Archives for December 1, 2024

Port Blair, Dec 01: The 30th Round of Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccination programme by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services in South Andaman under Centrally Sponsored Scheme National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) commenced today. This comprehensive program includes vaccinating cattle and buffaloes against FMD, ear tagging these animals, and registering them in the Bharat Pashudhan Portal. The Department constituted 10 specialized vaccination teams for this initiative consisting of vaccinators and animal handlers and Senior Veterinary Officer as the team leader.
During the vaccination programme, the vaccination teams will be visiting all the villages of South Andaman area to carry out the FMD vaccination in cattle and buffaloes. The earlier rounds of vaccination have been successful in controlling the disease and there has been no report of FMD in these Islands since 2005.
The Department of AH&VS has requested all livestock owners to cooperate and ensure that their animals are ear-tagged and vaccinated against FMD to help make the Island FMD-free. Vaccinating the animals not only protects them from the severe impact of Foot-and-Mouth Disease but also enhances the overall health and well-being of the entire animal population.
Farmers and PRI members have been urged to support the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services in this crucial effort. Their cooperation is the key to the success of this program and the continued health and prosperity of the livestock and communities.

 

Port Blair, Dec 01: The Community Development Block Prothrapur in collaboration with the Directorate of RD, PRIs & ULB, A&N Administration celebrated the World Toilet Day Campaign 2024 under the esteemed guidance and support of Shri. Arjun Sharma, Secretary (RD/Panchayat).
The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, GoI has launched the campaign “Hamara Shauchalay: Hamara Samman” which started on the occasion of World Toilet Day i.e.November 19, 2024 and will run until Human Rights Day, i.e. December 10, 2024.The campaign highlights the strong connection between sanitation and human rights, as access to toilets is directly linked to the fundamental rights to dignity, health, and safe environments. The occasion of Human Rights Day is an added advantage for ensuring access to toilets which is a basic human right and would aligned with global goals like Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-6.
The program for celebration of ‘World Toilet Day’ Campaign 2024 was organized by the Community Development Block Prothrapur in the Conference Hall of the Panchayat Samiti Prothrapur. Shri. Vasant Prasad Dabholkar, IAS (P) as the chief guest urged the Gram Panchayats of A&N Islands to always remain focused towards maintenance of clean and green Islands as well as ensure welfare of the sanitary workers who are playing crucial role for maintaining cleanliness in the rural areas of this UT.
During the celebration of World Toilet Day Campaign as per the direction of the Secretary (RD/Panchayat), launch of a movement for enrolment of Sanitary workers under Social Security schemes like PMJJBY and PMSBY was done by the chief guest. The State Bank of India being the Lead Bank of A&N Islands has provided all necessary support for extension of Social Security schemes to the sanitary workers. The Registration Certificates of aforesaid schemes were distributed by the chief guest to 10 Sanitary workers of the Gram Panchayat Sippighat, Calicut and Beodnabad on pilot bases. This movement will be taken ahead to the other Gram Panchayats of this UT.
Subsequently, the chief guest distributed the Sanction Orders for construction of Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs) to the beneficiaries of Gram Panchayat Sippighat, Calicut and Beodnabad out of total sanctioned 81 IHHLs for beneficiaries of all Gram Panchayats of Prothrapur Block. The Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti Prothrapur felicitated the beneficiaries of IHHL who have been nicely maintaining their sanction toilet and working as factor of motivation to other for usage of toilet. The Pradhan Gram Panchayat Calicut was felicitated for maintenance of maximum number of clean and hygienic CSCs. The Up-Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti Prothrapur distributed raincoats to the Sanitary workers and the Gram Pancahayt Beodnabad was provided with two Fire-extinguishers for the Solid Waste Management Cluster. Smti. Champa Das, Pramukh Panchayat Samiti Prothrapur and Shri. Sathya Narayan, Up-Pramukh Panchayat Samiti Prothrapur were the guests of honour. Smti. Joythi, Pradhan Sippighat and Shri. T Yaghabaram, Pradhan Calicut were also present in the program.
At the outset, Smt. Gurjeet Kaur, Block Development Officer welcomed all dignitaries and participants in the program and brief about the objective of celebration of World Toilet Day Campaign. It was informed to all that the UT of Andaman and Nicobar Islands has already sanctioned and made 18633 Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs) & 358 Community Sanitary Complexes (CSCs) and attained Open Defecation Free+ (ODF+) status. Now, the UT is focused to sustain the ODF+ status with effective management of Solid and Liquid waste. All the Gram Panchayats are effectively working towards management of waste generated in the rural areas of this UT and in this action the sanitary workers engaged by the Panchayats are playing a vital role.
At the end, Smti. Champa Das, Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti Prothrapur express gratitude to the Department of RD/Panchayat for piloting the enrolment of sanitary workers under Social Security schemes from the Gram Panchayts under Panchayat Samiti Prothrapur.

 

Port Blair, Dec 01: A&N Traffic Police has urged all commercial vehicle owners/drivers to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989, which mandate the display of vehicle registration marks and related information in a conspicuous and standardized manner. To enhance accountability and address traffic congestion effectively, the following additional directive is being emphasized:
• Contact Details for Commercial Vehicles, as per Motor Vehicle Act/Rule which allows for the inclusion of supplementary vehicle details for operational efficiency, all commercial vehicles are required to prominently display the owner’s or driver’s contact number on the vehicle. This shall be affixed on both sides and the rear of the vehicle in a legible manner using durable material.
• Advisory for Private (Own Use) Vehicles while this rule specifically applies to commercial vehicles, the Traffic Police has advised owners/drivers of private vehicles to voluntarily affix their contact details.
This measure will facilitate communication with the vehicle owner or driver particularly when vehicles are left unattended, obstructing traffic or causing inconvenience during peak hours or emergencies to avoid being towed away by Traffic Police which sometimes cause minor damage to the vehicle.

 

Port Blair, Dec 01: Upon Promulgation of Andaman and Nicobar Value Added Tax Regulation, 2017, and Value Added Tax Rules, 2020, the following goods fall under the purview of Value Added Tax in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
• Petroleum Products: Petroleum Crude, high Speed Diesel, High Speed Diesel (Ship), Petrol , Natural Gas, Aviation Turbine Fuel.
• Alcoholic Beverages: Including Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL), and Beer.
Dealers trading in these goods are strictly required to adhere to VAT Regulation, including issuance of proper tax invoices upon request by consumers as per Section 50 of the A&N VAT Regulation. Further, the dealers are required to maintain records as per Section 48(6) of the A&N VAT Regulation.
Consumers have been advised to ensure that they receive tax invoices for every purchase of the aforementioned goods. These invoices must include:
• The word “Tax Invoice” prominently displayed.
• Details such as the names, addresses, and registration numbers of the selling registered dealer.
• The name and address of the purchaser and his registration number, where the purchaser is a registered dealer.
• A unique invoice number, date, description, quantity, and value of goods sold, along with applicable tax details.

 

Port Blair, Dec 01: The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) has been actively working towards advancing gender equality and addressing issues of inequity through its targeted gender interventions since 2017.
The gender programme under DAY-NRLM has been building institutional mechanisms at the Community Level to respond to issues of gender and create awareness among various stakeholders. To achieve this, the Ministry of Rural Development had launched an annual Gender Campaign named ‘Nayi Chetna- Pehal Badlav Ki’ on Nov. 25, 2022 on the occasion of ‘International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women’.
The 3rd Chapter of this Campaign – Nayi Chetna 3.0 was launched by the Ministry of Rural Development on Nov. 25, 2024. The campaign aims to focus on three key pillars with the goal of eliminating gender-based violence and discrimination through convergent action led by SHG Women-
• Strengthening gender responsive local institutions (Women’s collectives, PRIs, Community Institutions).
• Local and National Interdepartmental Convergence enhancing access to rights and entitlements and support services.
• Enhanced leadership of Women advocating for Gender Equality.
In accordance with the same, the Director (RD/ Panch.)/ State Mission Director (ANIRLM), Smt. Sapna Priya launched the National Gender Campaign on Nov. 29 in this UT under DAY-NRLM in the presence of Officials of Rural Development, Block Development Officers attached to C.D Block Ferrargunj, Prothrapur, Officials from Directorate of Education, Officials from State Mission Management Unit & Block Mission Management, Community Resource Persons and Leaders of Model Cluster Level Federations formed in C.D Block Ferrargunj and Prothrapur.
The Director (RD/ Panch.)/ State Mission Director (ANIRLM) briefed the gathering about the importance of gender equality and addressing gender based violence against women.
The officials and representatives of Model Cluster Federations from both the Blocks discussed and highlighted various issues regarding Drugs/ Alcohol Prohibition, Domestic Violence, Importance of Girl Education, Sexual Harassment at Workplace, Dowry Related Violence etc.
The Andaman and National Rural Livelihoods Mission (ANIRLM) attached to the Directorate of RD, PRIs and ULB’s, A&N Administration, Marine Hill, Sri Vijaya Puram is implementing DAY-NRLM Scheme and is conducting various programmes to address gender based violence at State, Block and Gram Panchayat Levels with the support of Line Departments namely Directorate of Social Welfare, Directorate of Education, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Police Department, NGO and other institutions.
The aforesaid campaign is being organized in all the Blocks of this UT wherein Rallies on different themes to raise awareness amongst women to know their legal rights and where to register complaints in the event of any Gender Based Violence. The Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) has been set up at various level to support/ help women facing gender discrimination. Also, the Self-Help Groups, Village Organizations and Model Cluster Level Federations are conducting regular meeting to discuss and address the gender based violence in their respective areas.

 

Port Blair, Dec 01: As part of the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), two significant events were organized at Car Nicobar and Katchal to raise awareness and promote active participation in the fight against tuberculosis (TB). A TB Screening Health Camp was held yesterday at J.N.V School, Arong, Car Nicobar, which was led by Dr. Anwar Moosa, District TB Officer, DTC Nicobar District / CMO-BJR Hospital. Approximately 72 students from classes VIII, IX, and X were screened for TB. Following the screening, Dr.Moosa conducted an informative session on TB control strategies, stressing the importance of early detection, treatment adherence, and reducing stigma.
A training-cum-awareness programme was also conducted today at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Katchal, under the guidance of Dr. Rubeena Yousuf, Medical Officer. The session aimed to educate health workers on TB causes, symptoms, types, contact tracing, diagnostic tests, and drug side effects. Participants, including CHOs, ANMs, Male Health Workers, and PHN staff at PHC Katchal, were encouraged to identify symptoms early and support individuals affected by TB.
These initiatives reflect the continued commitment of the National TB Elimination Programme in fostering healthier communities and supporting the national goal of eradicating tuberculosis.

 

Port Blair, Dec 01: A firing practice will be carried out by Coast Guard at Chinthe Long Range on Dec. 6 from 9.30 am to 5 pm. Similarly, firing practice will be carried out by Coast Guard at Baffle Range on Dec. 18 from 9.30 am to 5 pm.
All concerned have been informed that to keep themselves and their vehicles and livestock away from the firing area during mentioned dates and times.

Port Blair, Dec 01: All concerned have been informed that the Govt. of India has rolled out Goods & Services Tax (GST) w.e.f. 01.07.2017 on Goods and Services across the country including the Union Territory Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The GST Facilitation Centre (GST Suvidha Kendra) is in operation since June 2017 and Help Desks have also been opened in Common Services Centres, A&N Islands to help taxpayers with GST compliance including GST Registration, GST Return Filing, Refund etc.

All registered Taxpayers requiring any assistance with GST related queries can approach the UTGST Department at new Office premises in the ground floor of Old Zilla Parishad Building, Zilla Nivas complex, opp. Govt. RBV School, Sri Vijaya Puram, Phone number 03192-203064/203065 for free assistance.

 

Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 01: The Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council (SVPMC) in collaboration with the Navodaya Foundation, Atal Foundation, CASA Andaman, and GIZ India, launches a series of innovative initiatives viz., Bartan Bank, Electrical Refurbishing Program, promotion of RRR (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) Centre, aimed at promoting sustainable waste management and resource optimization under the theme “Swapping Plastic, Sharing Resources, and Spreading Colors.”
The initiatives include the Bartan Bank, a sustainable drive aimed at reducing single-use plastic by encouraging the community to borrow and return reusable utensils, thereby promoting eco-friendly practices. The Electrical Refurbishing program focuses on refurbishing and reusing electrical appliances, which helps reduce e-waste and supports a circular economy. The RRR (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) Centre serves as a hub for collecting and distributing reusable items such as clothes, books, and household goods, fostering a culture of sharing and minimizing landfill waste. Additionally, the Spreading Colors initiative transforms public spaces through vibrant wall paintings, turning grey areas into visually appealing landmarks that enhance the community’s aesthetic appeal.
The launch event is scheduled for 1st December 2024 (Sunday) at 3:00 p.m. at Marina Road. The event will be graced by Mr. Sudeep Rai Sharma, Chairperson of SVPMC, and Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, who will attend as the Guest of Honour.
These initiatives aim to engage the community in sustainable practices, reduce waste, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of public spaces. Spearheaded by the 3R Team and the Swachhta Awareness Team (SAT), the campaign aligns with the broader goals of Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0, working towards making Sri Vijaya Puram a cleaner, greener, and more resource-efficient city.

 

Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 01: The Office of the Sub-Registrar/Additional District Magistrate, South Andaman has informed the general public of the A&N Islands about the enhancements made to the online land registration system for all land-related deeds.
To improve public convenience and streamline the registration process, the number of online registration slots available for registering all types of deeds in the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) has been increased from 8 slots to 12 slots per day.
This enhancement aims to reduce overcrowding, ease the rush for registrations, provide earlier appointment dates, ensure faster and smoother registration services, and enable timely processing and disposal of all deeds. The updated facility will be available to the public from Dec. 2, 2024 on all working days (Monday to Friday), and citizens can book their registration slots through the official NGDRS online portal. The A & N Administration remains committed to delivering efficient and citizen-friendly services to the residents of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.