Sri Vijaya Puram | August 12, 2026
By Dweep Tulika
AAP Andaman & Nicobar Islands State President Dr Arun K. Mallik addressed a wide range of issues concerning the islands in an interview with Dweep Tulika, including the operation and mandatory use of weighbridges, transportation challenges in North and Middle Andaman, electoral practices, healthcare, tourism development, airfares and higher education.
The interview covered several concerns raised by residents and transport operators, with questions focusing particularly on the difficulties faced by people living in geographically isolated areas of the islands.
Weighbridge operation and mandatory inspections
Dr Mallik said the issue of the weighbridge was brought to his attention by members of the truck and drivers' associations, who approached him regarding vehicles continuing to operate without consistently using the facility.
According to him, the weighbridge had remained unused for a considerable period before becoming operational. He said he subsequently visited the facility with his team and wrote to the administration seeking action.
Dr Mallik argued that regular use of the weighbridge could improve road safety, ensure vehicles carry permitted loads and make driving safer for drivers.
He further said that after the weighbridge became operational, some vehicle operators complained about fines and alleged inconsistencies in checking. He said some drivers were nevertheless supportive of the weighbridge because carrying excessive loads puts additional pressure on vehicles and drivers.
Dr Mallik said he had therefore requested that weighbridge inspection be made mandatory for all applicable vehicles, rather than relying only on periodic enforcement.
He also raised concerns over the practice of declaring one load quantity on documentation while allegedly carrying a higher quantity. He said mandatory weighing could help reduce such discrepancies and make enforcement more systematic.
More weighbridges along NH-4
Dr Mallik also called for additional weighbridges along NH-4, arguing that a single facility would not be sufficient for the entire North and Middle Andaman region.
He specifically mentioned the need for facilities around Diglipur, Mayabunder and Rangat, while suggesting that the precise locations should be determined on technical and administrative considerations.
He said additional weighbridges would make compliance more practical for vehicles operating across the region.
When asked whether additional weighing requirements and transportation-related costs could indirectly increase the cost of living for people in North and Middle Andaman, Dr Mallik acknowledged that costs could rise indirectly. However, he argued that this should not become a reason to disregard transportation and safety regulations.
Electoral awareness and alleged malpractices
The interview then turned towards elections and allegations of malpractice.
Dr Mallik said his experience of contesting an election gave him an understanding of the challenges involved in the electoral process. He said greater public awareness was necessary, particularly in villages and areas where voters may have less access to information.
He announced plans for an awareness campaign in which he and his team would visit villages over the coming months to discuss what is permitted and what is not permitted during elections.
According to Dr Mallik, the objective would be to help voters make informed decisions rather than dictate whom they should support.
When asked specifically about the message he would give to people in Diglipur and other isolated areas regarding alleged electoral malpractices, Dr Mallik urged voters not to exchange their vote for money or other inducements.
He said voters should make their choice based on the candidate they believe will work for them. He also made political comments about candidates of established parties and his own party's prospective candidates.
During the discussion, Vineeth challenged Dr Mallik on his statement regarding election-time monetary inducements. Dr Mallik responded that voters should make their own decision regardless of what they may be offered, stressing that accepting money or other items should not determine their vote.
Call for more impartial local media
Dr Mallik also spoke about the role of local media in creating public awareness.
He criticised what he described as partisan tendencies among sections of the media and argued that the islands need more independent and impartial reporting.
He said local media could play an important role in informing residents about issues in their villages, including problems with public services and healthcare.
As an example, he referred to a visit to Ramnagar where residents allegedly told him that a doctor was not regularly available at a local health sub-centre. He said he subsequently raised the matter with the health administration and claimed that an order had been issued concerning the issue.
Healthcare concerns in remote areas
Healthcare access emerged as another major issue during the discussion.
Dr Mallik referred to conversations with residents in rural areas who, according to him, face difficulties accessing doctors and healthcare services.
He argued that many of these problems are relatively small administrative issues that can nevertheless have a significant impact on residents when they are not addressed.
The discussion highlighted the importance of functioning health centres and regular availability of medical personnel, particularly for communities located away from the main urban centre.
Tourism beyond Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep
Vineeth questioned why tourism development remains heavily concentrated around Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep, despite the natural attractions of North and Middle Andaman.
He asked why improved connectivity and transportation could not be used to bring tourists to destinations such as Diglipur and other parts of the islands, thereby creating economic opportunities for local communities.
Dr Mallik agreed that tourism should be developed beyond the currently established destinations. He said North, Middle and Little Andaman should receive greater attention in tourism planning.
He also pointed to the importance of connectivity, noting that the proximity of Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep to the main tourism circuit makes them easier for visitors to access.
He argued that better connectivity could allow tourism benefits to reach communities farther from the capital and existing tourism centres.
Connectivity and dependence on sea routes
The interview also highlighted the broader transportation dependence of island communities.
Vineeth pointed out that many parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands remain dependent on transportation networks for essential supplies, healthcare and everyday necessities.
The discussion emphasised that transportation problems in remote areas can affect not only tourism but also the movement of food, medical needs and other essential goods.
The question of fixed airfares for islanders
Another major issue raised by Vineeth was the cost of air travel.
He questioned why islanders could not have a fixed or specially regulated airfare for travel between the islands and the mainland, particularly because air travel can become essential during medical emergencies and other urgent situations.
The discussion highlighted the unique geographical circumstances of the islands, where residents do not have a conventional road or rail alternative to reach the mainland.
Vineeth pointed to the financial burden faced by islanders who need to travel outside the islands for treatment or other urgent purposes. Dr Mallik agreed that tourism and connectivity policies need to account for the specific circumstances of island residents.
Can the Ladakh model offer lessons?
The conversation also touched upon the Ladakh model, particularly in relation to local employment and the ability of a Union Territory to seek arrangements that protect opportunities for its residents.
Dr Mallik referred to an example of job reservation in Ladakh and argued that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands' political representatives should pursue measures that could similarly benefit local residents.
He said the islands' status as a Union Territory gives its political representatives an important role in raising issues affecting the local population before the Centre.
Deemed university issue and protest
The interview also discussed the controversy surrounding higher education and the deemed university issue.
Dr Mallik criticised what he described as the failure of the earlier protest to continue with sufficient intensity. He said students had raised legitimate concerns but that the protest was subsequently diluted and withdrawn.
He said he had supported the students' demand and intended to take up the matter with the administration in his capacity as AAP state president.
Dr Mallik also questioned the process through which documents and reports relating to the university proposal were prepared and submitted, alleging that certain requirements had not been fulfilled. These allegations were presented as his claims during the interview and were not independently verified in the discussion.
Call for replacement of the Lieutenant Governor
Towards the end of the interview, Dr Mallik called for the replacement of the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, referring to the length of the incumbent's tenure.
He criticised aspects of the administration's planning priorities and argued that greater attention should be given to the needs of ordinary residents and communities outside the capital.
He also questioned proposals and development priorities in and around the urban area, arguing that some projects could instead be considered in North or Middle Andaman.
A broader discussion on the islands' future
The interview brought together a range of issues that directly affect everyday life in the islands—from transportation and road safety to healthcare, tourism, air connectivity, elections and higher education.
While Dr Mallik presented his political views and proposals as the newly appointed AAP state president, the discussion also reflected wider questions about how development can be distributed more evenly across the geographically dispersed islands.
For residents of North and Middle Andaman in particular, the questions of transportation, connectivity, healthcare access and tourism opportunities remain closely connected. Better infrastructure, reliable transportation and greater public awareness could influence both the economic opportunities available to remote communities and their access to essential services.
The complete interview is available on Dweep Tulika's YouTube channel, featuring Dr Arun K. Mallik responding to questions from Vineeth on the issues discussed above.