Sri Vijaya Puram, October 10: Mitun Das, Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Ramnagar, accompanied by Arun Biswas, Sarpanch of Ramnagar, met the Chief Secretary to press for action on matters affecting landholders, fishermen, unemployed youth and residents of the Diglipur region.
The representatives sought the early disposal of 12 pending cases in Ramnagar concerning Licences to Occupy agricultural land dated December 20, 2002, linked to occupation of forest land before 1978. They also called for the resolution of similar pending cases in Diglipur.
Employment access was another key concern. The delegation sought a transparent process for engaging seasonal labourers in the Forest and Wildlife Departments, including timely disclosure of vacancies, eligibility requirements and selection procedures. The proposed measures are intended to help unemployed local youth understand and access available opportunities.
The representatives also called for the resumption of small construction and development works through Panchayati Raj Institutions, with eligible cooperative societies formed by unemployed local youth undertaking the projects. The proposal seeks to create avenues for self-employment and local enterprise through village-level works.
For the fishing community, the delegation sought early execution of a proposed high-density polyethylene (HDPE) floating jetty at Ramnagar Beach Creek. The Fisheries and Forest Departments have already conducted a joint site survey, according to the press release. The proposed facility is intended to make fishing-related activities safer and more convenient.
The delegation further sought a comprehensive re-survey of all revenue villages in Ramnagar to address discrepancies in old land records, boundary disputes and changes caused by natural processes over time.
It also called for changes to contractor enlistment rules under the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD), including relaxation of eligibility conditions or fresh enlistment for eligible unemployed graduate and diploma engineers. The representatives said the existing requirements posed a barrier to registration for those without prior work experience and sought a route for them to pursue self-employment.
During the meeting, Das invited the Chief Secretary to visit Ramnagar, including the site of the Blue Flag Beach Pilot Project, to assess its natural features and tourism potential. The invitation was linked to the scope for sustainable tourism and livelihood opportunities for residents.
The Chief Secretary gave a positive assurance on the concerns raised, the press release said, but did not specify any decisions, deadlines or measures to resolve the issues.
The meeting was held as the panchayat representatives sought administrative action on land disputes, employment procedures and infrastructure proposals affecting the Ramnagar area and the wider Diglipur region.
