The True Mirror of A & N Islands
Sri Vijayapuram, Jan 23: Admiral DK Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands and Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency along with Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration reviewed presentation of A&N Administration on Marine and Civil works related Projects for various Ports including proposed Deep Water Port at Atlanta Bay and other planned Projects that could be potentially taken up through Sagarmala Scheme.
Sri Vijayapuram, Jan 23: Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse during her visit to A&N Islands on January 22 & 23, met Admiral DK Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands and Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency at Raj Niwas today. Hon’ble Lt. Governor apprised the Minister about the potential for Sports Projects in the Islands and provision of world-class facilities for athletes, fostering sports infrastructure development and promoting the region as a hub for sporting excellence, especially as Islands athletes have brought great pride to India internationally with their achievements in Cycling. Particular emphasis was laid on talent spotting & grooming of youth in traditional skills like Archery & Swimming among the Tribal Population.
Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 23: In a decisive move to root out corruption, the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) successfully conducted a trap operation leading to the arrest of a Surveyor, Revenue Department, Sri Vijaya Puram, on 21st January 2025. The accused was apprehended while demanding and accepting an illegal gratification of ₹40,000/- in connection with the demarcation of land at Prothrapur.
Acting on a written complaint received by the Unit, a dedicated trap team was formed under the leadership of Inspector Rahul, SHO, PS ACU, and included Inspector A. Usman, Sub-Inspector Shibendra Nath Halder, and other personnel: HC/311 Sanju Kr. Kullu, HC/519 S. Siva Kumar, HC/1516 D. Ajay Kumar, and PC/2214 Anil Yadav. The operation was conducted in the presence of two independent witnesses to ensure transparency.
The team proceeded to Dollygunj, where the accused arrived in a red Maruti Brezza (registration number AN01 R 0335). Upon receiving the pre-arranged signal from the complainant, the ACU team swiftly intercepted the accused. Both the complainant and an independent witness confirmed that the accused had demanded and accepted the bribe. The tainted currency notes were recovered, sealed, and seized in the presence of witnesses, following all necessary legal formalities.
The accused, M. Krishna, 53 years, was subsequently brought to the Anti-Corruption Police Station along with the seized evidence. An FIR has been registered under No. 01/25 dated 21/01/25 under Sections 7 and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018). He was later arrested and produced before the Court on 22nd January 2025, where he was remanded to judicial custody.
The entire operation was conducted under the close supervision of Mr. Manish Kumar, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy.SP), ACU, and the overall guidance of Mr. Jitendra Kumar Meena, IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Anti-Corruption Unit.
This successful operation underscores the unwavering commitment of the Anti-Corruption Unit to eliminate corruption and ensure accountability within public services. Citizens are encouraged to report any incidents of corruption to the ACU, to Mr. Jitendra Kumar Meena, IPS, Sr. Superintendent of Police, Anti-Corruption Unit on his mobile No. 9434288536, 240840(0), Mr.. Manish Kumar, Dy.SP(AC) Mob. No. 9899712807 and Inspector Rahul, SHO, PS ACU Mob. No. 9474232161, 244698(0) as to continue to uphold transparency and justice.
Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 23: A delegation of CPI (M) Andaman & Nicobar State Organising Committee comprising its Secretary D. Ayyappan and State Secretariat Members D. Laxman Rao and Dr Gouranga Majhi on (23.1.2025) met the Chief Secretary, Andaman & Nicobar Administration and presented a copy of the resolutions adopted in the recently held 2-day Andaman & Nicobar State Conference of the Party. Party delegation also submitted a separate letter addressed to the Chief Secretary by D. Ayyappan, Secretary, CPI (M) urging the Administration to keep the functioning of the Deemed University in abeyance till the issue is discussed with all stakeholders including political parties in the islands. Copies of the three letters sent to the Lt Governor and Government of India earlier by D. Ayyappan, Secretary, CPI (M) opposing the establishment of the Deemed University were also submitted to the Chief Secretary. CPI (M) has pointed out that not only a Deemed University was imposed on the islanders, but also the 7 Government Colleges presently functioning in the islands (JNRM, Port Blair, MG Govt. College, Mayabunder, ANCOL, Port Blair, TGCE, Port Blair, DBRAIT, Dollygunj, Andaman Law College and ANIIMS) have been brought under the Deemed University through a gazette notification, a practice never followed in any State or Union Territory in the country.
CPI (M) had already stated in detail the adverse impact on the students of these islands particularly those belonging to economically weaker sections, with the establishment of the Deemed University. CPI (M) further said that the ambiguity of the status and role of teachers and employees working in the colleges haunt them ever since the colleges they work have been brought under the Deemed University.
The CPI (M) delegation also discussed with the Chief Secretary the scarcity of fertilizers, seeds, etc for farmers in the islands and urged him to intervene in the matter as the farmers are facing difficulty to get the agriculture inputs.
Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 23: The Andaman Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee observed the 128th Birth Anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose with great fervor and patriotism at the Congress Office in Port Blair.
The program commenced with the ANTCC President, Mr. Rangalal Halder, Campaign Committee Chairman, Mr. TSG Bhasker and Party Leaders garlanding the portrait of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. This was followed by floral tributes offered by Ex-MP Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Senior leaders of the Party, ANTCC Spokesperson, Leaders of Frontal Organizations, Mahila Leaders, PBMC Councillors, Zilla Parishad Members, and PRI Members.
The event highlighted the immense contributions of Netaji to India’s freedom struggle, inspired the gathering to uphold his ideals of courage, sacrifice, and dedication to the nation.
The program concluded with a pledge to follow the path of Netaji and work tirelessly for the development and welfare of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 23: Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, inaugurated the newly constructed Panchayat Bhawan at Wandoor village in a ceremony attended by senior officials and local residents. Accompanying the Chief Secretary were Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman; Mr. Prijith Rekh, Chief Engineer, APWD; and Mr. Thej Bahadur, Superintending Engineer, APWD.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar emphasized the pivotal role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in grassroots governance and rural development. He highlighted the importance of proactive participation by Panchayats in identifying and addressing the needs of the community, ensuring effective implementation of government schemes, and promoting transparency and accountability.
The Chief Secretary stated that the Panchayat Bhawan is a significant step towards strengthening decentralized governance and bringing administration closer to the people. He urged the Panchayat members to utilize the new facility to foster inclusive development, address local grievances effectively and serve as a hub for community engagement and empowerment.
He further stressed the importance of Panchayats in enabling participatory planning and implementation of schemes related to rural infrastructure, sanitation, health, education, and livelihood generation. The Chief Secretary also encouraged local bodies to leverage technology for better service delivery and data-driven decision-making and underlined the critical role of PRIs in fostering sustainable development at the grassroots level. He assured the Administration’s full support in capacity-building initiatives and ensuring resources for effective functioning of the Panchayats.
The new Panchayat Bhawan, constructed by the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD), features modern amenities designed to improve efficiency and accessibility of the Panchayat administration. With the inauguration of this state-of-the-art facility, the Wandoor Panchayat is set to play a more dynamic role in enhancing the quality of life for residents and contributing to the socio-economic growth of the region.
I extend warm greetings to the people of Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Foundation Day.
This day serves as a tribute to the State’s unmatched cultural heritage and its significant contributions to the nation’s diversity and progress. Revered as “The Heartland of India”, Uttar Pradesh is home to iconic religious and historical landmarks, including Agra, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, Vrindavan, and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, all of which reflect India’s rich history and spiritual legacy.
As we celebrate this day, let us honor the vibrant traditions, enduring values, and remarkable achievements of this extraordinary land. The people of Uttar Pradesh continue to play pivotal role in shaping India’s journey towards growth and prosperity.
On this special occasion, I extend my heartfelt wishes to the people of the State, including those residing in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. May this day bring joy, unity, and inspiration to all, as we strive towards the Prime Minister’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’.
Sd/-
(Admiral DK Joshi)
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)
Lt. Governor, A & N Islands
&
Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency
Rabindranath Biswas
Basantipur, 23, January: The Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Basantipur Shri. Ramkrishna Roy grandly celebrated the 128th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose today.
The Pradhan, on this remarkable day also inaugurated a Library which was named after Iswar Chandra Vidya Sagar. The 1st floor of Basantipur Panchayat Office Building (opposite Panchayat Bhawan) was earmarked for the Iswar Chandra Vidya Sagar Library and which was formally inaugurated by Chief Guest Smti. Shibani Mazumder (Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti Mayabunder) and Guest of Honor Shri. Saleem Kerketta (Principal, GSSS Swadesh Nagar) in presence of other dignitaries in the morning hours today.
After the inaugural ceremony of Ishwar Chandra Vidya Sagar Library, all the invitees and general public of GP Basantipur gathered in the Zilla Parishad Vegetable Market, Nimbudera Bazar where the Chief Guest & Guest of Honor Pradhan, Pradhan, GP Basantipur, Officials of the Line Dept., eminent persons of the village garlanded the Portrait of Subhash Chandra Bose and gave floral tribute to Netaji. A cultural program was also held in the premises of Zilla Parishad Vegetable Market on this occasion.
Earlier, a number of sports were conducted in commemoration of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose by the Panchayat which started on 17th January 2025 and concluded on 22nd January. School students participated in the sports events. The prize distribution of the sports events as well as the cultural program was also held today, a source from GP, Basantipur, said.
Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 23: In a grand celebration of the Andaman and Nicobar Police Raising Day Week, the Police Line Parade Ground came alive with a spectacular “Cultural Night” and the traditional “Badakhana” on the evening of 22ndJanuary, 2025. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of the Director General of Police, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, IPS, along with senior police officers and personnel of various ranks from the A&N Police force.
The “Badakhana” event, a traditional feast symbolizing unity and togetherness, provided an opportunity for the police force to commemorate this special occasion. It highlighted the camaraderie, discipline, and shared sense of purpose that define the A&N Police force.
Adding to the evening’s grandeur, the “Cultural Night” featured vibrant performances by the Police Entertainment Team and the talented wards of the Police family. These captivating performances showcased the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, leaving the audience enthralled.
The evening’s festivities created an atmosphere of joy and celebration, providing a platform for officers and personnel to connect beyond their professional roles. The successful event underscored the essence of teamwork and the enduring spirit of the A&N Police force.
As the night concluded, it left behind cherished memories and a strengthened resolve among the police personnel to continue their commitment to excellence and service to the community.
Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 23: The Directorate of Social Welfare, under the banner Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) of the scheme National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), organized an awareness program on the “Ill Effects of Alcohol & Drug Abuse” at Govt. Senior Secondary School, Port Mout on 3rd January 2025, Government Modal Senior Secondary School, Aberdeen on 09th January 2025, Kamaraj English Medium School (Senior Secondary), Brookshabad on 13th January 2025 and Govt. Ser. Sec. School Mohanpura on 16th January 2025 Conducted in collaboration with IRCA South Andaman, Health Department, and A&N Police, the event sensitized over 717 students along with teachers on the harmful effects of substance abuse.
The programs featured sessions by Dr. M.K. Mahato (Doctor, IRCA-South Andaman), Mr. Rathindra Mallick (Psychologist Counselor, NTCP), and Mr. Sanjay Yadav (ASI, Anti-Narcotics). They emphasized the importance of creating a drug-free environment, early intervention, and legal measures to combat addiction. The sessions also highlighted practical strategies, raised awareness about the COTPA Act, and underscored the availability of the 112 helpline for counseling, support, and reporting drug-related concerns.
Earlier the Principal of the concerned schools in their welcome address were thankful to the administration for organizing such an awareness programme and the Nodal Teacher of the respective school proposed a vote of thanks.
The Social Welfare Department extends its heartfelt thanks to the schools for making excellent arrangements to ensure the success of this program.