An urgent meeting has been sought to address mounting grievances of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray warning that unresolved issues are eroding public trust in grassroots democracy. In a letter dated September 7 to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, the MP highlighted persistent fund crises, complicated procedures for utilisation certificates, lack of clarity on functions and delegated powers, non-enhancement of financial authority, and what he described as overall non-cooperation from the administration.
According to the communication, PRI representatives, including Pradhans, Pramukhs, Zilla Parishad members, and municipal councilors, have repeatedly reported that they are left in an embarrassing position before the public who elected them with high expectations. Instead of an institutional mechanism to address their concerns, the MP noted, grievances are currently raised informally whenever representatives happen to meet officials. This, he said, not only undermines the Panchayati Raj Act but also reduces the democratic process to a formality.
The MP called on the administration to convene an urgent interaction session with PRI heads on September 14, before the scheduled Departmental Promotion Committee meetings. The proposed forum would serve three purposes, addressing longstanding grievances, providing clarity on administrative and financial issues, and restoring confidence in the democratic framework.
The letter warned that in the absence of structured redressal, PRI representatives are compelled to voice their complaints during unrelated forums such as DPC meetings. This, it said, leads to unnecessary confrontation, delays in proceedings, and growing discontent among elected representatives. The situation, if allowed to persist, could result in further erosion of trust between the people and the administration.
In preparation for the meeting, the MP has sought detailed information from the Rural Development and Panchayat Departments within two to three days. This includes sector-wise funds released and utilised for all 70 Gram Panchayats, seven Panchayat Samitis, and both Zilla Parishads from 2018-19 to 2025-26, details of sanctioned and filled engineering posts under PRIs, and the total length of rural roads under each tier, with their condition categorised as good or requiring repairs.
The communication also requested a proposed plan of action from the administration to strengthen PRI functioning, ensuring that elected representatives are not forced to face public criticism due to administrative negligence. The MP stressed that continuing neglect of panchayats would amount to undermining the very foundations of grassroots democracy.
PRI representatives have long complained of delays in fund releases, limited financial powers, and lack of transparency in administrative support. With rural infrastructure such as roads and electrification projects depending heavily on panchayat-level implementation, unresolved bottlenecks risk slowing down development in villages and affecting public services.
The letter escalates what has been a simmering conflict between PRI leaders and the administration into a formal demand for accountability. If the meeting is convened, it could set the stage for discussions on long-pending issues that have affected the functioning of elected bodies for years.
The matter has been copied to the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister, signaling its seriousness. By flagging the issue at the national level, the MP has placed the spotlight on the islands’ local governance framework and the need for reforms to make PRIs more effective and transparent.
For island residents, the outcome of this appeal will determine whether elected representatives are given the authority and support to carry out their responsibilities, or whether grassroots institutions continue to struggle under administrative hurdles.
