Port Blair, Dec 21:The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma has sanctioned Rs. 90 Lakhs for Construction of community toilet blocks (02 for Gents and 02 for Ladies) in 15 villages in Car Nicobar, to promote health, hygiene.
The work was sanctioned under MPLADs funds for the fifteen villages viz Mus village, Small Lapathi, Tapoiming village, Big Lapathy village, Chuckchucha village, Tamaloo village, Malacca village, Kakana village, Kimius village, Teetop village, Perka village, Sawai village, Kinyuka village, Kinmai village and Arong village.
Since there were no community toilet blocks in Car Nicobar Islands and there was a demand for the same from Tribal Community of Car Nicobar, the Member of Parliament sanctioned the work from MPLADS funds.
Archives for December 21, 2023
Fourth Edition of Tuffman Island Ultra & Half Marathon Andaman 2024 on 11th Feb
Port Blair, Dec 21:The Hoteliers Association of Andaman and Nicobar Islands jointly with A & N Administration announces the upcoming annual calendar event “Tuffman Island Ultra & Half Marathon Andaman (4th Edition) powered by SeaShell Hotel Resort Spa on 11th February 2024 at Netaji Stadium. The event is a milestone for these islands, promoting the spirit of sportsmanship and eco-tourism.
Tuffman is India’s premiere endurance sports platform bringing Running, Cycling and Swimming events to sports & fitness enthusiasts. Their purpose is to provide sports enthusiasts a whole new experience of “smashing” through both their physical and mental limitations at various different terrains, thus entitling them with the title – TUFFMAN. Thus, inspiring people to come out on those run vacations with their families & friends and re-connect with nature in a different way. They have been organizing many events since 2014 in various beautiful destinations in India, like Leh, Shimla (Mashobra), Goa, Jaisalmer, Manali, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Gurugram, Chandigarh, etc. The sponsor of Tuffman Island Ultra & Half Marathon Andaman (4th Edition) 2024 are TSG Hotels & Resorts, Makruzz, J Hotel and Diviyum Manor, Fit India, Skin Elements Zapbuild, Pixstory
This Marathon will be a mind – relaxing ultra experience for all runners with one of the most scenic run courses in India (Race Distances – 50K | 30K | 21K | 10K | 5K | 3K). The registration is now open and can be done online at https://www.townscript.com/e/tuffman-island-ultra-half-marathon-andaman-2024 the last date for registration is 10th January 2024. The registration charges include T-Shirt, Finishing Medal, Certificate, Refreshment. The race starts & finishes at Netaji Stadium, Port Blair, A & N Islands for all the race categories. The race course is a loop of 10 Kms (5 kms out & 5 kms back) covering scenic routes of Marina Park, Andaman Club, Indian Flag Point, Corbyn Cove Beach with lush green landscapes and coconut trees.
There are no qualification criteria for distances as 30 KM | 21 KM | 10 KM | 5 KM | 3 KM, however for 50 KM participants must have completed a minimum of a 21 KM in last 2 years. Tuffman Trophies to First 3 Podium Finishers shall be awarded to Both Men & Women, from each run category.
The 4th Edition of Tuffman Island Ultra & Half Marathon Andaman promises an extraordinary event that celebrates both athletic accomplishment and the breathtaking beauty of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
CITU Demands 1/30th of Pay plus DA to DRMs of Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samities
Port Blair, Dec 21: A delegation of CITU comprising R. Surendran Pillai, President and D. Ayyappan, Vice President of CITU A & N State Committee met the Secretary (RD), A & N Administration on 19th December, 2023 and demanded to grant 1/30th of pay plus DA to all the daily rated mazdoors working in the Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samities in the islands. It was brought to the notice of the Secretary (RD) that hundreds of DRMs working in the Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samities are yet to be extended the said benefit even though Daily Rated Mazdoors working in other departments have got this benefit.
The Secretary (RD) informed the CITU leaders that the issue is under active consideration of the Administration and a decision will be taken very soon.
The delegation also brought to the Secretary (RD) the inordinate delay in disbursing the monthly wages of the daily rated employees working under the Rural Development Department. CITU leaders pointed out that the monthly wages are disbursed only after the 20th of every month despite the matter having been taken up with the authorities concerned. The Secretary (RD) assured the CITU leaders that she will issue necessary instructions to the authorities concerned to ensure that the wages are released to the Daily Rated Employees of RD/PRI Department on time.
TSG Bhasker urges Chief Secretary to take safety measures to control the spread of New COVID sub-variant JN.1 in A&N Islands
Port Blair, Dec 21: As the New COVID sub-variant ‘JN.1’ is spreading rapidly in the country, Mr. TSG Bhasker, Chairman of Congress Campaign Committee has requested the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration to take advance safety measures to prevent the spread of virus in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
In the letter, Mr. Bhasker highlighted that Kerala has reported several cases of the new COVID sub-variant and now Tamil Nadu is also reporting such cases along with many other states.
“To safeguard our Islanders, please ensure that the medical team is apprised of the situation and are ready to tackle any contingency which appears because of the COVID outbreak in our Islands. Also the medical equipments like oxygen concentrator have to be kept tested and ready so that the patients do not have to face any hardships”, stated Mr. Bhasker.
Further, he urged the Chief Secretary to conduct awareness programmmes for the medical staffs as well as for the general public. He added that the paramedics who have worked during the COVID phases earlier have to be also kept ready and on alert.
Daily Rated Mazdoors Protest in Port Blair, Demanding Job Regularization from APWD Authorities
Rabindranath Biswas
Port Blair, Dec. 21: A large number of Daily Rated Mazdoors (DRMs) staged a dharna in front of the APWD Office, Port Blair recently and registered their protest against non-regularization of their jobs by the competent authority.
According to information, the dharna was mounted by the APWD Karmachari Sangh (affiliated with Andaman & Nicobar Rajya Karmachari Mahasangh BMS). The protestors shouted slogans demanding early regularization of their jobs without further delay. The DRMs said that they have been working since 2003 in APWD and they were entitled to 01/30th of minimum pay in the year 2017 by the Administration. The Administration then gave assurance to these DRMs that they would be duly regularized shortly, they claimed. But, it has elapsed 5 to 6 years, yet they haven’t been regularised and it is a matter of grave concern, they rued. As such, they are now reeling under a number of adversities, the protesting DRMs lamented. They also said that it has become very difficult for them to maintain their families with the meagre salary the DRMs get, and especially when the price of everything has considerably increased. These DRMs have been urging the Administration innumerable times after 2017 to consider in respect of the regularization of their job, but the Administration hasn’t given two hoots to their plea for regularization, they alleged. On the other hand, there are a number of DRMs who are gradually attaining the age of senior citizens and this thought has been haunting them day and night as; if they aren’t regularized whitin the age limit, what will happen to their family members, they bemoaned. There were a number of women DRMs as well who actively participated in the assemblage amidst several domestic problems and social challenges to register their protest and display solidarity. Women DRMs said that they were entitled to 01/30th of minimum pay, but if they don’t go to duty for a day, they don’t get the leave, rather the wage/payment is cut from their salary they alleged. And if they are regularised, they would at least get a day as a leave to go to hospital for the treatment, the women DRMs bewailed. However, the senior DRMs in the protest urged the Administration to initiate necessary process in order to regularize their jobs as soon as possible, otherwise the assemblage will take a mammoth shape and will start a massive dharna in the coming days, they threatened.
Island Tourism Festival to begin
Port Blair, Dec. 21: The Tourism Department, A&N Administration, in association with the Department of Art & Culture will be organizing the much-awaited Island Tourism Festival.
As a prelude to this grand event, the Marina Park and Amphitheatre, Anarkali will come alive with a series of enchanting cultural programmes by local artistes and artistes from Zonal Cultural Centre from December 23 to 25, 2023 from 5 pm to 8 pm. Locals and visitors alike have been cordially invited to witness the performances that will set the stage for the grand festivities ahead. Join us in the Marina Park and Amphitheatre, Anarkali from December 23 to 25 for a taste of what’s to come at the grand ‘Island Tourism Festival’.
Haj Application Forms for the year 2024 extended
Port Blair, Dec. 21: In a recent communication from the Haj Committee of India, Mumbai, it has been officially confirmed that the deadline for the submission of Haj Application Forms for the year 2024 has been extended. The new date for the submission is now set for 15th January, 2024.
Intending pilgrims have been urged to take note of this extension and promptly submit their application forms within the revised timeframe. For further details, intending pilgrims have been advised to reach out to the A&N Islands State Haj Committee’s Office situated on the second floor of the Directorate of Social Welfare Building at Goalghar, Port Blair, during office hours.
Hindu Rashtra Shakti urges enhanced Police Presence for New Year Safety in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Port Blair, Dec 21: Mr. Angshuman Roy, State Youth President of Hindu Rashtra Shakti in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has written a letter to the Lt Governor of the A & N Islands, expressing concerns over excessive liquor availability in hotels and resorts.
Mr. Roy highlights the potential risks posed by the younger generation engaging in stunts at Marina Park and the importance of women’s safety on the National Highway.
Emphasizing that celebrations should not disrupt families, Mr. Roy urges increased police deployment equipped with breathalyzers, especially at key junctions and areas prone to rush driving.
He calls for stringent checks on vehicles starting from 2200 hrs to prevent major accidents caused by rash driving or alcohol influence, holding the traffic police team responsible if such incidents occur.
Motorbike rally on 22nd December 2023 as a part of observance of World Aids Day 2023
Port Blair, Dec 21: A&N AIDS Control Society (ANACS) is organizing motorbike rally of Youth and Community members on 22nd December 2023 (Friday) at 7:00 a.m. from Veer Savarkar Park in front of National Memorial Cellular Jail to Jirkatang Check post as a part of World AIDS Day observation.
The rally will be flagged off by Secretary (Health) A & N Administration. Approximately 50 bike riders are expected to participate in the rally.
Route of the rally: From Veer Savarkar Park in front of National Memorial Cellular Jail to Bengali Club, Goal Ghar, Dairyfirm, School Line, Bathu Basthi, Garacharma, Sippighat, Chouldary, Ograbranj, Tushnabad, Ferrargunj to Jirkatang check post and back.
The bike riders will be wearing red T-Shirt and the rally will be followed by IEC Van with the messages of HIV & AIDS.
You are cordially invited for the rally at Veer Savarkar Park in front of National Memorial Cellular Jail on 22nd December 2023 (Friday) at 7:00 a.m. and request for the media coverage for the above given program.
IGNOU Launches new Academic Programmes
Port Blair, Dec 21: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi has recently launched 07 New Programmes offered through ODL mode from January 2024 session. They are as follows.
• M.Sc in Chemistry
• M.Sc in Analytical Chemistry
• M.Sc in Biochemistry
• M.Sc in Applied Statistics
• M.Sc in Physics
• M.Sc in Zoology
• M.Sc in Mathematics with applications in Computer Science
The admissions are going on now for January, 2024 session. Interested applicants are advised to log on to https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/ for online admission. The Last Date for submission admission form is 31st January, 2024. For more details, regarding the programmes, fees, duration, visit IGNOU Website – www.ignou.ac.in or contact IGNOU Regional Centre, Port Blair over Phone: 03192-242888, 03192-230111 or Email: rcportblair@ignou.ac.in
A communication from the Regional Director, IGNOU Regional Centre, Port Blair said.