Rabindranath Biswas
Diglipur, July 29: The menace of stray cattle in Diglipur is not showing any signs of ebbing away. According to information, a couple of days ago a herd of feral cows and bulls came out of nowhere during day time and reportedly invaded a paddy field and ravaged the paddy plants recently sowed.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, Diglipur Farmers’ Union, President, Mr. Kamal Halder said that stray cattle have become a real headache for every peasant/farmer who are now waging a war against these abandoned cattle in one hand, and they are not seeing any concrete initiative from the administration to be aimed at beating the menace of this stray cattle, on the other hand. At this juncture, the entire farmer community are in grave peril owing to these stray cattle, he lamented.
However, amidst all this tidings, a good news in connection to this cattle menace which came to surface was that the Veterinary Hospital, Diglipur has recently undertaken the task of tagging the cattle for every village in Diglipur. The initiative was reportedly taken on the request of Diglipur Farmers’ Union, President, Mr. Kamal Halder said. The tagging of cattle would at least help identify/differentiate the cattle if they are domestic or feral, Mr Halder further added. However, tagging of cattle isn’t the only solution nor is it going to end the menace of stray cattle, he argued.
Archives for July 30, 2024
MP meets Union Power Minister: Seeks immediate support to end the Power Crisis in Islands
Port Blair, Jul 30: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, A & N Islands, yesterday met Mr. Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister of Power, Govt of India and submitted a three page detailed letter highlighting the problems related to Power Supply regime in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
In his letter Mr. Ray has stated that the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, which has a population of less than 6 lakhs, has been reeling under severe power crisis for the last many years. The power cuts have become a day to day affair with a minimum power supply disruptions for half an hour to 45 minutes on a daily basis in the capital city, a tourism destination. Sometimes the disruptions get prolonged. This problem has remained unsolved for the last many years.
He has further appraised in the letter that Port Blair is mostly dependent on private players who are running diesel fed small generators for transmission into the main grid. Despite this arrangement, there is an acute deficit of power in the Islands. The average requirement of power at Port Blair is about 45 MW. But all the available power producing sources put together including the department’s 4 MW power plants are unable to meet the requisites.
The problem of power crisis is not limited just to Island capital but is being experienced in all populated islands of the territory.
Mr. Ray has also pointed out that the 33 KV and 11 KV tie lines in Port Blair are very old and require immediate revamp to address the power cut crisis.
Mr. Ray has appreciated the proposal of undersea power cable to Port Blair connecting the region to the national power grid. However he observed that it may take many years to get the undersea cables laid and it can only be a long term solution. Currently the Islanders require a concrete intermediate solution to take care of the never ending power crisis through an expert team intervention.
Mr. Ray suggested that the Power Minister may consider suitable size Nuclear Power Generators which can meet the Isles requirements.
In addition to the technical issues, Mr. Ray also pointed out that the Electricity Department requires the revival of SE post and up-gradation of the same to CE post.
Further Mr. Ray has suggested that the Engineers working in the Electricity department in the Isles require regular exposures and training on advanced technological developments in the power sector, which the ministry may look into.
Laxmipur Villagers File Complaint Against Diglipur Revenue Authority for Alleged Inaction
Deepak Kumar Singh
Laxmipur, North Andaman, July 30: Mr. Sujan Kumar Das, Pradhan of the Laxmipur Gram Panchayat, has taken up a crucial issue with the Chief Secretary of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Administration against the Revenue Authority of Diglipur. In his letter he alleged negligence and bureaucratic hurdles faced by villagers in resolving land demarcation and building permission issues.
The complaint cites several instances like Repeated Demarcation Failures, Unresolved Land Demarcation Request, Alleged Misallocation of Land and Unapproved Construction.
He mentioned that in first instance two villagers, Sumathi Sarkar and Joystna Das, have reportedly applied for land demarcation three times, but the revenue authority, including the surveyor, allegedly failed to properly demarcate the land and show the final boundary even after the third attempt.
Regarding issue of unresolved Land Demarcation requests, he mentioned that Mr. Harimohan Mistry, a senior citizen from Laxmipur, is said to have applied for land demarcation four years ago. Despite repeated visits to the revenue office, his request remains unaddressed.
Giving an instance of alleged misallocation of land, he mentioned that the Gram Panchayat reportedly received land for a concrete footpath project in 2019. However, the revenue authority and surveyor allegedly assigned a different location, approximately 25 meters away from the designated spot. The complaint suggests this may be due to favoritism towards a revenue department staff member residing nearby.
Regarding unapproved construction, he mentioned that a staff member of the Diglipur revenue department, constructed a concrete building on his paddy land without obtaining the required permission from the Panchayat.
The complaint further states that these issues were brought to the attention of the Tehsildar (revenue officer) of Diglipur and the Deputy Commissioner of North & Middle Andaman through letters sent by the Pradhan. However, no action was reportedly taken.
Mr. Sujan Kumar Das, in his capacity as Pradhan, requested the Chief Secretary to intervene and take necessary steps to resolve the problems faced by the villagers as soon as possible.
Police Station Shaheed Dweep Confiscates 415 Gms Ganja and Arrests One Person
Port Blair, Jul 30: Acting decisively on reliable intelligence, the Shaheed Dweep Police carried out a raid that led to the arrest of an individual involved in the illegal possession of 415 grams of ganja.
On 28th July 2024, upon credible information on illegal possession of ganja, a team was swiftly constituted at Police Station Shaheed Dweep comprising of PCs Abdul Wahab C.P, Apurba Biswas, Neelima Kumari Baa, Mercy and HC (D) Manoj Kumar Ekkasupervised by SI PR Pradeep, SHO Shaheed Dweepand conducted raid near Neil Kendra ward No.04, Shaheed Dweep. During the raid, the team recovered 415 grams of ganja from the possession of the accused Anjala Devi W/o Jogi Indwar (48) yrs, R/o Neil Kendra, Shaheed Dweep.
The accused person was involved under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act 1985 and the recovered ganja was seized on the spot after observing all codal formalities. That being women and night hours accused was directed to join interrogation at PS Shaheed Dweep in the morning hours. On 29/07/2024 morning at 0845 hrs the accused lady was arrested and all codal formalities were executed and the accused lady was released on bail as per law.
This operation underscores the commitment of South Andaman District Police to combat the illicit drug trade and ensure the safety and well-being of the community. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement authorities in the fight against drug-related crimes.
The past criminal history of accused Anjala Devi, the total 05 Nos. Excise cases were registered at this PS, out of 05 cases 01 cases convicted and the remaining cases are pending Trail at the Court.
In view of 05 Excise cases a history sheet has opened above said accused person.
The entire raid was supervised by Mr. Sandeep Lamba, DANIPS, Sub Divisional Police Officer, Swaraj Dweep under the overall supervision of Mrs. Niharika Bhatt, IPS, Superintendent of Police, South Andaman District.
The general public is requested to share information pertaining to illegal activities and other crime to Police at 112, 03192-232100 and 03192-236641 to make a healthy and drug free society. The identity of the informant will be kept secret.
Chief Secretary Inaugurates State-of-the-Art Public Health Laboratory at Car Nicobar
Port Blair, July 30:Shri Keshav Chandra, IAS, Chief Secretary, Andaman and Nicobar Administration virtually inaugurated the District Integrated Public Health Laboratory (DIPHL) at BJR Hospital, Car Nicobar today in the presence of Smt. Nandini Paliwal, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health) and other Senior Officers of the Administration along with Tribal Leaders from Car Nicobar.
This ‘State of the Art’ Laboratory has been established under Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) with100 % funding from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, GoI. It will be providing Diagnostic Facilities to conduct surveillance of epidemic prone diseases in a decentralized manner, apart from the routine therapeutic investigations under one roof.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary, congratulated the entire Health team for their achievement in establishing such modern lab in the remote tribal territory and desired that this facility will be duly utilized towards providing better healthcare services especially related to early diagnosis and timely treatment in Nicobar itself.
Dr. Anwar Moosa, Medical Superintendent, BJR Hospital, Car Nicobar, on behalf of the Directorate of Health Services and the Tribal Community of Car Nicobar has expressed his gratitude to the Andaman and Nicobar Administration for opening such lab which will surely benefit the tribal populace.
Dr. Anil Agarwal, Special Secretary (Health)/ Mission Director (NHM), informed that the Administration is committed to establish more such laboratories at Dr. R.P. Hospital Mayabunder to be made operational in August, 2024 and the third District Lab at the upcoming District Hospital Garacharama in the near future. The Laboratories at Dr. R.P. Hospital Mayabunder and BJR Hospital, Car Nicobar will act as satellite laboratories whereas, the DIPHL at upcoming District Health Garacharama will act as a State Reference Laboratory.
With this, the mandate under PM-ABHIM for establishment of three District Integrated Public Health Laboratories in this UT by March, 2025 is expected to be duly achieved.
HumaneTouch and New Care Clinic Bring Free Health Services to Stewart Gunj
Port Blair, Jul 30: HumaneTouch, in collaboration with NEW CARE CLINIC Bamboo Flat and in association with Gram Panchayat Stewart Gunj and Makam Youth Club, organized a free physiotherapy health camp at Dar Al-Arqam Public School, Stewart Gunj. The camp was held on July 28, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A total of 43 individuals benefited from the camp, which provided free blood pressure and diabetes testing as well as physiotherapy exercise demonstrations to needy patients.
Dr. Ganesh P, PT, Director of New Care Clinic, graced the occasion with his presence. The camp also featured a team of esteemed doctors and specialists, including Dr. Saurabh Singh (MBBS), Dr. Imran F, PT, Physiotherapist, Pavithra, Lab Technician, and Sumita Das, Nursing Assistance, who all contributed their expertise to the patients.
Special thanks to Dar Al-Arqam Public School for providing the venue and other necessary support, which was instrumental in the successful organization of this event.
This initiative was aimed at providing essential health services to the community and raising awareness about the importance of regular health check-ups. The event was well-received, and the organizers expressed their commitment to continuing such efforts in the future.
MoU Between A&N Police and National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru for Capacity Building of IOs
Port Blair, July 30: Keeping in view the successful implementation of the New Criminal Laws (NCLs), namely Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) – 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) – 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) – 2023, the Andaman & Nicobar Police has taken a significant step forward, under the directives of Admiral D.K. Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Lt. Governor of A & N Islands and Vice-Chairman of the Islands Development Agency and Mr.. Keshav Chandra, IAS, Chief Secretary of A & N Administration with the approval of signing an MoU for Capacity Building between National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru and A & N Police.
Earlier, the Andaman & Nicobar Police, under the visionary guidance of Mr. Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, Director General of Police, A & N Islands, had envisaged a comprehensive training programme aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of Investigating Officers concerning the New Criminal Laws.
This proposal entailed a collaboration with the NLSIU, Bengaluru, one of the premier law schools in India. The MoU between the Andaman & Nicobar Police and NLSIU, Bengaluru, outlines the framework for the training programme. It has been meticulously designed to cover the nuances and applications of the New Criminal Laws to ensure that the Investigating Officers (IOs) are well-equipped to handle cases under the new legal framework. The MoU aims at capacity building and professional development of the officers, which will ultimately lead to more effective law enforcement and judicial processes.
The proposal received approval from the Lt. Governor, emphasizing the support of this initiative for the A & N Administration. It was pushed by the Chief Secretary, A & N Administration, underscoring the administrative support and the strategic importance of this collaboration.
The formal signing of the MoU is to be done shortly, with the Vice Chancellor of NLSIU, Bengaluru and the Director General of Police, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, officiating the ceremony. This event will mark the commencement of a new chapter in the professional development of the Andaman & Nicobar Police force.
This collaboration is a testament to the commitment of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice is served effectively and efficiently.
Candidates Advised to Submit Revised NEET Scores for Medical Courses by August 3
Port Blair, July 30: All concerned candidates who have applied for allotment/nomination to BDS, BAMS, BHMS, MBBS (Malayalee Origin) and BAMS (Malayalee Origin) courses reserved at mainland institutions for the students of A&N Islands for the academic session 2024-25 have been informed that in compliance to the direction of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in W.P (Civil) No. 335/2024 Order dated 23.07.2024, the National Testing Agency has issued Re-revised Result/ NTA Score/ Rank of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test NEET (UG)-2024 on 26.07.2024.
Accordingly, the final merit list of BDS, BAMS, BHMS, MBBS (Malayalee Origin) and BAMS (Malayalee Origin) courses are required to be revised in terms of the re-revised Result/ NTA Score/ Rank of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test NEET (UG)-2024 declared by NTA vide Press Release dated 26.07.2024.
Hence, all the interested and eligible candidates who have already applied for BDS, BAMS, BHMS, MBBS (Malayalee Origin) and BAMS (Malayalee Origin) have been requested to submit the re-revised Result/ NTA Score/ Rank of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test NEET (UG)-2024 to Development–IV Section, Secretariat, Port Blair personally or through e-mail ID: assistantsecretaryhredn@gmail.com latest by 5 pm of 03.08.2024.
No subsequent claim will be entertained or considered from any candidate, if fails to submit re-revised Result/ NTA Score/ Rank of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test NEET (UG)-2024 to Development–IV Section, Secretariat, Port Blair personally or through e-mail on or before the above stipulated date and time.
Spot Round Counseling for CSAB NEUT-2024 Scheduled for August 8 at TGCE, Port Blair
Port Blair, July 30:All concerned candidates have been informed that the Spot Round Counseling of CSAB NEUT-2024 for allotment of vacant seats of Degree level Engineering, Architecture and Pharmacy course reserved at mainland institutions is scheduled to be held on 08.08.2024 at 10 am onwards in the Auditorium of Tagore Govt. College of Education (TGCE), Port Blair.
The Spot Round allotment will be made to candidates as per JEE Main Rank–2024 and category-wise vacant seats for Engineering and Architecture seats at the time of counselling. The details of eligibility requirement and academic qualifications for allotment of degree level Engineering, Architecture and Pharmacy course may be seen in the CSAB NEUT-2024 Information Brochure.
Hence, all eligible and interested candidates have been requested to submit the documents viz. Photo ID proof; Admit Card of JEE (Main)-2024 issued by NTA (For Engg./Arch. Candidates and not applicable for B. Pharmacy); Score Card of JEE (Main)-2024 issued by NTA (For Engg./Arch. Candidates and not applicable for B. Pharmacy); Class X (High School) Board Certificate as proof of date of birth; Certificate and Mark sheet of qualifying examination; Category Certificate (ST Certificate/Local Certificate/ Service Certificate); Duration/Bonafide certificate issued by the respective school; Certificate for Persons with Disabilities (PwD), if applicable. The certificate should be issued from a duly constituted Medical Board. The certificate should stand valid up to 31.12.2024. Certificate not issued by a medical board &/or getting expired before 31.12.2024 shall not be accepted and proof of place of examination center in case of final qualifying examination is from the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) formerly known as National Open School (NOS) to the Development-IV Section (Higher Education Section), Secretariat, Port Blair on or before 06.08.2024 upto 5 pm.
The eligible interested candidates are required to bring all educational qualification certificate/testimonials and other documents in support of their category in original along with one self attested copy as prescribed by the CSAB NEUT-2024 in their Information Brochure for spot round counseling on the date time and venue as specified above. In addition, the candidates are also requested to bring two passport size photograph identical to the one pasted on the JEE (Main)-2024 application form.
Further, the aspiring students have been advised to ensure that he/she fulfils the state eligibility criteria during Spot Round Counseling. Further details in this regard can be obtained from the CSAB website https://csab.nic.in. It will be the sole responsibility of the candidate to verify his/her minimum eligibility and/or special eligibility for a particular course/program/Institute. The CSAB NEUT- 2024 or A&N Administration will not be responsible for any cancellation of seats due to non-fulfillment of minimum eligibility and/or special eligibility conditions.
Chetna Port Blair Hosts Speech Competition for Van Mahotsav Celebration
Port Blair, July 30: On 27 July 2024, Chetna Port Blair, A Socio-cultural organisation conducted a speech competition for students of class 9th and 10th as part of celebration of 75th Van Mahotsav at RGT Public Vidyalaya, Port Blair. The event was aimed at generating awareness about environment and to provide platform to the young talents of the islands.
Altogether 20 students from 10 private schools participated. The performance was judged and Winners were
• First: Shayoni Das , class (IX ) of RGT public school.
• Second: Diksha Pandey, Class (X ) NCS
• Third: S.Sivaranjini, Class (X) Khalsa public school
• Fourth: Farisha Jadwet, Class ( IX) NCS
Trophies and certificates were awarded to the winners by Chief Guest, Mr. Jai Kumar Roi and Guest of Honour, Mrs. Minati Biswas. The event was presided over by Sri Ilyas Ahmed Khan. The chief guest congratulated the winners and expressed that performance of the entire participant was at par with excellence, Mr. BP Yadav President of Chetna, Mr. Farooque Sheikh Alam vice president of Chetna, and Dr. Neeta Sammadar encouraged the students to freely express their thoughts, emphasising necessity of green cover and pollution control. Mr. I A Khan, urged the participants and audience to be vigilant to protect the existing greenery of Andaman Nicobar Islands,. Vote of thanks was proposed, by Dr. Renu Bala, the General Secretary of Chetna.