Sri Vijaya Puram: The Andaman & Nicobar Administration has called for nominations for Non-Official Members of the Andaman & Nicobar Commission for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), inviting applications from individuals with specialised knowledge in matters related to backward communities. The notification comes as part of an exercise to fill vacant part-time positions on the statutory body that advises on social justice and welfare policies for OBCs in the Union Territory.
As per the notification, candidates must possess demonstrable expertise or experience in areas linked to OBC welfare, policy advocacy, education, or social work. The selected Non-Official Members will be appointed for a fixed tenure of three years, and their roles will be advisory in nature.
The terms and conditions for eligibility are outlined in the notification published in the Extraordinary Gazette No. 12/F.No.1-611/93-TW dated 23rd February 1994, along with its subsequent amendments. The administration has re-emphasised that candidates must have no disqualifying background, including insolvency, criminal convictions involving moral turpitude, or judicial declarations of unsound mind.
Persons who have previously been absent without permission for three consecutive commission meetings, or who have misused their position in ways deemed harmful to the interests of backward classes, may also be disqualified or removed. The administration has clarified that due process, including an opportunity to be heard, will be ensured before removal of any member.
Non-Official Members will be entitled to an honorarium of Rs 1,500 per sitting, along with Travel and Daily Allowance (TA/DA) benefits as admissible to officers in the pre-revised Pay Band-3 with Grade Pay of Rs 6,600. The appointment is part-time and does not guarantee continuity beyond the three-year term.
Interested individuals are required to submit a detailed bio-data to the Directorate of Social Welfare, Goal Ghar, Sri Vijaya Puram, on or before August 11, 2025. The application must include personal and academic details, category information (General/ST/OBC), mobile contact, and proof of special knowledge or contributions in matters relating to Other Backward Classes.
The required documentation includes educational qualifications, past experience, and supporting evidence of community engagement or policy expertise. Applications received after the deadline or incomplete in any form may not be considered. The administration has also made it clear that any previous advertisements issued on 11/02/2019, 14/02/2019, 21/12/2019, and 04/08/2021 regarding similar appointments stand cancelled.
Officials said that the nomination process is part of a broader effort to revamp representation and inclusivity in policy advisory bodies in the territory. The OBC Commission plays a crucial role in making recommendations to the government regarding reservation policies, welfare schemes, and social protections for communities classified as Other Backward Classes.
The Commission is expected to meet regularly, examine grievances, suggest corrective action, and monitor the implementation of welfare programmes. By including individuals with domain-specific knowledge, the administration hopes to strengthen evidence-based policymaking.
The move also comes amid growing interest from civil society groups for greater transparency and inclusion in the functioning of statutory commissions. While there is no limit to the number of applicants, final selections will be based on merit, relevance of experience, and the current composition of the Commission.
Applications can be submitted in person or by registered post. Officials have advised interested individuals to ensure that all supporting documents are attached to avoid procedural delays.
