Port Blair December 19: The whole issue of revival of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Forest & Plantation Development Corporation Ltd. was reviewed at a high level meeting, chaired by the Lt. Governor. The earlier proposal suggested that the A&N Administration shall take over the said Corporation based on a resumption of some activities such as revival of rubber plantation at Katchal and red Palm Oil cultivation. However, with the recent directions of the Hon’ble High Court, ordering the removal of plantation workers out of Katchal Island, as well as the uncertain scenario on the future of red Palm Oil, the ground situation has now changed considerably.
In view of this, a fresh proposal is being considered by the A&N Administration and, after finalization, the same will be submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Forest for their consideration. While doing so, it will be ensured that the interests of the employees are taken into consideration. An interim communication in this regard has been sent to the Ministry strongly suggesting that the issue of release of payment towards the salaries/allowances of employees be delinked from the finalization of the proposal on the future of the Corporation, in view of the directions of the High Court, wherein the earlier proposal is no longer viable.
As a matter of immediate relief, the Lt. Governor has directed the release of one month’s salary i.e. for the month of September, 2013, on humanitarian grounds. The Administration may take necessary measures in this regard. This money will be recouped back as soon as the funds are made available by the Ministry.
Hon’ble Lt. Governor has also sought a meeting with the Hon’ble Home Minister and the Minister of Environment & Forests as well to seek a resolution of this complicated issue.
