Port Blair, Aug 06: The Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lt. Gen (Retd.) A K Singh today said about this prestigious appointment he feels honoured and this appointment is the second chance for him to SERVE. “This appointment is not a stepping stone for me, it’s a milestone,” the Lt. Governor said while interacting with local print and electronic media.
Talking about priorities, the Lt. Governor said that connectivity and communication will be his top most priority. “Connectivity in between Mainland-Islands as well as between Islands, Communication in both voice and data will be my priority,” the Lt. Governor said.
He said that his second priority area will be to carry out developmental works, streamlining health care system and brining more specialists for local hospitals. He also said that these Islands needs a University and Medical College. Lt. Gen (Retd.) A K Singh said that his third priority area will be to form a responsive Administration where works are done in transparent and time bound manner.
Regarding corruption he said that he will have zero tolerance for corruption. “The vigilance Department will be strengthened. Efforts will be made towards preventive vigilance. I have already asked to post best officers from Police Department to Vigilance Cell,” he said.
He said that his fifth priority area will be Security and Disaster Management. “These Islands are situated 1200 km away from Mainland India, which gives India total dominance in this part of world hence these Islands have greater importance,” he added.
Regarding Disaster Management he said that the Administration will conduct a full scale Disaster Management Exercise from 20th to 22nd November 2013 involving not only local administration and ANC but also Key players of Central Government.
Regarding media he said that Media is important pillar of democracy and request to present a positive picture of the islands to the rest of the world.
It seems that new Hon LG Mr. Singh will definitely do needful to enhance the lifestyle of fellow Islanders. Though a Non Resident Islander myself, I strongly that feel “water” is a very serious challenge for lower & lower middle class people (relatively affluent class have arrangements for supply & storage), which if addressed will be of great help. One more focus area should be to improve the internal roads within densely populated areas / bastis. We can talk about many more issues like creation of avenues for children amusement (water / theme parks, play zone)& adult amusement (health / recreation clubs)etc. There is not even a single movie hall in this era of multiplexes!(Having few shots in the evening at any bar is the only way for entertainment for gentlemen (& nothing for ladies)).Sometimes I feel very sad for our people there (including dozens of my relatives)who have not yet visited mainland, leave aside malls, multi screen cinemas, KFC (Thanks to AFC for giving that feeling), Pizza hut, Mc Donalds etc. etc. Someone should do something,that too ASAP.