Port Blair, Sept. 4: The Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray had raised the issue of PAT Regulations in the Parliament and had asked whether the A&N Islands Protection of Aboriginal Tribe (PAT) Amendment Regulation 2012 has been implemented or not. Bishnu has also asked whether the Govt. has any plans to close the existing tourist establishment in the Buffer Zone.

Replying to the MP’s questions, Shri Mullapally Ramachandran, Minister of State for Home Affairs said that the A&N Islands Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Amendment Regulation 2012 promulgated by the President of India on 27th July 2012 has been brought into force with effect 9th July 2012. The A&N Islands has already closed down seven tourist establishment falling under the Buffer Zone.

The MOS further said that the term ‘commercial establishment’ has been defined in clause (ba) of section 2 of A&N Islands PAT Amendment Regulation 2012.