In his ongoing efforts to tackle significant issues related to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, convened with the Additional Secretary (Home) of the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi today.
During this meeting, the MP assessed the status of various matters he had previously brought to the attention of the Ministry of Home Affairs and urged for their prompt resolution. A major topic of discussion was the long-standing demand for the establishment of a domicile-based job reservation policy for local candidates from the A&N Islands, as well as the proposal to raise the upper age limit to 40 years for recruitment to Group (NG) and Group ‘C’ positions, in accordance with the provisions already granted to the Union Territory of Ladakh. Mr. Ray reiterated that he has previously addressed this issue with both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister.
Additionally, Mr. Ray highlighted the injustice faced by 23 qualified candidates from the A&N Islands, who were not called for interviews by UPSC for the position of Assistant Professors. This exclusion was due to the non-recognition of their Guest Faculty service as valid teaching experience, which deviates from previous practices where such service was acknowledged. The MP strongly urged that this issue be reviewed and reconsidered to ensure fairness and justice for these deserving candidates.
Moreover, the MP also called for the prompt approval of the proposed wage revisions for MGNREGA staff as suggested by the A&N Administration. He pointed out that prior instructions from the MHA do not allow for salary increases in accordance with the directives from the Ministry of Finance, unless a specific express sanction is granted by the appropriate authority. Furthermore, the MP inquired about the current status of the recommendations made by the 5th UT Finance Commission, which, if acted upon, would enhance and strengthen the PRIs and the Municipal Council.
Following extensive discussions, the Additional Secretary (Home) assured the MP that
