Sourabh Adhikari & Neeraj

Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 12: A serious incident involving the dispensing of incorrect medication has been reported at the pharmacy counter of Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital on November 22, 2024. The incident came to light after a patient, Ms. Sangita Roy, raised concerns about receiving the wrong medicine, which could have led to severe health consequences.

According to the complaint submitted by Mr. Angshuman Roy, State Youth President of Hindu Rashtra Shakti, Ms. Roy, a thyroid patient, was prescribed Eltroxin 500mg (Reg. No. 202400518). However, the pharmacist mistakenly provided Toricox-90 instead. The error was noticed by the patient, who promptly consulted her doctor. Upon verification, the mistake was acknowledged, and the correct medication was issued.

In his letter to the Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Roy highlighted the critical nature of the error and urged immediate action to prevent similar incidents in the future. He proposed several measures, including:

1) A thorough investigation into the incident.
2) Disciplinary action against the pharmacist responsible.
3) Additional training for pharmacy staff on dispensing procedures and patient safety protocols.
4) Establishment of a separate counter for doctors to verify medications before dispensing.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 11: Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), the Lt. Governor, A&N Islands and Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency addressing the 1st Indian Maritime Heritage Conclave at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi highlighted the historical maritime legacy of A&N Islands dating back several millennia, which was the key driver for not only the spread of trade & commerce to far-east nations, but also civilizational, cultural & religious ties-celebrated & symbolized by the recent naming of Sri Vijaya Puram.
The Lt. Governor further elaborated that in the current context, a slew of Mega Infra & Strategic Projects conceptualized in the last 6-7 years by Andaman & Nicobar Administration through Islands Development Agency, in the Shipping and Ports sectors namely International Container Transhipment Terminal at Galathea Bay, Deep Water Port at Altanta Bay, Dry Cargo Transhipment Terminal at Port-Meadows etc. are the Power Houses poised to propel A&N Islands as a Prime Driver towards attainment of ‘Viksit Bharat’, ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ and 5 Trillion economy vision in the coming years.

Saurabh Adhikari & Neeraj
Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 10: A public forum comprising PRI members, community leaders, and citizens from Billiground area of Middle Andaman today gathered at the Zilla Parishad residence Sri Vijaya Puram to demand the establishment of a petrol pump at a central location. This demand comes amidst widespread dissatisfaction over a proposed location in Basantipur, which residents argue is inconvenient for the majority of the four panchayats—Harinagar, Swadesh Nagar, Shivapuram, and Basantipur.
The forum highlighted that Billiground and its surrounding areas have long suffered from the lack of a petrol pump. When the announcement for a petrol pump was finally made, the proposed location in Basantipur caused public outcry. Residents emphasized that a petrol pump in Basantipur would primarily serve one panchayat, leaving others with significant inconvenience.
Citing logistical concerns, the forum argued that Harinagar and Swadesh Nagar, being more central, would better serve all four panchayats. Harinagar already hosts critical infrastructure such as hospitals, police stations, markets, and auto services, making it a natural choice. A recent survey conducted in Swadesh Nagar identified vacant land suitable for the pump, further solidifying their argument.
Ms. Shivani Majumdar, Pramukh of Mayabunder Panchayat Samiti, underscored the need for a centrally located pump. She pointed out that Harinagar and Swadesh Nagar are midpoints for the four panchayats, ensuring accessibility for all. “A petrol pump in Swadesh Nagar will provide equitable benefits to everyone, including emergency services such as hospitals and fire brigades,” she said.
Debabrata Das, Pradhan of Swadesh Nagar Panchayat, expressed similar sentiments. He highlighted the need for convenience, stating, “If the pump is built in Basantipur, commuters from Shivapuram and Harinagar will face significant difficulties due to the distance. A central location like Swadesh Nagar is ideal for accessibility and usability.”
The forum also emphasized the logistical challenges posed by a Basantipur location. For instance, Shivapuram is nearly 20-25 km away from Basantipur, making it unfeasible for daily commuters. Moreover, during medical emergencies, when fuel is urgently required, a distant petrol pump could exacerbate the situation.
The proposed site in Swadesh Nagar, located near the main road (NH-4), offers a viable alternative. A survey by the Revenue Department confirmed the availability of suitable land in Swadesh Nagar, making it a practical choice for all stakeholders.
The forum has appealed to the Lieutenant Governor and the Andaman Administration to prioritize public welfare in their decision-making. They emphasized that the chosen location should address the needs of all four panchayats and benefit the majority.
The forum also urged the administration to consider the voices of the people, stating that democratic processes thrive on public consensus. They warned that ignoring their demands could lead to further agitations.
Mr. Manojit Haldar, Harinagar Panchayat Pradhan and Mr. ⁠Dilip Das Hari Nagar Samiti Member were also present during the Press conference.

Vikramaditya

Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 08: In a moment of pride for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the logo for the prestigious Army Day Parade 2025 designed by the renowned logo artist of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Mr. Jag Jeevan Ram has been selected by the Southern Army Command, which is set to take place on January 15, 2025, in Pune, Maharashtra.

This marks a historic occasion as the Army Day Parade will be hosted outside New Delhi for the first time in Pune at the Bombay Engineering Group and Centre. The event will feature marching contingents, mechanized columns, defense technology exhibits—including drones and robotics—combat demonstrations, and martial arts displays.

The parade, which celebrates the appointment of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949, has been rotated to different cities since 2023 to strengthen ties between the Army and the citizenry.

Mr. Jeevan working as Section Officer in the ICMR-RMRC, Port Blair and beside committed towards his official responsibilities, he also proved to be an emblem illustrator and providing services.

Mr. Jeevan has earned a reputation for his exceptional skill in emblem illustration, offering his services on an honorary basis to several government organizations. Over the years, his designs have garnered national acclaim, contributing to logos for international and national events, departmental insignias, and other prominent designs.

Speaking about the honor, Mr. Jeevan expressed his gratitude to the Southern Army Command for selecting his design for such a significant national event. “It is a privilege to contribute to the Army Day Parade, which symbolizes the valor and legacy of our armed forces,” he said.

This recognition highlights Mr. Jeevan’s unparalleled artistic talents and dedication to serving the nation, further elevating the pride of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the national stage.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 06: The Science Wing of Directorate of Education today organized Rajya Stariya Bal Vaigyanik Pradarshini (RSBVP-2024-25) under the banner ‘Gyanodaya’ in collaboration with Samagra Shiksha & DESM- NCERT New Delhi in the Auditorium of Govt. Girls Sr. Sec. School, Sri Vijaya Puram. The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, as the chief guest inaugurated the two- day Exhibition by lighting the traditional oil lamp in the presence of the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (I/C), Shri A.S.P.S Raviprakash, IAS, Secretary (Edn.), Ms. Smitha R., IAS, Director (Edn.), Dr. Jatinder Sohal, Senior Officers of Education Department and students.
In his inaugural address, the Chief Secretary applauded the hard work and commitment of the students, teachers, parents and organizers to make this exhibition more innovative. He remarked that the exhibits displayed by the students reflects their imagination, their feeling for the future and how they want to solve the problems, be it about energy, waste management, simple creativity by using waste materials etc.
Mentioning about the advantages of Science, the Chief Secretary said, “Science helps us to make our life easy and comfortable. Scientific knowledge has to be utilized in such a way that it contributes for the welfare of humanity & protection of environment”.
The Chief Secretary further mentioned that the Exhibition is a great platform for the students to learn from each other. He also urged the students to interact with their fellow students to know about how they can find a solution for the problem of their respective area which has been depicted through the exhibits.
The Chief Secretary also went round the exhibition and saw the projects exhibited by the students. The students apprised about the projects on display. He also appreciated the teachers for encouraging and nurturing, the bright mind of the students.
Earlier, the Chief Secretary released the event’s souvenir, which contains some selected projects of the State Level Exhibition ‘Gyanodaya’.
In her welcome address, Secretary (Edn.) Ms. Smitha R informed that since the introduction of the exhibition, children are enthusiastic in participating and showcasing their creative and innovative projects. The objective of organizing the exhibition is to pursue the internal scientific curiosity of the young minds and to provide them a platform to showcase their creativity and innovation, she added.
The inaugural function concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the Director (Edn.), Dr. Jatinder Sohal.
Later, Shri Debdas Paik, Scientist/ Engineer, ISRO, Sri Vijaya Puram gave a presentation on ISRO Satellites and Chandrayan launch. Altogether, 107 exhibits from different zones are participating, which was about nurturing curiosity, encouraging, exploration and celebrating diversity in expression. Flower arrangements and food corners also attracted the audience, parents, teachers and students.

 

Rabindranath Biswas
Billiground, Dec. 05: A protest rally was held by the locals of Billiground to oppose the proposed location of a petrol pump.
According to information, responding to the clarion call sounded by the Billiground Citizen Forum, a large number of people gathered in front of the Vegetable Market, Harinagar at around 07:00 am to register their protest against setting up of a petrol pump at Basantipur instead of Harinagar or Swadeshnagar.
The protesters demanded that the Administration clear the paperwork for the selected land either at Hari Nagar or Swadesh Nagar within an hour, threatening to block the NH-4 road if their demands were not met. However, when the protestors saw that their voice was not being heard, they began blocking the road in front of the Vegetable Market in Billiground.
Within no time a large number of protesters hailing from Swadesh Nagar and Shivapuram Gram Panchayats gathered in front of Billiground vegetable market and raised various slogans and demanded that the proposed petrol pump is set up preferably at Hari Nagar or Swadesh Nagar.
The protestors’ demand behind setting up of the petrol pump at Hari Nagar or Swadesh Nagar is that, in a medical emergency or any fire incident, the petrol pump would cater to the need if set up at Harinagar as these emergency service providing establishments are close to Harinagar, they said.
However, owing to some political leverage of a high profile political leader, the proposed petrol pump was being reportedly planned to be set up at Basantipur instead of a more preferable site in Harinagar or Swadeshnagar, the protestors said. However, the protestors allowed medical and emergency vehicles to pass through and saw that these services were not disrupted at any cost.
On the other hand, the irked protestors began becoming restless and in the process the protest continued to gather momentum. In the meantime, the Assistant Commissioner (HQ), Mayabunder, arrived on the scene at around 01:00 pm and first tried to pacify the irate protestors and he gave them a patient hearing and then interacted with the Citizen Forum members.
The SDM reportedly said that he would form a new committee to select a suitable location for the petrol pump and it would take five days to complete the task. However, in the meantime, a demarcation team would arrive the next day to demarcate the land and provide a map with the survey number.
The Citizen Forum, after being assured that their demands/concerns would be reportedly addressed by the AC, chose to withdraw their protest at 02:30 pm. However, the Billiground Citizen Forum hinted at the necessity of community involvement especially in crucial decision-making processes like setting up of a petrol pump when a great public interest is attached with it, they said.

 

Rabindranath Biswas
Diglipur, Dec. 04: The Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti Diglipur and other Members of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) of North Andaman have raised their voice against a recent proposal by the Andaman Administration to hand over the road works of Rural Road and a part of NH4 to National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).
According to information, Mr. Dipankar Mistry, Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti Diglipur and other members of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) of North Andaman have raised their serious objection to a recent proposal by the Andaman Administration to hand over the road works of Rural Road from Kalara Junction to Ramnagar and State Highway from Diglipur Bazar to Hathilevel, under APWD, Diglipur, to National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). Taking a great exception to the alleged proposal, they said: “As we have seen the deteriorating condition of NH roads in North and Middle Andaman constructed by NHAI in the last five years. They have dug up the roads constructed by the erstwhile APWD and reused the stones used in them, we can say that the present roads have been constructed without any stones and the condition of the roads is deteriorating day by day.” Furthermore, the present condition of the roads has caused a lot of inconvenience to the local people and has affected the lives of many individuals in many ways, they decried.
In such a situation, if the Administration hands over these road projects to NHAI, it may create anxiety in the minds of the people, Mr. Mistry and other PRI Members opined. On the other hand, the members of PRIs and even the Contractors’ Association of Diglipur are reportedly unhappy with this decision, the Pramukh categorically said. There are about 70-80 government contractors in North Andaman who reportedly depend on these projects/works for their livelihood, Mr. Mistry claimed. If all such projects are reportedly given to NHAI, it can have a bad impact on the families of these government contractors, he further added.
Now, their only demand is that these road projects should remain under the jurisdiction of APWD of Diglipur and the Pramukh has written a letter addressed to the honourable Lieutenant Governor, A & N Islands to this effect on 2nd December 2024, he further said.

Rabindranath Biswas
Dasarathpur/Diglipur, Dec. 03: The farmers of Dasarathpur are facing severe problems in their agricultural activities owing to absence of a tractor in the Gram panchayat Dasarathpur.
According to information, there was a proposal from the Office of the previous Member of Parliament, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma for providing a Tractor to the Gram Panchayat Dasarathpur under MPLADS. However, the delay in procurement of the tractor has been causing undesired problems to the agricultural activities of the farmers of Dasarathpur.
Andaman Sheekha Daily when asked Smti. Rupa Rani Halder, Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Dasarathpur, she told that she has been making communications after communications to the concerned departments and authorities but her plea and the exigency of the tractor hasn’t been reportedly felt by them, and as a result of which the farmers are suffering, she said. On the other hand, the existing tractor is in defunct state, while the proposed tractor isn’t being reportedly provided to the Panchayat, she decried.
The Pradhan said that the previous Member of Parliament had written a recommendation letter to the Deputy Commissioner, N & M Andaman District, Mayabunder on 17/05/2022 for sanctioning the purchase and supply of 01 (one) number of Tractor 575 DI XP Plus Tractor fitted with cultivator attachments viz. iron wheel set, Fertilizer Drill, Tiller etc. under MPLADS to the Dasarathpur Gram Panchayat, Rangat Tehsil for the agricultural purpose of the farmers.
The Pradhan then submitted an affidavit duly executed by the Panchayat Secretary (I/c) in regard to upkeep and maintenance of the asset i.e. the tractor to be provided to the Panchayat. Several Correspondences were also done from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Mayabunder to the Director (Agriculture), A & N Administration, Port Blair in respect of procurement of 01 (one) number of Tractor 575 DI XP Plus Tractor to be provided to Dasarathpur Gram Panchayat and in the process a significant time had reportedly elapsed but no communication was conveyed to the Office, the Pradhan said.
As per section 3.12 of MPLADS Operational Guidelines “All recommended eligible works should be sanctioned within 75 days from the date of receipt of the recommendation, after completing all formalities” the DC’s letter further read, the Pradhan said. It was urged in the letter to recommend the DC’s Office for purchase of the tractor without any more delay, Smti Rupa Rani Halder said.
This is how, several communications and correspondences were done between the concerned Offices and authorities from the year 2022, but regrettably, the tractor hasn’t been procured and provided to the Panchayat yet, while the farmers have been facing the wrath of the situation, the Pradhan said. She now wants that the concerned Departments should take concrete steps in this regard and provide the tractor to the Panchayat without further delay in the larger interests of the farmers of Dasarathpur, she urged.