Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 16: A meeting was held on 15/01/2025 at the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Agriculture between the Member of Parliament of A&N Islands Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray and the officials of the Directorate of Agriculture, A&N Administration and CIARI.
The meeting focused on the various issues to safeguard the interests of farmers viz Implementation of all schemes under the agriculture sector, along with their present status and achievements, both physical and financial ; Preventive measures to control the incidents of Mealybug and Rugose Spiraling Whitefly affecting various crops; Steps taken by the Administration to provide alternative land to farmers whose lands were eroded into the nallah due to incidents of land arson; Provisions allocated under the bank erosion head; Supply of DAP and Urea fertilizers to farmers at subsidized rates and exploring alternative measures; Irrigation facilities created for farmers and future plans of action; Steps to be taken for quarantine of plantations imported from the mainland to prevent the spread of viruses to existing plants in the Andaman; Promotion of spice cultivation and other kinds of plantations; Preservation of local fruit-bearing trees, which existed earlier in regions such as Campbell Bay, Teressa, Chowra, Car Nicobar, Little Andaman, Swaraj/Shaheed Dweep, North & Middle Andaman, etc., and the mass propagation of local varieties of bananas and other fruits and Organizing demonstration programs at the Panchayat level to educate farmers about Mealybug and Rugose Spiraling Whitefly, along with the measures to be taken by the Agriculture Department.

 

Port Blair, Jan. 13: In a press conference held today, Mr. M.A. Sajid, President of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), brought to light serious allegations against Dr. Hemant Kumar Sharma, Principal of Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM), the largest educational institution in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Mr. Sajid claimed that Dr. Sharma has been absent from college for the past 20 to 25 days, raising concerns about his attendance and the administrative practices in the institution. “Despite his prolonged absence, the principal’s attendance is being marked, and he continues to sign files from home,” Sajid alleged.
He further questioned the accountability of the administration, stating, “The college is equipped with CCTV cameras. It should be investigated whether Dr. Sharma entered the college gate or used his office during this period.” Sajid urged the administration to verify if the principal had availed any medical or earned leave and called for a probe into the matter.
The NSUI president highlighted the disparity in the application of rules, saying, “Guest faculty and students face strict attendance regulations. If a guest faculty member is absent for even a day, their pay is deducted. Similarly, students with less than 75% attendance are not allowed to appear in exams.” He criticized the apparent leniency for the principal, who holds a key position in the institution.
Mr. Sajid demanded that if Dr. Sharma had not taken proper leave, immediate disciplinary action, including suspension or termination, should be taken. He also called for an inquiry into the administrative staff responsible for marking the principal’s attendance during his absence. “This is a matter of accountability and fairness,” Mr. Sajid concluded.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 12: ADTOI has successfully launched its 14th State Chapter in Andaman & Nicobar Islands on 10th January 2025 at Lemon Tree Hotels, Sri Vijaya Puram in a colourful ceremony attended by Islands dignitaries and stakeholders including ADTOI members from the Islands.

Association Of Domestic Tour Operators Of India Team from the mainland was represented by its President, Mr. Ved Khanna alongwith Mr. Ashish Sehgal, Vice President, Mr. Atul Singh, and Mr. Vinay Ahuja MC Members.

During the launch while addressing the delegates Mr. Ved Khanna, President stated that the Islands is becoming a much sought after destination among the mainland people for holidaying and with the launch of the Chapter ADTOI members from across the country would be promoting the destination more extensively. During the launch the following ADTOI members were nominated to the post of Office Bearers/LEO of the Chapter:

• Mr. M. Vinod, Chairman -Modern Tours & Travels

• Mr. Vivek Singh, Secretary -Andaman World Travels Pvt.Ltd.

• Mr. Mohammed Sajid, Treasurer -Dream Journey Holidays

• Mrs. Bhugneswari. Lady Entrepreneur Officer (LEO) Naveen Travel Make, Garacharma, South Andaman

The Chapter will have coordination with the Island Tourism Authorities for the progressive growth of tourism in the Islands. Also the Chapter will bring more agencies on to their fold to strengthen the base,

 

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 10: A delegation led by its newly elected President, Dr. K Chandrasekharan of Andaman Nicobar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ANCCI) along with its Vice-President, General Secretary, Joint Secretary called on Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands and Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency today at Raj Niwas. With respect to numerous mega projects in infrastructure, tourism and hospitality sectors of A&N Islands nearing operational status, discussed scope and potential for business and investment opportunities for entire range of local entrepreneurs registered with ANCCI. Hon’ble Lt. Governor appraised the delegation about the various projects being undertaken by Andaman & Nicobar Administration under the aegis of Islands Development Agency and a slew of opportunities opening up.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan.9: Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands and Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency reviewed the wildlife conservation & tribal welfare plans as per the grant of Environmental Clearance for holistic development of Great Nicobar Island project being implemented by expert agencies in coordination with Forest Department, Tribal Welfare Department and Health Department of A & N Administration. Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary and other senior officers of A & N Administration were also present during the presentation at Raj Niwas.
Shri Arjun Sharma, Executive Director (GNI), ANIIDCO apprised regarding the wildlife conservation & mitigation plans for bio-diversity which includes leatherback turtles, corals, long-tailed macaque, coconut crab, megapode, crocodile, etc. for a period of 30 years and tribal welfare plans for a period of 50 years. Officers/Representatives of implementing agencies viz. Wildlife Institute of India, Zoological Survey of India, Botanical Survey of India, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History and Indian Institute of Forest Management were also present during the presentation.
Biodiversity conservation including species diversity and endemism in the Island and the region have been given due consideration and all efforts will be made for its protection, conservation and management. The UT Administration is also fully committed to ensure that the interests of the tribal communities living in Great Nicobar Island are safeguarded in the wake of holistic development project.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 08: The Consumers Co-operative Stores Limited, Port Blair has shifted its LPG Showroom from Delanipur to the newly constructed showroom in the 1st floor of the CCS Head Office building at Aberdeen Bazar, Sri Vijaya Puram. The inaugural function of the new showroom was held today, the 8th January, 2025 at 11.00 a.m.
Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Chairman, A& N State Cooperative Bank has inaugurated the Showroom in presence of a huge gathering. The Chairman, Municipal Council, Mr. Sudeep Rai Sharma, Zilla Parishad Adhyaksha ,South Andaman, Mrs. M.Rajani , Up-Adhyaksh , South Andaman ,Mr. P.A.Sharfuddin , Municipal Councillors, officials of Indian Oil Corporation, CCS Board members, Public personalities, political leaders, Shareholders and CCS employees were present in the function.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma in his address, appreciated the present Board of Directors of the CCS Limited for their vigorous efforts towards the development of the Society. Mrs. Pushpanjali Raju, Chairman, CCS Limited also addressed the gathering. Mr. Abdul Siddique, Secretary CCS Limited briefed the new upcoming projects of CCS Ltd and also proposed the vote of thanks to the gathering.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 7: Mrs. Rupa Ray (81), wife of the Member of Parliament for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, passed away at G.B. Pant Hospital at 4:30 AM on January 7, 2025, after battling age-related illnesses for six months.
Mrs. Ray worked in the A&N Administration in clerical cadre and Retd. as Assistant Secretary. She was a beacon of strength to Mr. BP Ray and was active in Social Work. She has always been approachable and helped needy people as and when they met her with their grievances.
Her body was kept at “Praja Niwas”, the office of the MP for some time and also at BJP Bhavan briefly to enable well-wishers and party workers to pay their obeisance. The last rites of the departed was held at the Junglighat cremation ground. People from all walks of life and political Party leaders cutting across party lines paid their last respects to the departed soul.
All the staff of MP office have also condoled the death of Mrs. Ray and prayed to the Almighty to give eternal peace to the departed soul and enough strength to Mr. BP Ray to bear this irreparable loss.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, former Member of Parliament, expressed his heartfelt condolences, calling Mrs. Ray a remarkable woman and a constant pillar of support for Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray. He prayed for strength for the family and eternal peace for the departed soul.
Mr. M. Vinod, President of AATO, along with his association members, conveyed their sympathies, highlighting Mrs. Ray’s contributions to the community.

The Hindu Rashtra Shakti team also deeply mourned her demise, describing her as an irreplaceable loss and praying for the bereaved family’s strength to cope with the tragedy.
Mr. Vishal Jolly, BJP National Executive Member, remembered her as a dedicated political and social figure, emphasizing her work as Mahila Morcha Prabhari.
The Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram team, led by its State Media Incharge, Mr. Ram Kumar Singh, paid tearful tributes, recalling her simplicity, cheerful nature, and active role in the organization’s founding and growth.

 

Nishar Mohammed
Rangat, Jan. 06: A tragic road accident claimed the life of a Moped rider near the water tank and Shanti Basti in Rangat around 1 PM today. The victim, identified as Mr. R Singh, a resident of Thoratang in Middle Andaman, reportedly died on the spot.
According to eyewitness accounts, the Moped, traveling towards Rangat, collided with a truck belonging to Brahma Shakti Company coming from the Nimbutala side. The accident occurred at a turn. The impact caused the rider to be thrown under the truck, where the rear wheel tragically ran over him.
Upon receiving information, the local police arrived at the scene and began an investigation. As per details, the victim’s body has been sent for postmortem. The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.