Port Blair, Mar 15: Mr. Dilkhush Meena, IAS, assumed office as the Deputy Commissioner of North and Middle Andaman (NMA) yesterday. In his first interaction today with Andaman Sheekha Daily, he emphasized his foremost responsibility of ensuring the smooth conduct of the upcoming General Election. Urging district voters to participate actively, he stressed the importance of casting votes to strengthen the nation. Emphasizing the pivotal role of youth, Mr. Meena encouraged new voters to contribute by exercising their voting rights to the fullest extent.
Expressing the need for cooperation, Mr. Meena appealed to all voters in the district to extend their wholehearted support to the administration. Additionally, he disclosed plans to convene a meeting with NHIDCL officials and contractors on Monday to expedite road construction projects. This initiative aims to alleviate the difficulties faced by residents, particularly during the rainy season.
Furthermore, Mr. Meena assured that all tasks related to revenue and e-governance would be undertaken proactively, prioritizing the broader interests of the public. His proactive approach reflects a commitment to effective governance and addressing the needs of the community.

Port Blair, Mar. 13: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today launched the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) national portal and sanctioned credit support to one lakh entrepreneurs of disadvantaged sections of the country. The Prime Minister also addressed the program marking nationwide outreach for credit support to disadvantaged sections and interacted with beneficiaries of various Government schemes via video conferencing today.
The launching programme was live streamed at Raj Niwas, Port Blair. Admiral DK Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands and Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency graced the programme as the guest of honour. The Lt. Governor handed over Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits to Safai Mitras under the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) and distributed NAMASTE Ayushman Cards to beneficiaries on the occasion.
Briefing about the PM-SURAJ national portal, the Chief Secretary, (I/C), A&N Administration, Shri Nikhil Kumar, IAS said, the launch of the PM-SURAJ Programme, is recognition of the invaluable contributions of our sanitation workers, who tirelessly uphold the cleanliness and hygiene of our nation. They are the unsung heroes who deserve our utmost respect and support. The Scheme stands as an encouragement of hope for these dedicated individuals. The collaborative effort between the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs represents a significant step towards enhancing the safety and working condition of the sanitation workers, he said.
The Chief Secretary, (I/C), further mentioned that through robust training programs and the promotion of safe and mechanized cleaning practices, the PM SURAJ programme aims to uplift the lives of disadvantaged section across the country. The provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits and the distribution of NAMASTE Ayushman Cards to beneficiaries in Port Blair are evidence to the Government’s commitment to their wellbeing and safety, he added. He further remarked that today, as part of the PM-SURAJ Programme launch, 35 beneficiaries have been identified by the Municipal Council of Port Blair. Among them, 3 individuals have been chosen to receive NAMASTE Ayushman Cards, symbolizing the collective effort to provide accessible, affordable and high-quality healthcare.
Welcoming the Lt. Governor, A&N Islands and others present on the occasion, the Secretary, Social Welfare, Shri L. Kumar said that the PM SURAJ- (Pradhan Mantri-Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan) is a Nationwide Outreach Programme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment covering 526 districts for extending credit support for the economic empowerment of socially disadvantaged sections of the society.

Port Blair, Mar 11: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma laid the foundation stone for construction of a fence around the Christian Graveyard at Ranchi Basti area of Ward number 2 under Mitha Khadi gram panchayat on 09 March 2024.
An amount of Rs. 40 lakh has been sanctioned under MPLADS funds for this work.
The Member of Parliament sanctioned this work under MPLADS funds following demands raised by people of Mitha Khadi, Namunaghar, Dandus Point, Hari Tapu and nearby areas.
During the Foundation laying ceremony Pradhan of Mitha Khadi Mr. Shafique, prominent people of the region and a large number of villagers of nearby area were present.

Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Mar 07: In a press conference organized at the BJP office today, the Lok Sabha candidate for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, addressed various pressing issues and shared his vision for the region.
Expressing gratitude towards Prime Minister Modi, the three-time former MP, Mr. Ray emphasized the significance of receiving the party’s nomination for the Lok Sabha seat. He stated, “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands once again and I remain committed to serving with honesty and integrity.”
Highlighting the infrastructure challenges faced by the region, Mr. Ray discussed the importance of national highway development and the need for continued investment in infrastructure projects. He recalled his efforts during his tenure as an MP to initiate various projects for the benefit of the islands’ residents.
Addressing concerns about ongoing projects, Mr. Ray assured the public of his commitment to fulfilling promises made by the BJP. He pledged to work tirelessly towards the completion of pending projects such as NH4, Baratang Bridge, Bambooflat Bridge and to address any obstacles hindering progress.
“During my tenure Andaman and Nicobar Islands got 13,000 crores funds. During my tenure Andaman got Central Growth Funds,” he said.
Reflecting on the achievements of the Modi government, Mr. Ray praised the efforts to boost employment opportunities and promote economic growth in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
“Prime Minister Shri. Modi ji has lot of love for Andaman and Nicobar Islands,” he added.
He highlighted initiatives such as improvements in the shipping sector as evidence of the government’s commitment to the region’s development.
In conclusion, Mr. Ray reiterated his dedication to serving the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and expressed confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. He called upon the public to support the BJP in the upcoming elections and assured them of continued progress and prosperity under the party’s governance.

Port Blair, Mar 06: On the basis of a report received from the Intelligence agency, regarding suspicious anti-national activities of a staff engaged at Jetty area, a case has been registered at PS Central Crime Station, CID under the Official Secrets Act, 1923.
On investigation, it was revealed that a temporary staff namely P. Waseem, resident of Wright Myo, Bambooflat, had shared sensitive information related to national security with an unauthorized person. Their communication over Facebook Messenger and Whatsapp unveiled details on Naval ship schedules/movements.
Further, it was also found that a female had lured the accused in friendship and persuaded him to share crucial information affecting national security. The accused person P. Waseem has been arrested and is in Police remand. His links are being investigated to unearth the involvement of other accused persons.
General public are requested to stay vigilant and aware. Do not accept any friend request in social media from unknown persons. Further, if any suspicious activities is noticed then inform Police on the following telephone numbers- 112/100, 232586, 233307 and 9474257242. Security of the Nation is the foremost priority of every citizen.

Port Blair, Mar. 5:The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Keshav Chandra, IAS, as the chief guest today inaugurated 8 additional classrooms for Vivekananda Kendra Zilla Parishad Vidyalaya (VKZPV) at Shore Point constructed by Zilla Parishad South Andaman under Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Rurban Mission (SPMRM). The Chief Secretary cut the ribbon and unveiled the plaque in the presence of the Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, Shri Arjun Sharma, IAS, Adhyaksh, ZPSA, Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, Up-Adhyaksh, Shri Boominathan, CEO, ZPSA, Ms. Smitha R, IAS, PRI members, Principal, staff & students of the school marking the inauguration of the asset.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary congratulated the Adhyaksh and the entire team of ZPSA for taking up many developmental projects for the benefit of the rural people within a very short span of time. Works taken up and completed in a transparent manner leads to development of an area and inclusive growth, he said.
The Chief Secretary underlined the need for concentrating more towards providing quality education to the children for their better future and to lead a dignified life. He said, education is and always will be the first priority for A&N Administration. He said that for the smooth functioning of the schools in A&N Islands, the posts of teachers which were lying vacant for last 10 to 15 years are being filled. Apart from this, Principals, Vice Principals are being appointed and from now onwards there will be no shortage of Principal, Vice Principal and Teachers in schools across the Islands. Now, it is upto teachers and the parents for imbibing good values in the children which is very essential for the development of a good society, the Chief Secretary remarked. Teachers should put extra effort towards imbibing moral values among students apart from their normal studies which, the Chief Secretary said, is very important for the overall development of a student. He mentioned that good moral values enable a person to lead a disciplined life which ultimately leads towards development of a good society, in particular and a prosperous Nation, as a whole.
The Chief Secretary inspected the building and also planted a sapling in the school premises.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, Shri Arjun Sharma said that the inauguration of the new classroom is a boon for the school as well as children residing in the area. It is the collective responsibility of all of us towards the optimum utilization of the newly built physical infrastructure, the Deputy Commissioner said adding that the authorities should also pay attention towards the annual maintenance of the physical assets created for the benefit of the general public.
In his address, the Adhyaksh, ZPSA, Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh thanked the Chief Secretary for inaugurating the classrooms. He said, this project has been executed by the Engineering Wing of the ZPSA at a cost of Rs. 2 crore under Rurban Mission. Tender have been floated for other allied works in the school, he added.
Welcoming the chief guest and others present on the occasion, the CEO, ZPSA, Smt. Smitha R. informed that this asset has been created under the Rurban Scheme and was completed in a time bound manner. Children now have added facilities with the inauguration of the new classrooms, she added.
The students of the school presented welcome song and patriotic dance befitting the occasion drawing loud applause from the audience. The function concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the ZPM, Shore Point Constituency, Ms Dhana Rekha.