Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray met Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju in the national capital to seek early approval of development proposals worth ₹179 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The proposals focus on infrastructure and development works in minority-concentrated areas across Ferrargunj, Rangat, Diglipur, Car Nicobar, and Nancowry. Officials indicated that the meeting was aimed at expediting financial sanction for these projects to support targeted development in identified regions.
During the interaction, Ray also extended an invitation to the Union Minister to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to attend the Andaman Ideas Summit 2026, which is proposed to be held in the first week of May. The summit is positioned as a flagship programme aimed at bringing attention to development and policy initiatives in the islands.
According to information shared after the meeting, the Minister agreed to visit the islands and take part in the proposed event. He also indicated that the project proposals submitted under the PMJVK would be examined for financial support.
The PMJVK is a central government scheme designed to address development gaps in minority-concentrated areas by funding projects related to basic infrastructure, education, health, and other essential services. The proposals from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are intended to align with these objectives and improve service delivery in selected regions.
The meeting comes amid ongoing efforts to secure central assistance for infrastructure expansion and welfare-oriented initiatives in the islands. Authorities have been pursuing multiple proposals under various schemes to address regional disparities and improve access to public services in remote and underserved areas.
With the Union Minister’s assurance of consideration and participation in the upcoming summit, the proposals are expected to move forward for evaluation under the scheme’s funding framework.
