Sri Vijaya Puram, October 25: Lieutenant Governor Dr Dinesh Sharma has outlined a vision to expand employment opportunities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through tourism, vocational training, higher education and improved supply-chain infrastructure, while exploring ways to help local residents earn from their homes through accommodation for visitors.
Addressing residents during his visit to Vrindavan on October 24, Dr Sharma said employment generation should go beyond government recruitment and focus on equipping islanders with skills that could create sustainable livelihoods within the islands and beyond.
“Giving someone a job is one way. Creating employment opportunities is another. Young people should receive training in trades such as operating boats and other skills that allow them to work anywhere in the country,” he said, calling for the development of training centres and institutions offering industry-relevant courses.
The Lieutenant Governor said tourism could become a major driver of local employment if the islands were positioned as a year-round destination for domestic and international visitors.
He envisioned a future in which travellers planning summer and winter holidays would increasingly consider the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, generating demand for hotels, motels, accommodation and related services.
Homestays to create income opportunities
Dr Sharma referred to a proposal raised by Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray to enable local residents to accommodate tourists in their homes and earn additional income.
He said many islanders owned houses with multiple rooms that could potentially be used to host visitors, but existing arrangements needed to be examined to make participation easier for homeowners.
The Lieutenant Governor said he had taken note of the proposal, which could provide an opportunity for residents to benefit directly from tourism rather than relying solely on conventional employment.
The initiative, if taken forward, could create supplementary income for households while expanding the availability of visitor accommodation. The specific regulatory changes or implementation arrangements, however, were not announced.
Year-round tourism beyond the peak season
The Lieutenant Governor also called for developing tourism activities during the monsoon, when visitor numbers and outdoor activities can be affected by weather conditions.
He suggested exploring rain-season tourism, water sports and cultural entertainment to make the islands attractive even during periods traditionally considered less favourable for travel.
“Why should tourism stop during the rainy season? We should explore how to make the most of the monsoon, as destinations such as Singapore and Thailand do,” he said.
Dr Sharma spoke of the potential for cultural programmes, performances by prominent artists and dedicated entertainment spaces where visitors could spend their evenings.
He said the administration should examine opportunities to develop tourism experiences around the islands’ beaches, natural surroundings and cultural offerings, helping businesses generate income across more months of the year.
These ideas were presented as part of his broader vision for tourism development rather than as formally approved projects.
Professional courses and research at the university
Dr Sharma also stressed the importance of strengthening higher education in the islands, calling for more professional courses and research opportunities to help students access better career prospects.
Referring to the local university, he said it should aspire to become a leading institution and offer a wider range of academic programmes.
He specifically mentioned the need to introduce Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Commerce (M.Com) courses, noting that proposals for the programmes should be pursued.
“BBA is available here, so why should MBA not be available? I have asked that MBA and M.Com courses also be taken up,” he said, expressing confidence that the proposals could move forward.
The Lieutenant Governor said higher education should include research and professional training, enabling students to pursue advanced studies without necessarily having to leave the islands.
Dedicated vessel to improve fuel and LPG supplies
Addressing recurring difficulties in the availability of essential commodities, Dr Sharma referred to complaints about delays in the supply of petrol, diesel and LPG cylinders.
He said discussions with officials had highlighted transportation and vessel availability as factors affecting timely deliveries to the islands.
According to the Lieutenant Governor, a newly acquired vessel dedicated to transporting petroleum products and LPG cylinders had arrived approximately a week before his address.
He said he had also directed officials to maintain stocks sufficient for 90 days to reduce the risk of shortages and protect residents from disruptions in supply.
The remarks highlighted the importance of reliable maritime logistics for an island territory that depends heavily on shipping for essential commodities. The stated 90-day stock requirement and the operational status of the vessel would need confirmation from the concerned department.
Focus on inclusive development
Dr Sharma said the administration was pursuing development priorities across roads, healthcare, education and employment, adding that the benefits should reach local residents.
He also praised the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for their resilience, patience and commitment, saying his interactions with residents had strengthened his appreciation of their concerns and aspirations.
His remarks placed skill development, local entrepreneurship, tourism diversification and access to higher education among the key areas for future action, while several of the proposals remain subject to further planning and implementation.
