Port Blair, Feb 3: The Lt Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, visited Little Andaman on February 2 and 3, 2017. The Lt Governor was accompanied by the First Lady of these Islands, Smt. Prem Mukhi, the Chief Secretary, Mr. Anindo Majumdar and Secretary (TW) Mr. D.M. Shukla. On arrival at Hut Bay, he was greeted by the Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti and other PRI members. Thereafter, the Lt Governor held a meeting with PRI members and senior officers of different Departments at the Govt. Guest House at Hut Bay.
The Lt Governor appraised the gathering about some of the projects to come up in different sectors. In the telecommunication sector, he said the Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for laying of submarine Optical Fibre Cable between the Islands and Chennai for improving the telecom connectivity. Once the undersea cable project is complete, the tele-connectivity problems will be eliminated once for all and would result in the overall socio-economic development of the Islands. The Optical Fibre Cable project will stimulate establishment of IT based industries & IT enabled services besides improving e-Governance. The Administration is in talk with the Ministry of Telecommunication to augment the BTS capacity with 152 more BTS so that connectivity is improved across the Islands till the OFC cable is established.
In the Health Sector, the Lt Governor informed that in view of many cases of heart related diseases referred to mainland, a Cath Lab for angioplasty (Stents) is planned to be set up in the G B Pant Hospital by June, 2017. Knee & Hip replacement along with spinal surgery would also be made available at GB Pant Hospital by June, 2017. Apart from this, neurology and nephrology departments will also be established by January next year.
The Lt. Governor also declared that if the Sainik School is sanctioned, it will be set up in Hut Bay. The Lt. Governor further stated that the NITI Aayog has selected Hut Bay for comprehensive development in the Tourism Sector. The Administration is also making plans for turning these Islands as the most sought after tourism destination.
Responding to the issues raised by the PRIs, the Lt Governor assured that the services of ‘Bharat Seema’, passenger vessel plying between Port Blair and Hut bay will be restored soon. On the issue regarding touching of mainland bound ships at Hut Bay, the Lt Governor stated that the matter will be looked into. He further assured that the feasibility of providing Ultrasound machine at PHC Hut Bay will be taken as per the guidelines of GoI so as to minimize the visit of expecting mothers in GB Pant Hospital.
The Lt. Governor also directed the concerned authorities to take up the construction works of a new building of the Directorate of Shipping Services. Regarding additional requirements in the existing cold storage and Ice Plant, the Lt. Governor directed the Fisheries Department to take necessary steps to augment the storage capacity of the Ice Plant. On the issue of poor standard in science stream, the Lt. Governor directed that the Zonal Education officers should regularly visit schools and also involve the PRI members in the School Management Committee. Regarding allotment of sea sand for construction works, the Lt. Governor stated that the matter will be taken up with the concern Ministry. On the issue of unemployment, the Lt. Governor said that apart from opportunities in the Tourism sector, immense potential also exist in other sectors which needs to be tapped appropriately. The PRIs and the general public should motivate the youth to take up entrepreneurship. Coconut based products, Coconut virgin Oil and Coir Industries can be established in Hut Bay for which Government will act as facilitator. Besides, Government will provide financial support, technical training and marketing help. Responding to the issue of power cuts, the Lt. Governor motivated the gathering to go for alternative methods of power. He urged every individual to install roof top Solar Plant for which Government will bear 70 % of the cost and 30% shall be provided as loan from SBI. Regarding rural roads, the Lt. Governor asked for a detailed report of all kinds of rural roads maintained by the Zila Parishad, APWD, Rural Development Department etc. He said that the Administration will take up all rural road works in one go by availing loan.
The Lt. Governor urged the PRI members to initiate concrete steps towards revenue generation. By generating revenue of their own, the PRIs will become self reliant and can take more people oriented schemes at their respective area.
Later, the Lt. Governor visited a private firm titled ‘Reflex Industry’ which deals in dissected coconut powder. Impressed by the firm which has provided employment to 70 persons, the Lt. Governor desired that such initiatives have to be propagated. The Lt. Governor also visited Hut Bay Water Falls and directed the concern authorities to develop it further as a picnic spot. Directions were issued to immediately improve the approach way up to the water falls. The Lt. Governor also visited the Primary Health Centre, Hut Bay and inspected the Male and Labour Wards and directed that all necessary steps should be taken to ensure that the pregnant ladies do not suffer while travelling to Port Blair.
Later, the Lt. Governor visited Harmender Bay, a Nicobari Settlement. Responding to their demands, the Lt. Governor assured that the construction of community hall for the use of Tribal Community for festivals and other functions will be sanctioned this month itself. The Lt. Governor also directed the Secretary (Tribal Welfare) to make arrangement for replacement of damaged street lights within this month from Break Water to Harmender Bay Village. The Lt. Governor further stated that a Vice-Principal in GSS Harmender Bay will be posted soon. He also directed to take up the construction of playground and a CC Footpath immediately. The Lt. Governor further assured that funds will be released immediately for the Tribal Council for celebration of the three National Holidays. The Lt. Governor also visited Chattan beach and Kala Pathar. He also visited Butler bay beach and desired that tented accommodations can be provided in this beach. Thereafter, the Lt. Governor visited V.K.Pur wherein, he unveiled a statue of Swami Vivekananda. A cultural programme was also held on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Lt. Governor informed the gathering about the future plans and important achievements of the administration. He said that to check the growing alcoholism in the Islands, a new Excise policy has been introduced from 1st January 2017. As per the new excise policy, the Administration, instead of going in for total prohibition, has decided to check the alcoholism by way of taking measures in a systematic manner to curb the tendencies. Liquor rates have also been increased by increasing Octroi and excise duty. Further, bar timings has also been reduced from 12 to 6 hours only and number of dry days increased from 3 to 15.
Due to several cases of oral cancer reported in the Islands because of chewing of tobacco products, a total ban has been imposed on the manufacture, storage, sale and consumption of all forms of chewing tobacco products like Gutka, packed/unpacked Zarda etc in the Islands, the Lt Governor added.
Later, meeting with the farmers at Panchayat Bhavan V K Pur, the Lt Governor desired that Little Andaman should be made a complete organic farming Island so that the farmers can get good revenue for their organic produces. He cited the example of Sikkim which has been declared total organic state and the Himachal Pradesh about to be declared fully organic shortly.
On February 3rd, the Lt Governor visited Model Senior Secondary School Hut Bay. Interacting with the students, the Lt Governor urged the students to excel not only in studies but also in co-curricular activities. He also urged for taking benefit from the smart classrooms devised for them. Later, the Lt Governor visited Dugong Creek, abode of the Onges population. Responding to their demands, the Lt Governor stated that construction of road from Dugong Creek to VK Pur will be looked into. He also directed the Secretary Tribal Welfare to organize a eye camp for the benefit of the Onges within next week. The Lt Governor also handed over cloths and cycles to Mohanlal, Tai and Uglai.
On completion of visit, the Lt Governor returned back to Port Blair on Feb.3.
