Sri Vijaya Puram: The Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Ramnagar, Shri Mitun Das, accompanied by Shri Arun Biswas, Sarpanch of Ramnagar, met the Hon’ble Chief Secretary, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration, to discuss important issues concerning the welfare, livelihood and overall development of Ramnagar and the wider Diglipur region.
During the meeting, the representatives highlighted several long-pending issues and sought the timely intervention of the Administration.
The key issues raised during the meeting included:
1. Settlement of Long-Pending Land Cases: Early disposal of 12 pending cases at Ramnagar concerning Licence to Occupy agricultural land dated 20 December 2002, relating to pre-1978 forest land occupation, along with similar pending cases in Diglipur.
2. Employment Opportunities for Local Youth: Establishment of a transparent procedure for the engagement of seasonal labourers by the Forest and Wildlife Departments, ensuring timely information regarding vacancies, eligibility criteria and selection procedures for unemployed local youth.
3. Resumption of Small Development Works: Early resumption of small construction and developmental works under Panchayati Raj Institutions through eligible cooperative societies formed by local unemployed youth, thereby promoting self-employment and grassroots entrepreneurship.
4. Floating Jetty at Ramnagar Beach Creek: Early execution of the proposed HDPE floating jetty for the fishing community, following the joint site survey conducted by the Fisheries and Forest Departments. The facility is important for safer and more convenient fishing-related activities.
5. Comprehensive Land Re-survey: Conducting a fresh survey of all revenue villages of Ramnagar to address discrepancies in old land records, boundary disputes and changes resulting from natural processes over the years.
6. Contractor Enlistment for Unemployed Engineers: Relaxation of eligibility criteria or fresh enlistment under the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD) for eligible unemployed Graduate and Diploma Engineers, enabling them to obtain contractor registration and pursue self-employment despite lacking prior work experience.
The Pradhan also extended a cordial invitation to the Hon’ble Chief Secretary to visit Ramnagar, particularly the Blue Flag Beach Pilot Project site, to witness its natural beauty and tourism potential firsthand. The invitation highlighted the importance of promoting sustainable tourism while creating livelihood opportunities for local residents.
The Hon’ble Chief Secretary gave a positive assurance regarding the issues raised and expressed hope for favourable outcomes. The representatives expressed their gratitude to the Chief Secretary for patiently hearing their concerns and responding positively to the developmental needs of Ramnagar and its people.
The meeting reflects the continued efforts of Gram Panchayat Ramnagar to bring local concerns before the appropriate authorities and seek practical solutions for the benefit of villagers, fishermen, unemployed youth, landholders and the wider community.
