Diglipur, April 23: A fresh administrative dispute has emerged in North and Middle Andaman after an order transferring five DRMs from Diglipur to Mayabunder triggered strong objections from local Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), who say the move will disrupt governance and delay development work in the region.
The transfer order, issued by the Executive Engineer (PRIs), N&MAD, Mayabunder on April 21, has raised concerns among elected representatives and stakeholders in Diglipur, where a long-pending demand for re-establishing the Executive Engineer (PRIs) division remains unresolved.
PRIs representatives stated that Diglipur, which covers a vast geographical area with 15 gram panchayats and a Panchayat Samiti, has been functioning without a dedicated Executive Engineer’s office since the COVID-19 period. At the time, two existing divisions, one in Diglipur and another in Mayabunder, were temporarily merged and stationed at Mayabunder. However, the Diglipur division has not been restored even after normalcy resumed.
In the absence of a full division, the PRIs Engineering Wing in Diglipur currently operates under the Assistant Engineer (PRIs), supported by DRM staff. Despite limited manpower, the existing team has been managing divisional responsibilities and maintaining workflow across all panchayats.
According to PRI members, the issue of re-establishing the Diglipur division has been repeatedly raised through official forums, including meetings with the Directorate of Rural Development and during visits by senior officials. A recent online meeting involving the Director (Rural Development) and local pradhans reportedly resulted in a positive response, with authorities advising submission of a fresh representation.
Following this, an interim arrangement allowed existing DRM staff in Diglipur to handle divisional responsibilities, which PRIs say significantly improved efficiency and coordination in rural works. The latest transfer order, however, is being viewed as a setback to that arrangement.
PRIs representatives claim the decision to transfer five DRMs was taken without consultation with the Pramukh of Panchayat Samiti Diglipur or local pradhans. They argue that the move reflects a lack of intent to restore the division in Diglipur and could weaken the administrative structure in the region.
Concerns have also been raised over the impact on staff, with PRIs noting that the transferred DRMs are not covered under adequate transfer benefits. The absence of travel allowance and house rent support is expected to cause financial and logistical hardship, particularly for employees from middle-income backgrounds.
Local representatives warned that the removal of DRM staff would severely affect ongoing projects and service delivery across the panchayats, potentially delaying development works and reducing administrative responsiveness in the remote region.
PRIs have urged the administration to intervene and retain the DRM staff at Diglipur Sub-Division until a final decision is taken on re-establishing the Executive Engineer division. They maintain that maintaining the current workforce is essential for ensuring continuity in governance and safeguarding rural development activities.
