectivity, shortage of accommodation, inadequate healthcare facilities, communication difficulties, education facilities and prolonged separation from their families. He observed that many employees have school-going children, elderly parents, working spouses or family members undergoing medical treatment at Sri Vijaya Puram, making long and uncertain postings a matter of serious concern.
Referring to the recent unfortunate death of a Government school teacher while serving in Nicobar District, Shri Ray said that, although the exact circumstances are yet to be ascertained, the incident has once again highlighted the physical, mental and emotional challenges associated with postings in such remote islands.
The MP emphasized that while postings to Nicobar District are essential for maintaining Government services, employees should be given the assurance of a fixed tenure so that they can plan their family responsibilities and personal commitments with certainty.
Shri Ray pointed out that the Andaman & Nicobar Police has been implementing a one-year tenure policy for personnel posted to Nicobar District since the 2004 Tsunami. Under this system, police personnel are transferred back after completing one year of service without waiting for their substitutes to join, which has helped improve morale and encouraged employees to accept Nicobar postings.
He further stated that employee welfare, health and safety should be given greater importance than the additional expenditure on transfer allowances. Since it is difficult to provide all essential facilities in remote islands, a fixed tenure policy of one year posting in Nicobar district would serve as an important welfare measure.
The MP has requested the Administration to review and revise the existing Transfer Policy issued on 30th July 2007, which has remained unchanged for nearly 19 years.