Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, July 17: Sudden death of a 22 year old youth, Mr Mohammed Parvaiz, a resident of Babu Lane at G B Pant Hospital triggered massive protest in front of Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital today.
The family members of the deceased alleged that the doctors admitted him yesterday at around 10:00 am as Mr Mohammed Parvaiz was suffering from Hydrocele.
“At 01:00 pm he suffered serious pain and to control the pain the doctor injected him some medicine, just after 10 minutes of the insertion, Mohammed Parvaiz died,” family members alleged.
As per the family members the sudden demise of Mohammed Parvaiz was just because of the negligence of the doctors.
Yesterday itself the family members and friends of Mohammed Parvaiz protested against the doctors inside the hospital, they even damaged hospital properties to express their anger, but soon on information a team of police and a quick response team reached the spot, who anyhow controlled the situation.
However, more than 100 anguished family members and the friends of Mohammed Parvaiz again reached the hospital this morning and started a protest and demanded inquiry against the doctor and also compensation to the family members.
Looking at the situation getting critical Quick Response team of Police, Aberdeen Police, a team of IRBn reached the spot with all safety equipments to control the situation. The Additional Divisional Magistrate as well as the Sub Divisional Magistrate was also at the spot to monitor the situation.
The President, PCC, Mr Kuldeep Rai Sharma, State General Secretary, TDP, Mr Azizur Rehman, Convenor, AAP, Mr Sanjay Meshack, Party members of BJP, ADMK also reached the hospital to support the family members of the deceased and assured all possible support.
It is learnt that later, on demand a postmortem of the body was conducted by the doctor of defense.
Even then the protest continued as the family members and friends of Mohammed Parvaiz organized a protest rally from G B Pant Hospital to Tiranga Park, where finally they were assured by the DC, South Andaman that this issue will be given due prominence after discussion with the Chief Secretary and other senior staffs of the administration.
According to sources, it is also learnt that the DC has appointed one of the family member of the deceased as a DRM.
Andaman Sheekha also contacted the Medical Superintendent, GB Pant Hospital Dr M K Saha to know about the reason behind the death of Mohammed Parvaiz to which the MS replied that the postmortem was conducted today and the preliminary report of the postmortem will be submitted tomorrow, only after which the cause of death will be clear.
He said that the dead body is presently inside the cold mortuary and most probably tomorrow the family member will take the body for the last rites.

Port Blair, July 15: The Lt Governor, Lt Gen A K Singh (Retd), met Vice Chairman NITI Aayog and discussed the issue of development of Container Transhipment Port/Free Port in A & N Islands.

In a follow up letter to Mr Arvind Panagariya, Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog, the Lt Governor has said that the A&N Administration in 2009-2010 conducted a study through Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS) to evaluate the techno-economic feasibility of establishing a Container Transhipment Terminal (CTT) at South Bay in Great Nicobar, which is nearest to the East-West Corridor and the busy shipping route of the Malacca Strait. But the project was not pursued further due to the lack of basic civic infrastructure required for a transhipment hub, as also environmental hazards prevalent in that area, the LG stated.

Similarly another site near Port Blair in South Andaman has been identified considering the technical viability and availability of basic infrastructure at Port Blair. This site can be considered as an alternative to Great Nicobar where CTT can come up alongwith Free Trade Warehousing Zone (FTWZ). However, further studies need to be taken up and economic viability of these options may have to be examined in detail, along with related environmental issues, before taking a final decision, he stated.

He further stated that the CTT project is beyond the capacity of A&N Islands and the UT Administration would be privileged to partner with the Govt. of India to take this project forward.

Port Blair, July 12: “Real progress can take place when we revive the spirit of entrepreneurship in A&N Islands” said the Lt. Governor, A&N Islands, Lt. Gen. A.K. Singh (Retd.), while speaking as the chief guest on the occasion of 35th Foundation Day celebration of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), in the conference hall of NABARD Regional Office here this morning. To mark the occasion, a seminar on ‘Creating Livelihood Opportunities in Andaman & Nicobar Islands’ was also organized by NABARD.
Lauding the GM, NABARD, Mr Hemanth Songadkar and the team for their commendable achievements in implementing various funding schemes of NABARD for rural empowerment in A&N Islands, the Lt. Governor stated that NABARD has made quantum improvement and this endeavour should continue; expressing hope that NABARD would tie up with other Departments of the Administration and work towards promoting sustainable development in the Islands besides facilitating entrepreneurial opportunities for the Islanders.
Speaking about the funds provided by NABARD, the Lt. Governor directed ANIIDCO to tie up with NABARD and avail funds for implementing various rural projects while Agriculture Department can continue with its endeavour in promoting organic agricultural activities, farmers’ welfare oriented programmes and entrepreneurships in coordination with NABARD. The Lt. Governor desired that the UT Administration must work in synergy with NABARD for various developmental projects in Isles and advised NABARD GM to initiate quantum interaction with other Departments and chalk out plans for implementing rural area projects. The Lt. Governor also assured the support of the Administration towards NABARD in this regard.
The Lt. Governor reiterated that funds meant for the upliftment of rural populace must reach the beneficiaries and asked NABARD to continue its focus on Self Help Groups who should be encouraged to look beyond the existing products and expand their horizon for improving their market. The Lt. Governor urged NABARD and Agriculture Department to be proactive in promoting organic products of A&N Islands and remarked that bee keeping and Brand Andaman Honey which has a high market value, should be tapped to its full potential. “The scope of Brand Andaman organic products needs to be properly tapped and proper marketing strategy should be devised for selling the finished products as well as value added products”, said the Lt. Governor.
The Lt. Governor expressed happiness and congratulated NABARD for having won three awards for their relentless service and noteworthy programmes initiated in the Islands. The Lt. Governor also asked the Director CIARI, Dr. S. Dam Roy to adopt Joggers Park and give a facelift to the park by beautifying the ambience and landscape by planting naturally grown flowering plants, which, he said will draw more visitors and be a treat to the eyes.
In his address, the GM NABARD, Mr Hemanth Songadkar stated that NABARD is focused upon working towards rural prosperity through synergy of efforts. He also solicited partnership with the A&N Administration in carrying out various rural projects as well as creating entrepreneurship opportunities for the Islanders. The GM also recalled various initiatives, programmes and activities of NABARD carried out during the last one year across the Islands. He stated that NABARD is also working in coordination with CIARI for climate change projects.
The GM NABARD, through a power point presentation briefed the gathering about the achievements, targets and way forward of NABARD. He also highlighted about the development functions, financial activities, market initiatives, rural innovative projects, natural resource management projects, technology transfer projects, tribal development projects, institution development etc. on the occasion.
A cake cutting ceremony was also held to mark the 35th foundation day of NABARD. The programme was attended among others by the Secretary Agriculture, Smti R. Menaka, Director CIARI, Dr. S. Dam Roy, SP, South Andaman, staff and officials of NABARD.
Earlier, the DGM NABARD, Mr Murali Mohan welcomed the gathering and also proposed the vote of thanks.

Port Blair, July 11: The Lt. Governor, Lt. Gen. A.K. Singh (Retd.) has stated that unprecedented developments have taken place in A&N Islands during the last two years; due to the fervent support and encouragement of the Central Government headed by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.

Acknowledging the support and encouragement of the Central Government towards the development of A&N Islands, the Lt. Governor said, “With the sanctioning of a number of major projects, the Islands are poised to witness discernable progress in the coming days”. He said this while interacting with the Chairperson and Councilors of the Port Blair Municipal Council in a special meeting held in the conference hall of PBMC this morning.

The Lt. Governor also saw a presentation on the achievements and other issues of the PBMC during these special meeting of the Council. Heading the discussion on finance, law and personnel matters of the PBMC, the Lt. Governor, agreeing with the suggestion put forth by the Member of Parliament, A&N Islands, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray during a meeting held recently at Zilla Parishad, South Andaman the other day, reiterated that we must scrutinize and review projects and funds; and the funds saved as the outcome should be utilized for important/priority based projects benefiting people of the Islands. Accordingly, the Lt. Governor directed the Principal Secretary, Urban Development (Chief Secretary i/c), Shri Raajiv Yaduvanshi, Secretary PBMC, Shri Udit Prakash Rai, Chairperson PBMC, Smt Sheela Singh to review all projects of PBMC in consultation with the Member of Parliament, Chief Secretary and Councilors and highlight the mandatory requirements of PBMC, keeping in mind the feasibility and suggestions on priority basis for the works to be initiated.

Regarding the additional demands put forth by Ward Councilors pertaining to their respective wards, the Lt. Governor suggested that extensive in-house discussions and reviews of allocation of projects should be carried out by the PBMC from time to time for concrete solutions.

Lauding the PBMC Chairperson and her team and the Administration for taking Port Blair on a national platform, the Lt. Governor remarked that PBMC is a very efficient Municipal Corporation due to which Port Blair city has been selected for the Smart City challenge along with other states. He said, the smart city challenge should be looked at with dynamic approach and we must ensure that the target set forth under the smart city mission is met with diligence and cooperation from all quarters and called upon PBMC to be proactive in being self reliant. He also urged PBMC to initiate big projects in the Islands for further income generation. “The smart city challenge has to be implemented in its truest sense and this calls for cooperation from every aspect. Therefore private players must come forward and contribute their bit in making the city spic and span under their CSR activities”, the Lt. Governor said, directing the Principal Secretary to ensure that CSR activities of corporate companies are well implemented in these Islands and urged the Chairperson PBMC to organize timely review of the implementation of smart city project mission in A&N Islands and devise a timeline for achieving the goals.

Regarding revenue raising steps devised by PBMC, pertaining to proposal to implement 5% tourism tax on hotels, lodging and place of stay, the Lt. Governor stated that Tourism industry is a lucrative sector and the proposal put forth by the PBMC can be considered, provided it is reasonable. He directed the Principal Secretary to examine the feasibility of the proposal, following which necessary steps will be initiated.

Regarding the problem of hiring of manpower as raised by PBMC Secretary due to paucity of fund, the Lt. Governor remarked that PBMC is a body which has been constituted to provide service to public and enrolling people to meet the requirement of the Council should not be a hindrance. “Employment should be done keeping in mind the work assessment and requirement of the Council”, he said.

Pertaining to the problem of animal menace, especially in Port Blair city, the Lt. Governor stated individual rights cannot be exercised at the expense of the society and accordingly a comprehensive law should be formulated to deal with the problem. He directed that the cattle pounds should have the minimum basic amenities and the wellbeing of the animals sent there should be ensured.

Regarding the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana under the scheme housing for all, the Lt. Governor directed the PBMC Secretary to put forth the demand for land requirement under the scheme and stated that a comprehensive plan should be made and the proposal initiated should be sent to the Secretary RD for consideration. The Lt. Governor also directed the Principal Secretary to freeze the land requirement within one month.

Addressing the issue of municipals building byelaws, the Lt. Governor stated that a clear cut clarification regarding dispensation of rule has to be made known to the people and no violation should be made until the law is amended.

Regarding the issue of fund crunch in PBMC, the Lt. Governor stated that there should be a balance between the plan and non plan fund. The requirement of PBMC under non plan fund should be projected to the Administration with justification for consideration. The Lt. Governor also directed the Secretary PBMC to appraise all ward councilors and members about the fund allocation.

Earlier, the Lt. Governor also inaugurated a Citizen Desk at the ground floor of the PBMC office which offers facilities for enquiry, central diary, file tracking and tax receipts.

Expressing his views on the occasion, the Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray stated that the proposed 5% tax in the tourism sector, for hotels and lodging should not affect the Islanders adversely. He advocated for raising tax on liquor in the Islands. The MP also explained about the laws regarding keeping and maintaining pet animals. Speaking about the plastic menace, the Member of Parliament said “Plastic generated in the Islands should be recycled. It should be converted into granules and sent to mainland”. Regarding land requirement by the PBMC for various projects, the MP asked for framing timeline for proper implementation of the works. The MP also took stock of the activities carried out in the Islands under AMRUT scheme. Mentioning that there has been no housing plan in A&N Islands in the last 60 years, the Member of Parliament suggested that the Building Bye Laws should be reviewed and changes brought in it for further development of the Islands economy.

The Member of Parliament also informed the gathering that the State roads of Neil, Havelock, Little Andaman and Diglipur have been declared as National Highways and the construction of roads and bridges in this area will be carried out by NHIDCL. He also mentioned that all the Navodaya Vidyalayas will be funded by Central Government. The Member of Parliament concluded by reiterating that his focus is on the development of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Earlier, welcoming the gathering, the Chairperson PBMC, Smti Sheela Singh expressed gratitude to the Administration for the support towards PBMC in implementing various projects and having being featured in the smart city challenge. She apprised the Lt. Governor about the functioning of PBMC and the various needs and demands of the ward councilors. She said DPC offers a good platform to all members of the Council for discussion and such endeavour should continue in future as well.

The PBMC Chairperson also put forth the demand for regularisation of 108 Casual Mazdoors against the vacancy. The PBMC Secretary explained that the proposal has already been submitted to the Administration. The Lt. Governor directed Pr. Sec(UD) that the same may be examined as per the extant rules and guidelines and may be approved if found correct.

Participating in the deliberations, the Chief Secretary i/c, Principal Secretary, Urban Development, Shri Raajiv Yaduvanshi stated that expenditures by the PBMC has to be commensurate to the work assessment and urged the PBMC for striking a balance between expenditure and work. Since the PBMC has been able to make 50% expenditure, releasing more fund to the Council will be possible. He also clarified that plan and non plan fund will be known as capital and revenue funds from next year onwards.

The Councillors of the new wards raised the issue of few sanitary workers in their areas. They further informed the Lt. Governor that the number of workers in the new wards is very less compared to old wards and sought permission for extra fund and engagement of workers in the extended area. The Lt. Governor directed Secretary PBMC to work out rational requirement of the area and submit a proposal within 15 days with respect to sanitary workers in the newly created wards.

The Councillors also demanded additional fund under Non Plan as recommended by Fourth Finance Commission (2% of UT non plan). The Lt. Governor explained that the same has to be looked comprehensively and a considered view needs to be taken on this. He further directed Secretary PBMC to submit proposal for requirement under non plan with justification to Principal Secretary (Finance) immediately so that the same can be taken up with MHA.

The Secretary, PBMC, Shri Udit Prakash Rai, through a power point presentation appraised the gathering about the achievements and issues of PBMC. He highlighted about the expansion of the Municipal wards to 24 wards and the demands and challenges of the six newly created wards. He briefed about the function of PBMC pertaining to building regulations, public health, urban and civic amenities. He also highlighted about revenue collection of the PBMC and stated that 90% of the revenue is generated from octroi tax. He also apprise the Lt. Governor about the fund utilization and stated that 50% UCs have been submitted by PBMC. The Secretary informed the gathering about the initiatives taken by PBMC viz. proposal for implementation of online registration of property tax, water byelaws, solid waste management byelaws apart from animal byelaws. He also highlighted activities undertaken by PBMC under Swachch Bharat Abhiyan, AMRUT scheme, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, slum development.

He also informed about One Time Relaxation Scheme of the Council. The Lt. Governor directed Principal Secretary UD to examine the same from the legal and structural safety point of view and put up. He further desired that the same may be approved by 15th August.

Matter regarding pending water arrears of PBMC due to APWD was also highlighted by the PBMC Secretary. He also informed that one time grant to PBMC with respect to clearing of the dues have been already approved by MHA. Upon this, the Lt. Governor directed Principal Secretary(UD) to immediately consider and approve the same.

The meeting which was attended by the Principal Secretary, Shri Raajiv Yaduvanshi, Secretary Industries, Smti Rashmi Singh, Ward Councilors and Officers of PBMC concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Smti Usha, Sr. Vice Chairperson, PBMC.

DJ Venkatesh
Port Blair, July 10: In one hand there is a serious shortage of revenue land in Andaman and Nicobar Islands for development works on the other hand lands, which are anyway available, are being encroached by people.
In a shocking incident it has been reported that the Pradhan of R K Gram himself has reportedly engaged men to encroach a large piece of land.
It has been found that a Revenue land having survey no 84 of R K Gram, has been encroached by unknown people for cultivation.
When the Asst Commissioner inquired into this mater, it was found that a group of four people have encroached the land and carrying out cultivation in the name of Pradhan. They reportedly said that they have paid money to Pradhan, Shyamak Bhowmik for this cultivation works.
Highly places sources told Andaman Sheekha that when the Pradhan found that the matter is in investigation he returned the money to three farmers but the 4th farmer refused to accept the money.
Each farmer spent more than Rs.40,000/- on that land and planted ginger, vegetables etc. Sources also said that the Pradhan had invited applications from the farmers for the said land to cultivate, for which he has no official powers.
Sources said that the concerned Patwari has already submitted a report against the Pradhan and the Deputy Commissioner has asked for a report from both parties. It has been learnt that the Asst Commissioner is going to issue a vacate order soon in this case.
This matter has already triggered a ripple in Diglipur region and people are eager to know the complete truth in this incident. After all this is a serious allegation that elected PRI members are now involving in illegal land grabbing for financial benefits.
However, this will be interesting to watch what action the District Administration takes to find out the actual role of the said pradhan and what action will be taken if he is found guilty. After-all the Pradhan is from the ruling party.

Port Blair, July 08: It was a dream come true for the people of North & Middle Andaman with the laying of foundation stone for a sub-regional Science Centre by the Lt. Governor Lt Gen A K Singh (Retd), at Devpur under Mayabunder Tehsil. A plot of land measuring 1.2 hectors was allotted for this purpose at Devpur in November, 2010 and matter was taken up with the National Council of Science Museums, Kolkata to setup the Science Centre. This could not materialize for several years. The Lt. Governor during his visit to Science Centre on August 2014, desired that the pending proposal relating to establishment of District Level Science Centre at Mayabunder to be taken up afresh. With vigorous pursuance of the A&N Administration with the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India agreed to sanction a sub-regional Science Centre for the District of North & Middle Andaman at a total project cost of Rs.6 Crore to be shared 90% by Ministry of Culture and 10% by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration. Accordingly the A&N Administration released an amount of Rs.60 Lakhs (10%) of the project cost to the National Council of Science Museums, Kolkata which is the Nodal agency entrusted with the task of creating new Science Centre country wide.

In his inaugural speech, the Lt. Governor highlighted the potential of the North & Middle Andaman for development of tourism and related activities. He emphasised that the proposed Science Centre would make a major impact on the student community as it would facilitate scientific temperament among the youth. He further stated that the first phase of Science Centre would be ready in 2 years. Later there are plans to add mini Planetarium, 3D Theatre to screen Science films and time machine(simulator).

He shared with the audience that today, 8th July he has completed 3 years of service to the people of A&N Islands. He thought it would be befitting to mark the occasion by initiating a project on ground which would ignite young minds and also interact with the village community. He reaffirmed his commitment for good governance which had been his driving force making numerous strides possible in different spheres in a short time. While thanking the people of Andaman for their support, he also stated that these milestones had been only possible with the support of the Central Govt under the visionary leadership and guidance of the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji.
In his welcome speech the Deputy Commissioner, N&MA welcomed the chief guest and all the dignitaries present who had come to attend the function. He thanked the Lt Governor for always supporting the developments needs of the District. He also enumerated various development works which are in the final stage of completion, as also those planned for the future.

The Adhyaksha, Zilla Parishad, N&MA, Smt Prabhabati Biswas said that the students of rural area have lot of fear for subjects like Mathematics and Science and the Science Centre will bring back the students to the Science stream. She also thanked the Prime Minister and the Lt Governor for the fast paced development that is taking place since the last two years and said that people have great hopes and confidence that their remaining projects will also fructify soon.

While proposing the vote of thanks, Dr. Utpal Sharma, Secretary Executive Council of Science Centre made special reference to the local agencies who have helped the Science Centre in organizing the function in this rural area to make it a grand success. The programme concluded with the National Anthem sung by the students of Karen Community.

The Lt. Governor also visited Danapur community hall, interacted with villagers and PRI’s. He patiently heard their grievances and gave directions to officials to resolve their problems and issues in a time bound manner. There was a general sense of satisfaction amongst the villagers who have greatly benefitted from the schemes and development of last 2 years.

Port Blair, July 06: Representatives of CDC holders and Sailors Union of India (SUI), today called on the Lt Governor, Lt Gen A K Singh (Retd.), at Raj Niwas and informed that they have called off their strike. They have also expressed their gratitude to the Lt Governor for his concern for the sea farers and his initiatives towards resolving their issues. On 5th July, the representatives of CDC holders alongwith Mr RP Veettil and Chairperson, PBMC had met the Lt Governor, who had asked the DSS to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution keeping in view interests of all stake holders.

The CDC holders serving on regular contract basis with the department of Shipping Services had communicated their demands to the department of shipping including permanent enrolment in the departmental rosters on the basis of seniority and employment onboard mainland ships presently under SCI manning. These issues have been taken up by the department of shipping for suitable redressals and solutions. However as these are complicated issues and would require consensus building between all stake holders including all the sea farers, the SCI and the A&N Administration, would take some time to resolve.

Whilst the department of shipping would continue its endeavours to engage the SCI for enrolment of local CDC holders in the SCI rosters and for their employment onboard mainland ships presently under SCI manning, to provide immediate relief to the CDC holders, their demand for contract engagement periods to be increased from present three months to six months has been agreed to prima facie by the Directorate of Shipping Services. This would soon be implemented after formal approval of A&N Administration. Further this will not affect the article periods of the already rostered crew who would continue to be employed on articles of nine months as hither to.

The A&N Administration is also working on revising the existing criteria for selection of candidates to be enrolled in the A&N Administration. A committee under the Secretary Shipping is looking at all issues in this regard. After the draft is ready in this respect, it will be circulated to all stake holders for their comments and suggestions before formal approval.

The above suggestions have emerged after detailed discussions between the Directorate of Shipping Services and representatives from the CDC holders. Mr. RP Veettil from Sailors Union of India (SUI) was also present.