Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Oct 11: As the festive season and December approach, people of Andaman and Nicobar Island and mainland are facing an alarming hike in airfares in Port Blair- Mainland sector. Current ticket prices between Chennai and Port Blair are soaring, ranging from 12,000 to 15,000 in the next few days. Even booking 23 days in advance only lowers the fare to 9,000 to 12,000, with prices expected to spike back to 15,000 to 20,000 in December.
This cyclical issue, which occurs annually and stretches until the second week of January, has deeply upset Islanders. Despite the administration’s awareness of the problem, no concrete steps have been taken to control airfare prices. During this season, a large number of students return home, but due to exorbitant airfares many have to drop the plan to return home to celebrate festivals. Many are forced to stay away from home, despite hostel canteens being closed.
Moreover, this price surge isn’t just a financial burden on students. Patients requiring medical treatments on the mainland are also severely affected. The situation is so dire that general public are not requesting the Administration to intervene and charter aircraft from any private airlines for the next three months to ease the burden.
Islanders are urging the administration to take immediate measures, such as increasing the number of flights or chartering an aircraft, to bring relief to the islanders during this critical period.
There was a time when chartered flight used to be operated as many as three sectors, Port Blair- Kolkata, Port Blair- Chennai and Port Blair Vizag but sadly efforts are not being made at present. It seems that the Administration has left Islanders to suffer with high airfare, power crisis, bad road etc.
Archives for October 11, 2023
Member of Parliament demands posting of Specialist Doctors to address Critical Healthcare Gaps at Mayabunder District Hospital
Port Blair, Oct 11: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has demanded posting of at least one General Surgeon, an Anesthetist, and an Orthopedic Surgeon at the District Hospital in Mayabunder.
In a letter addressed to the Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Member of Parliament said that the District Hospital in Mayabunder has long been designated as the primary medical facility for North and Middle Andaman. However, despite its crucial role, the hospital has been operating under severe constraints due to a shortage of specialist doctors.
The Member of Parliament said that he has been approached by numerous Islanders who have expressed their concerns about this shortage.
He added that there is a need for the immediate posting of at least one General Surgeon, an Anesthetist, and an Orthopedic Surgeon at the District Hospital in Mayabunder. This step is essential for the hospital to serve the entire population of North and Middle Andaman efficiently and effectively.
He pointed out that the District Hospital in Mayabunder is not just a local medical facility but serves as a referral center for multiple areas in North and Middle Andaman.
The Member of Parliament requested the Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to expedite the posting of the aforementioned specialists to the District Hospital in Mayabunder as soon as possible.
3.2 meter long crocodile captured from Rangat area
Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, Oct 11: A 3.2-meter long crocodile was captured in the Rangat Range of Middle Andaman by the Forest Department’s Wildlife Division. Mr. S P Rai, the Range Officer from Beta Pur, led the capture using a specialized cage. The operation was efficiently managed by Mr. Anil Shah (ACF), who was in charge of the entire operation. Following the capture, the crocodile was safely relocated to the Biological Park in Chidiyatapu.
The operation took place under the jurisdiction of Ms. Barkha Rajesh, the local Range Officer. Essential logistical support for the capture was provided by Mr. Linga Raju, the Deputy Range Officer of the Mobile Squad.
ANTCC President demands for reopening and allotment of Quarry Works at South Andaman District
Port Blair, Oct 11: The ANTCC President Mr. Rangalal Halder has highlighted a matter of great significance that has been affecting the General Publics and various government departments in South Andaman District.
In a letter addressed to the Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman District, Mr. Halder said that the closure of this quarries has had far-reaching consequences, particularly impacting essential Government infrastructure such as NH-4 Roads, PRI’s (Panchayati Raj Institutions), APWD, Municipal Corporations, and other than that the Public Infrastructure’s which rely on the resources extracted from the quarry.
In addition, he mentioned that the tender process for the allocation of the quarry works has been granted, but no response or attention to this matter has been seen so far.
Meanwhile, he stated that the timely reopening of the quarries will not only benefit the locals but also contribute to the overall progress and development of South Andaman District.
Furthermore, Mr. Halder said that if no concrete steps are taken to address this issue within the stipulated time frame of 15 days, then the Congress Party is ready to stage a massive agitation to draw attention in light of this matter.
NTWB holds Traders Meet in Andaman
Port Blair, Oct 11: The National Traders Welfare Board, under Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (internal trade and e-commerce section) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India organized a Traders Meet in Andaman & Nicobar Islands on Sunday, 8th October, 2023, at SeaShell Coral Cove, Minnie Bay.
Mr. Sunil J Singhi, Chairman of the National Traders Welfare Board, Government of India graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and addressed the event. Mr. Girish Arora, Member of the National Traders Welfare Board, Government of India welcomed all and addressed the event.
The event was jointly organized with Andaman & Nicobar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ANCCI), Grain Dealers & Grocers Association (GDGA) and other trader organization of the islands.
For the first time, the Government of India has established the National Traders Welfare Board for the betterment of traders. The board is represented by Joint secretaries of various Ministries of the Central Government including Commerce, Revenue, Financial Services, Housing and Urban Affair, Labour, Electronics and IT, MSME, Agriculture and NITI Aayog. Union Minister Mr. Piyush Goyal, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs & Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Government of Indiawill monitors the recommendations of the Board. This initiative aims to enhance existing systems and improve the implementation of insurance, pension, and healthcare benefits for traders at large.
Mr. Sunil J Singhi, addressed the event, highlighting the Government of India’s initiatives. He announced the approval of the National Pension Scheme for traders and the upcoming launch of an online single-window system for trader registration, aimed at simplification of the various trade licenses process.
The Traders Meet was attended byapproximately200 traders representing various sectors, such as Provisioners, Jewellers, Electrical & Electronics, Stationery, Food Products, Hardware, Garments & Apparels, Handicraft and Souvenir Tradersas well as others representatives from both small and large scale trading enterprise.
The event served as a platform for fostering cooperation and collaboration among traders from diverse sectors. It emphasized the strong commitment of the Government of India to enhance the well-being and prosperity of traders across India.
Urgent Appeal to Administration following fear Fuel Crisis grips North & Middle Andaman
Port Blair, Oct 11: In an alarming turn of events, a fear of fuel crisis has struck North & Middle Andaman, leading to public concern and queues at petrol stations. A letter penned by Mr. Abdul Siddique, former Pramukh of Mayabunder, was sent to the Chief Secretary of Andaman & Nicobar Administration and the Deputy Commissioner of N&M Andaman on October 11, 2023 in this regard. As per details the crisis was triggered after a letter written by the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) regarding hazardous conditions on NH-4 went viral.
According to Mr. Siddique, this development is a “dangerous, horrible and frightening” consequence of the deteriorating condition of NH-4, a key thoroughfare. For the last four to five years, the people of the region have faced “huge hardship, pain and agony” due to the state of the road. Mr. Siddique requested the Administration to find immediate solutions to avert “economic and social dislocation of businesses and movement of persons, goods, and all other services.”
The situation is so dire that people were seen standing in long queues at the Panighat ANIIDCO petrol pump in Mayabunder. Mr. Siddique warns that if the fuel crisis isn’t promptly addressed, it could lead to “huge unrest in the near future.” The letter ends with an urgent plea for immediate action to resolve this looming crisis.
Congress Party holds public meeting at Farm Tirkey, Hutbay
Port Blair, Oct 11: The Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee convened a public meeting at Farm Tikrey, Hutbay under the chairmanship of ANTCC President Mr. Rangalal Halder as part of the campaign for upcoming Panchayat Election.
The key guests on the stage include Pradhan Candidate Mr. C Palaniswamy, Senior Congress Leader Mr. Bhaskar Rao, City Congress President Mr. Mohd Zubair, Chairman, Adivasi Congress Mr. Sebastian Tirkey, Councillor, Ward No 14 Mr. Y Joga Rao, Congress Worker Mr. K Durvasu & several others.
The meeting aimed to discuss the issues faced by the people of Little Andaman. The Congress leaders exchanged their thoughts on certain problems faced by the fishermen community in the region and infused confidence among the party workers and peoples.
They also listed out the works carried out in the Panchayat during Congress rule and urged to elect Congress again to ensure better governance in the Panchayat under the leadership of Mr. C. Palaniswamy.
Charu Sinha, IPS, CRPF calls on Admiral D K Joshi Lt Governor, A&N Islands
Port Blair, Oct 11: Ms. Charu Sinha, IPS, IG, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Southern Sector paid a courtesy call on Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Lt Governor, A&N Islands and Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency today at Raj Niwas, during her visit to A&N Islands to inspect the deployments of CRPF in the Islands.
ICDS Project (Rural), Diglipur celebrates International Day of the Girl Child at AWC, V.S. Pally II
Port Blair, Oct 11: Today ICDS Project (Rural), Diglipur celebrated International Day of the Girl Child at AWC,V.S. Pally II to create an awareness among villagers and mothers about ways to overcome gender inequality in the society, significant role of women for the development of the country, challenges faced by a Girl Child, role of society in providing security, health and promoting education of Girl children. During the event Assistant Commissioner, Diglipur graced the occasion and delivered a speech on ways to empower women and discussed about gender inequality issues in the society. CDPO, Diglipur delivered welcome speech and discussed other topics concerning Girl Child promotion and role of different departments in safe guarding a Girl child. Officers from line departments viz. Bank, Health dept, Education dept, Police dept, etc.. Were present along with staff of ICDS. Annaprashan was also celebrated for a Girl child, Girl children in different outfits participated in fancy dress show, later Chief Guest distributed prizes.
ANTCC holds Chatai Meeting at Sunderpur village, Netaji Nagar
Port Blair, Oct 11: Leaders of ANTCC held a Chatai Meeting with the Chota Nagpuri Adivasis (Ranchi Community) of Sunderpur village, Netaji Nagar, Little Andaman to ensure the victory of Congress candidates in Pradhan & Ward Members election in Netaji Nagar Panchayat.
The meeting was headed by ANTCC President Mr. Rangalal Halder, City Congress President Mr. Mohd Zubair, Chairman, Adivasi Congress Mr. Sebastian Tirkey, Councillor, Ward No. 14 Mr. Y. Joga Rao, Congress Worker Mr. K. Durvasu & Pradhan Candidate Mr. Rathin Malakar.
They highlighted the failed policies of the BJP & emphasized the injustice carried out by BJP against tribal communities in the country. They also explained the people of the works to be carried out by Congress Party if comes to power in Netaji Nagar
Finally, they appealed the people to vote for Congress in the election & exuded confidence that Congress will form the Panchayat in Netaji Nagar with absolute majority.