Port Blair, December 5: The two-day conference on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) on the theme-“Thinking future- PVTGs of A&N Islands” concluded today at Megapode Resort. The Lt Governor, Lt Gen A.K. Singh (Retd) was the chief guest on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Lt Governor expressed his happiness on the deliberations of the conference, which he said was worthwhile as it has served the purpose to a great extent. He said that the two-day conference has enabled us to understand the issues that confront this very sensitive subject in a better manner. He further assured that the Administration would minutely analyse the views and suggestions put forth by the experts and added that more discussions will continue. “The complexity of the issues is very clear to all, therefore, you will admit the dilemma and the challenges faced by the Administration and all those who are involved in this work”, he said.
Assuring that the Administration will maintain transparency while dealing with tribal issues, he said we are determined to be transparent because we believe that irrespective of different views on the issue everybody is on the same side of the fence, the basic aim being welfare and well being of our primitive tribes.
Turning to the ATR issue, the Lt Governor said that the Administration is equally committed to ensure the welfare of the settler community. Our efforts will be to harmonize the interest of both our tribes and the settler community which he said are not mutually exclusive. Dispelling all misgiving on the ATR, he said that the apex Court had allowed the opening of the ATR after a detailed presentation was made by the Administration. It is the lifeline of the people of North & Middle Andaman where large number of people are residing and their interests cannot be ignored. He further said that the Administration has put up a stringent mechanism so that the people as well as the tourists using ATR will not be a threat to the tribals living in the area. Simultaneously, efforts are also on to develop an alternate sea route to ease the traffic so that both the land and sea routes are made available to the people.
He said that once the connectivity improves we can create forums through ANTRI where debates can occur on more specific issues, welcoming critics, welcoming new ideas. Those responsible for AAJVS should ensure that there should be a periodic assessment of the AAJVS staff. He further said that ANTRI which is just a year old should fill the gap of consultation and research. Through ANTRI voices of the experts should reach these Islands so that our knowledge and information deepens, he added.
Dr. Satadru Sen and Samit Sawhney also addressed the concluding session. The valedictory session concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the Secretary Tribal Welfare, Shri G Theva Neethi Dhas.
