Archives for September 2024

Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 29: The Garacharma Site Office under Head Quarter Division of Electricity Department will start functioning from its new Site Office located on the 2nd Floor of Sub-Division Office Building of Electricity Building at Pathargudda Junction with effect from Oct.1, 2024.
The establishment of Garacharma Site Office is a part of the ongoing commitment to improve the service delivery, accessibility and approach to the consumers. This Site Office will provide power related services in a fully fledged manner including release of new connections, billing & payments, customer support and complaint resolution.
The consumers of Electricity Department have been requested to visit the Departmental website https://andssw1.and.nic.in:8081/EMCOSP/index.php to verify their available consumer account numbers attached to this new Site Office namely Garacharma Site Office.
For any further inquiry or assistance, consumers may contact the Garacharma Site Office over phone no. 03192-250258 or via e-mail jegaracharama@gmail.com and Toll Free No. 1800-345-1111 for any power related issues.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 29: The Andaman and Nicobar Administration, through the Department of Health Services (DHS), has given its in-principle approval for the ‘Diet and Biomarkers Survey in India (DABS-I)’ to be conducted by the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad. The survey, which aims to assess the nutritional status and health bio markers of the local population, has been officially endorsed by A&N Administration.
This extensive survey, which covers all 28 States and Union Territories of India, including the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, was formally inaugurated on 08/07/2024.The initiative, led by the ICMR-NIN, Hyderabad, a reputed institution under the Department of Health Research (DHR), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, seeks to provide comprehensive insights into the nation’s nutritional health.
The survey is being conducted by two dedicated teams led by Junior Medical Officers, Dr. Ayasha Umera Khan and Dr. Shweta with Dr. Anoop Gautam as the DABS Andaman In-charge, while Dr. Sai Ram, Scientist-E and DABS State Coordinator will oversee the project’s execution.
The survey has already been completed in 31 Primary Sampling Units (PSUs) in the South Andaman district. Now, from 29th September, the Survey will continue in North & Middle Andaman District and will further be extended to the Nicobar district starting from 1st November.
Upon completion of the survey, the findings will be shared with the A&N Administration, along with recommendations to improve nutritional conditions in the Union Territory for the benefit of the general populace. People have been requested to extend their cooperation for the survey.

 

Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 29: In a compassionate and determined effort to restore dignity to the lives of the most vulnerable, the District Administration, South Andaman has initiated a far-reaching anti-vagrancy and beggary drive across the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council area. This mission aims not only to identify individuals and families who are struggling on the streets but also to offer them a chance for rehabilitation and hope for a better future.
The initiative is a joint effort by the District Child Protection Unit, Police Department, Municipal Council, Revenue Department, and the Department of Information, Publicity & Tourism (IP&T). From the early morning hours, teams spread across the city, visiting areas such as Aberdeen Bazaar, the Bus Terminus, Marina Park, G.B. Pant Hospital, Gandhi Park, and various temples and markets where these vulnerable individuals are often seen.
With each encounter, officials not only identified those in need but also offered them the care and support to return to their homes or native places. Special focus was given to the safety and rehabilitation of children, women, and differently-abled individuals found begging—people who often find themselves without a voice or support system. The teams spoke with shopkeepers, transport operators, and residents, encouraging them to become part of the solution by reporting any further cases of begging.
The drive extended to some of the most frequented and busy areas, such as Chakkar Gaon, Carbyn Chowk, Garacharma, Junglighat, Delanipur, Haddo, and Chatham. Even in places of worship—temples and mosques—the team connected with the community, sharing insights and urging collaboration in identifying those in need.
The general public has been kindly requested to be the Administration’s eyes and ears in this mission of compassion. Key helplines, such as the District Control Room (1075) and the Child Helpline (1098), were shared widely, so citizens can report instances of vagrancy, especially when it involves vulnerable children or differently-abled individuals.
The District Administration reminds all, the power of unity and compassion in making our city beggar-free, while also ensuring that no one is left behind in the shadows of poverty. Through continued drives, this initiative will focus not only on removing vagrancy but on bringing hope and new beginnings to those who need it most. In this shared effort, every citizen is called upon to extend a helping hand, whether through information or action, to ensure that these vulnerable individuals are given the care and respect they deserve. Together, we can change lives.
Citizens are requested to extend support to the Administration for the said purpose and provide information at District Control Room number 1075 or Child helpline number 1098 if any child, women and differently abled Individual are identified.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 29: Dr. S. Radhakrishnan District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Garacharma, successfully conducted a 4-day training cum workshop for PT-PSTs and PPTs from South Andaman and Wimberlygunj Educational Zones from September 25-28, 2024. The module-based workshop focused on implementing the National Curricular Framework (NCF) for Foundational Stage 2023, equipping participants with the latest NCF FS components.
The workshop was inaugurated by Mrs. S.Bhavani, Principal, GSSS Mohanpura, in the presence of Mr. Gyansheel Dubey, Deputy Director Education (Acad/HoO)/DEO, South Andaman and Principal of Dr. SR DIET, Garacharma.
The workshop concluded with the inauguration of an exhibition showcasing educational toys created by participants by Mrs. M. V Jolly, Deputy Director Education (Perl.), Directorate of Education. She emphasized the significance of the foundational stage in Education. A comprehensive teacher training module was also unveiled.
A total of 63 PT-PSTs and PPTs attended the workshop, benefiting from expert guidance and peer interaction. The workshop aimed to enhance teaching effectiveness and implement NCF FS 2022 principles in South Andaman and Wimberlygunj Educational Zones.
The programme came to an end with the vote of thanks by Mr. J.Govind Raju, In-charge Samagra Shiksha, DIET.
Dr. S. Radhakrishnan District Institute of Education and Training is a premier teacher training institution in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The institute offers various training programs and workshops to promote quality education in the region.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 29: The first-ever Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was inaugurated at VIP Road near ITF Ground, Sri Vijaya Puram, South Andaman. This Station is part of a nationwide initiative by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), New Delhi to install CAAQMS in all States and Union Territories (UTs) to monitor real-time air quality. The initiative aims to provide timely and accurate data on air pollution levels, enabling better environmental management.
The Station was inaugurated by Mr. A.S.P.S Raviprakash, IAS, Secretary (Science and Technology) –cum- Chairman (ANPCC), in the presence of Mr. Abhishek Bhukal, Director (Science and Technology) cum-Member Secretary (ANPCC) on Sept. 25, 2024.
During the inauguration, the Secretary- (Science and Technology) –cum- Chairman (ANPCC) appreciated the efforts of the Department in setting up the CAAQMS, highlighting the Station’s capability to provide real-time ambient air quality and Meteorological data 24×7 throughout the year.
The project in Sri Vijaya Puram has been made possible with financial assistance and technical support from the CPCB, New Delhi. The Andaman and Nicobar Pollution Control Committee (ANPCC) has procured the CAAQMS for Sri Vijaya Puram, South Andaman, with financial and technical support provided by the CPCB for the procurement and installation. The Station was set up by M/s Environment SA India Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, following a tender process facilitated by the ANPCC.
The CAAQMS is capable of monitoring real-time data on air pollutants including CO, SO₂, NOx, NH₃, O₃, PM₁₀, and PM₂.₅, as well as Meteorological data. The data from the CAAQMS will be transmitted to a local server at ANPCC, Department of Science and Technology, Dollygunj and to the Central Server at CPCB, New Delhi. To ensure public accessibility, two digital display boards viz. one 8×12 feet at Aberdeen Bazaar and another 4×7 feet at ITF Ground, have been installed to show the real-time air quality data.
This development marks a significant step towards ensuring better air quality management in the region and provides critical data to help safeguard the health of the community.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 29: As part of Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign, Shoal Bay-19 witnessed community collaboration and environmental stewardship as Gram Panchayat Shoal Bay led a beach cleanup drive in collaboration with various line Departments and enthusiastic villagers today. As the world grapples with the repercussions of plastic pollution and environmental degradation, initiatives like this beach cleanup drive at Shoal Bay-19 serve as beacons of hope, inspiring others to take action in their own communities. The event underscores the importance of grassroots efforts in creating a cleaner, healthier planet for all. The event, which drew participation from more than 60 volunteers, surpassed expectations by collecting over 50 bags of wastes in the form of plastic bottles, wrappers, paper cups, plates, and other assorted debris marking a significant stride towards environmental conservation and community engagement.
Mr. A.R. Kumar, Pradhan, G.P. Shoal Bay, explained the significance of this clean-up drive that extends beyond the physical act of removing trash. The PRI members of G.P. Shoal Bay have expressed their gratitude to all the participants for their support for this inspiring initiative. The segregated waste will be transported to the Kalatang Solid Waste Management (SWM) Cluster for further processing. From there, it will be dispatched to mainland recycling facilities through authorized scrap dealers, ensuring that the waste is repurposed and recycled in an environmentally responsible manner.

 

Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 29: There are some seats lying vacant in a few courses of PG in which the list of applied candidates have been exhausted.
Hence, the candidates interested to take admission to these courses may contact the HODs of Inter-disciplinary Department and submit their application on or before 3rd October, 2024.
Respective HODs shall process these applications and call for admission counselling strictly on merit as per their convenience latest by 5th October, 2024.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 29: The District Child Protection Unit in collaboration with the Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU), North and Middle Andaman conducted a significant Rescue and Rehabilitation Drive targeting child labour in commercial premises across the region under the able guidance of Mr. Dilkhush Meena, IAS, District Magistrate, N & M Andaman.
A dedicated team led by Mr. Ashish Joon, Assistant Commissioner (HQ) from the District Commissioner’s Office visited all commercial establishments within Mayabunder Tehsil. The operation saw active participation from Special Juvenile Police Officers (SJPOs) from the respective Police Stations in N&M Andaman District, ensuring comprehensive coverage and support.
The drive successfully inspected a total of 132 commercial premises. Fortunately, no instances of child labour were identified during this thorough investigation. However, the team prioritized raising awareness about the provisions of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act among business owners and employees, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children’s rights and welfare.
This drive is part of a larger initiative aimed at ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive in a nurturing and supportive environment.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 29: The Department of CS &CA has extended the last date for updating e-KYC for the left out Ration Card beneficiaries upto 31.07.2024. However, it has been noticed that in spite of repeated request and all possible effort, there are considerable number of (APL, AAY & PHH) beneficiaries who have not yet approached their Fair Price Shops or the Department of CS&CA or respective Supply Units functioning in the inter Islands for updating their e-KYC.
Hence, all those left out Ration Card beneficiaries (APL, AAY & PHH) who have not yet updated their e-KYC due to whatsoever reason have once again been requested to contact any of their nearest Fair Price Shop along with their Aadhaar numbers to get e-KYC done latest by 31.10.2024 for all the members listed in the Ration Card, failing which, such members of the Ration Card shall be considered bogus and action shall be taken as per the relevant rules.
The Ration Card beneficiaries can also approach the Directorate of CS&CA, Sri Vijay Puram at Room No. 20 or their respective Supply Units for updating their e-KYC. The list of left out beneficiaries has been made available in their respective Fair Price Shops also for information.
Further, it is reported that considerable number of AAY & PHH children members between the age of 01 to 17 years are not able to complete their e-KYC as their Aadhaar enrolment was done before the age of 5 years. All such beneficiaries have been requested to update their Aadhaar in the nearest Enrolment Centers immediately. The Department of CS&CA is organizing Aadhaar Camps continuously. Such beneficiaries can approach the Directorate of CS&CA also for Aadhaar updation of children between the age of 1 to 17 years of age. For further details, contact Toll Free No. 03192-230337.

 

Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 29: The Directorate of Social Welfare has conducted orientation programme for the new recruits of Child Care Institutions (CCI) staff under Mission Vatsalya from Sept. 19 to 26, 2024. The orientation programme was held at in the Conference Hall, Agriculture Department.
The valedictory programme was graced by the chief guest, Dr. Nitin Shakya, Director (Social Welfare). Ms. Reeta Devi, Welfare Officer (Women) and Shri A.K Biswas, Nodal Officer, Mission Vatsalya were present on the occasion.
In his address, the Director (Social Welare) congratulated the new recruits and emphasized the importance of mutual respect and dedication to their work, stressing the critical role they play in ensuring the well being and protection of children in need.
The programme aimed to equip the new recruits with essential skills, knowledge, and understanding of the child care system in India. During the seven day session, various subject matter experts conducted classes on key topics relevant to the functioning of Child Care Institutions (CCI) and the overall welfare of children.
Key sessions during the orientation included overall scheme details of Mission Vatsalya by PM (SARA) Time Management and Team Management by Help Line Administrator (WHL), Awareness on WCD Control Room Operations & Child Helpline Services by Helpline Administrator, CHL, Fundamental Child Rights & other Child related Legislation By: Probation Officer, State Child Protection Society (SCPS), Functioning of Child Care Institutions by Programme Officer, State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA), Overview of Various Child & Women Welfare Schemes by Call Operator, Child Helpline, Counseling Services for Children in Conflict with Law by Counselor, Observation Home
As part of Mission Vatsalya, this orientation aimed to enhance new staff’s ability to support vulnerable children. The initiative focuses on a strong child protection framework and nationwide support system. Programme Manager, SCPS, concluded the event with a vote of thanks to the dignitaries all participants & Resource Persons.