Port Blair, Jan.27: Spectacular parade, tableaux display and colourful cultural programme marked the 67th Republic Day celebration all over the country yesterday (Jan.26, 2016). In these Islands too, Republic Day was celebrated with befitting programmes. The main function was held in the historic Netaji Stadium, in which the Lt. Governor, Lt. Gen. A K Singh (Retd.) unfurled the tri-colour as the chief guest and took salute from the parade contingents. The Lt. Governor distributed LG’s Commendation Certificates to eleven persons from different walks of life, who have been selected for the Certificates for their extra-ordinary sense of responsibility, professional skills and devotion to duty, and have contributed to the cause of the Islands in their respective fields.
Addressing a huge gathering on the occasion, the Lt. Governor reiterated his commitments to serve the people of the Islands and ensured greater joy and betterment in their lives. He said that his own guiding motto; “Islands and the Islanders before self” will remain unchanged. The Lt. Governor said, “Let us resolve to always keep the interest of the Islands to the fore. Let us rise above our self and ego, to collectively work and take the Islands on the path of progress”. He also appealed to the officers of the Administration to continue to work not only with their minds, but also with their hearts, to serve the people of these Islands.
The Lt. Governor mentioned that under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the country has witnessed all-round development. Similarly, in the Islands too, efforts have also been made by the A&N Administration in taking the Islands towards faster development, with the guidance and support of Govt. of India.
Highlighting the successful implementation of all national schemes in the Islands, during the past one year, the Lt. Governor stated that all the schemes launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, have been implemented in these Islands with great enthusiasm and vigour. However, there is still scope for improvement and our people must take full advantage of these schemes. To ensure that the benefits of all flagship programmes reach every nook and corner, the Administration is making constant efforts, in coordination with the banks, insurance companies and other agencies, he said.
The Lt. Governor also mentioned that the Islands are receiving every help from the Central Government under the leadership the Prime Minister for taking these Islands forward. “We have attained great success in the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, under which 66,000 accounts have been opened, most of which are active. Besides, schemes viz. Suraksha Bima Yojana, Jeeva Jyoti Yojana and Mudra Yojana are also being encouraged”, said the Lt. Governor.
The Lt. Governor reiterated the commitment of the Administration in ensuring that the fruits of development reach the common man in tune with the vision of the Prime Minister ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’. The Lt. Governor expressed his gratitude to the Islanders as well as the elected representatives for their contribution and their support to the Administration in its developmental works.
Referring to the recent ‘Khaas Mulaqat’ programme broadcast over Doordarshan, the Lt. Governor highlighted the notable achievements of 2015.
In the governance sector, the citizen charter was introduced which is being implemented by the Departments of Administration. The Lt. Governor invited suggestions from the people for improving the citizen charter. He also mentioned about the ‘Prashsan Aapke Dwar’ programme, under which the Administration makes an efforts to reach the people. The Lt. Governor assured that the Administration will make concerted efforts, as directed by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, to live up to the expectations of the general public.
About the employment sector, the Lt. Governor stated that steps have been initiated to provide employment to the unemployed youth in government as well as private sectors. Accordingly, vacancies in the Army have been increased, and expected to cross 300 mark this year. The Self Help Groups are also being encouraged by way of providing soft loans and marketing support etc., he said and exhorted the banks to implement the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Scheme in true spirit, under which small farmers and entrepreneurs will be benefited.
The Lt. Governor assured the youth of providing suitable opportunities for materializing their dreams. For this purpose, the A&N Administration will focus on skill development in the current year, he said. While the Govt. is implementing several schemes for the farmers, welfare of fishermen community is also under focus, he said.
Turning to the tourism sector, the Lt. Governor underlined the need for establishing a Tourism Development Corporation in the Islands, in view of the income generating activities and employment opportunities in the sector here.
Assuring the people of improving the connectivity sector in the Islands, the Lt Governor mentioned about the chartered flight between Port Blair-Chennai and the night flight facility that commenced recently. He also assured that chartered flight between Kolkata-Port Blair will also commence soon. Informing about his vision, the Lt. Governor mentioned that the Administration plans to station an ATR aircraft of Air India at Port Blair so that regular air service can be provided to Campbell Bay, Car Nicobar and Diglipur. This service will begin as soon as the extension of air fields at Diglipur and Campbell Bay is complete. The Administration will also modernize its shipping service under which orders for procuring new ships have been approved by the Shipping Ministry.
Regarding the infrastructure development in the Islands, the Lt. Governor mentioned about the construction of bridges for two straits in North & Middle Andaman District, construction of which will commence soon, he said expressing his gratitude to the Prime Minister and Shri Nitin Gadkari, the Shipping Minister. He also mentioned that Port Blair will become Smart City soon.
Mentioning about the visit of the Union Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad to the Islands, the Lt. Governor stated that the work of undersea cable connection between Chennai and Port Blair and five other Islands will commence soon.
About the power sector, the Lt. Governor mentioned about his meeting with the Union Power Minister, Shri Piyush Goyal following which a decision was taken to turn A&N Islands into ‘Green Islands’. For this, renewable, non-polluting energy sources will have to be utilized in a phased manner, he said.
Speaking about the health sector, the Lt. Governor stated that the dream of Medical College in the Islands has been fulfilled and in the first batch of the college, 91 students from these Islands got admission. The Lt. Governor also mentioned about the ANISHI scheme under which 367 patients have been benefited so far. “Super Specialty services in GB Pant Hospital have been upgraded”, he said adding that from the present 450 bed, the GB Pant Hospital will be upgraded to a 500 bedded hospital, with addition of burn patients’, terminally ill cancer patients’ and eye wards; which will be taken up in the near future. Simultaneously, other facilities will also be upgraded, he said.
Referring to the education sector, the Lt. Governor stated that under ‘Sansaad Adarsh Gram Yojana’, ‘Smart Classes’ will be introduced in Govt. Model Sr. Sec. School, Ferrargunj (class XI & XII), which will provide IT enabled quality education to students.
The Lt. Governor also mentioned about the opening of Medical College, ANCOL and Community College in the Islands while a Law College will be introduced from the 2016-17 session. The Administration is also introducing a ‘laptop scheme’ for the meritorious students of the Govt and Govt. aided schools, said the Lt. Governor.
About the security of the Islands and the Police Department, the Lt. Governor mentioned that in order to strengthen coastal security, 10 interceptor boats have been procured while 10 marine operational centres are being established. Besides, 10 big ships, 23 rigid inflatable boats are being procured to strengthen the infrastructure. He also appreciated the A&N Police for their dedicated services.
Referring to corruption, the Lt. Governor stressed the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister -‘zero tolerance towards corruption’, which is the motto of these Islands too, he said exhorting all citizens and govt officials to refrain from any corrupt practices.
The Lt. Governor congratulated the awardees of the LG’s Commendation Certificates and expressed hope that they continue to work and serve the people of these Islands in selfless manner. He also complimented the marching contingents, the school children and the tableaux, for their excellent standard. The Lt. Governor also congratulated Shri Naresh Chandra Lall, Theatre Director and Film Maker from these Islands, on being selected for the prestigious Padma Shree award for his works in the field of art, theatre and cinema.
The Lt. Governor, on behalf of the Islanders, thanked the Hon’ble Prime Minister for his visionary leadership, guidance and support, under which the Islands have achieved so much during a short span of time.
The Lt. Governor also thanked the Member of Parliament, elected representatives, political parties and the people of A&N Islands for their contribution in the development of the Islands. He also lauded the A&N Command and Coast Guard for their support to the Civil Administration. The Lt. Governor also thanked the media for their contribution in developmental activities and also lauded the A&N Administration, under the leadership of the Chief Secretary for all its efforts.
A spectacular march past was presented by the parade contingents, led by Major S Navneet Ganesh. The contingents included Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, A & N Police, Police Fire Services, Home Guard, NCC Cadets, and contingents from different schools of Port Blair and its adjacent areas.
Tableaux were also displayed by the Departments of the Administration. These included Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Election Office, Environment & Forest, Fisheries, Health, Industries and Shipping Services. A demonstration on rescue and relief operation was also conducted by the Department of Disaster Management and A & N Police Fire Services. Besides, a colourful cultural programme, depicting the diverse cultural heritage of the Islands was presented by the school children from various schools of the town.
The Republic Day celebration, which was attended by senior officers from A&N Command, A&N Administration, Adhyaksha Zilla Parishad, Chairperson PBMC, councillors and eminent personality amidst large multitude, concluded with the National Anthem.
