Port Blair, Oct 06: The Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lt. Gen (Retd.) A K Singh has expressed his displeasure over the manner in which matters related to development of sports are handled in these Islands.
He said directions have already been given for the complete revamp of sports set up in these Islands. All sport bodies in the Islands should play a positive role towards promotion of sports in these Islands.
Addressing a gathering after watching nail biting final match of the RSC League-cum-knockout football tournament-2014, held at Wimberlygunj Mini Stadium on Sunday the Lt. Governor said that various sports bodies such as Sports Council, Regional Sports Council and Olympic Association should work in tandem with the Administration to take sports in these islands to a greater heights.
“Up-gradation of sports in these Islands will be discussed threadbare during the LG’s Advisory Committee meeting to be held this month and major decisions taken,” he said.
However regarding the final match he said “I am witnessing such a wonderful and nail biting soccer match after a long gap”. Referring to the development of Wimberlygunj area, he said development of rural area always remains his top priority.
Appreciating the spirit among the youth of Wimberlygunj, the Lt Governor urged the youth to drive their energy towards study and sports. Underlining the need for encouraging the spirit of free enterprise among the youth, he said the scope of employment in government sector has already reached the saturation level, it is, therefore, necessary that we encourage the youth of our Islands to endeavour towards self-employment opportunities.
Lauding the youth of the Islands for their immense talents in sports, the Lt Governor said if provided with better equipment and proper coaching & training facilities our youth will do remarkably well in National as well as International level sports tournaments, he said.
Responding to the demand of up-gradation of mini stadium at Wimberlygunj by the Chairperson RSC South Andaman, he directed the Secretary (Sports) to take up the up-gradation of the Mini Stadium Wimberlygunj as already planned so that it meets the aspirations of the people of Wimberlygunj and its adjoining areas. The Lt Governor also informed that construction of the new Indoor Multipurpose hall at Wimberlygunj will start soon and hoped that the project will be completed in time.
Giving a strong message to the PRIs and the Officials of the Administration to reach out to the people and resolve their issues and problems, the Lt Governor said PRIs/Officers should listen to the problems and issues of the people by meeting them on regular basis. The Lt Governor said that he is thankful for the support of Hon’ble MP and all political parties in various initiatives of the Administration.
On the proposed Medical College, he said besides solving the problem of medical specialists, the new medical college will benefit the local students as they will get maximum seats. The Lt Governor also informed the gathering about his talk with the Director JIPMER during which the Lt Governor raised the issue of providing free treatment to the poor patients of these Islands. This will be followed through.
Referring to the launch of ‘Swachch Bharat Campaign’, an initiative of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, on Oct 2, 2014, the Lt Governor called upon youth of the area to get involved in this campaign in large numbers. The Lt Governor informed that he has taken up the matter regarding bringing Port Blair under the Smart City project of the Govt. of India. The Lt Governor concluded his speech by greeting the people on the occasion of ‘Id-ul-Zuha’ which will be celebrated across the Islands on 6th October 2014. There was great appreciation and applause to the LG’s address from a packed crowed.
Earlier, welcoming the chief guest and others, the Adhyaksha Zilla Parishad (SA) & Chairperson, RSC South Andaman, Ms V. K Mariam Bibi requested for up-gradation of the mini-stadium at Wimberlygunj so that various events can be held in the stadium. She informed that the construction works for the indoor multi-purpose stadium at Wimberllygunj will commence soon. The function concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Shri AP Jabir, Secretary, RSC, South Andaman.
