Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Nov 02: Residents of Hari Nagar and Jaipur villages in Middle Andaman are grappling with an acute shortage of LPG cylinders, further exacerbated by distribution challenges and poor infrastructure.
Despite the long wait, stretching nearly 2 to 3 months, seven wards across Hari Nagar and Jaipur have not received their LPG cylinder supplies. This delay has caused major distress among the residents.
On October 31, 2023, hopes were dashed when two trucks designated for LPG cylinder distribution in these areas were unexpectedly diverted to Nimbudera, Middle Andaman. This incident sparked frustration and disappointment among the villagers, who have been struggling to cope with the shortage.
Mr. Manojit Halder, Pradhan of Hari Nagar Panchayat, expressed concerns about the negligence of the Mayabunder unit of CCS, attributing the ongoing suffering of Hari Nagar and Jaipur residents to their oversight.
In response to this crisis, Mr. Halder wrote to the Deputy Commissioner of North and Middle Andaman, highlighting the dire situation. Consequently, assurances were made that an LPG distribution truck would reach Hari Nagar Panchayat on November 3, 2023.
The Andaman Sheekha team has learnt that the deplorable condition of National Highway 4 (NH4) is the main reason for such shortages of LPG cylinders. Distributors face significant challenges in transporting LPG cylinders to North and Middle Andaman due to frequent breakdowns and damages to trucks, attributed largely to the poor state of the highway. This has been a key factor contributing to the delays in cylinder distribution.
Residents and local officials are calling on the administration to address the root cause of these problems. There is an urgent need to improve NH4 and streamline the distribution process of LPG cylinders.
Archives for November 2, 2023
Man Jumps off from MV Nalanda Vessel near Kamorta Port
Nishar Mohammed
Port Blair, Nov 02: In a dramatic turn of events this evening, a police jawan was rescued after jumping into the sea from the MV Nalanda vessel. The incident occurred shortly after the vessel departed from Kamorta port and was navigating the channel towards the sea.
Alerted by witnesses who spotted the man leaping from the ship, a swift and coordinated rescue operation was launched. The individual was successfully retrieved from the water thanks to the quick response of both police and Coast Guard personnel.
The man was identified as a 32-year-old police constable who had reportedly been receiving treatment for stress-related issues. Sources suggest that he was referred to Port Blair for further treatment when, for reasons yet to be disclosed, he decided to jump from the vessel.
Following the rescue, the person was immediately transferred to CHC Nancowrie for medical attention. Reports indicate that he is safe and receiving the necessary care. Due to this incident, the MV Nalanda was held at Kamorta for approximately one hour. The vessel later resumed its journey, departing for Port Blair at 7:30 PM.
Members of the Congress Party from Shoal Bay Panchayat Joins BJP
Port Blair, Nov 02: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) recently witnessed a significant update in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with a mass joining of people from the Shoal Bay Panchayat. This development saw a large number of individuals, including office bearers and members of the Congress party, join the BJP.
Prominent Persons who joined Bharatiya Janata Party are Mr. P.Venkat Raman, Block President, Unit President, and Panchayat Raj Institution (PRI) members with their forces.
The joining took place under the leadership of Mr. Vishal Jolly, National Executive Member, in the presence of prominent Party leaders such as Mr. Vivek Dadhkar, State General Secretary (Org), Mr. K Ramdas, State General Secretary, Mr. Bhoominathan, Upadhyaksh, ZP (S/A) Mrs. Sunita Sarkar, State Secretary and Mr. Joydeep Kumar Dey, Prabhari – South Andaman District., Mr. Kandaiah, Vice President, South Andaman District, Mrs. Mary Pushpa, Ex-Pradhan, Shoal Bay, Mr. Selvam, Senior Leader, Mr. Kannan, Mandal GS
The Shoal Bay area, with its significant political participation, has become a focal point in the political landscape of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The decision of key members from the Congress party to join the BJP under the leadership of Mananiya Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India & Mananiya J P Nadda, National President, BJP, indicates a shifting political landscape in the region. Such a mass joining event signals a growing support base for the BJP and showcases the party’s influence and appeal in the area. The decision of office bearers and members of the Congress party to join the BJP speaks volumes about the shifting dynamics of politics in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The mass joining event in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands serves as a testimony to the BJP’s growing presence and acceptance in the region.
N&M Andaman District Police Continues Hard on Bootleggers and Drug Peddlers
Port Blair, Nov 02: Continuing its crackdown on the illicit liquor, Handia, illegal sale of IMFL & illicit drugs, the District Police of North & Middle Andaman with the help of local informers conducted regular raids and searches in jungles. During the month of October-2023, the teams of various Police Stations, headed by SHOs and officers conducted raids & massive jungle search operations. In these search operations, around 2600 liters of lehan, 43 liters of illicit liquor & 155 Kgs Handia was destroyed. Also, 38 Nos. cases under Excise Regulation have been registered in which 279 Nos. IMFL bottles of different quantities have been seized and 38 persons were arrested. All the History Sheeters are regularly being checked by the beat staff, making it hard for them to be involved in any illegal activity and a fresh history sheet of bootleggers has opened for surveillance. Moreover, the District Police registered 03 cases and arrested 04 persons under NDPS Act and seized 440 grams of illicit ganja & 2 grams 77 Milligram of Methaphetamine from them.
The general public is requested to pass and share any credible information pertaining to any crime or illegal activities to their nearest Police Station or over phone No.100, 112 & 03192-273344. The identity of the informers will be kept secret and will also be suitably rewarded.
Mahatma Gandhi International School achieves Top Honour in A&N Islands
Port Blair, Nov 02: Mahatma Gandhi International School has reached a remarkable milestone by receiving the Education World No 1 Day cum Boarding School in A&N Islands Award (EWISRA, 2023), an accolade that speaks volumes about the institution’s dedication and excellence.
The uniqueness of EWISR, introduced in 2007, is that institutional rankings are based on careful evaluation of 14 discrete parameters of school education excellence. Moreover, schools are grouped within their own categories to eliminate apples and oranges type comparisons.
Mrs. Ranjana, MGIS secretary, humbly acknowledged the prestigious recognition and emphasized the critical role played by numerous individuals and organizations in achieving this honour. Mrs. Ranjana expressed, “This prestigious recognition would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of many wonderful individuals and organizations. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all of you for your invaluable contributions to this achievement. Your unwavering support has been instrumental in making this accolade a reality.”
Further, Principal Ms. Swapna CH Congratulated the entire team and appreciated the students and teachers for their dedication and commitment and also motivated the students to achieve their goals.
The award stands as a testament to the hard work, creativity, and innovation collectively brought by the entire school team. It underscores the dedication and commitment that each member of the school community has contributed to their work.
Looking ahead, the school is committed to fostering continued collaboration and striving for even greater success in the future. This achievement not only reflects the school’s dedication but also sets a high standard for educational institutions in A&N Islands.
The Mahatma Gandhi International School family is thrilled to share this prestigious award, and it serves as a source of inspiration for the entire education community. It highlights the institution’s dedication to providing an exceptional educational experience.
ANRKM welcomes Parliamentary Standing Committee Chairman Mr. Bhartruhari Mehtab at Airport
Port Blair, Nov 02: Today the Committee of Andaman Nicobar Rajya Karmachari Mahasangh and its affiliated association gave a warm welcome to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour, Textiles and Skill Development, the Chairman Mr. Bhartruhari Mehtab in the airport along with Mr. Jaydeep Kumar Dey, President, ANRKM, Mr. M. Vinod, Patron, IP&T KS, Mr. S. Biju Pillai, General Secretary, ANRKM with members & committee of affiliated associations.
The Chairman and other committee members were honoured with a Shank, Coconut and idol of Ganesha on arrival to this patriot land of freedom struggle.
The Chairman, Mr. Bhartruhari Mehtab consented to meet the delegation on the issues of the working class of these islands. The President, ANRKM Mr. Jaydeep Kumar Dey welcomed the Chairman and briefed the activities of ANRKM. The General Secretary, ANRKM briefed the issues of the working class in the matter of regularisation of DRMs who were rendered service above 10 years and the cut off mark may be drawn from the line of 5 years. Similarly, the service through Contractor or under Contract service may be brought under consideration as service to the Principal Employer of the respective department.
The Part time Employees of Education department is working for more than 8 hours and requested to enhance their wages at par with DRMs i.e. 18000/- plus DA. The employees working under Directorate of Shipping Services are on contract by which their names were omitted for the consideration of Regularisation of DRMs who served more than 10 years, requested to pave a path for the contract employees also. It was also emphasised that the DRMs and contract employees of Directorate of Health Services and ANIIMS worked for the society during the pandemic period in first wave and second wave. Their services without any conditions only whether in pandemic 100 days worked may be adopted for regularisation as carried out by different states as per the OM of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Similarly the front line worker of pandemic, Sanitary workers of PBMC were served in all odds, is in need of Regularisation, establishment of State Commission of Safai Karmachari for availing the benefits under the commission for educating kids, higher education, vendor support etc. The basic amenities for Safaimitra were also discussed in length.
The employees of Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works are through Labour supply and few of them in outstations were retrenched today were highlighted before the Chairman in which it was proposed that under the provisions of Contract Labour (Regulation & Prohibition) Act, 1970, all the employees may be absorbed in the establishment.
Lastly, request was made for coverage of all DRMs / Contract working class of NHM, NAM, AIDS Control Society, ANIIMS, PBMC, Part time employees of Education dept., Anganwadi Worker / Helper, ASHA workers, Samagra Shiksha, Home guards, Community Defence Volunteers, Private Schools, DRL / Civil employees of Andaman Nicobar Command etc. under ESIC.
All the grievances presented were heard patiently and responded positively by the Chairman and assured for a brighter future of the working class. Mr. M. Vinod expressed gratitude to Mr. Bhartruhari Mehtab for sparing time to listen to the grievances and expecting a positive step towards the working class.
36th National Under -09 Chess Championship 2023 begins
Port Blair, Nov 02: The 36th National U-09 (Boys and Girls) Chess Championships 2023 began this morning (02/11/2023) at Wave International, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.
Around 360 players all over India are participating in the championship in which three young chess players from A & N Islands viz Shrihaan Karmakar of KV 2, Pranjal Sana and G Disha Meenakshi of KV 1 are participating.
Organised by Seraikela Kharsawan District Chess Association under the aegis of All India Chess Federation (AICF), the event will be held for seven days from 02-08 November 2023 in eleven rounds in the classical format with a time control of 90 minutes with an increment of 30 seconds per move from the first move.
HumaneTouch and Department of Environment and Forest Collaborate for Massive Tree Plantation Drive in A&N Islands
Port Blair, Nov 02: HumaneTouch, a leading NGO, is joining hands with the Department of Environment and Forest to embark on a significant tree plantation initiative celebrating 15 years of service in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands under the theme Reforesting the future Mass plantation and Ecosystem Restoration. The ambitious endeavor, scheduled for November 4, 2023, will span across various locations including Campbell Bay, Car Nicobar, Little Andaman, Swaraj Dweep, Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Port Blair, Wimberly Gunj, Nayapuram, and Stewart Gunj.
This collaborative effort aims to tackle climate change and enhance the ecological health of these pristine islands by planting a diverse range of indigenous trees. The tree plantation drive is set to be a multi-faceted event with local communities, schools, and volunteers actively participating.
The project not only seeks to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change but also to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the unique biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. By planting trees, we aim to create a positive and sustainable impact for the environment and local communities.
Island Tourism Festival from 26th December to 30th December, 2023
Port Blair, Nov 02: Island Tourism Festival is scheduled to be held from 26th December to 30th December, 2023. The Department of Art & Culture, A&N Administration in collaboration with the Department of IP&T will be organizing cultural programs in different venues in and around Port Blair as well as in inter-island locations at South Andaman and North & Middle Andaman district during the festival days viz. Marina Park, Corbyn’s Cove, Amphitheater, Wandoor, Wimberlygunj, Ferrargunj, Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Long Island and Little Andaman / Hut Bay.
In this regard, the Department of Art & Culture has invited applications from the local registered Cultural Organizations. The interested Cultural Organizations may furnish the details of the programmes. The Cultural Organizations should prepare a minimum of three or more number of programmes, so that the Programme Selection Committee can have different options for selection. The prescribed format may be collected from the Directorate of Art & Culture at Cellular Jail Complex, Atlanta Point or can be downloaded from https://www.andaman.gov.in/. The filled in form/application may be submitted in the Directorate of Art & Culture in person or through email- thedirectorculture@gmail.com on or before 15.11.2023.
Celebration of 70th of All India Cooperative Week -2023
Port Blair, Nov 02: All India Cooperative Week is celebrated throughout the country every year from 14th to 20 November 2023. This year also Cooperative Week will be celebrated in A & N islands. For this the Joint Meeting with purpose representatives of Apex/Central/Primary Cooperative Societies of South Andaman District and Officers/Officials of NCUI held on 12/10/2023 at 3 PM at the Conference Hall of the RCS Office. The main theme of this year’s Cooperative Week is” Role of Cooperatives in Making India a $ 5 Trillion Economy and SDGs”. The nomenclature and venue of each day’s programme is enclosed as Annexure.