Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), April 10: Multiple public service concerns, including restricted access to school books, rising airfares, increased ferry charges and irregular water supply, were raised during a press conference held at the Congress office on April 10. The issues were highlighted as affecting residents across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, prompting calls for immediate administrative attention.
Addressing the media, Tamil Selvam pointed to alleged irregularities in the distribution of private school textbooks. He stated that the supply contract has been awarded exclusively to a single outlet, Krishna Book Store, resulting in limited access for parents and students. According to him, this arrangement has led to long queues, with people waiting for hours under difficult conditions to obtain required books.
He further claimed that schools do not issue book lists at the time of result declaration, leaving parents dependent on the designated seller. This, he said, restricts consumer choice and prevents families from sourcing books from alternative vendors. He also alleged that buyers are often compelled to purchase complete sets of books, even when only a few are needed, increasing financial pressure on households.
The press conference also highlighted concerns over the sharp rise in airfares. Selvam noted that ticket prices have escalated significantly, reaching up to ₹27,000 in certain instances. He alleged that airlines employ pricing mechanisms that display limited seat availability, contributing to fluctuating and elevated fares. This situation, he said, poses difficulties for individuals who need to travel urgently, particularly in emergency situations.
Rising ferry fares on inter-island routes were also brought into focus. Routes such as Havelock and Neil Island have witnessed steady fare increases over time. Initially raised by ₹200 to ₹300, ticket prices have further increased, now ranging between ₹400 and ₹570. The hike has added to the financial burden on daily commuters and travellers who rely on these services.
In addition, irregular water supply was identified as a growing concern in several areas. Selvam stated that residents are currently receiving water once every four days, with apprehensions that the frequency may further decline to once every four to five days. The situation has led to inconvenience for households and raised concerns over basic service delivery.
Concluding the briefing, Tamil Selvam urged BJP leader Anil Tiwari to take cognisance of the issues and initiate prompt measures to address them. He called for timely intervention to ensure relief for residents facing challenges related to essential services and cost of living.
The issues raised at the press conference reflect ongoing concerns over accessibility, affordability and basic infrastructure services in the island region, with demands for corrective action gaining urgency.
