New Delhi: Andaman & Nicobar Islands Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray met Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dinesh Sharma in Delhi on Thursday to discuss a number of pressing developmental and welfare matters affecting the Union Territory, officials said.
Scope of the meeting
The two leaders reviewed issues spanning the implementation of the domicile law, the status of a proposed central university, and the case for special category status for the islands. They also discussed transfer and upgradation of health infrastructure, pension and welfare enhancements, transport and connectivity, and other administrative concerns requiring central ministry intervention.
According to the meeting notes, the MP apprised the Lt Governor of several urgent matters relating to the welfare of islanders and the overall development of the islands, and requested that the Administration take prompt action on items under its jurisdiction and pursue other issues with the relevant central ministries.
Key demands and administrative priorities
- Implementation of the domicile law for the islands.
- Progress on the proposal for a Central University for Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- Pursuit of special category status for the Union Territory.
- Transfer of ANIIMS under the AIIMS framework.
- Establishment of a Health & Wellness Centre for retired government employees to receive treatment under CGHS norms.
- Enhancement of the UT budget and regularisation of DRMs (Divisional Railway Managers).
- Control and improvement of airfares and air connectivity, including use of the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.
- Concerns over the condition of NH-4 in North and Middle Andaman, and ongoing water and healthcare crises.
- Constitution of an OBC commission and enhancement of old-age and widow pensions.
Officials said that the Lt Governor has conducted departmental reviews since assuming office and prepared a detailed developmental action plan covering multiple sectors.
"The Hon’ble Lt. Governor presented the developmental requirements and action plan of the Islands before the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his meeting on September 22, 2026," the meeting record stated.
Follow-up with central ministries
The record of the meeting notes that Dr. Sharma has been engaging with several Union Cabinet Ministers to press for island priorities, including Ministers for Home Affairs, Health, Road Transport & Highways, Civil Aviation and Shipping. Specific sectors highlighted for ministerial attention included shipping, rural roads under PMGSY, water supply under Jal Jeevan Mission, fisheries for export, dairy farming, healthcare and regional air connectivity under UDAN.
| Issue | Concern/Request | Relevant Ministry/Programme |
|---|---|---|
| Domicile law | Implement and operationalise | Home Affairs/UT Administration |
| Central University | Establish university for higher education | Education/UGC |
| Air connectivity | Control fares; regional routes under UDAN | Civil Aviation |
| Water supply | Improve rural and island water systems | Jal Jeevan Mission/Water Ministry |
Administrative and welfare measures
The meeting also covered internal administrative matters such as regularisation of DRMs and proposals to enhance the UT budget. Welfare-related demands included constitution of an OBC commission and higher pensions for the elderly and widows. Health sector proposals included transfer of ANIIMS under AIIMS and creation of a CGHS-compliant facility for retired government personnel.
Officials present said the MP urged prompt action on those items that fall within the A&N Administration’s remit and sought active pursuit of others with the concerned central ministries. The Lt Governor’s presentation to the Prime Minister on September 22, 2026 was highlighted as a step towards securing higher-level attention and resources for the islands’ needs.
What happens next
The meeting record indicates ongoing engagement between the A&N Administration and central ministries. Further steps will depend on deliberations with the Ministries named and follow-up by the UT Administration to operationalise the action plan presented to the Prime Minister.
Both leaders are expected to continue coordination to take forward the items discussed, prioritising measures that can be implemented administratively while seeking central support for larger commitments.
