Sri Vijaya Puram April 2: The Unorganised Workers and Employees Congress unit in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has submitted a formal representation to the Government of India, raising concerns over employment, healthcare, education, and the rising cost of living, and seeking immediate policy intervention.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chairman S. Peleswara Rao (Teja) outlined a series of long-pending issues affecting residents in the geographically isolated island territory.
A central demand in the memorandum is the reintroduction of a Local Certificate through an ordinance under Article 240 of the Constitution of India. The organisation argued that such a measure is necessary to safeguard employment opportunities for local residents, particularly in Group C and D government jobs, given the limited economic opportunities in the islands.
On healthcare, the representation calls for the revival of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Scheme for Health Insurance, which was replaced by Ayushman Bharat in 2020. The group stated that the existing scheme does not adequately address the needs of islanders, especially the cost of travel for patients and attendants who must seek advanced medical treatment on the mainland. It proposed universal health insurance coverage of ₹10 lakh per citizen.
The memorandum also raised objections to the shift towards a Deemed University model in the islands. It argued that a Central University framework would better serve students by ensuring accessible, government-funded higher education and broader academic opportunities.
Rising living costs and logistical challenges were highlighted as major concerns. The organisation sought the restoration of subsidised airfare, specifically the ₹5,000 chartered flight fare for residents and medical patients, citing the financial strain of travel from the islands to mainland India.
The representation further called for intervention to control the rising prices of essential commodities and urged the reopening of ANIIDCO Green Shops to stabilise supply and affordability. In addition, it demanded simplified registration processes for construction workers under the Building and Other Construction Workers Board through self-declaration to improve labour welfare.
The memorandum was submitted through the President of the Andaman and Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee, with a request for the formation of a committee comprising experts and local representatives. The proposed body would work towards drafting a comprehensive policy framework to address the economic, social, and administrative concerns raised by the island population.
