Port Blair, May 13: The Directorate of Industries under a scheme ‘Andaman & Nicobar Island Capital Investment Subsidy for Micro & Small Enterprises Scheme’ reimburses subsidy on fixed capital investment excluding land, building & vehicle to micro and small enterprises at the rate of 25% in South Andaman, Middle and North Andaman District subject to the maximum of Rs. 50 Lakhs and 50% in Nicobar District subject to the maximum of Rs. 50 Lakhs. For availing this subsidy, registration with the District Industry Centre is mandatory. This scheme shall remain in operation up to 31st March, 2017.

The documents required for availing this benefit under the scheme includes – Permanent Registration certificate/Entrepreneurs Memorandum-II issued by DIC, Certificate from Chartered Accountant regarding capital expenditure incurred on the project, certificate in prescribed Performa from the financial institution certifying the amount of loan sanction and disbursed, if any. Land owner ship document/lease agreement, Document relating to conversion of land for commercial purpose under the A & N islands LR&LRR, 1966. Approved building plan from the Municipal Council/PRI under the bye laws of PBMC/PRI Regulation & Rules, Clearance from the Pollution Control Committee, CRZ clearance, Trade License (wherever applicable), Bills/Vouchers/Money Receipts of machineries and equipments.

Dipankar Das
Baratang, May 05: The indefinite hunger strike conducted by the Baratang Forest Workers’ Union (CITU) in front of the office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Baratang since 4th May, 2015 on the demand of regularization of daily rated mazdoors working in the Division for the last 20 to 30 years, has been called off today evening following an assurance given by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, A & N Islands in a meeting held at Van Sadan, Haddo, Port Blair today afternoon.
During the discussion held with Shri B. Chandrachoodan, President of the Baratang Forest Workers’ Union today, the PCCF assured that the issue of regularization of daily rated mazdoors of Baratang Forest Division will be settled shortly. Thereafter, the Union has decided to call off the on-going indefinite hunger strike and accordingly the hunger strike has been called off today evening.

Port Blair, Apr 20: Mr. B. P. Ray, Member of Parliament congratulated the A&N Administration for prompt action in releasing the relief /compensation to the fire victim of Delanipur village within a day of the fire incident under State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF).

“This has been achieved with extreme efforts /dedication of the Deputy Commissioner (SA), SDM, South Andaman, Tehsildar, R.I. and Patwari concerned. The ex-Chairman Municipal Council Shri K.Ganeshan has also extended his possible efforts in the matter,” Mr. Ray said in a release.

He added that the Administration disbursed an amount of Rs.1,09,500/- each to all 12 effected families who were having permanent structure/ properties and completely lost in fire accident.

“The families who have partially lost the properties / structure have been also disbursed an appropriate amount of compensation. The quantum of compensation / relief has been paid according to the revised guidelines of the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) amended from time to time,” he added.

Port Blair, April 18
On the occasion of Mahakumbabhisekam, a special puja of Sri Shridi Sai Baba will be held at Shri Sai Mandir, Bargad Line, near Yatrik, Chakkargaon on April 22 at 06.30 am followed by Vemanam Mahakumbabhisekam at 9am and Annadanam at 12.30 pm, a communication received here said.

Dipak K Dash, ToI

New Delhi/ Port Blair, Apr 13: India may get the first two immersed tunnels through sea and river in the next few years. The shipping ministry has envisaged these projects — one between Kakdwip and Sagar island in West Bengal and the other connecting Chatham and Bamboo Flat in Andaman Nicobar islands.

Shipping minister Nitin Gadkari said recently that his ministry is exploring the possibility of building these immersed corridors to improve connectivity and the task has been given to National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), a government company. NHIDCL has called tenders from consultants to prepare the techno-economic study of both the stretches.

“We have given two options to the bidders — to prepare reports for building elevated stretches and immersed tunnel. The ministry will take a decision based on their technical feasibility and the amount required to build these infrastructures,” a senior NHIDCL official said.

As per the bid document, the consultant has to carry out detailed study for constructing the corridor for both rail and road traffic in the case of Kakdwip and Sagar Island connectivity through Muri Ganga river. This will be around 3.5 km. “The connectivity will prove beneficial for cargo movement with the mainland. There will be more demand once the Sagar Port project starts,” a shipping ministry official said.

He added that as per their rough estimate submersible tunnel will cost less than the elevated track on this stretch. “Immersed tunnels are aesthetic and these pose no hindrance to the movement of ships,” said the official.

The other proposed corridor between Chatham and Bamboo Flat in Andaman Nicobar Islands is about two kilometers. At present, people need to travel about 48 kms to reach from one point to other through land. The construction of an immersed tunnel or elevated corridor will bring the two regions closer.

At present, there are around 200 immersed tunnels across the world and these are mainly for transport and utilities. Though in all these years immersed tunnels have been seen as a third option to bridge and traditional tunnels, now it’s changing because of advanced technology.

Some of such famous tunnels are the Busan-Geoje Link in South Korea and German-Danish Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link.

Immersed tube tunnels are formed by connecting together pre-fabricated box segments in trenches. The segments constructed elsewhere are floated to the tunnel site to be sunk into place and then these are linked together. Sources said this technology has not been used in India so far. They added these need little investment.

Port Blair, Apt 13: The PCC President Kuldeep Rai Sharma and all leaders have greeted the Tamil, Malayalee, Punjabi and Odia Communities on their respective new years viz Puthandu, Vishu, Vaisakhi and Rongila Bihu along with all islanders and wished them prosperity, all round development, peace and best of health.

Greeting the islanders on the birthday of Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Dr BR Ambedkar, Kuldeep has requested all to respect the Indian Constitution and wished them to have the feelings of universal brotherhood. He has also greeted the Bengali community on Poyla Boishak which falls on 15th April.

Port Blair, Feb 08: Super specialists of Medica Superspecialty Hospital, Kolkata will be rendering their services in GB Pant Hospital, Port Blair from 17th to 21st Feb, 2015. They will examine the patients in Room No. 6 & 17 at OPD, GB Pant Hospital, Port Blair in the disciplines viz Pead. Cardiology, AV Fistula Surgery, Plastic Surgery & Oncology.
For screening of cases for super specialist treatment, the general public have been requested to consult Dr. SS Singh and Dr. Omkar Singh, Medical Specialists for Paediatric. Cardiology, AV Fistula & Oncology cases and Dr. Saji Varghese and Dr. Sukumar Saha, Surgical specialists for plastic surgery cases in their respective OPDs at GB Pant Hospital, a communication said here.

Port Blair, Feb 05:  The Department of Posts is organizing the “Independence Day 2015 – Stamp Design Competition” with the theme of Women’s Empowerment. Any Indian citizen can participate in the contest with his or her own stamp design on the theme, made in ink, water colour, oil or any other medium. However, computer printed stamp designs are not eligible for entry in the competition. The stamp design can be in drawing paper, art paper or any white paper of A4 size. On the reverse of the stamp design, the participants are to mention their name, age, gender, nationality, address, contact numbers and e-mail id if available. An undertaking to the effect that the artwork is original and no copyright issues are involved should also be attached with the design. Participants are asked to send their entries by speed post without folding it to the ADG (Philately), Room No. 108 (B), Dak Bhavan, Parliament Street, New Delhi – 110 001 so as to reach before 3rd March, 2015. First prize winner of the competition would be given Rs 10000, second prize Rs 6000 and third prize Rs 4000. The envelope should be superscribed as “Independence Day 2015-Stamp Design Contest.” Prize winning designs will be considered by the postal department for use on stamps and other philatelic materials. (PIB)