Port Blair, Dec 17: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, has raised the issue regarding the Amalgamated Information Technology Cadre (AITC) with the Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands demanding immediate action.
In his letter addressed to Lt Governor he mentioned that the AITC, established in the year 2000 by consolidating isolated posts from various Line Departments, consists of 70 officials who have played a pivotal role in implementing key IT initiatives across various line departments of the A&N Administration.
He added that despite their commendable service spanning over two decades, none of the officials have received promotions in the past 25 years, except for a few exceptional circumstances such as absorption into other departments, voluntary retirement, or resignation.
He mentioned that this prolonged stagnation in cadre growth, coupled with the lack of promotional avenues, has created a challenging situation for AITC officials. With several officials set to retire in the next 2-3 years, urgent intervention is required to address their longstanding concerns.
The Member of Parliament added that unlike other cadres within the A&N Administration, the AITC lacks a well-established cadre structure, depriving officials of growth opportunities and exposure they rightfully deserve. Furthermore, the Information Technology Department, lacking a full-fledged structure, operates by diverting officials from other departments, impacting routine activities and placing an undue burden on the diverted IT officials.
He pointed out that in 2015-2016, a restructuring proposal was initiated to create senior posts for promotions, but it has not materialized. A recent comprehensive work study conducted through the Ministry has provided valuable recommendations for restructuring the AITC, creating posts, re-designating existing positions, preparing comprehensive C&R Rules, and arranging training for IT officials.
In this regard, the Member of Parliament urged the Lt Governor to review this matter promptly and issue necessary directives to the concerned officers for the swift implementation of the recommendations outlined in the Work Study Report. “The delay in addressing these issues not only affects the morale of AITC officials but also hinders the optimal functioning of crucial IT initiatives in the administration,” he added.
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