Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 06: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, met the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration today and discussed several crucial issues pertaining to the development of the Islands. Key topics included the early conduct of DPC and State Plan Board meetings, identification of roads connecting harbor jetties and ports for National Highway declaration, finalization of priority roads, bridges/culverts to construct under the CRF fund, supply of DAP and neem-coated urea to farmers, urgent survey and repairs of harbor jetties, utilization of vacant urban land for tourism development and resolving land conversion issues. The Chief Secretary assured the MP that these matters are under active consideration by the A&N Administration and efforts are being made to address them promptly.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 06: Andaman & Nicobar Anganwadi Workers & Helpers Union (CITU) has organised meetings of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers at various parts of the union territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands today (6.1.2025) to observe the Foundation Day of All India Federation of Anganwadi Workers & Helpers (AIFAWH).
The main programme was organised at Shaheed Bhavan, Anarkali, Port Blair. R. Surendran Pillai, President, CITU State Committee inaugurated the programme which was attended by a large number of Anganwadi Workers & Helpers of Port Blair Urban Project. He called upon the Anganwadi Workers & Helpers to strengthen the Union in order to fight for the demands already raised by the Federation at the national level.
Addressing the gathering, D. Ayyappan, Vice President, CITU State Committee briefly explained the formation of the AIFAWH in 1989 and subsequent struggles conducted under it all these years on various demands of the Anganwadi Workers and Helpers. He said that whatever benefits the Anganwadi Workers & Helpers are getting in the country including these islands, it was because of the relentless struggles of the CITU-affiliated Anganwadi unions.
Geeta Devi, President, A & N Anganwadi Workers & Helpers Union presided over the function. R. Anbukkarsi, General Secretary also addressed the gathering.

Nancowry, Jan. 6:The picturesque Nancowry sub-division came alive as it hosted a vibrant Island Tourism Festival (ITF), 2024 yesterday at Indira Park, Kamorta, celebrating the rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and diverse traditions of the region. The event was graced by Shri Pravesh Ranjan Jha, Director (Shipping), A&N Administration, as the chief guest, and Shri Aditya Sangotra, Assistant Commissioner, Nancowry, as the guest of honor. Commanding Officers of INS Kardip and Indian Coast Guard, along with Chief Tribal Captain, Nancowry, Ms. Ayesha Majeed, were also present on the occasion.
A large gathering of enthusiastic crowd consisting of young and old, men and women from distant villages alike gathered to soak in the festivity of evening at the ground. The lights and music created a heavenly atmosphere, making it a moment to remain embedded for a long time in the minds of the people. The festival displayed an array of colorful performances by local groups and school children alluring the audiences with their diverse performances and sparkling costumes displaying a gem of local traditions and culture. In addition to cultural performances, stalls of various Departments of A&N Administration like Agriculture, Veterinary, Health, Fire Service and Rural Development were in display spotlighting on various initiatives of the Government, serving as a centre for knowledge and awareness. The events displayed Fire dance, Stick Fight and bamboo dance – a local art form of tribal communities of Nancowry group of Islands. The night shone brighter with performance of students from various schools viz. GMSSS Goal Tikery, GMSSS Kamorta, GMSSS Champin along with performance of Kamorta melodies and group dances and folk songs by various villages and communities of the Nancowry group of Islands.
The programme began with a ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by welcome address by Shri Mohammed Yunus M, Nodal Officer (ITF)/BDO Nancowry. The Assistant Commissioner, Nancowry, delivered the key note address in which, he outlined the key initiatives being taken up by the Administration and sought the support of the tribal leaders and villagers.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest congratulated the organizers for hosting the festival with all grandeur and participation. He assured the support of the Administration in addressing the issues of the region.
As a precursor to the main ITF event, various traditional games like tug-of-war, arm wrestling and coconut de-husking and grating competitions were conducted village wise with an aim to mobilize large crowd from distant and remote villages. The participating teams were led by the respective Village Captains.
The participants were felicitated by the chief guest and dignitaries, appreciating their efforts to putting forward vibrant and colorful programmes for all the people of the Nancowry Island. The ITF curtain closed leaving behind trails of happiness, joy and unforgettable memories for the people. The event was a grand success, leaving everyone with cherished memories and a sense of pride in their heritage.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 05: On the instruction of All India Congress Committee (AICC), the Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee on the 04th of january, 2025 organized ‘Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan Rally,’ to protest against the BJP for insulting freedom fighters and undermining the Constitution.
The march was held under the leadership of ANTCC President Mr. Rangalal Halder and ANTCC Campaign Committee Chairman Mr. TSG Bhasker. Congressmen gathered in large numbers to raise their voice against the BJP.
The Rally started from Gandhi Bhawan and proceeded to Clock Tower and returned back where in route the Congress leaders paid floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Dr. B.R Ambedkar
The demonstrators condemned the recent remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Rajya Sabha insulting Dr. B.R Ambedkar. The Congress leaders called for the resignation of Amit Shah and reaffirmed its commitment to save Dr. B.R Ambedkar’s and Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy of justice and equality.
Many Senior Leaders of Congress, AICC Members, TCC Members, BCC Members, Heads of Frontal Organizations/Departments, PRI Members and PBMC Councillors were present on the occasion.