Port Blair, Sep 11: Mr. C. Mohammed, President, Unnati met the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration on 09th September 2022 and discussed several issues concerning rural development, self-employment, strengthening Self Help Group movement and other important matters.
The issues raised by the organization were, Rural Development: Effective implementation of rural development programmes all posts of Extension Officer in Block and Assistant Project Officer in DRDA be filled up as per Block Manual. Presently the Blocks and DRDA are functioning with one or two Extension officers in place of eight Extension officers.
Water Supply: – a. Water supply of an urban area can be improved if existing water supply projects are completed on priority. The sweet water lake of Sippighat was taken up early after acquiring land from private parties; b. For improvement of rural water supply, the watershed programme may be taken up to recharge water bodies of rural areas.
Beach Cleaning: – Permanent arrangement for cleaning the beach may be entrusted to Gram Panchayat for getting the work done through Self Help Groups who can change the entry fee for visitors.
Unemployment: a. Implementation of the recommendation of various committees constituted by the Administration for providing work to unemployed cooperative societies; b. Single Window System to be strengthened to provide assistance to entrepreneurs/ unemployed youths from one place; c. Re-starting of credit guarantee scheme; d. Deputation of candidates for imparting trainees to train in 21 coconut-based food processing products at Coconut Development Board, Kochin; e. Promotion of Food Processing and implementation of various decisions taken by the Administration on the suggestion of Unnati for extending assistance including supply of packing materials and preservatives.
Marketing support: i. A restart of sale counter at Goalghar for selling Self Help Group products; ii. Support to Self Help Group for displaying their products for sale in Sagarika Emporium of Industry Department at concessional rate and iii. For marketing support funds from Rural Development Department and NABARD may be dovetailed.
ANIIDCO: i. Andaman Fishing Ltd. to be started to exploit marine resources and employment generation; ii. The green shop of ANIIDCO (Vegetable Shop) also restarted to make available vegetables at a reasonable rate; iii. Direct sailing of the boat from Diglipur at Saturday night to bring vegetables from North Andaman to make available vegetables in Sunday market at a reasonable rate; iv. Dairy and poultry corporation on partnership basis involving Self Help Groups; v. To engage several thousands of women trained in tailoring can be provided employment in tailoring activities with the support of ANIDCO and Andaman Chamber of Commerce. ANIIDCO may arrange the bulk purchase of clothes from the mainland to supply to these trainees who formed Self Help Groups. Andaman Chamber of Commerce may be requested to arrange work orders for readymade clothes after collecting requirements from cloth merchants; vi. Establishment of cattle and poultry feed to ensure regular supply of feeds to farmers.
Juvenile Justice Board and Child Welfare Committee may be formed to take children’s care and rehabilitation.
Allocation of more funds for the construction of permanent Anganwadi buildings with kitchens and toilets replacing all Anganwadi centers functioning in the temporary buildings without kitchens, toilets and water connections to provide a better environment for children.
The discussion was very positive and action on most of the points already initiated based on the points earlier submitted to the Chief Secretary.
