Kayenat Islam
Port Blair, March 17: Even as flagrant violation of MRP (Maximum Retail Price) has become rampant in different parts of these islands, the Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department remains lethargic in containing the violation. Almost every grocery store in the city and elsewhere charges an additional Rs 2/- on cold drinks and packed drinking water particularly trading near tourist spots and beaches, but the government agency has exhibited failure in reining in the violators as a stricter norm to stop overcharging remains far from ensured.
According to reports, charging above MRP on any product including transportation is an offence under the Central Law of Metrology Act provisions. Any retailer violating the law is liable to be slapped with a fine of Rs 2,000. Contrary to the rules, retailers justify the act of overcharging on claims that they spend extra money on storage, transportation etc notwithstanding government rules which specifically state that the distributor and retailers are responsible for the charges of refrigeration as the cost is already included in the MRP.
“What worries more for the consumers is that they even don’t know about the authority to be contacted to report such violations. They are forced to pay extra to the retail shopkeepers in the absence of strict norms to deal with such violation. In case, the consumer argue or threaten the retailers to approach the Consumer Court, they are laughed at by the shopkeepers,” say some consumer activists.
Recently a resident of Goal Ghar has sent a complaint letter to the Secretary of Civil Supplies attracting her attention towards probable MRP Tempering in Andamans. Pointing out towards a particular brand of Aata of a reputed company, the complainant said that the said Aata conts Rs. 36 in Mainland India in any retail shop but the same Aata in same packet, when reaches Andaman the MRP is changed to Rs. 46. She alleged that some local businessmen are illegally tempering MRP on various commodities. Sadly it is still now known what action has been taken in this regard by the Secretary of Civil Supplies. When Andaman Sheekha checked the rate of same Aata in a local grocery shop, it was Rs. 46 even today.
The Secretary, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Smt Rashmi Krishnan said that the department is fully aware of the MRP violations being reported from different parts of these islands.
“Regular inspections are conducted to stop the illegal practice by retail shopkeepers. Recently 7-8 cases of overcharging was registered at Havelock and penalty of about Rs 40,000 was imposed on violators. Similar raids are also conducted in the city at regular intervals,” she said adding that plans are afoot to set up a dedicated Enforcement Unit at Port Blair to put a curb on such MRP violations.
One questions that will imposing fine on 7-8 shops only, that too in a remote Islands will be enough to control the menace of MRP Tempering and overcharging.

Port Blair, Feb 17: The Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) and Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC accompanied by Smt Lily Raha, President Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA) arrived here on a two day visit to Andaman and Nicobar Command on Monday. They were received by Vice Admiral Pradeep K Chatterjee, PVSM, AVSM, NM, ADC, Commander-in-Chief and Smt Rubu Chatterjee, President Dweep Wives Welfare Association (DWWA).
The Chairman COSC and CAS was given a detailed briefing on the operational preparedness of the Andaman and Nicobar Command and visited ANC units and establishments at Port Blair. He reviewed the infrastructure development and future perspective plan of ANC. He highlighted the importance of synergy amongst the three services being the central pillar to achieve military successes in the highly fluid and unstable security environment around the world. He emphasized that all out efforts towards infrastructure development in the islands would go a long way in providing India the edge in today’s political and economic uncertainties.
The Chairman COSC and President AFWWA accompanied by CINCAN and President DWWA visited Air Force Station Car Nicobar. They were received by Air Cmde Arun Bhaskar Gupta, Air Officer Commanding Air Force Component (AOC AFC) and other officials and presented with a Guard of Honour on his arrival.
The Chairman COSC and CAS interacted with the air warriors at length and applauded their efforts to keep the defence services flags flying high. He emphasised on the importance of improving the infrastructure of the isolated and strategically located Air Force Base towards National Security. He further stressed upon the need to keep vigil in view of the present security environment. He wished the Armed Forces personnel and their far away families the very best before departing for Delhi.
Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC graduated from the National Defence Academy, Pune, with the President’s Gold Medal in 1973 and was commissioned in the Flying Branch in Dec 1974. He is an experienced fighter pilot. He is a Cat A qualified Flying Instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader with nearly 3400 hrs of fighter aircraft flying experience. He has served as a Directing Staff at two premier institutes of IAF, Flying Instructors School and the Tactics and Combat Development Establishment. He has also been inspector at the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection in Air Headquarters and Staff Officer to the Chief of the Air Staff. He was deputed as the Military and Air Attache in the Embassy of India, Kyiv, Ukraine from 1999 to 2001.
An alumnus of Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College, Delhi, he has held many operational assignments such as Commanding Officer of a MIG-29 Squadron, Station Commander of Air Force Station Bhatinda in Punjab during ‘OP PARAKRAM’, Air Officer Commanding Air Force Station Adampur and Advance Headquarters Western Air Command, Chandimandir. He has also been the Deputy Commandant Air Force Academy, Hyderabad and Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters Western Air Command. He has the rare distinction of being the Air Officer Commanding in Chief of two Operational Commands i.e. Central Air Command and the Western Air Command. Before taking over as Chief of the Air Staff, he held the appointment of Vice Chief of the Air Staff. He was also the Commodore Commandant of No 47 Squadron till 30 July 2015.
For his distinguished service, the Air Chief Marshal has been awarded Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vayu Sena Medal. He was appointed as Honorary Aide-de-Camp (Air) to the President of India wef 01 Dec 2012. Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC was appointed as the Chairman, Chief’s of Staff Committee on 31 Jul 14.

Sarthak Kanjilal & Francis Ekka
Port Blair, Feb 14: The Make My Trip, Andaman Marathon today received overwhelming response from sports enthusiasts, supporters, media, police, defence, Administration and all other sections of these Islands.
Thousands of enthusiasts including sports lovers, professional runners, amateurs, officials, children and even senior citizens today gathered infront of Cellular Jail this morning to participate in the Marathon, which ended without any hiccups.
Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lt. Gen (Retd.) A K Singh today flagged off the Marathon in the presence of famous TV and Movie actress Mandira Bedi.
The Andaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has exhibited exceptional professionalism in organizing this major event.
In his address at the concluding function held at the Netaji Stadium later this morning, the Lt Governor said these Islands posses many qualities; one among them being the ‘undying spirit of the Islanders’. “This spirit was reflected in the Andaman Marathon -2016 in which young boys, ladies and senior citizens participated in the right earnest. “Three cheers to the spirit that enables the Islanders take part in such events”, an elated Lt Governor said.

Complementing the organizers and the sponsors for successfully conducting the event, the Lt. Governor suggested for fixing the first Sunday of February month every year for ‘Andaman Marathon’. The Lt. Governor further desired that greater publicity should be given to the event, well in advance, so as to clarify all doubts; and encourage more participation. Turning to sports in the Islands, the Lt. Governor emphasized that these Islands are very much connected with sports. Football is still a favorite game in Carnicobar, said the the Lt Governor, also mentioning about Debroah, the Ace cyclist from these Islands; now ranked no. 4 in the World. “No Indian has achieved such a feat”, the Lt Governor said and hoped that Deborah will continue to bring greater laurel to the Islands in the years to come.

The Lt Governor also mentioned about the Martial Art team which stood second in the All India Level in National Games. “I was amazed to see that our young boys and girls have brought such laurels to these Islands”, the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor showered all praise for the A&N contingent which participated in the National Games and brought laurels to the Islands. All the States and UTs participated in the games and our Island team remained in 17th position which, the Lt Governor said, is a great achievement. The girls alone have won 12 to 13 medals, a beaming Lt Governor said, urging the boys to come forward and show their mettle too.

About the Islands, the Lt Governor said those residing here and those who visit these Islands are indeed lucky to enjoy such peace, tranquility and smile on everybody’s face. “Andaman & Nicobar is a true representation of the Constitution of India”, the proud Lt Governor added.

The Lt Governor concluded his speech by saying “Sports is high on my radar. We are making progress slowly but steadily; and will provide adequate opportunities to our young boys and girls; enabling them to realize their true potentials”.

The Lt. Governor and Ms Bedi gave away trophies and cash prizes to the winners of different categories of the event in the function. The Lt Governor also presented a memento to Ms Mandira Bedi on the occasion.

Earlier during the flag off ceremony, Ms Bedi pepped up the spirit of the participants and said that running is like meditation which gives peace to the mind; and wished them good luck.

Soon after flagging off the Marathon, the celebrity guest Ms Bedi, accompanied by the Lt. Governor, took a cycle ride from Cellular Jail along the shore of South Point to enjoy the scenic beauty and ambience of A&N Islands.

Addressing the gathering during the prize distribution ceremony, Ms Bedi expressed profound joy in being part of the Andaman Marathon-2016. She hailed the serene beauty and tranquility of the Islands and lauded the sportsmanship spirit of the Islanders right from young children to the youth and senior citizens, who showed great eagerness and actively participated in the event. Urging the participants to continue being fit and healthy, Ms Mandira Bedi remarked that Andaman Marathon will grow tremendously and garner popularity in the coming days. She also shared her experience of the Islands and the short cycle sightseeing she undertook this morning.

In the Marathon, the Kenyan runners; both male and female; walked away with first, second and third prizes for (21K men & women) open half marathon.

Shri Anoop Arora handed over a cheque of Rs 50,000 to the Lt Governor for distribution among the Islander category winners. This prize money has been instituted in memory of late Krishanji Arora (Guru Uncle), a great sports enthusiast of these Islands.

The President ACCI, Shri Girish Arora presented mementoes to the Lt. Governor and other dignitaries on the occasion. Shri Abhijit Agrawal, through his compeering and running commentary of the Marathon impressed one and all present at the Stadium.

The MakeMy trip Andaman Marathon was organized by the Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI), The ACCI President, Shri Girish Arora proposed the vote of thanks at the end of the prize distribution ceremony.

Sarthak Kanjilal

Port Blair, Feb 11: The CID unit of Andaman and Nicobar Police along with Defence Intelligence, IB and other security agencies have completed the joint interrogation of the suspected Bangladeshi National, who was caught from Little Andaman Island of South Andaman District recently.

According to details available here the suspected Bangladeshi national was picked up by police following a tip off by a resident of Little Andaman.

As per initial inputs available here, the name of the suspected Bangladeshi National is Mr. Nishikanta Mondal, S/o Late Amulya Mondal, who is a resident of Little Andaman’s V.K.Pur village.

Sources added that Nishikanta is married to a lady Mrs. Champa Mondal, who actually hails from North 24 Paragans, West Bengal and the couple is having three children at Little Andaman.

Reports suggest that Nishikanta Mondal came to Andaman in 2000 and got married in the year 2003 -04.

“The verification of all the documents related to the Nationality of the accused is in progress. Our Joint interrogation is already over,” the Superintendent of Police, CID Mr. Atmaram Deshpande told Channel One News today.

Recently three Bangladeshi Nationals were arrested from North Andaman’s Diglipur Islands and the police has already started their repatriation process.