Port Blair, Feb 08: During the discussion on Interim Budget 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma demanded that the budget for Andaman and Nicobar Islands should be increased from 5866 crore to 25,000 crores.
He mentioned that the budget for the upcoming fiscal year has witnessed a decrease from Rs. 5,987 crore to Rs. 5,866 crore compared to the previous year’s allocation. Notably, reductions have been observed across various sectors under Demand Number 52 of the Budget. Specifically, allocations for Water Supply have decreased from 140.38 crores to 95.47 crores, Power from 882 crores to 666 crores, Forestry and Wildlife from 40.56 crores to 37.64 crores, Medical and Public Health from 127 crores to 118 crores, Social Welfare from 101 crores to 78.29 crores, and Road Transport from 55.26 crores to 50.05 crores. These reductions raise concerns regarding the potential impact on essential services and developmental projects in these sectors.
In order to ensure holistic development, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma raised the following demands:
1. To fill-up all the 10,000 vacant posts of Andaman and Nicobar Administration through the youths of the Islands and stop online recruitment.
2. To create more jobs promote tourism through Marine, Adventure, Culinary, Eco, World War II Tourism and Cultural Tourism alongwith establishment of Freedom Struggle Tourism at various places in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, fisheries, IT sector.
3. Introduce 90% transport subsidy through ships and flights to Handicraft, Agriculture and fisheries products of the Islands.
4. Construct the biggest in the country ShipBuilding and Ship repairing dry dock in Islands.
5. To start boat service from Phongi Balu to Hut Bay and vise – versa to reduce the time of travel.
6. Need to establish a Legislative Assembly for Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the lines of Delhi and Puducherry.
7. Creation of Andaman & Nicobar Public service commission for the Islanders.
8. Construction of bridge from Chattam to Bamboo flat.
9. Construction of bridge from Minni Bay to Mithakhari.
10. Increase the pension of old age, widow, destitute and divyang from Rs. 2500 to Rs. 5000.
11. Start air connectivity from Port Blair to Madurai, Port Blair to Kochi, Port Blair to Ranchi, and vice versa.
12. Give air subsidy to the Islanders in terms of North Eastern states and start night flights from the Islands.
13. Early start of International flights from Port Blair to South Eastern countries to generate tourism and socio economics.
14. Introduction of Udaan Scheme in the Islands.
15. Introduction of the Sea plane.
16. Travel fare of stretcher patients to be reduced from Rs. 2.47 lakhs to single seat fare.
17. Increase the salary of Anganwadi and Asha workers.
18. Give 1/30th of pay to all 3000 left out DRMs in various departments of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
19. Regularize the service of all contract and casual workers in Andaman and Nicobar Administration.
20. To provide Unemployment allowance of Rs. 5000 to the Youths of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
21. Install desalination plants at different Islands to solve the water crisis and construct one more Dam apart from Dhanikhari Dam.
22. Early start of second phase of Rutland water project, Flat Bay water project and Sippighat Fresh Water Lake projects.
23. Need to generate employment through Information Technology Infrastructure and BPO or call centres in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
24. Laying of second OFC cable between Diglipur to Puri.
25. Construction of an International Cricket stadium at Port Blair.
26. Need for Resettlement and Rehabilitation of Katchan Tamil settlers.
27. Need to establish a Central University in Andaman and Nicobar Islands instead of Deemed University.
28. Need to provide adequate compensation for victims of the 2004 Tsunami in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
29. Provide FM radio throughout Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
30. Establishing a separate commission for women for Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
31. Create a women’s college and Fisheries College.
32. Regularize all the left out cases of land of Pre 1961.
33. Provide 200 sq. meter of land to all landless Islanders.
34. Alternate land to be compensated to all Islanders who have lost their lands due to heavy rain and flood.
35. Regularize all the encroachment prior to 2012.
36. Provide more funds to PRIs and Municipal councils.
37. Regularize all the casual workers working in the Municipal council and provide them 1/30th pay to the DRMs.
38. Resume flight service from Port Blair to Car Nicobar and Vice versa.
39. Introduction of Dornier service for Car Nicobar, Campbell Bay and Diglipur for the islanders.
40. Installation of new LPG bottling plant at Mayabunder.
41. Connect Shaheed Deep (Neil Island) with a second OFC cable.
42. To bring paddy and arecanut under MSP.
43. Supply of adequate quantity of fertilizers to farmers.
44. Early completion of National Highway in Middle and North Andaman Islands.
45. Demand to sanction a Sainik School for Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
46. An exclusive boarding school for Divyang children.
47. Start PG Courses in Medical college so that the local doctors do specialization courses and serve the Islanders.
48. Demand for All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Andaman.
49. To re-introduce ANISHI Scheme instead of Ayushman Bharat for referral patients.
50. Demand for constructing Trauma Center at GB Pant Hospital, Port Blair.
51. Demand for Ultra-Sound Machine in PHC.
52. Demand for Modern Ambulance at CHCs
53. Air Ambulance for transporting serious patients from remote Islands to Port Blair.
54. Construct stadiums at Diglipur, Port Blair and Car Nicobar along with necessary infrastructure to promote sports like Football, Cycling and swimming.
55. Stop privatization of the electricity department.
56. To increase the capacity of power generation in all Islands.
57. Grant of Commercial route permit to unemployed youths for tourism purpose.
58. Construction of Jetty at Shoal Bay 19 to promote tourism.
59. Early completion of Andaman Marine Drive.
60. Construction of a new coastal road from Port Blair to Diglipur.
61. To introduce Tram service from Ram Nagar beach to Lamiya Bay Beach at Diglipur to promote tourism.
62. Construction of Snake park at Kadamtala.
63. Construction of Crocodile Park at Bakultala.
64. Construction of World’s biggest underwater aquarium at Hut Bay.
He requested the government to consider these requests and sanction a Rs. 25,000 crore package with the above mentioned demands to boost the economy of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Archives for February 8, 2024
Truck accident Causes Traffic Disruption in Rangat
Nisharm Mohammed
Port Blair, Feb 08: Yesterday morning a large truck transporting a full load of cement met with an accident at Rangat. The incident took place around 8:30 AM when the truck, laden with cement bags, was en route from Port Blair to Diglipur.
As the truck was passing the Rangat DFO Office area, it encountered a bus approaching from the opposite direction. In response, the truck driver applied the brakes abruptly. Unfortunately, the truck skidded off the road, causing the rear axle to break.
Despite the mishap, the truck managed to remain upright, averting a potential disaster. However, the incident led to a temporary halt in traffic movement, disrupting the flow of vehicles in the area. Soon, the police arrived at the scene and established an alternate route to ease the congestion.
Chief of the Naval Staff visits Southern Group of Islands
Port Blair, Feb 08: On 08 Feb 24, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral R Hari Kumar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC accompanied by Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, AVSM, VM, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN) visited ANC establishments in the Southern Group of Islands. During this visit, the CNS inaugurated Naval Communication Network (NCN) Centre at INS Baaz and INS Kardip which would further enhance the op capability of the ANC. The CNS during the interaction with troops at Campbell Bay and Kamorta lauded efforts of ANC personnel towards protecting national interests.
Earlier, on 07 Feb, the CNS visited Vijay Baugh and laid the foundation stone for sailors’ accommodation in presence of CINCAN and senior leadership of HQ ANC. CNS also inaugurated the Precision Approach Radar (PAR) at INS Utkrosh. This facility will enable highly accurate horizontal and vertical guidance to land an aircraft safely in low visibility conditions, such as heavy rain, fog, etc.
TSG Charitable Foundation donates Cold Mortuary Box at Baratang for public use
Port Blair, Feb 08: The much awaited need of Cold Mortuary Box in Baratang came to an end with the noble donation by TSG Charitable Foundation.
The need for a Cold Mortuary Box in Baratang was brought to the attention of Mr. TSG Bhasker, Chairman, TSG Charitable Foundation by Mr. Roy, Pradhan, Baratang, Mr. Alagar Swamy, Zilla Parishad Member and Mr. Manoj, Social Worker.
Soon responding to the requirement, a handing over ceremony of Cold Mortuary Box was conducted today at Nilambur Panchayat Hall by Mr. TSG Bhasker in the presence of Mr. Rangalal Halder, Social Worker, Mr. Y. Joga Rao, Social Worker, Mr. Saji Varghese, Social Worker, Mr. Sebastian Tirkey, Social Worker, all PRI Members, Social Workers and general public.
People of the Nilambur Panchayat and Baratang Block were very happy to see their long pending demand come true. This cold mortuary box will be useful in carrying the dead body in long distance travel and also for storing the dead body for a longer period.
CITU Organizes Mass Demonstration at Port Blair in Support of Kerala Solidarity Day
Port Blair, Feb 08: As per the call given by the CITU Centre, Delhi to observe 8th February, 2024 as the Kerala Solidarity Day against the discrimination meted out to Kerala State by the central government, the Andaman & Nicobar State Committee of CITU has organized a mass demonstration today (8th February, 2024) in front of the Port Blair Municipal Council, Aberdeen Bazar, Port Blair.
Inaugurating the Mass Dharna, B. Chandrachoodan, General Secretary, CITU A & N State Committee said that the BJP government at the center has been trying to destabilize the non-BJP State Governments in the country through various ways and said that sheer discrimination has been meted out to State of Kerala in the matter of allotment of funds, allowing loan by State Government and through the unnecessary interference in the government by Governor.
Addressing the gathering, D. Ayyappan, Vice President, CITU A & N State Committee criticized the Modi government for harassing the non-BJP State Governments in the country by denying them of the lawful share of taxes collected. He said that the non-BJP State Governments are being targeted through Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax, CBI, etc. and said that a number of Ministers of non-BJP state governments have been jailed on various charges. He further said that federalism is under a grave threat during the Modi government as powers of the State governments are being taken away on one pretext or another.
Senior leader D. Laxman Rao and SP Kalairajan, Secretary, CITU State Committee also spoke on the occasion. A large number of workers from various trade unions functioning at Port Blair attended the programme.
56th Annual Athletic Meet by Government Middle School South Creek, Baratang
Port Blair, Feb 08: Government Middle School South Creek, Baratang Organized 56th Annual Athletic Meet on Thursday, the 8th of February, 2024 on 9.00 AM at Govt. Middle School South Creek Playground, Mr. Uttam Sarkar JE, APWD Baratang was the Chief Guest Mr. Surjeet Bhattacharjee, SHO, PS Baratang and Mr. Shiva Kumar, Patwari Baratang, presided over the function as Guest of Honour for the Opening ceremony.
Miss. Brijit Paul Principal, I/C, GSSS. Oralkatcha, was the Chief Guest and Smti. Jyoti Toppo SMC Chairperson presided over the function as Guest of Honour for the Closing ceremony at 2.00 PM.
Movie Show organised for Senior Citizen by Directorate of Social Welfare
Port Blair, Feb 08: The Directorate of Social Welfare, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, recently organized a movie session at Diviyam Talkies Theatre for the residents of the Old Age Home, Ferrargunj and Ullahs Home, Attam Pahad, a total 07 No. of senior citizen participated in this movie show. The initiative received an overwhelming response from the elderly residents, who cherished the opportunity to enjoy a movie on the big screen.
This event signified the start of a sequence of consistent initiatives with the purpose of enhancing the lives of elderly individuals, such as trips to beaches, yoga classes, and dinner events including games, all of which were made possible through the invaluable assistance of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Speaking on behalf of all the senior citizens present, Mr. Balveer Singh extended heartfelt thanks to the owner of Diviyam Talkies Theatre and the Directorate of Social Welfare for arranging the event and for their thoughtful initiative in organizing such engaging activities for them.
Dr. Nitin Shakya, Director (Social Welfare) expressed his gratitude to the owner of Divyam Talkies, Mr. Divakar Moorthy (Owner), for their support and contribution towards this program. They also said that such partnerships would continue to provide opportunities for older adults to participate in community activities. Through this collaboration, the Department of Social Welfare and Divyam Talkies demonstrated that when organizations work together towards a common goal, they could create meaningful and memorable experiences for senior citizens.
Ganapathi Homam for Students at Chinmaya Mission
Port Blair, Feb 08: Port Blair to invoke the blessings of GOD Chinmaya Mission, Port Blair will be conducting a special Ganapathi Homam on Sunday 11th February, 2024 for the students of Class X and XII of CBSE board examination. The homam will be held at Mission from 8 am onwards. After the Homam breakfast will be provided to the participants followed by a counseling session. All the students and their parents are invited for the programme.
Chess Tournament for senior citizens at Chinmaya Mission Port Blair
Port Blair, Feb 08: Andaman Nicobar Chess Association (ANCA) in collaboration with Chinmaya Mission Port Blair will organize a Chess Tournament for Senior Citizens on February 25, 2024, at Chinmaya Mission Port Blair to encourage and stimulate the elderly people. The players who are above 60 years of age are eligible to participate in the tournament.
Interested senior citizens who wish to participate in the tournament are requested to submit their entries along with Rs. 100/- as registration fee (including lunch) at Chinmaya Mission Port Blair by 22.02.2024. For more information, please contact @ 9434262907 or 94760 03561.
Election Commission Enhances Voter Helpline Services for General Elections in A&N Islands
Port Blair, Feb 08: In view of the impending General Elections, the Election Commission of India has strengthened its Voter Helpline to make it easy for the Voters to get authentic information pertaining to their voter registration. The range of services provided by the Helpline Number 1950 have been refurbished and made easily accessible. Now any citizen from any part of these Islands can call on Voter Helpline Number 1950, the Toll- Free Number for any query or complaint at any time of the day. Callers can enquire on subjects such as voter registration process, enrolled electors in the Electoral Roll can check the details of their personal information, Electors Photo Identification Card (EPIC), elections, voting dates, online registration, the polling station planned for them on the Poll day, to know the contact details of District Election Officers, Electoral Registration Officer, Assistant Electoral Registration Officer & Booth Level Officers. They can lodge a complaint by simply dialling the Toll-Free No.
The voter helpline number 1950 was chosen as the Election Commission of India was constituted in the year 1950. The officers of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited have been asked to ensure that calls are properly routing.
The Chief Electoral Officer, Andaman & Nicobar Islands Shri B S Jaglan, IAS, has requested the citizens of A&N Islands to check their details in Electoral Roll using Toll Free Voter Helpline Number: 1950 on all working days during office hours i.e. 9 am to 5 pm except holidays for accessing above mentioned services within ease of their homes.