Deepening internal rifts have surfaced within the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), with a section of its members openly accusing the association’s leadership, headed by president M. Vinod, of financial irregularities, lack of transparency and failure to conduct elections for nearly two decades.
The allegations were made by a group of what they described as “concerned and rebel members” during a press conference held on Tuesday, chaired by Ajay Kumar, along with Robert Johnson, Vijayan and Vivek Singh. Addressing the media, the members alleged that the association has been functioning without democratic processes and with minimal financial accountability.
According to the members, serious discrepancies were found in AATO’s financial records and audits. They alleged that funds amounting to over ₹25 lakh were withdrawn over a period of about one and a half years by the president and certain office-bearers without adequate supporting documents, bills or vouchers. Repeated requests for transaction details and explanations, they claimed, were either ignored or met with incomplete disclosures.
The members further alleged that no formal or fair elections have been conducted within AATO for nearly 20 years, effectively denying the wider membership any role in decision-making or leadership change. They claimed that the prolonged absence of elections has resulted in a concentration of power and erosion of internal checks and balances within the association.
Accusing the leadership of functioning in an authoritarian manner, the dissenting members alleged that key decisions were taken unilaterally without consultation or approval of the general body. Those who questioned financial practices or sought clarity on the association’s functioning were allegedly sidelined or treated with hostility.
The issue has also taken a legal turn. A legal notice dated December 11, 2025, has been issued to AATO on behalf of Ajay Kumar, Managing Director of Andaman Island Travels Private Limited and a registered member of the association. The notice formally demands access to a wide range of statutory, governance, administrative and financial records of AATO, asserting that members have a lawful and enforceable right to inspect and obtain certified copies of such documents.
The notice states that as a registered body, AATO and its office bearers function in a fiduciary capacity and are bound by principles of transparency, accountability and compliance with the Memorandum of Association, rules and bye-laws. It calls upon the association to furnish, within 15 days, documents including registration certificates, membership and office-bearer details, election procedures, minutes of meetings, audited financial statements for the last five years, bank account and investment details, records of grants and sponsorships, expenditure statements, contracts, assets and official communications.
The notice cautions that any delay, partial disclosure or refusal to provide the information would be treated as wilful suppression and a breach of statutory and fiduciary duties, potentially inviting legal action before competent authorities and courts.
In parallel, the members said they have submitted a formal complaint to the District Deputy Commissioner seeking an independent inquiry into AATO’s financial dealings, governance practices and compliance with norms governing registered associations.
They further claimed that a large number of tour operators, estimated at around 130, have been effectively excluded from meaningful participation in the association’s functioning, and that information regarding national-level funds received or programmes conducted under the AATO banner was never shared with the general membership. According to them, details regarding the utilisation of such funds were not disclosed and were allegedly withdrawn for personal gain.
The controversy comes at a time when AATO plays a key role in representing the tourism industry in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, raising concerns among stakeholders over governance, transparency and credibility within one of the sector’s most prominent associations.
