Staff Correspondent

Port Blair, March 30 : Despite multiple reminders from the IP Division of Andaman and Nicobar Administration regarding the timely clearance of newspaper advertisement bills, several government departments have failed to settle outstanding dues. Even as the financial year 2024-25 comes to an end, numerous payments remain pending, putting local media houses in a dire financial situation.

While the Administration has already reduced the frequency of newspaper advertisements, significantly impacting local media, the continued delay in payments is now threatening their survival altogether.

According to data from the IP&T online administration portal, advertisement bills amounting to several lakhs remain unpaid by various government departments. However, no concrete action has been taken to expedite these payments.

Local newspapers, which operate on modest advertisement revenue, are the worst affected. The average value of advertisement bills stands nearly Rs. 1800. It has been observed that many Government officials often prioritize clearing high-value bills of private contractors over these smaller payments. This preference raises concerns over favoritism and the possibility of personal incentives associated with larger transactions. Consequently, newspaper advertisement bills are placed at the bottom of the payment hierarchy.

The lack of timely payment has left local newspapers struggling to cover operational costs, pay salaries, and sustain themselves. Media representatives have expressed frustration over the indifference of authorities, warning that if immediate action is not taken, the local press may face irreversible financial damage.

Local media organisations are now planning to send legal notice to HoDs for this delay and submit names of HoDs, under whom maximum advertisement bills are pending to the Chief Secretary.

Media persons now demand strict disciplinary measures must be implemented against officials responsible for these delays. Ensuring the prompt clearance of dues is not only a matter of fairness but also a crucial step in preserving the role of local media in democratic governance.

 

Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 28: In a significant step towards rural development, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has adopted three Gram Panchayats namely (1) Collinpur Gram Panchayat, South Andaman district (2) Shibpur Gram Panchayat, N&M Andaman District and (3) Arong village, Nicobar District under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) to transform them into model villages. This initiative aims to ensure holistic development and improve the overall quality of life for the residents of the selected villages.The objective of adopting these villages is to uplift rural communities and set an example of holistic and sustainable development. Through this initiative, we aim to improve essential services, empower local communities and create self-sufficient model villages that inspire development across the UT.
The adoption of these panchayats under SAGY will pave the way for comprehensive progress, including infrastructure enhancement, better education and healthcare facilities, skill development and sustainable livelihood opportunities. The MP has urged the concerned authorities to take necessary steps in accordance with the SAGY guidelines to ensure effective implementation of developmental activities.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 27: Responding to the long-standing demand of students from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands for the reservation of seats in the M.Sc Nursing course in states like West Bengal and Kerala, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, took up the matter with the Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, Mr. JP Nadda . In response to the MP’s request, the Minister has communicated that the matter has been taken up with the respective State Governments for further consideration. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities for students from the Islands to pursue higher education in nursing in reputed institutions across the country.
Furthermore, in his official communication, the Minister has informed Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, MP that under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for establishing new medical colleges attached to existing district/referral hospitals, the Government has sanctioned 157 new Nursing Colleges across India. Among these, a New Nursing College is being established in Port Blair, A&N Islands, in co-location with the existing medical college.
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and Minister of Health & Family Welfare Mr. JP Nadda , for their continued commitment to improving higher education facilities in the Islands. He stated that the establishment of the new Nursing College in Port Blair would considerably benefit local students by providing them the opportunity to pursue nursing courses within the Islands, thereby reducing the need to travel to mainland India for higher studies.
The MP reaffirmed his commitment to working towards the welfare of students and ensuring better educational opportunities for the youth of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Sri Vijaya Puram, March 23: In a letter addressed to the Chief Engineer of APWD, Mr. Abdul Siddique, former Pramukh of Mayabunder, has raised serious concerns over the ongoing water crisis in the region. Despite significant public expenditure on various water projects, including the recently completed Birsha Nagar source project, residents continue to face severe water shortages.

During a recent visit by Mr. Tej Bahadur, Superintendent Engineer, APWD, to Mayabunder, he assured that sufficient water was available at the Birsha Nagar source and that post-project completion, water supply would be provided every 2 to 3 days. However, the Mayabunder division has failed to deliver on this commitment, leaving residents in distress.

Mr. Siddique criticized the mismanagement and inefficiency of the NACD, APWD, Mayabunder, stating that this failure undermines the Honourable Prime Minister’s Jal Jeevan Mission. Adding to the frustration of residents, a new notice issued on March 21, 2025, now schedules water supply every 4th day—a marginal improvement from the previous 6-day schedule but still inadequate.

He urged the Chief Engineer to take immediate action and direct the concerned authorities to ensure water supply at least once every 3 days. He emphasized that after such substantial investments, residents deserve a reliable and efficient water supply system.

Expressing hope for urgent intervention, Mr. Siddique appealed to the authorities to consider the issue on humanitarian grounds and take swift action to resolve the crisis.

 

Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 21: Dr. Arvind Virmani Member, NITI Aayog during visit to A&N Islands from 21st -24th March, 2025 met Admiral DK Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands and Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency today at Raj Niwas. Given the slew of mega projects unfolding in the Shipping, Ports, Green-Field Airports, Tourism Hospitality and linked segments in PPP mode, discussed modalities for attracting big-ticket investments and extending special financial, incentives and regulatory framework regimes to facilitate speedy execution of such projects.

Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 18: The swift action taken by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration in deputing specialist doctors to Dr. R.P. District Hospital, Mayabunder, has been met with widespread appreciation.
Expressing gratitude, Mr. Abdul Siddique, Ex-Pramukh of Mayabunder, acknowledged the prompt response of the Chief Secretary, Secretary (Health), Deputy Commissioner (North & Middle Andaman), and the Director of Health Services in addressing the urgent need for specialized medical care. The deployment of specialists, as per Order No. 644 dated March 18, 2025, is expected to significantly enhance healthcare services in the region.
Mr. Siddique extended special thanks to the Deputy Commissioner (North & Middle Andaman) for his dedicated efforts in ensuring the seamless coordination of this initiative. He emphasized that such proactive measures will strengthen medical support for the community, particularly in remote areas where access to specialist care has been a longstanding challenge.
He further commended the administration’s never ending commitment to public health and urged for continued initiatives to improve healthcare accessibility across the islands.