Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray has urged the Government of India and the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to conduct a re-survey for issuing Islander Cards to all genuine residents who were inadvertently left out during the previous enumeration. In a written representation to the Union Home Minister and the Lt Governor, Ray highlighted that many long-term islanders and settlers have been facing serious hardships due to the absence of this key identity document.
According to the MP, the Islander Card is not merely an identification document but a crucial certificate of entitlement for the permanent residents of the archipelago. It enables them to access various government welfare benefits, fare subsidies for inter-island travel, financial support under central and local schemes, and concessional bank loans. However, several islanders who meet the eligibility conditions have been excluded from the official list despite possessing proof of continuous residence and family lineage in the islands.
Ray noted that the earlier door-to-door survey conducted by the Administration had inadvertently missed numerous residents who were temporarily away from the islands at the time. These absences were often due to medical treatment, educational pursuits, or short-term employment outside the Union Territory. Many of these residents, he said, have since returned to find themselves excluded from welfare benefits because they do not hold valid Islander Cards.
The MP also pointed out that inconsistencies have appeared even within the same families. In several cases, fathers and children possess valid Islander Cards while mothers or other family members have been excluded simply because they were not physically present during the verification process. Such discrepancies, Ray argued, have created unnecessary distress and a sense of discrimination among genuine islander families who have lived in the territory for decades.
Ray’s letter emphasised that these errors have not only affected individuals but have also disrupted access to essential concessions meant to protect the economic and social interests of the local population. Without valid Islander Cards, eligible residents have been unable to claim travel subsidies, apply for educational or housing schemes, or avail bank credit facilities that are specifically designed for permanent islanders.
To address these issues, Ray has urged the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to initiate a fresh, comprehensive re-survey across all islands. This survey, he suggested, should ensure that all genuine islanders, including those inadvertently missed earlier, are identified and issued Islander Cards without further delay. He stressed that the verification process should consider documentary evidence of residence, family records, and local testimonies to ensure that no legitimate claimant is left out.
Ray has called for the exercise to be conducted in a transparent and time-bound manner, ensuring uniformity in the treatment of applicants across the islands. Such a move, he stated, would restore confidence among residents and reinforce the administration’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity.
The MP further underscored that rectifying these lapses is essential to uphold the welfare framework that the Islander Card system represents. By recognizing all genuine residents, the government can ensure that the intended social and economic benefits reach those who rightfully deserve them.
The appeal reflects long-standing concerns among island residents over discrepancies in the issuance of Islander Cards, which serve as a lifeline for availing benefits and asserting local identity. A timely re-survey, Ray maintained, would not only bring relief to affected families but also strengthen the credibility of administrative processes in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
