Port Blair, Oct 19: The Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lt. Gen (Retd.) A K Singh has urged all the Members of Administrator’s Advisory Council to work together to fulfill the aspirations of people.
“I hope you realize how important your contribution will be in these deliberations today. Let us all try to work together to fulfill the aspirations of the people. Let me add, no one person can assume this charter, but collectively, even with difference of opinions, this forum does,” Lt. Governor said in his opening remarks during the Administrator’s Advisory Council meet yesterday, held at Hotel Megapode Resort, Port Blair.
The Lt. Governor said that in the last one year, Administration has achieved some goals like Raising of Dhanikhari Dam; Setting up of a new Degree College (ANCOL); A weekly flight between Port Blair and Car Nicobar and induction of a fourth helicopter for inter–island connectivity’ Starting of the Andaman & Nicobar Tribal Research Training Institute etc.
But, he said, there is still a lot to be done.
“I feel proud that the Administration, with all your support and good wishes, has done commendable work. I am confident that the Administration will continue its good efforts towards improving the quality of life in these Islands,” the LG said.
The Lt. Governor pointed out that some of the important projects which are in the immediate agenda of the Administration are proposal for bridges at Middle Strait and Humphery Strait; Khudirampur Rural Water Supply Project at Diglipur; Creation of National Highway Circle under the APWD; Upgradation of Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair – with night landing operations; Completion of the Kamsarat Water Supply Project for South Andaman; Construction of Modern Fish Market; Setting up of Kala Kendra to promote art and culture Allotment of land to three different developers at Havelock, Neil and Long Island for development of High End Tourist Resorts on PPP mode; Sewerage disposal system for Port Blair; setting up Amusement Park at Port Blair etc.
“I would still say that the two sectors of Tourism and Fisheries, which are very important for these Islands, are yet to be fully developed and exploited to their optimum levels. These two sectors are going to be the future of the Islands and provide employment for the youth,” he said.
The Lt. Governor re-stated Administration’s commitment to serve the people of Andaman & Nicobar Islands to the best of collective abilities.
“Even where there are differences, let the discourse remain within bounds of established norms,” he added.
During the meeting several agenda items were discussed viz Illegal immigration in A & N Islands; Development Plans for Rural Areas; Re-Organisation of Sports Department; Work of the Heritage Committee – Future Projects; Extension of the limits of PBMC; Establishment of the Medical College at Port Blair and ‘Mediclaim’ Scheme and Permanent Campus for Andaman and Nicobar College (ANCOL).
All the agenda items were discussed at length. Members put forth their views in a free and frank manner.
On the issue of Illegal Immigration Police Department was directed to increase vigil so as to prevent such elements from getting into the Islands; The baseline of 2004 electoral rolls may be used for verification; The LG will raise this issue with Union Home Minister and Director of Intelligence Bureau; Labourers brought in by contractors must go back at end of the working season and a Committee under Chief Secretary, with Member of Parliament as a special invitee, and heads of major parties as members, will deliberate afresh on issues of capacity / resources and need for restrictions and, submit a report to the Lt. Governor by 15 December 2014.
On the issue of Development Plans for Rural Areas it was said that the view and perception that rural areas are neglected is not correct; There are already many schemes / programmes being implemented. However, for the future, it was decided that Principal Secretary (Revenue) will prepare a VISION DOCUMENT for the rural areas of this Union Territory by end of December 2014. This will cover all areas including Diglipur and Campbell Bay. It will indicate areas of development to be undertaken for the next five years. It shall be prepared in consultation with all stakeholders, including the MP and PRIs. The first meeting shall be held on 20.10.2014 at Diglipur with the Zilla Parishad Adhyaksh; Further, a community college and a National Institute of Technology is being proposed to be located in rural area for which land will be earmarked shortly. Apart from this, a rural economic zone is also proposed. The Plan will cover all rural areas of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Regarding Reorganisation of Sports the Council discussed both options; one – to merge the Sports Department with the Education Department; and second – to retain the existing arrangement of a separate Sports Department but strengthen it for effective delivery. After discussions, the Council choose the second option. Besides, it was decided that the Sports Council will be recast, with Chief Secretary / DG Police as its head, with adequate representation of sports persons and administrators.
As far as Olympic Association is concerned, the Administration will take cognisance of any illegal activities in the Association and proceed as per law.
Regarding Work of Heritage Committee it is said that our Islands boost of a very rich culture a historical heritage which needs to be preserved. The role of the Heritage Committee was highlighted in this regard. It was felt that all our structures of heritage value need to be documented. The Council was informed that INTACH, a non-profit organisation, which is working with several states / UTs has sent a proposal.
In view of the precarious condition of the structures at Ross Island, INTACH has offered assistance to preserve them. It was decided to pursue both the proposals.
With regard to the Viper Island, in accordance with the decision of the Heritage Committee, the Administration has written to the ASI for providing their expertise. Also, the Indian High Commission in London has been approached for help in locating historical documents in the British Library. Many members expressed their apprehensions regarding notifying Cellular Jail as a Monument of National Importance as it may entail GOI / ASI taking over the Jail.
Regarding Extension of limits of PBMC the proposal for extension of municipal limits of Port Blair Municipal Council to include 10 villages in Port Blair Planning Area, the draft notification for which was issued recently, was deliberated upon. Instead of including all 10 villages in municipal limits at one go, it was felt that keeping in view various constraints and requirements and the objections and suggestions received from public, a few of the villages such, which have already been urbanised to a large extent may be included in the first phase. The remaining villages, which are predominantly rural, could be considered in a later phase, after a few years. This would enable the Port Blair Municipal Council to better discharge its responsibilities in the extended jurisdiction.
Regarding Medical Collage the steps taken by the Administration to set up a Medical College were warmly acknowledged. The Lt. Governor assured the Council that preference would be given to the eligible local doctors from these Islands, both from the Government and Private Sector, in the appointment of faculty to the College, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. It was also informed that for 40 posts, there has been an overwhelming response and over 250 applications have been received.
Regarding Andaman and Nicobar Islands Scheme of Health Insurance.
This was appreciated by the esteemed members of the council and it was decided that this shall be launched on 26th January 2015.
Detailed rules and all other relevant aspects of the scheme shall be prepared and will be shared with the members of the Advisory Council.
Presently the scheme is proposed for families with an income upto 3 lakhs. The financial implications of extending the scheme to cover families with income of upto Rs. 5.00 lakhs per year shall be examined.
Observations of the Member of Parliament to define the word “flexible” will be incorporated into the scheme.
The feasibility of offering Retiring Government Employees the option to either join the CGHS or this scheme shall be examined.
Regarding Andaman and Nicobar College (ANCOL) keeping in view the urgency to start the construction earliest, the Administration requested that the construction of the building at the allotted site be taken up immediately as all other sites were falling short in one or the other criteria including in some case, CRZ clearances.
In addition to agenda items, the members also shared their views in respect of some other issues namely regularisation of DRMs, opening of a ITI at Campbell Bay, felicitation function for the children of Islands who participated in recent Asian Games, a separate eye wing at the G B Pant Hospital, more study tours of PRIs, construction of sluice gates, provision of a jetty at Mitakhari etc.
All members unanimously expressed their satisfaction over the deliberations and hoped that the Administration will progress expeditiously various fronts.
At the end, the Lt. Governor expressed his gratitude to the MP, Shri B.P. Ray for his invaluable suggestions. He also thanked all members of the Council for their valuable contribution to the discussions on the issues as well as for bringing up issues of public importance to the notice of Administration. The Lt. Governor urged the Administration to respond to them proactively. He assured the members of the Council of speedy action on all developmental issues.
