Port Blair, Mar 03: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has raised serious concerns about the deteriorating condition of State Transport Service (STS) buses in Little Andaman Island.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, he highlighted the alarming reports received from the public regarding the poor state of many STS buses.
According to the Member of Parliament, numerous complaints have been received citing issues such as torn seat covers, missing seats, and windows and frames emitting excessive noise during travel, which significantly disrupts the comfort of passengers. Of particular concern are reports indicating the substandard condition of STS buses, which are run for school students, posing potential risks to the safety of students.
Recognizing the critical role of public transportation in ensuring accessibility and mobility for citizens, he requested for immediate action to replace all old buses in Little Andaman with new ones in a phased manner. Additionally, he has proposed that the old buses be relocated to Port Blair for comprehensive repair works to enhance their longevity and efficiency.

Port Blair, Feb 01: Mr. Aswar Pal Singh, the renowned chef of Andaman and Nicobar Islands got a World Book of Records title on 28 February 2024, to celebrate the historic Laddu he had created earlier in Andaman. He had painstakingly crafted a Laddu weighing a staggering 1009 Kg during last Ganesh Puja in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, securing a position in the worldwide book of records. Mr. Aswar Singh proudly celebrated this monumental achievement, now recognized as a ‘World Record Holder’ for the island. The prestigious award was presented to him by Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson of J & K WAQF Board, and Swami Dr. Umakantanand Saraswati. This extraordinary accomplishment not only showcases Singh’s culinary prowess but also brings pride and recognition to Andaman and Nicobar Islands on a global scale.

Port Blair, Feb 28: A delegation from the Living On The Edge (LOTE), consisting of Mr. Abhay Kumar, President and Mr. O Bashir, Ex Pradhan, Mannarghat called upon the Chief Secretary of Andaman & Nicobar Administration, Shri Keshav Chandra, IAS, today to address the prolonged delay in the recruitment process for Mazdoors under the Department of Environment & Forest.
The delegation highlighted the concerns regarding the recruitment of Mazdoors at the Divisional Forest Office in Wimberlygunj. Despite the implementation of a fair recruitment procedure, the final list of selected candidates was published on November 30, 2023.
Expressing their dismay, the delegation emphasized that the recruitment process had spanned almost eight years, causing distress among the candidates who had successfully cleared all tests and examinations. Despite the passage of more than three months since the publication of the final list, selected candidates have yet to receive their offer letters.
The delegation expressed grave concerns over the mysterious environment surrounding the delay, raising questions on the department for withholding appointments and failing to issue offer letters to the selected candidates. They stressed that the delay is unjustifiably prolonging the process of filling the hard-earned positions of Mazdoors.
In the larger public interest, the delegation urged the Chief Secretary to intervene in the matter and direct the concerned officer to expedite the issuance of offer letters to the selected candidates without any further delay.
The delegation thanked the Chief Secretary for his attention to this matter and expressed hope for swift action to resolve the issue and ensure justice for the affected candidates.
Earlier, at the first instance Shri. Abhay Kumar, congratulated the administration led by Shri Keshav Chandra, IAS, for successfully organizing the 3rd Rozagar Mela in an organized manner.

Port Blair, Feb 26: Sthapana of 12 Jyotirlingas took place at the Radha Krishna Temple, Wimberlygunj by Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and his wife, Mrs. Vinita Sharma today.
The event witnessed an overwhelming turnout of devotees, eminent personalities, and the general public, who fervently participated in the puja proceedings.
The Sthapana of these 12 Jyotirlingas, which are different devotional representations of Lord Shiva such as Somnath, Mallikarjun, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Kedarnath, Bhimshankar, Kashi Vishwanath, Trimbakeshwar, Vaidyanath, Nageshwar, Rameshwaram, and Grishneshwar, marks a momentous occasion for devotees in the region.
The sanctification of these divine shrines not only offers local worshippers the opportunity to venerate the revered Jyotirlingas within their own vicinity but also serves as a beacon drawing devotees from various parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Involvement of Puja Committee of Radha Krishna Temple, Wimberlygunj during the sanctification process and sthapana of 12 Jyotirlingas made the event a grand success.

Port Blair, Feb 23: The Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) along with Makruzz is participating in the prestigious South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) exhibition, currently underway in Greater Noida.
Led by its esteemed President, Shri. M Vinod, a delegation from AATO is actively engaging with industry stakeholders and visitors to highlight the unmatched beauty and tourism potential of the Andaman Islands. SATTE, recognized as Asia’s largest and most renowned tourism exhibition for the past 31 years, serves as a crucial platform for industry players to network, showcase innovations, and explore business opportunities.
AATO’s presence underscores its commitment to promoting Andaman as a premier travel destination, renowned for its pristine beaches, lush greenery, and rich cultural heritage.
Shri. M Vinod, President of AATO, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Participating in SATTE provides us with an unparalleled opportunity to showcase the diverse offerings of the Andaman Islands to a global audience. We are excited to engage with travel enthusiasts, industry professionals, and potential partners to foster collaborations that will further enhance the region’s tourism landscape.” Visitors to AATO’s booth at SATTE can expect to discover a wide array of experiential travel options, adventure activities, and eco-friendly initiatives that epitomize Andaman’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
Additionally, AATO representatives will be on hand to provide valuable insights and personalized recommendations to help travelers plan their dream vacation to the picturesque Andaman Islands. As the SATTE exhibition continues to draw crowds of industry experts and travel enthusiasts, AATO remains steadfast in its mission to position Andaman as a must-visit destination on every traveler’s itinerary.

Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Feb 21: Residents of TV Kulam village and nearby villages have been facing persistent issues due to the closure of the steel Bailey bridge situated at the village’s entrance, under the jurisdiction of Shivapuram Gram Panchayat.

Concerned by the lack of action from the administration, villagers convened a meeting on February 18, 2024, inviting the Pradhan (village head) of Shivapuram Gram Panchayat, Mr. Venkateshwar Rao, to address the pressing matter.
During the meeting, residents openly discussed the various challenges posed by the deteriorating bridge and expressed their grievances to the village head. The bridge, critical for connectivity, has been in a state of disrepair for several years, posing serious safety risks to the villagers and hence the bridge was closed for public. Despite numerous appeals to the authorities, no concrete steps have been taken to address the situation, leaving the residents in distress, villagers noted.
Last year the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Mayabunder had ordered to close the T V Kulum Bridge, Swadesh Nagar for all vehicular traffic & pedestrians from both the end w.e.f 20.09.2023, keeping in view the safety of public.
The Pradhan brought the issue to the attention of the higher authorities several occasions in past, highlighting the longstanding neglect of the TV Kulam bridge by the administration. However, no meaningful action has been initiated to address the villagers’ concerns, prompting them to escalate their protest. It was decided during the meeting that residents, along with those from neighboring Swadesh Nagar and Harinagar Panchayats, would stage a dharna (sit-in protest) in front of the TV Kulam bridge on March 4, 2024.
Should their demands remain unmet, the villagers have planned to intensify their agitation by organizing a road blockade on NH4 on March 5, 2024. Expressing their frustration with the authorities’ apathy towards their plight, the villagers warned of boycotting the upcoming Sabha elections if their grievances continue to be ignored.
Residents argue that if the administration continues to turn a blind eye to their suffering, there is no point in participating in elections that do not address their fundamental issues.
Meanwhile, talking to Andaman Sheekha a villager said that previously, the bridge allowed passage for two-wheelers and pedestrians. However, currently, access to the bridge is restricted for everyone.
“People residing in TV Kulam, Dharmapur, and neighboring areas now have to take a longer route via CFO Nallah Bridge to reach ATR/NH 4 and vice versa. This has particularly affected children and elderly individuals who must endure the extended journey on foot. Additionally, numerous students from Dharmapur and TV Kulam-5, attending schools in Shivapuram, Padmanabhapuram, etc., also face the inconvenience of the longer commute. Government employees and workers are similarly experiencing difficulties due to the closure of the bridge. It has remained partially or completely shut for the past five years,” he elaborated.

Port Blair, Feb 19: Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands has expressed wholehearted gratitude to Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji for appreciating his endeavours and performance in Parliament as a public representative from Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Shri Sharma said that he is immensely delighted and overwhelmed by encouragement and appreciation bestowed by the first citizen of India in recognition of the service rendered as parliamentarian and added that such recognition from the highest office of India instill strength, courage and wisdom in oneself to work selflessly and tirelessly with utmost dedication for betterment and prosperity of the fellow citizens.