Port Blair, July 08: It was a dream come true for the people of North & Middle Andaman with the laying of foundation stone for a sub-regional Science Centre by the Lt. Governor Lt Gen A K Singh (Retd), at Devpur under Mayabunder Tehsil. A plot of land measuring 1.2 hectors was allotted for this purpose at Devpur in November, 2010 and matter was taken up with the National Council of Science Museums, Kolkata to setup the Science Centre. This could not materialize for several years. The Lt. Governor during his visit to Science Centre on August 2014, desired that the pending proposal relating to establishment of District Level Science Centre at Mayabunder to be taken up afresh. With vigorous pursuance of the A&N Administration with the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India agreed to sanction a sub-regional Science Centre for the District of North & Middle Andaman at a total project cost of Rs.6 Crore to be shared 90% by Ministry of Culture and 10% by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration. Accordingly the A&N Administration released an amount of Rs.60 Lakhs (10%) of the project cost to the National Council of Science Museums, Kolkata which is the Nodal agency entrusted with the task of creating new Science Centre country wide.
In his inaugural speech, the Lt. Governor highlighted the potential of the North & Middle Andaman for development of tourism and related activities. He emphasised that the proposed Science Centre would make a major impact on the student community as it would facilitate scientific temperament among the youth. He further stated that the first phase of Science Centre would be ready in 2 years. Later there are plans to add mini Planetarium, 3D Theatre to screen Science films and time machine(simulator).
He shared with the audience that today, 8th July he has completed 3 years of service to the people of A&N Islands. He thought it would be befitting to mark the occasion by initiating a project on ground which would ignite young minds and also interact with the village community. He reaffirmed his commitment for good governance which had been his driving force making numerous strides possible in different spheres in a short time. While thanking the people of Andaman for their support, he also stated that these milestones had been only possible with the support of the Central Govt under the visionary leadership and guidance of the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji.
In his welcome speech the Deputy Commissioner, N&MA welcomed the chief guest and all the dignitaries present who had come to attend the function. He thanked the Lt Governor for always supporting the developments needs of the District. He also enumerated various development works which are in the final stage of completion, as also those planned for the future.
The Adhyaksha, Zilla Parishad, N&MA, Smt Prabhabati Biswas said that the students of rural area have lot of fear for subjects like Mathematics and Science and the Science Centre will bring back the students to the Science stream. She also thanked the Prime Minister and the Lt Governor for the fast paced development that is taking place since the last two years and said that people have great hopes and confidence that their remaining projects will also fructify soon.
While proposing the vote of thanks, Dr. Utpal Sharma, Secretary Executive Council of Science Centre made special reference to the local agencies who have helped the Science Centre in organizing the function in this rural area to make it a grand success. The programme concluded with the National Anthem sung by the students of Karen Community.
The Lt. Governor also visited Danapur community hall, interacted with villagers and PRI’s. He patiently heard their grievances and gave directions to officials to resolve their problems and issues in a time bound manner. There was a general sense of satisfaction amongst the villagers who have greatly benefitted from the schemes and development of last 2 years.
