Port Blair, August 17: The Lt Governor, Lt Gen A K Singh (Retd), has welcomed Dr. (Prof) Jagdish Mukhi on being appointed as the new Lt Governor of A&N Islands. He has expressed his good wishes and the hope that the A & N Islands will progress & prosper to greater heights of development and sustainable growth under his leadership. He has expressed his sincere gratitude to all the people of Andaman & Nicobar Islands for the support and affection extended in the smooth functioning of the Administration. When contacted, the Lt Governor conveyed his gratitude to the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi for having given him an opportunity to serve the people of the A&N Islands. He added that he is leaving the Islands reasonably satisfied with the work he has done for the wellbeing of the people and the Islands. He reiterated his love and affection for the Islands. “I pray to the Almighty to bless the citizens of the Islands with good health, happiness and success in the years ahead”, he said.
He has asked the Chief Secretary to coordinate the arrival of the new Lt Governor of A&N Islands in a befitting manner.

Port Blair, Aug 16: The 70th Independence Day was celebrated in a befitting manner in the Islands too together with the rest of the country. The main function for the flag hoisting ceremony was held in the historic Netaji Stadium here yesterday, in which the Lt. Governor, Lt. Gen A K Singh (Retd.) hoisted the National Tri-colour as the chief guest. He inspected the Guard of Honour comprising of different contingents from Defence, A & N Police, India Reserved Battalion, senior and junior division NCC cadets and the Scouts and Guides of various schools. The Lt. Governor also gave away President’s Police Medal to a Police Officer besides Lt. Governor’s Commendation Certificates to sixteen persons for their exemplary performances on the occasion. This year’s Independence Day assumed significance as the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched a mega programme- ‘70 Saal Azadi- Zara Yaad Karo Qurbani’ – on 9th of this month to mark the celebration of the 70th Independence Day, aimed at rekindling the spirit of patriotism among the people and recalling the scarifies of freedom fighters, which will continue till 23rd August.

Addressing the Islanders on the occasion, the Lt. Governor firstly remembered the freedom fighters and paid tributes for their indomitable courage and invaluable contribution in the freedom struggle of our Country and greeted the Islanders on the occasion of Independence Day. The Lt. Governor further said with the visionary guidance of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji and efforts of the Islanders, the A&N Islands are witnessing significant strides in development in every field. In the year gone by, many milestones were achieved while many more are on the anvil, he said. “The Andaman Nicobar Islands are witnessing a golden period of ‘Good Governance and Comprehensive Development’ under the dynamic leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji”, he said.

Speaking about the implementation of the Centrally Sponsored Schemes envisioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in the Islands, the Lt. Governor informed that the total number of beneficiaries benefited out of Centrally Sponsored Schemes and UT Schemes in the Islands as on last month stands to 1,87,452, out of which 96.74% enjoy the benefit of Aadhaar based Direct Beneficiary Transfer (DBT).

The Lt. Governor also listed out priority areas for development which included sectors such as tourism, telecom services, primary sector, forest, health, education, and power sectors, employment generation besides, various other activities which would be carried out for the welfare of the Islanders.

Regarding connectivity, the Lt Governor said as part of the long term improvement in the tele-connectivity, the Central Government has planned to lay Submarine Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) which will be completed in two phases. It is expected that this project, which costs more than 1100 crores, will get cabinet nod soon, the Lt Governor said.

Informing about the new developments in health sector, the Lt. Governor mentioned about setting up of a Trauma Center with specialists in Mayabunder, the sanction for which has been accorded. A similar centre in Port Blair is also on the cards. He also spoke about the proposed establishment of Cancer Unit and Cardiology Unit at the new Medical college site. The total number of beneficiaries availed the benefits of ANISHI Medical Insurance scheme stood at more than 800, the Lt Governor added.

In the Tourism sector, the Lt Governor said that the Administration is making all efforts to develop new destinations and also encourage tourism throughout the year. For this, views of Administration have been submitted to the Government of India for proposed holistic tourism development of 5 Islands namely Ross & Smith, Long Island, Havelock, Neil and Little Andaman. To speed up the process of development of more ecotourism sites, with focus on North and Middle Andaman, Administration has also moved a proposal under Swadesh Darshan/Coastal Circuit Scheme of Government of India. It has been accorded approval in-principle.

The Administration is also going to encourage “Home stays” to create a product which will give tourists a unique experience of life of people and their history, art, culture and food. We also remain committed to enhancing safety aspects for all tourism related activities, the Lt. Governor added.

Regarding accessibility, the Lt. Governor said that the ship acquisition process for procurement of 17 new ships is being progressed on a fast track while ten harbour ferries will be delivered within 2017, he said. As part of the Govt’s “Make in India” initiative two 1200pax capacity and two 500pax capacity, four new ships will be built by Cochin Shipyard limited, the contracts for the projects have already been done, the Lt Governor added.
The Lt. Governor also reiterated the Administration’s commitment to strengthen the Primary sector, as envisaged by Hon’ble Prime Minister, by creating skilled manpower, assured market, infrastructure for food processing and storage, social security for people engaged in the sector and introduction of new technologies to increase productivity of the primary sector. With this vision, we have gone ahead to create Modern Fish Markets in Port Blair, Model Fisheries Village, Fish Landing Centres, Agri Marketing Store-‘Vatika’ and launching of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. He also spoke about the efforts of the Administration in converting the entire Islands to organic by 2018.

The Lt. Governor also stated that the Administration has implemented the National Food Security Act in this UT w.e.f 1st of March 2016 which will ensure food security to the vulnerable sections of the society.

Turning to power sector, the Lt. Governor said the Administration has taken up projects to replace Diesel based power Generation with Solar power. 50 KWp Grid Connected Solar Power Plant has been established at Raj Niwas. Establishment of 1MWp Grid connected Rooftop SPV Plants in 13 Govt buildings through M/s Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is under process.

He also stated that MOU has also been signed with M/s Petronet LNG Ltd. (PLL) for establishment of LNG terminal for replacement of Diesel with non- polluting LNG along with an LNG- Based 30 MW Power Plant at South Andaman. It is also planned to start pilot projects for wind, biomass and tidal wave based power.
“We are endeavoring to replace present lighting system by Energy Efficient LED lamps under DELP scheme. One lakh LED lamps are under distribution in Ist Phase. Remaining 3 lakhs LED bulbs will be distributed in 2nd Phase during the current financial year itself”, he said.

Mentioning about various others welfare schemes, the Lt. Governor said the Administration has achieved the target of Aadhaar seeding of 96.74% to start the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This will help in stopping leakages in Welfare schemes. He also mentioned about the Centre for Holistic Wellness cum One Stop Centre for women in distress- ‘Arunodaya’, by the Social Welfare Department, to provide services for physical, emotional and mental well being and other referral services.

For Tribal Welfare, 15 Andamanese tribes have been covered under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana for accident insurance and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana for life insurance, he said. About Forest Department, the Lt. Governor said the revised Working Plans of Diglipur and South Andaman Forest Divisions have recently been approved by the Ministry enabling the Department to sustainably use its resources for meeting the much needed requirement of timber and minor forest produce for the islanders.

The lush green forests and pristine beaches of these Islands have been attracting tourists in larger numbers. In order to give further boost to ecotourism, the Department is creating infrastructure at Long Island and also opening up new Islands for promoting ecotourism for providing gainful employment to the youth living in and around the areas.

Work on the Botanical garden is progressing as per schedule and the citizens and tourists alike will be able to avail this attraction soon, he said.

The Lt. Governor also mentioned about the Kamsarat Nallah Dam by APWD in Wimberlygunj benefitting about 40,000 population. He also lauded the APWD for completing various projects in a time bound manner. “Two Desalination Plants at Mayabunder and Chowra will become operational by the next summer season. The tenders for the two major bridges at Middle Strait and Humphry Strait have been called. The National Highway work along with the two major bridges has been assigned to NHIDCL, who will use innovative technology in the construction of roads and bridges. Discussions are also ongoing for the Chatham–Bambooflat Bridge”, he said.

Turning to Smart City project, the Lt. Governor expressed happiness that Port Blair city has been included in the fast track for developing as a smart city and complimented the people and the PBMC team.

The Lt Governor also thanked the Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray for his support. The Lt Governor said that under the leadership of the Chief Secretary the Administration has been able to take up difficult works. He also appreciated the A&N Police under the leadership of Director General of Police in maintaining peace and unity and providing security in different parts of these Islands. He also lauded the media for bringing forth the problems of the people of the Islands which, the Lt Governor said, always help Administration to come out with the best for the Islanders.

The Lt Governor also thanked the A&N Command for their constant support to the Civil Administration. Apart from distributing Commendation Certificates to this year’s recipients, the Lt Governor also handed over President’s Police Medal to Shri RK Singh, ADC to LG. The Lt Governor congratulated the parade contingent including the school students. He also congratulated the recipients of the LG’s Commendation Certificate and hoped that they will further carry forward the social activities benefitting Islanders.

Earlier, the Lt. Governor visited the National Memorial Cellular Jail and laid a wreath at the Martyr’s Column to pay homage to the martyrs of the freedom movement. Among others, the main function of the Independence Day celebrations at Netaji Stadium was attended by the First Lady of these Islands, Smt. Suneeti Singh, Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray & Smt. Rupa Ray, Padmashree, Shri Naresh Chandra Lal, Chief Secretary, Shri Anindo Majumadar, Chairperson PBMC, Smt. Sheela Singh, the Adhyaksha ZPSA, Smt. Minati Biswas, Senior Officers from the Defence and Civil Administration, Councilors of PBMC, PRI members, Leaders of the Political Parties, prominent citizens and general public.

A 20 member team of ex- Andaman Political Prisoners Fraternity Circle including 9 widows of freedom fighters also attended the main function of the Independence Day at the Netaji Stadium. The defence as well as DSS ships anchored near Ross Island were illuminated at evening hours which added color to the Independence Day celebrations.

Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, August 10: The South Andaman Zilla Parishad has handed over two high profile corruption cases to Anticorruption unit.
As per reports the corruption cases were reported several years back but for some reasons till now the cases were not handed over to Anticorruption but now following directions of the present Chief Secretary the cases have been handed over to Anticorruption unit.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha recently, the Chief Executive Officer of SAZP, Mr Ramesh Verma said that the cases of non-functional Garacharma Crematorium and illegal diversion of Rs. 10 crores of PMGSY for other works have been given to Anticorruption now.
As per details in Garacharma Crematorium project nearly Rs. 73 Lakhs of tax payers’ money was siphoned off.
The payment for the project was released to the concerned agency but the crematorium has not been used for a single day.
He further added that in past Rs 10 crore under PMGSY scheme which was diverted for some other purposes and this case has also been transferred for the vigilance inquiry.
This is a welcome step that finally the Administration has shown commitment in fighting with corruption in Zilla Parishad but delay of several years in taking this simple step of handing over the case to Anticorruption, also show that slowly the wheel of bureaucracy moves.

Amit Halder

Port Blair, Aug 08: While more than 500 villagers attended the Gram Sabha meeting of Chouldhari Panchayat on Sunday, senior officials from key government department abstained from participation in the crucial meeting held to resolve various issues of the region.

While some departments completely remained absent from the Gram Sabha, some agencies deputed representatives for mere formality as none of them could respond to public queries posed during the meeting.

The Pradhan of Chouldhari Panchayat, Mr Mohan Halder has expressed deep resentment over the absence of the government officers during the Gram Sabha meeting.

Speaking to Andaman Sheekha, Mr Halder said that though advance notices about the Gram Sabha meeting was served to all senior officers of various government departments, absence from the meeting testifies their apathy towards the genuine concerns of general public particularly those from the rural areas.

“The Lt. Governor should intervene and issue standing instructions to Heads of all government departments to ensure presence at all Gram Sabha meetings,” Mr. Halder told Andaman Sheekha.

This is not the first time such thing has happened in any Panchayat. Earlier in many occasions Andaman Sheekha had reported about Gram Sabha meetings in which Government officials failed to participate. This only show how lightly the Administration is taking, all crucial Gram Sabha Meetings.

Port Blair, Aug 5: The maiden Dornier flight service by Indian Air Force carrying 10 passengers, bound to Car Nicobar and Campbell Bay took off from Inter-Island Helicopter Terminal here this morning. The much needed service between Port Blair-Car Nicobar & Campbell Bay has become a reality due to the concerted efforts of Central Govt, the Lt. Governor and the A&N Administration. The service was jointly flagged off by the Lt. Governor, A & N Islands, Lt. Gen. A.K. Singh (Retd.) and the Chief Secretary, A & N Administration, Shri Anindo Majumdar at a brief function held at the Terminal. The Lt Governor interacted with the passengers bound to the southern group of Islands and conveyed his regards to the people of the area. He also handed over the boarding passes to the passengers on the occasion.

The Civil Aviation Department greeted the passengers of the inaugural flight with flowers and also offered refreshments before their embarkation. The Dornier 228 aircraft is a state-of-the-art, twin engine turbo-prop aircraft, which can cruise at a speed of 200 kts. The aircraft is fitted with all modern avionics and is widely used for executive transport by the Indian Air Force. The A&N Administration has launched this service to augment the air-transport capacity to Nicobar District. With the launch of this facility, the people of southern group of Islands have been largely benefited. Some of the passengers at the Terminal, while speaking to ‘The Daily Telegrams’, expressed their satisfaction over the starting of the Dornier flight service. Shri Sanjay Singh, Vice President BJP and a resident of Campbell Bay said, with the efforts of Central Govt., the Lt Governor and the A&N Administration, this service has been possible and the demand of fixed wing aircraft service for Nicobar District has been fulfilled.

The Dy. Director, Civil Aviation, Shri Ravichandran informed that the services of this flight will be available twice a week, on every Monday and Friday. As per the schedule, the IAF Dornier will depart from Port Blair at 8 am and reach Car Nicobar at 9 am. From Car Nicobar it will depart at 9.45 am and will reach Campbell Bay at 10.45 am. On its return flight, the aircraft will depart from Campbell Bay at 11.30 am and reach Car Nicobar at 12.30 pm. Again from Car Nicobar it will depart at 1.15 pm and will reach Port Blair at 2.15 pm.

The aircraft will carry 10 passengers and each passenger will be allowed to carry a maximum of 10 kg registered baggage free of cost. Procedure for reservation of tickets will be as under:-

Port Blair – The passengers will be required to submit their applications to the Assistant Secretary (GA), A&N Administration, Secretariat, Port Blair at least 02 days in advance for reservation of tickets. The passengers’ list from the General Administration section is to reach Directorate of Civil Aviation by 11.00 AM on a day prior to scheduled departure of each flight for issuances of tickets.

Car Nicobar – The passengers will be required to submit their application at the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Nicobar for reservation of tickets.

Campbell Bay – The passengers will be required to submit their application at the Office of the Assistant Commissioner, Campbell Bay for reservation of tickets.

Port Blair, Aug 04: The Lt Governor, Lt Gen A K Singh (Retd), has directed the Shipping department to immediately deploy ships to transport sufficient amount of diesel to ensure that uninterrupted generation of power supply is maintained in North & Middle Andaman. Accordingly, the Shipping department is dispatching two ships namely M. T. Angad and M. V. Badam carrying sufficient amount of diesel to Rangat and Diglipur in the evening today.

It may be recalled that due to landslide in Jirkatang area of the Andaman Trunk Road route recently, operation of normal IOC trucks in this route has got delayed. APWD has taken up the road repair work on an emergency basis.