The Union Government has outlined its position on a range of key issues affecting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including healthcare access, Islander Cards, budgetary support and the availability of specialist doctors, through a series of replies tabled in the Lok Sabha this month. The responses were given to unstarred questions raised by Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray.
Replying on December 12, 2025, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed the House that the Centre has decided to extend Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) medical facilities to pensioners under Union Territory administrations, except Delhi. The facilities will be available at par with those provided to Central Government pensioners, subject to payment of the prescribed subscription and the condition that beneficiaries are not availing benefits under any other government health scheme.
However, the Ministry highlighted that extending CGHS coverage involves infrastructural and financial prerequisites. As per existing norms, a new CGHS Wellness Centre can be opened only if there are at least 2,500 principal CGHS cardholders or 6,000 beneficiaries, along with the availability of suitable accommodation, medical and paramedical staff, and other resources. The recurring expenditure for one wellness centre is estimated at ₹4.8 crore per year, in addition to a one-time non-recurring cost ranging between ₹0.75 crore and ₹1 crore. Approval for such expenditure lies with the Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance.
On the issue of Islander Cards, the Ministry of Home Affairs, in a reply dated December 9, 2025, stated that the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has received a request from the Islands’ Member of Parliament seeking a re-survey and issuance of Islander Cards to genuine residents who were left out earlier. The administration is currently examining the matter. The Ministry clarified that even in the absence of Islander Cards, eligible residents continue to receive benefits such as concessional sea travel, inter-island ferry concessions and helicopter fare subsidies on the basis of prescribed eligibility criteria and notified documents.
Addressing demands for additional financial assistance, the Home Ministry confirmed on December 2, 2025, that the MP from Andaman and Nicobar Islands had formally requested a special grant of ₹5,000 crore for infrastructure development. The demand cited constraints in the Union Territory’s budget affecting construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, drains, culverts, tsunami shelters, tribal welfare works and drinking water projects across rural, urban and tribal areas. In response, the Ministry stated that budget allocation to the Union Territory is a regular exercise, based on past expenditure trends and projected future requirements, and that additional financial support is also provided through various central schemes implemented by different ministries.
Concerns regarding shortages of specialist doctors in district and community health centres were addressed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in a reply dated December 5, 2025. The Ministry said recruitment of specialist doctors is carried out through the Union Public Service Commission based on requisitions sent by the Union Territory administration. In view of urgent healthcare needs, administrative approval has been conveyed to allow contractual appointments against vacant posts for a period of one year or until regular recruitment is completed, whichever is earlier. The Ministry also confirmed that specialist doctors are being posted to the Islands on a rotational basis.
Taken together, the parliamentary replies reflect the Centre’s stance on the administrative, financial and procedural factors involved in addressing long-standing issues in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while acknowledging the representations raised by the local Member of Parliament on behalf of island residents.
