Port Blair, 24: The Lt Governor, Lt General A. K. Singh (Retd), today reiterated the resolve and commitment of this UT Administration to further strengthen the Panchayati Raj System in these Islands. He said Panchayati Raj System is the heart of democracy and so it should be strengthened from grass root level not only for effective implementation of various projects but also for the overall development of these Islands. The Lt Governor stated this while launching the new website of the Zilla Parishad (South Andaman) from its conference hall here this morning.
Addressing the PRIs and others present in good numbers, the Lt Governor said that the requirements of the common people have multiplied and their expectations have increased. Therefore, it is our duty to live up to the expectations of the citizens.
Stressing on the slogan “less government and more governance” enunciated by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the Lt Governor said that good governance can only be achieved when it is adopted at all levels in true spirit. He expressed hope that the PRIs would work towards achieving good governance and live up to the expectations of the rural masses.
Referring to the website, the Lt Governor said this is a step towards making the system more transparent and to facilitate easy dissemination of information to the citizens of these Islands. The Lt Governor also urged the PRIs and all the Departments to look into the Citizen’s Charter and make sure that they abide by it.
Referring to the Swatch Bharat Abhiyan campaign launched by the Prime Minister, the Lt Governor appealed to the people from all walks of life to make this campaign a great success. The Lt Governor also informed about the progress made so far for the establishment of Islands’ Medical College, which is expected to start functioning from July this year. A large number of specialists and super specialists have already joined and this will benefit our Health Services.
Referring to the initiatives taken in the Education sector, he informed that approval for starting a Community College at Ferrargunj has been obtained recently with two courses i.e. Vehicle Testing (Automobile Sector) and Software Development (IT Sector). This, the Lt. Governor felt, will facilitate the rural youth for undertaking skill oriented technical courses and pave the way for better education facility for the students of these Islands in the coming days.
Turning to Tourism development sector, the Lt. Governor informed that the Ministry of Tourism had approved the establishment of two eco-friendly resorts, one each for Neil Island & Long Island, for which an amount of Rs. 5 crore has been sanctioned for each resort. Similarly, an amount of Rs.3 crores has been sanctioned for the renovation of Cellular Jail for which the Administration has to prepare a Detail Project Report, he said.
The Lt. Governor also informed about his meeting with the Aviation Minister, wherein he discussed issues pertaining to the Aviation sector. He said the Administration is trying its level best to increase the frequency of the Chennai-Port Blair Charter Flight service. If all goes well, the flight frequency may go up to 4 times a month. As for the Kolkata-Port Blair sector, currently Air India does not have adequate aircrafts to operate during the day time. However, once the night landing clearance is obtained from DGCA for the Port Blair Airport, Air India may decide to start its operation. The Delhi-Vizag-Port Blair flight is expected to be operational soon. The Lt. Governor also shared his long term vision pertaining to aviation sector. In this context, he referred to the airstrips at Campbell Bay and Diglipur and said that the expansion work of airfield under phase 1 will commence soon, paving the way for transformation in aviation sector in these Islands.
Regarding the frequent power cut problem, the Lt. Governor said, a 5 mega watt generator set has been made operational to meet the requirement of current shortage. He also directed the Secretary (Power) to make arrangements for creating reserves DG sets which can be utilized during such crisis. Sharing his experience on his brief visit to Rangat and Mayabunder, the Lt. Governor said, the PRIs at both the places had brought to his notice various issues about the people, including acute shortage of drinking water. The Lt. Governor said he has directed the Chief Engineer (APWD) to prepare a proposal for setting up of desalination plant on pilot project basis. Another issue highlighted by the PRIs was regarding the non-availability of Sub Distribution Centre under PDS system for which he issued directives to the Secretary, Civil Supplies to start the same within one month. He also directed the Civil Supplies Department to streamline the supply of LPG cylinders in Mayabunder and other area.
The Lt. Governor complimented the PBMC for its swift and timely action on sealing of illegal construction of buildings. He appealed to the people of these Islands to refrain from such activity. “The law of the land is equal for all, hence we should all abide by it in the earnest manner”, said the Lt. Governor. Touching upon corruption, the Lt. Governor urged everyone to refrain from indulging in such practices.
The function was graced among others by the Up Adhyaksh ZP, Shri Anand Amrit Raj, the Chairperson PBMC, Shri M Arumugam, the Chairperson SSWB, Smt. Ratna Kannan, Ex- Chairperson PBMC, Shri K Ganeshan, Ex- Chairperson SSWB, Smt. Shanta Laxman Singh, and members all the three tier Panchayati Raj Institution.
Welcoming the chief guest and others present on the occasion, the Adhyaksha Zila Parishad South Andaman, Ms VK Mariam Bibi said that this website http://zpsa.andaman.gov.in prepared by IT Department and SOVTECH will provide on public domain the information such as plan schemes being implemented by PRIs, works undertaken by Zilla Parishad, South Andaman, services of Vivekananda Kendriya Zilla Parishad Vidhyalaya in the field of education, details of funds (receipt & expenditure) of Zilla Parishad, South Andaman etc. The notified copies of grant-in-aid rules, Panchayat regulation, district planning committee, standing committee etc. will be also available as downloads.
The CEO Zilla Parishad, Ms Rashmi Krishanan said this website will have provision for quick dissemination of urgent information to PRI members through SMS alerts. Also, provision has been kept for submission of feedbacks/suggestions of general public on the contents and other features of the website, which will help the organization to improve the quality of the content published in the website. She also proposed the vote of thanks on the occasion.
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