Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 26: During their visit to Mumbai, Prince Rashid, Chairman, Tribal Development Council, A&N Islands and Rayhaan Pasha, President of Nicobar Youth Association paid a courtesy call on the Governor of Maharashtra, Mr. C.P. Radhakrishnan, and presented Tribes Nicobar Virgin Coconut Oil, which was recognized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat, along with the booklet Journey of Tribes Nicobar Virgin Coconut Oil to GI Tag. The Governor appreciated their efforts in achieving the GI tag, recognizing it as a significant step towards preserving and promoting the indigenous heritage of Nicobar.

Vikramaditya
Rangat, March 24, 2025: A large number of Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) representatives of North and Middle Andaman have officially formed their own association to address community issues more effectively. The decision was made in a meeting held today at Pokadera, Middle Andaman.

During the meeting, the leadership structure of the newly formed PRI Association was announced. Mr. Dipankar Mistry was appointed as the President, Mr. Debobrata Das as the Secretary, and Mrs. K Chithravelu as the Treasurer. The formation of this association marks a significant step towards organized advocacy for the PRIs in North and Middle Andaman.

Talking to Andaman Sheekha today Mr. Dipankar Mistry said that previously, PRI members in North and Middle Andaman were individually raising their concerns without any structured representation. This lack of unity often led to challenges in addressing local issues effectively. In recent protests, there was also confusion regarding decision-making, which highlighted the need for a formal association.

With the formation of this association, all future matters concerning PRI representatives will be addressed collectively under its banner.
A Unified Voice for PRI Representatives
Mr. Mistry said that at the meeting, the leaders emphasized that the association will serve as a unified platform to voice the grievances and demands of PRI members effectively. The Secretary, Mr. Debobrata Das highlighted the importance of structured representation, similar to existing organizations in other sectors, such as shipping and marine associations.

He also stated that the association will work closely with the Rural Development Department and relevant authorities to ensure that the voices of the people reach the appropriate decision-making bodies. The association aims to address key issues affecting North and Middle Andaman residents, including administrative challenges, infrastructure concerns, and policy advocacy.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 24: The Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee President Mr. Rangalal Halder has addressed a pressing issue concerning government employees stationed in Kamorta, Katchal, and the Nancowry Group of Islands. In a formal appeal to the Chief Secretary, A & N Administration, he highlighted the persistent hardships faced by these employees due to the unavailability of residential government quarters.
He said that many government employees are compelled to share rental accommodations under difficult conditions, with three to four persons forced to live in a single room for prolonged periods.
Mr. Halder emphasized that the lack of official housing not only leads to financial and logistical difficulties but also negatively impacts the morale, well-being, and efficiency of the employees who continue to serve diligently in these remote and challenging regions.
He has further urged the administration to take immediate steps toward establishing government quarters in these islands to significantly improve the living conditions of government employees and enhance the quality of public service delivery in these critical areas.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar. 24: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands participated in the 2nd Edition of the Khelo India Para Games (KIPG) 2025 held from March 20, 2025, in New Delhi. Smt. M. Bhavani, a remarkable para-athlete from the Islands, has brought glory to A&N Islands by winning two prestigious medals. She clinched a silver medal in the Women’s 100m Run (T-44) and secured a bronze in the Women’s Long Jump. Her outstanding performance exemplifies resilience, dedication, and the true spirit of sportsmanship.
Bhavani’s achievements not only highlight her personal triumph but also serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and beyond. The Khelo India Para Games provide a platform for para-athletes to showcase their talents, and Bhavani’s success underscores the importance of inclusivity and empowerment in sports.

 

Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 23: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, met with the Union Finance Minister Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss the vital issue of budget allocation for the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. During the meeting, the MP highlighted the financial constraints faced by the UT and urged the Finance Minister to enhance the budget for capital expenditure through a special grant, considering the A&N Islands’s backwardness and geographical remoteness.
During the discussion, the MP brought to the Finance Minister’s notice the serious lapses in fund utilization by the UT Administration. Based on official data from the A&N Administration, approximately Rs. 600 crore has been surrendered over the past five years. Further, Rs. 163 crore earmarked for central schemes remains unutilized and a special financial assistance package of Rs. 279 crore intended for rural road construction has not been obtained and utilized effectively.
The MP also pointed out the misallocation of funds by the UT Administration, which has prioritized non-essential expenditures, including the beautification of LG Raj Niwas, officer residences, procurement of vehicles, installation of ACs and modern furniture, instead of investing in main public infrastructure projects.
Furthermore, the MP raised concerns over the budget proposals prepared by the UT Administration without prior consultation with elected representatives, including the lone MP. The proposals focus primarily on securing funds for recurring expenditures such as salaries and committed liabilities, leading to inadequate provisions for capital expenditure for infrastructure development. As a result, developmental activities, including funding for local bodies such as Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), the Municipal Council and essential infrastructure for roads, water and electricity, remain grossly underfunded.
Highlighting the adverse effects of this misallocation, the MP cited that only 36 km of rural roads have been constructed in the past five years due to inadequate fund allocation to the three-tier PRIs. The MP emphasized that such deficiencies hinder the overall development of the area and impact the quality of life of its residents.
In conclusion, the MP urged the Finance Minister to intervene and ensure the allocation of adequate funds for capital expenditure to the UT of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, from the 2025-26 financial year onwards. A well-structured financial package would help bridge the developmental gap, strengthen infrastructure and uplift the socio-economic conditions of the people in this strategically significant yet underdeveloped region.
Responding to the issue raised, the Finance Minister has assured that the matter will be looked into for consideration.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 23: Through diligent efforts, the Aberdeen Police Station team successfully arrested an individual involved in a cheating case worth Rs. 10 lakhs.
On 05/12/2024, a case has been registered at PS Aberdeen regarding the fraudulent sale of land using forged documents, deceiving the complainant of Rs. 10 lakhs. The primary suspect, a civil contractor from Phoenix Bay had been on the run and was traced to Palakkad, Kerala. Acting on credible information, the police apprehended him and brought him in for questioning.
The accused admitted to sell the land to complainant at Dollygunj with a female accomplice, who impersonated the landowner during the notarization of the agreement with another victim. Further investigation led to the identification of the female accomplice, a resident of Old Pahargaon Village, who confessed to forging the complainant’s documents, including her Aadhar card and photo to execute the fraudulent sale agreement for Rs. 25 lakhs to receive Rs 10 lakh from victim. The fraudsters shared the Rs. 10 lakh advance between them.
The prime accused has been arrested and sent to judicial custody on 20/03/2025. The investigation is under process.
The entire investigation was supervised by Insp. Vishal Ram, SHO PS Aberdeen under the command of Mr. Vikas Swami, IPS, SDPO South Andaman.
The general public is advised to verify all the documents before sealing any deal related to their hard-earned properties as well as to be more vigilant while sharing your documents with anyone. Further, the general public are also requested to share information pertaining to any crime or other illegal activities to Police at 112, 03192-232100, 03192-236641 & 03192-232400. The identity of the informant will be kept secret.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 21: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, Andaman and Nicobar Islands after a detailed field visit and discussions with the villagers of Manpur under Collinpur Gram Panchayat has brought some pressing issues to the attention of the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, for immediate intervention. The issues concerns highlighted include immediate repair and renovation of the road from Tushnabad to Tirur, which has been in a dilapidated state, causing inconvenience to the villagers, removal of dangerous trees that pose a threat to the safety of the villagers, especially during adverse weather conditions, provision of safe drinking water and cleaning of the filter bed to ensure the health and well-being of the community, ensuring uninterrupted power supply for the residents, shifting of crocodiles from areas where they present a risk to the safety of the villagers, setting up of a Junior Engineer Office, Patwari Khana and addressing other related administrative concerns to improve governance and service delivery to the people residing under these Gram Panchayat.
In response to these concerns, the A&N Administration, through the Assistant Commissioner of South Andaman, has assured the MP that these matters will be treated with the highest priority and the administration is committed to taking swift action and ensuring that the necessary steps are undertaken expeditiously to resolve the issues raised for the welfare of the villagers.
Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray extended his thanks to the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, for his proactive approach and for prioritizing the welfare of the people.