Port Blair, Aug 27: As part of ongoing Kuposhan Mukt Panchayat campaign to eradicate malnutrition across the North & Middle Andaman, which was launched by the District Administration on 23rd July 2024. In this account a series of initiatives were taken by ICDS Project Rangat to improve the nutritional status of malnourished children.
These efforts include comprehensive nutritional and educational programmes such as distribution of Poshan Kits, weekly growth monitoring of children, home visit of malnourished children by Anganwadi workers, Lady Supervisors, ANMs and fortnight visits along with PRI members. The severely acute malnourished children and severely stunted children were referred to child specialists for further medical interventions. Conducted mother meeting along with community participation for behavioral change communication in understanding the perspective of malnutrition and hygiene.
This Project also conducted the appetite test in all Anganwadi centers along with PRI members. An appetite test is used to help determine the risk of children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM). The Buddy mother concept was developed in all Anganwadi Centres in which healthy mothers become buddies to malnourished children mothers in the same Anganwadi Center with an aim to fill up the gaps of best practices of healthy mother for nurturing children.
This led to a measurable progress in reducing malnutrition rate. Total 187 Nos of awareness were conducted from Baratang to Mayabunder under this Project and similar awareness programmes will be carried out in the coming months to eradicate malnutrition from ICDS Project Rangat.
Archives for August 2024
Circuit Sitting of CAT Division Bench at Port Blair from September 2 to 6, 2024; Departments Advised to Prepare for Hearings
Port Blair, Aug 27: All concerned have been informed that a Division Bench comprising of Mrs. Urmita Datta (Sen), Judicial Member and Mr. Suchitto Kumar Das, Administrative Member shall hold Circuit Sitting at Port Blair, w.e.f. 02.09.2024 to 06.09.2024 (both days inclusive).
Fresh applications will also be entertained. Departments that are having CAT cases have been requested to contact the Government Pleader / Panel Advocates with relevant case documents and brief them about the case in detail, so as to enable the Government Counsel to defend the case on behalf of the Administration fully prepared. The Head of Departments have also been requested to instruct their Nodal Officers to be present in the Tribunal on the date of hearing along with relevant documents to assist the Government Pleader / Panel Advocate at the time of hearing.
District Administration Continues with Major Anti Encroachment Drive
Port Blair, Aug 27: The District Administration, South Andaman District in its continuous efforts to contain the encroachments over Government lands carried out eviction drives at Swaraj Dweep in Port Blair Tehsil.
Encroachments done in the shape of arecanut plantations were evicted and an area of 3.8 hects approximately has been restored to government khata at Radhanagar village.
Further, the Revenue Officials have dismantled an illegal structure in the shape of temporary shed erected on government land at Wimberlygunj.
The Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman cautioned the General Public that the District Administration has zero tolerance towards encroachment on government land and to refrain from encroaching on Government land.
In case of any inquires/complaints, the general public can communicate with the District Control Room at the following numbers 03192-240127/238881/1070/9531888844 (Whatsapp). The identity of the person providing the information will be kept secret so as to protect the individual.
Financial Assistance under PMEGP for up gradation & expansion
Port Blair, Aug 27: The Government of India has been implementing a scheme called Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) with the objectives to generate employment opportunities in rural as well as urban areas through setting up of new self-employment ventures / projects / micro enterprises. Besides, the objective is also to bring together widely dispersed traditional artisans/rural and urban unemployed youth and give them self-employment opportunities to the extent possible, at their place.
Any individual above 18 years of age is eligible under the scheme, there will be no income ceiling for assistance for setting up projects under PMEGP.
Considering the success of the Scheme, an additional component namely Expanding/Upgrading the existing unit set up under PMEGP/REGP/ PMRY/MUDRA has been added, wherein the units already setup under PMEGP/ REGP/PMRY/MUDRA and performing very well in terms of turnover, profit making are eligible for availing further financial assistance up to Rs.1.00 crore for Manufacturing units and Rs. 25 lakhs for Service/trading activities. The financial assistance will be provided through Banks with a uniform subsidy of 15% by the Government for all categories of beneficiaries. Beneficiaries self Contribution will be 10% of the proposed expansion and upgradation project cost.
The objectives of the provision of 2nd Loan under PMEGP Scheme is to fulfill the need of additional financial assistance for upgrading and expansion to the successful / well performing units. The purpose is to cater to the need of the Entrepreneurs for bringing new technology / automation so as to modernize the existing unit and to enhance the productivity of the existing unit with the inclusion of the additional dose of funding and assuring additional wages employment.
All the existing units assisted under PMEGP/REGP/PMRY/MUDRA Scheme are eligible for availing the 2nd loan under PMEGP to upgrade their units. The aspiring units are required to submit online applications in the PMEGP Portal at www.kviconline.gov.in along with the necessary documents.
For further details, one may contact District Industries Centre or KVIB, Middle Point, Port Blair or over phone no 232601/233301, a press release from District Industries Centre said.
Awareness Programs on Women Helpline 181 and WCD Control Room Conducted Across SA Anganwadi Centres
Port Blair, Aug 27: The Women Helpline 181 under the Directorate of Social Welfare organized various Awareness Programme on “Women Helpline Scheme and WCD Control room and its aims” at different Anganwadi centres of South Andaman. Anganwadi Centre Phoenix Bay-I, Nayabasti Anganwadi Centre ,Panipat Anganwadi Centre and Buniyadabad Anganwadi Centre under the Directorate of Social Welfare.
Dr. Nitin Shakya, Director (SW), quoted that a man can speak up his mind and make his own decision in life whereas a woman has a limitation in her imagination as well. Women are not even allowed to imagine or aim higher in life because their role is only limited to cooking, cleaning & taking care of the family. In a world where a woman is dominated by society, it has become more vital to empower women. What exactly is women’s empowerment? When women are given authority to handle their personal, educational & professional lives, given equality in society, and the ability to raise their voice against violence, then they are truly empowered. We live in a country where gods that are worshipped are female idols but 1 out of 3 women have experienced physical or sexual violence at least once in a lifetime.
Women Helpline Administrator, Mr. Sushma Pandey, briefed about the Women and Child Development 24×7 Control room established at VIP Road, Junglighat, the toll free Number 181 for Women and for Children 1098.
Call Operator, Mr. Zeba Z, Mr. S. Krishna Veni, and Mr. Depali Biswas enlightened about Women Helpline 181 under Mission Shakti scheme intends to provide toll free 24×7 immediate and emergency response to women affected by violence through referral linking with appropriate authority such as police, one stop centre, and hospital and provide information about women related government schemes programs across the country through a single uniform number. Further, discussed different types of cases along with solutions received so far at WCD control room and how the people of our islands benefitted with the services and other schemes of Directorate of Social welfare and pamphlets were also distributed to the participants. The program was attended by lactating mothers, Asha worker, Anganwadi Worker and Helper and general public of Anganwadi Centre’s.
Child Rights Awareness Programme at Calvary Children Home Organised by the State Child Protection Society under Directorate of Social Welfare
Port Blair, Aug 27: The State Child Protection Society, under Directorate of Social Welfare, recently held a Child Rights and Responsibility Awareness Program at Calvary Children’s Home. This special event was designed for the children of the Child Care Institution (CCI) home, aiming to empower them with a clear understanding of their rights and the responsibilities that accompany them.
The program focused on educating the children about their fundamental rights, including:
• Right to Protection: Safeguarding children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Right to Development: Promoting access to education and opportunities for personal growth
• Right to Participation: Encouraging children to voice their opinions and participate in decisions that affect their lives.
In addition to understanding their rights, the children were also educated on their responsibilities, such as:
• Respecting Others: Recognizing and respecting the rights and opinions of others.
• Adhering to Rules: Understanding the importance of following rules and regulations for their safety and well-being.
• Contributing to Society: Encouraging active participation in community activities and helping others in need.
Dr. Nitin Shakya, Director (Social Welfare), articulated the aim of this program, stating, “Our goal with this awareness initiative is to empower children with the knowledge of their rights while instilling in them a sense of responsibility.
Mrs. Rehaneth Begum, Program Manager (SCPS) highlighted the importance of Life skill Education, Child Rights & Responsibilities to the children of CCI. The discussions on the fundamental rights of children and their basic entitlements emphasize the significance of leading a skilled life.
Speaking on behalf of the CCI home, In-charge of Calvary Childrens Home extended gratitude to the State Child Protection Society under the Directorate of Social Welfare for their continuous support towards empowering children and fostering their well-being.
Local Media Felicitates Bishnu Pada Ray: MP Promises to Address Concerns at the Highest Level
Port Blair, Aug 24: In a gesture of appreciation, members of the local print media today honored Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, the Member of Parliament, at a modest function held in the Media Room at the Government Press, South Point.
During the event, Mr. Ray attentively listened to the issues raised by representatives of the local media. He assured them that he would advocate for their concerns at the highest levels. Emphasizing the critical role of a free press in societal progress, Mr. Ray pledged to bring their issues and grievances to the attention of the top officials of the Union Territory (UT) administration and to raise these matters in Parliament.
He stressed that the media serves as a crucial voice for society and that its concerns should be acknowledged and addressed by the UT administration and its various departments. Mr. Ray underscored the importance of resolving the grievances of the print media in a manner that aligns with their interests.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the perceived neglect by the UT Administration towards elected representatives, including Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members, Municipal Councillors, and the media, Mr. Ray voiced his disappointment. He noted that even as a Member of Parliament, he has not always been treated in accordance with protocol. Nonetheless, he committed to continue raising issues in the Lok Sabha that affect the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Highlighting his efforts in Parliament, Mr. Ray informed the gathering that his request for a fresh survey to update the Other Backward Classes (OBC) list in the Islands has been approved, with work already underway.
Mr. Ray also expressed concern over the limited funds allocated by the UT Administration for development in the Islands. He pointed out that while the central government has allocated a budget of approximately Rs 5,900 crore for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the majority of these funds are used for salaries and oil purchases. Only Rs 400 crore is available for development activities, which he argued is insufficient.
Additionally, Mr. Ray condemned the recent violence against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh and criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for remaining silent on the issue.
The MP also expressed concern over the growing issue of drug consumption and trafficking in the Islands. He voiced particular dissatisfaction with the quality of healthcare services provided by the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS). On a positive note, Mr. Ray shared that Oil India Ltd is planning to commence drilling operations in at least three locations in the Islands, a move he believes will bring economic prosperity to the region.
Diglipur Pramukh Urges BSNL to Improve Signal Strength, Calls for Mortuary Van Provision
Rabindranath Biswas
Diglipur, Aug 23: The Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti, Diglipur Mr. Dipankar Mistry raised a number of issues related to public utilities.
The Pramukh said the people of Diglipur are facing severe inconveniences owing to weak signal of BSNL in the entire Diglipur region.
According to information, the customers of the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in Diglipur have been experiencing weak signals for the past many months, causing severe connectivity problems. Sometime, the signal drops so low that people are put into an exasperating situation especially in a medical emergency, the Pramukh said. On the other hand, since the school going children now heavily depend on online education, BSNL’s weak signal or no-signal at all at times poses as a terrible blow to them, the Pramukh alleged. Call drops, low MBPS and poor internet services are the other crippling issues of the BSNL, the Pramukh said. In this regard, the Pramukh also wrote a letter to the General Manager, apprising him of the matter and urging him to redress the problem. The Pramukh also apprised the Deputy Commissioner, N & M Andaman of the issue, he said.
The Pramukh also felt the necessity of a mortuary van for Diglipur so that people requiring it may avail the facility of it. In absence of a mortuary van, the people of Diglipur region have to face unspeakable problems to transport the dead body of their beloved ones from Port Blair to Diglipur, he said. The Pramukh further said that the previous Member of Parliament had promised a mortuary van for Diglipur but the ex-MP didn’t keep his promise, the Pramukh alleged. Hence he has this time urged the present Member of Parliament in a letter to provide a mortuary van for Diglipur, he further said.
First Ever Seizure of Commercial Quantity of Heroin of Value Rs.04 Crores in A&N Islands by PS Crime & Economic Offence Four Persons Arrested
Port Blair, Aug 23: On 19/08/2024, based on an intelligence input, a team comprising of Inspector Girish Kumar, SHO PS Crime & Economic Offence (CID), SI Shaji Mathew, ASI Mohd. Rafique, HC/ K. Venkateshwar Rao, HC/ Sanjay Kujur, PC/ K. Rajendran, PC/ Thanga Raj, PC/ Y. Srinivas Rao PC/ Arti Kumari and PC/ Lilly Grace Lakra of PS C&EO under the supervision and presence of Mr. Kumar Abhishek, DANIPS, Dy.SP (CID) and Executive Magistrate has conducted raid in the rented house of Susankar Das @ Chotu, S/o Mr. Amal Das, (23) yrs, Pvt driver, R/o Dollygunj, permanent resident of Diglipur and recovered 435 grams of Heroin from his possession. He was arrested on the spot following the due legal procedure.
A case under relevant sections of NDPS Act-1985 has been registered at PS C&EO and investigation is in progress. During investigation accused Susankar Das @ Chotu was put under sustained interrogation and the involvement of co-accused Kiron Chandra Haldar R/o Shantipur 10, Swadesh Nagar and the main supplier Kishor Halder R/o Curtbet Bay, Billiground was ascertained.
Accordingly, a team led by SI Shaji Mathew of PS Crime & Economic Offence was deputed to Billiground & Curtbet Bay and after thorough search, another 410 grams of Heroin was recovered from the possession of Kiron Chandra Haldar S/o Late Nalini Haldar, (72) yrs R/o Shantipur 10, Swadesh Nagar, and subsequently he was arrested. On interrogation he disclosed that his son namely Kishor Halder S/o Kiron Ch. Halder (30) yrs R/o Curtbet Bay, Billiground had supplied the whole recovered Heroin. On the information Kishor Halder S/o Kiron Ch. Halder (30) yrs R/o Curtbet Bay, Billiground was also arrested as per the relevant section of NDPS Act following the due legal procedure and brought to PS Crime & Economic Offence.
During the sustained interrogation of arrested accused persons, involvement of one Subendu Das S/o. Mr. Sukanta Das (19)yrs Pvt. Work R/o Santipur. No.10, Billiground was ascertained as a carrier for transportation and supply of heroin and he was also arrested after following due legal procedure.
Till now, total 845 grams of Heroin has been recovered having value of Rs.04 Crores (approx.) in international market. The hard work and immediate action of team of PS Crime and Economic Offence has resulted in the first ever seizure of commercial quantity of Heroin following arrest of four accused persons breaking the chain of supplier, carrier and distributor.
The raids were conducted under the command of Mr. Kumar Abhishek, Dy.SP (CID) and under overall supervision of Mr. Rajeev Ranjan, IPS, SP(CID).
GST Commissionerate of ANI Administration cancels 25 fake GST registrations Detects above Rs. 2 Cr of fake Tax Credit
Port Blair, Aug 23: Based on the intelligence and enforcement orders the UTGST Officers had conducted an inspection of probable Fake GST registration taken by forged/fake documents in Mayabunder, N & M Andaman. On reaching the premises, it was found that the addresses of the GST registrations were non-existent and the GST registrations were taken solely for the purpose of passing illegal ITC fraudulently. Forty-Five fake GST registrations have been identified which were obtained from 9 PAN numbers.
Out of these 45 registrations, 25 registrations have been cancelled. Remaining registrations falling outside the jurisdiction of UTGST commissionerate will also be cancelled.
The Commissioner, UTGST Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS said that the department has detected fake ITC evasion of around Rs.2 crore from May 2024 till date. He also said that special emphasis is being laid on identifying and apprehending the masterminds and disrupt syndicates, operating across the A & N Islands. FIRs against the PAN numbers have already been made and legal action is being taken, which may lead to arrest of tax evaders. These tax syndicates often use gullible persons and enticed them with job / commission / bank loan etc. to extract their KYC documents which were then used for creation of fake / shell firms / companies without their knowledge and consent. In some cases, KYCs may be used with the knowledge of the concerned person by paying them small pecuniary benefits.
A press release from Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman stated above.
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