Amit Shah set to arrive in Andamans to chair Parliamentary Panel meeting on January 3

The visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to chair a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs on January 3, 2024, is a significant event that offers multiple layers of understanding for competitive exam aspirants. It not only highlights the functional aspects of India's parliamentary democracy but also underscores the strategic importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

**Background Context: Parliamentary Consultative Committees**

Parliamentary Consultative Committees are an integral, though informal, part of India's parliamentary system. Unlike the Standing Committees or Ad-hoc Committees, which are formally constituted by the Parliament under its Rules of Procedure (e.g., under Article 118 of the Constitution which allows each House to make rules for regulating its procedure and conduct of business), Consultative Committees are typically formed through executive instructions by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. Their primary objective is to provide a forum for informal discussions between the government and Members of Parliament (MPs) on policy matters, legislative proposals, and the working of various ministries. These committees usually comprise MPs from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, nominated by their respective party whips, ensuring representation from across the political spectrum. They serve as a crucial link, enabling MPs to offer advice and feedback directly to the ministers and senior officials, thereby enhancing parliamentary oversight and the democratic process.

**What Happened: The January 3 Meeting**

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in Wandoor, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The agenda for this meeting was to discuss "crucial national issues." While specific details of the discussions are often not publicly disclosed due to the informal nature of these committees, the location itself and the minister's presence suggest a focus on matters relevant to internal security, border management, Centre-state relations (especially concerning Union Territories), and potentially the strategic development of the islands.

**Key Stakeholders Involved**

1. **Union Home Minister (Amit Shah):** As the head of the MHA, he is the central figure, responsible for the ministry's policies and operations. His presence underscores the importance the government attaches to the committee's deliberations and the region.

2. **Parliamentary Consultative Committee Members:** These are elected representatives (MPs) from various political parties. Their role is to scrutinize government policies, provide diverse perspectives, and ensure accountability. Their participation ensures that a range of viewpoints on national issues are considered.

3. **Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA):** The nodal ministry for internal security, border management, disaster management, Centre-state relations, and the administration of Union Territories. The discussions directly relate to its mandate.

4. **Andaman and Nicobar Administration:** The local administration plays a crucial role in implementing MHA policies and providing logistical support for such high-level meetings. As a Union Territory, its administration falls directly under the MHA, as per Article 239 of the Constitution.

**Why This Matters for India: Significance and Strategic Importance**

This event holds profound significance for India, especially due to its location in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These islands are not merely a tourist destination; they are a critical geopolitical asset for India. Their location at the junction of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea provides India with a strategic vantage point over key international shipping lanes. This makes them vital for India's maritime security, naval projection, and influence in the broader Indo-Pacific region. The islands host India's only tri-service command, the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), which is crucial for surveillance, anti-piracy operations, and disaster response in the Indian Ocean. The discussions on "crucial national issues" would undoubtedly encompass these security and strategic dimensions, alongside developmental challenges like connectivity, infrastructure, and sustainable tourism. The MHA's focus on A&N also aligns with India's 'Act East Policy', which seeks to enhance engagement with Southeast Asian nations.

**Historical Context and Future Implications**

Historically, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been significant since colonial times, serving as a penal colony (Cellular Jail) and briefly coming under Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's Azad Hind government during World War II. Post-independence, their strategic value has only grown. The current government has shown increased attention to the development and security of these islands, exemplified by projects like the Great Nicobar Project, aimed at developing a transshipment port, airport, power plant, and greenfield township. This meeting could further shape policy decisions regarding internal security challenges unique to the islands, such as illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and the protection of indigenous tribal communities (covered under the Sixth Schedule in some parts of the mainland, but A&N has its own specific protective regulations for tribes). Future implications include potentially enhanced security measures, accelerated infrastructure development, and a reinforced strategic posture for India in the Indian Ocean Region, directly impacting India's geopolitical standing and economic interests.

**Related Constitutional Articles, Acts, or Policies**

* **Article 118:** Pertains to the rules of procedure for parliamentary functioning, under which various committees operate.

* **Article 239:** Deals with the administration of Union Territories, placing them under the direct control of the President acting through an Administrator (Lieutenant Governor in A&N).

* **Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs' Executive Instructions:** These form the basis for the constitution and functioning of Consultative Committees.

* **Act East Policy:** Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a cornerstone of this policy, aimed at strengthening India's ties with Southeast and East Asian countries.

* **National Security Doctrine:** The discussions on "crucial national issues" would be framed within India's broader national security objectives, for which the MHA is the nodal agency.

This event highlights the intricate interplay between parliamentary democracy, executive governance, and strategic national interests, particularly concerning India's island territories.