Archives for September 2024

Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 15: The Composite Regional Centre (CRC), A&N Islands, in collaboration with the Directorate of Social Welfare, A&N Administration organized an Inter-Island Awareness Programme on Government Schemes for Divyangjan-cum-Screening Camp at Rangat, Mayabunder & Diglipur from Sept.9 to 11, 2024 respectively.
This event was part of Phase II of a larger initiative to reach out to Divyangjan (Persons with Disabilities) across remote areas of the Islands, raising awareness about various Government schemes designed to empower them while also offering crucial health and disability screening services. The camp was aimed at educating the general population and Divyangjan about the array of welfare schemes that the GoI has implemented for their benefit. During the events, awareness on Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme, ADIP Scheme for assistive devices, Scholarship Schemes, Free Coaching for PwDs and PM Daksh -Skill Development Training for PwDs were created for the benefit of the participants.
Smt. Umadevi, CDPO, ICDS (Rural) Project, Rangat & Mayabunder and Smt. Indra Devi, CDPO, ICDS (Rural) Project, Diglipur, Mukhiya Sevikas and all Anganwadi workers, played a vital role in the successful conduct of this event.
In addition to the awareness program, a screening camp was conducted for comprehensive assessments of Divyangjan to identify their specific needs for assistive devices, therapeutic interventions, and other support services. Specialists from diverse fields, including Shri T.Y.Abid, Lecturer in Physiotherapist, Smt. Saranyah, Rehabilitation Officer, Social Work & Placement and Shri Ashok, Vocational Instructor from CRC, A&N Islands participated in providing hands-on assessments and guidance. The event saw an enthusiastic response from the local community, with several Divyangjan and their families attending to avail themselves of the information and services provided.
About 147 Divyangjan were screened and eligible beneficiaries provided with aids and assistive devices under ADIP Scheme.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 15: A State Level Science Seminar-2024 under BITM (Birla Industrial and Technological Museum) Kolkata was organised in collaboration with the Science Wing of Directorate of Education, A&N Administration in the conference Hall of Shiksha Sadan, on Sept. 13. Smti Sangeeta Chand, Principal, State Institute of Education was the chief guest. Senior Officials and Principals of different Institutions also witnessed the programme.
The District Level Winner participants from the entire District presented the Science Seminar on the theme ‘Artificial Intelligence: Potentials & Concerns’. Altogether, 5 students participated in the State Level function. The winner of the Science Seminar was Ayush Mandal of Class VIII of St. Mary School, Rangat, N & M Andaman District. He has been selected for National Science Seminar-2024 to be held on 20th November, 2024 at Nehru Science Centre, Dr. E. Moses Road, Worli, Mumbai.
Earlier, the Dy. Director Education (Science), Shri Ram Pravesh welcomed the gathering. Trophies and Certificates were presented to the winners and participants by the Deputy Director Education (Sc.).

Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 15: The Composite Regional Centre (CRC), Andaman & Nicobar Islands, in partnership with the Directorate of Social Welfare organized an Inter Islands Awareness Programme on Government Schemes for Divyangjan and a Screening Camp in the Auditorium at Rangat. This initiative is part of Phase II of a comprehensive effort aimed at reaching out to Divyangjan (Persons with Disabilities) across the remote areas of A&N Islands.
The primary objective of this event was to raise awareness about the various Government schemes available to support and empower Divyangjan, while also offering essential health and disability screening services. The camp provided valuable information on several welfare schemes implemented by the Government of India, including health insurance, scholarships, assistive devices, free coaching for competitive exams, and rehabilitation services.
The key highlights of the event included information dissemination on Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme which provides health insurance coverage specifically tailored for Divyangjan, ensuring financial protection against medical expenses; ADIP Scheme for Assistive Devices, an initiative which offers free assistive devices to persons with disabilities, enhancing their mobility and quality of life; PRASHAST Application, an innovative tool for comprehensive disability screening and assessment, helping to streamline access to necessary services and support.
The screening camp was instrumental in conducting thorough assessments of Divyangjan, identifying their specific needs for assistive devices, therapeutic interventions, and other support services. A team of Specialists, including Physiotherapists, Rehabilitation Officers, and Vocational Instructors, were present to provide hands-on assessments and tailored guidance.
The event was met with enthusiastic participation from the local community. Many divyangjan and their families attended, taking advantage of the valuable information and services provided. The initiative will continue to extend its reach to other remote areas, with plans for similar events in Mayabunder, Diglipur and beyond.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 15: In an effort to ensure the health and safety of students, the Revenue officials of N&M Andaman District conducted inspections of shops located within a 100-yard radius of schools, Anganwadi Centres and college under Mayabunder Tehsil. This initiative was part of the ongoing enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, which prohibits the sale of tobacco products within this specified distance.
During the inspection, shopkeepers were reminded of the strict provisions under Section 4 and 6 of the COTPA, 2003, which specifically bans the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18 and within a 100-yard radius of educational institutions. Revenue staff personally engaged with the shopkeepers, informing them that selling such products in violation of this law is a punishable offence.
Key points communicated to shopkeepers included ‘Prohibition on Sale of Cigarettes and Tobacco Products’: Shopkeepers were clearly advised against the sale of any tobacco-related products within the restricted zone. They were informed that violations of COTPA, 2003 can result in penalties, including fines and legal action, which will be strictly enforced to protect the health and well-being of students.
The Revenue Department is committed to create a safer and healthier environment for students and urges all shopkeepers to cooperate in maintaining this mandate. Further inspections will continue, and strict actions will be taken against violators.
The Department has also called upon the public to report any breaches of COTPA regulations to local authorities to help in safeguarding students from exposure to tobacco products.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 15: World Ozone Day is observed globally on September 16 every year to raise awareness and promote action for ozone layer protection and climate change. The theme for this year is ‘Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Change’. As part of the observance, the Department of Science and Technology, A&N Administration, organized various competitions, including poster, dissertation, and seminar competitions for students across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
A dissertation competition on the theme ‘Ozone for Life,’ in Hindi and English, was held at Dr. S. Radhakrishnan District Institute of Education and Industrial Training Institute, Dollygunj. The Department also hosted an online poster competition on the theme ‘Save the Ozone Layer’ for Senior Secondary School and College Students. Additionally, an Inter-College Science Seminar Competition on the theme ‘Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Change’ was held at TGCE Auditorium on September 13, 2024. Students from various colleges in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands participated. Approximately 200 students and faculty members from different colleges attended the seminar with great interest and enthusiasm.
Shri Ram Pravesh, Deputy Director, Directorate of Education, A&N Administration emphasized on the importance of ozone layer and ways to prevent its depletion. Shri G. Gopal, Project Officer at CPR Environmental Education Centre, Sri Vijaya Puram highlighted the importance of leading a sustainable lifestyle to protect the environment. Shri Satya Prakash, Professor, JNRM, discussed climate change and its impact on the environment and human life.
Prizes were awarded to the winners of the competitions at TGCE. Ritesh Kumar of TGCE won the 1st prize, Juel Kerketta of JNRM won the 2ndprize, J Dinesh of DBRAIT won the 3rd prize and Pranab Bairagi of TGCE won the consolation prize in the seminar competition.
Shahana of MGIS won the 1st prize, Aditi Das of GSSS Subhashgram won the 2nd prize, Prity Biswas of GSSS Bakultala won the 3rd prize and Adyasha.S. Sahoo won consolation prize for the online poster competition held for school students. Suvam Halder of JNRM won the 1st prize, N.Neha of DBRAIT won the 2ndprize, Mukind Rao of DIET won the 3rd prize, B.Haritha of TGCE won the consolation prize for online poster competition conducted for College students. Nikita Biswas won the 1st prize, Shaily Faith won the 2nd prize, Manisha Dholai won the 3rd prize and Mukind Rao won consolation prize for the dissertation (Hindi) competition conducted among students from DIET.
Anuj Roy won the 1st prize, Shahma Shareen won the 2nd prize, Jasoda Kumari won the 3rd prize and Rahul Gupta won the consolation prize for the dissertation (English) competition conducted among students from ITI, Dollygunj. To raise public awareness about plastic pollution, the Department of Science and Technology distributed approximately 250 cloth bags to students, encouraging them to adopt eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 15: International Literacy Day was celebrated at Bal Bhawan, Govt. Primary School, Kinyuka, Car Nicobar under the District Literacy Mission Authority ULLAS (NILP), with great zeal and enthusiasm on Sept. 13. The event was graced by the Deputy Commissioner of Nicobar District, Ms. Jyoti Kumari, IAS, as the chief guest. She inaugurated the Samajik Chetna Kendra at GPS Kinyuka School and also visited the CRC Wise Achievement Corners of NILP ULLAS, a centrally sponsored initiative aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The Chairman, Tribal Council, Shri Lionald Nicomede was also present on the occasion. Various Heads of Departments, Vice Principals, Headmasters/Headmistress, teachers and staff of Education Department, Car Nicobar also attended the programme.
In her address, the chief guest expressed her appreciation for the achievements made since the implementation of NILP and acknowledged the key role, hard work, and efforts of the Nodal teachers, Surveyors, and Volunteer Teachers who have made a significant impact. The numbers are impressive, with 4,076 learners reached and 256 Volunteer Teachers on board, reflecting a significant accomplishment. With 950 learners appearing in the examination, this is a testament to the team’s hard work and commitment.
Earlier, in his welcome address the Education Officer, Shri H. Nathaniel, highlighted about ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, also known as the New India Literacy Programme (NILP). The programme aims to empower adults aged 15 and above from all backgrounds who missed formal schooling, helping them integrate into society and contribute to the nation’s growth.
The celebration also featured a prize distribution ceremony for students who participated in various competitions during Literacy Week, as well as for Nodal teachers, Surveyors, and Volunteer Teachers for their commendable achievements. These awards reflected their dedication and commitment to excellence in ULLAS. The event was enlivened by a cultural program presented by students of PM SHRI GSS Mus and GPS Jayanthi, adding a lively and colourful touch to the celebration.
The District Programme Coordinator (ULLAS), provided an overview of the achievements since the implementation of ULLAS and emphasized the target of achieving 100% literacy in the Nicobar District by the end of 2025.