Archives for January 29, 2025

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 29: The Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council (SVPMC) has introduced user charges and strict penalties for the proper disposal of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste in accordance with the Solid Waste (Handling and Management) Bye-Laws, 2017. Under the provision of the Bye-Laws, all C&D waste generators must store C&D waste separately and contact SVPMC’s Control Room No.: 03192-231179. SVPMC will ensure waste pickup within seven days of generation and transport it to a designated storage cum transfer center. To facilitate this, SVPMC has established C&D Waste Storage Units controlled by concerned Road works Junior Engineers at Anarkali (Ward Nos. 01-08), AIR Road (Ward Nos. 01-08). VIP Road (Ward Nos. 10-13), Dairy Farm (Ward Nos. 09, 14-16), and Dollygunj (Ward Nos. 17-24).
To streamline the process, SVPMC has set user charges at 2900 per cubic meter/ton for collection and transportation, while violators who fail to properly segregate and dispose of C&D waste wll face a penalty of 5000 per ton. Residents can request waste pickup via an online form (https:/forms.gle/hUKAPÍGVEsrfixCT8), SVPMC’s official website (https://pbmc.gov.in/), or by calling the SVPMC Control Room at 03192 231179. Upon receiving a request, the concerned Road Works Junior Engineer will arrange for collection, and payments will be facilitated through a PoS machine issued by the Revenue Officer, SVPMC.
To ensure compliance, SVPMC’s Sanitary Inspectors will monitor adherence to these regulations and impose spot fines for violations. If a waste generator fails to comply, SVPMC may issue a notice and require the clearance of waste at designated locations or payment for its removal. SVPMC urges all citizens to adhere to these guidelines and contribute to maintaining a cleaner and more sustainable Sri Vijaya Puram. For further information, residents can contact SVPMC at 03192-231179 or visit SVPMC.gov.in.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 29:The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, inaugurated the ‘Avsar SHG Sales Counter’ today, marking a significant milestone in empowering Self Help Groups (SHGs) of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Rural Livelihood Mission (ANIRLM). The event held at the Departure Conclave of VSI Airport was attended by Shri Arjun Sharma, Secretary (RD), Shri Devender Yadav, Director of VSI, AAI and Smt. Sapna Priya, Director (RD).
This newly established sales counter is the second such initiative allotted to the SHG members under the A&N Administration and AAI’s collaboration. Located at the Departure Conclave, this counter offers a direct marketing platform where tourists can access and purchase a wide range of unique, locally made products crafted by the SHG members.
The Chief Secretary, while inaugurating the counter, expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of A&N Administration and AAI in providing SHGs with valuable opportunities for economic growth. “This Sales Counter at the Departure Conclave will not only boost the visibility of our local artisans but also provide tourists with a chance to take home a piece of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ rich cultural heritage,” he remarked.
The Secretary of RD acknowledged the importance of providing Self Help Groups with marketing platforms that not only enhance their economic opportunities but also help preserve the unique cultural identity of the Islands.
The Director, VSI Airport emphasized the significance of this initiative in providing a space where SHG members can directly engage with visitors, making their products accessible to a wider audience. “We are pleased to facilitate such an initiative, which supports the local economy and showcases the creativity and hard work of our community members,” he said.
The SHG members expressed their gratitude for the opportunity, highlighting that this new sales counter will open doors to a wider customer base and will significantly contribute to their financial independence. The AVSAR SHG Sales Counter is a beacon of hope for the local Self-Help Groups, providing a direct marketing channel and opening new avenues for their products. It is expected to foster a stronger local economy while promoting the cultural richness of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 29:The Grand Mahakumbh Mela is being held in Teerthraj Prayagraj, from Paush Purnima on January, 13, 2025 and will continue up to Mahashivratri on February 26, 2025. Kumbh holds a special place in Indian culture, known as ‘Sarvasiddhipradaha Kumbh’-the bestower of all siddhis. This grand event intricately weaves together India’s spiritual, religious, cultural, and social traditions. UNESCO has recognized Kumbh as an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’.
On the request of Department of Art & Culture, A&N Administration, the Directorate of IP&T has set up the UT’s Pavilion at the Mahakumbh Mela at Prayagraj to facilitate pilgrims from the Islands visiting the Mahakumbh Mela. In this regard, the Mahakumbh Mela Authorities at Prayagraj has allotted 5000 sq. ft. of land at Bharadwaj and Harihar Marg Chauraha, Sector – 7, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
Comprehensive arrangements have been made for the pilgrims participating in the Mahakumbh Mela from the UT of A&N Islands which includes 2 dormitories with 20 beds capacity for male and 10 for female, with separate toilets and bathrooms besides 3 beds in VIP room and 2 spare beds.
Apart from this, the Pavilion houses an Exhibition/Sale Counter of handicrafts /art / crafts/ goods etc. from the UT. To promote tourism potential of the Islands, pamphlets carrying information of the tourist sites are also being distributed to visitors.
General public/devotees from the Islands interested to partake in the Kumbh Mela have been appealed to avail the facilities available at the UT Pavilion. The UT pavilion also has Reception- cum – Help Desk facility for queries. For assistance, one may contact Shri Aman from Mid Shot Agency over Phone No. +919241889061 or Shri Kishore Kumar over +919920300737.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 29: 42nd Death Anniversary of veteran trade union leader Comrade PKS Prasad was observed throughout the Andaman & Nicobar Islands today (29th January, 2025). Main function was jointly organised by CITU and Non-Gazetted Govt. Officers’ Association at Crusade House premises at Phoenix Bay, Port Blair. KG Das, former General Secretary, Non-Gazetted Govt. Officers’ Association presided over the function. Addressing the gathering, he recalled the valiant struggles conducted by Com PKS Prasad in these islands. Speaking on the occasion, R. Surendran Pillai, President, CITU State Committee briefly explained the movements conducted by Com PKS Prasad since his arrival in these islands in 1964 on deputation from Nagpur.
Addressing the well-attended gathering, D. Ayyappan, Vice President, CITU State Committee and former General Secretary, NGOs’ Association said that even after 42 years of his death, Com PKS Prasad is remembered by the islanders which indicates the importance of the struggles Com PKS Prasad conducted for the workers and government employees in the islands. He said that wheatever benefits government employees and workers are enjoying now are the outcome of the struggles carried out by the Non-Gazetted Govt. Officers Association and trade unions under the leadership of Com PKS Prasad during the 1960s and 1970s.
RD Yadav, Vice President, Non-Gazetted Govt. Officers’ Association, Raj Kumar Saw, former leader of the Association and SP Kalairajan, Secretary, CITU State Committee also spoke on the occasion. Earlier in the evening, BC Bhattacharjee, Vice President, CITU State Committee hoisted the CITU flag at the Crusae House premises. Wreaths were laid at the martyrs memorial column of Com PKS Prasad at Crusade House premises by leaders of various trade unions, Association, etc. A large number of workers from trade unions and Association attended the programme.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 29: All Ration Card Holders of the UT who have their family members migrated to foreign countries for seeking job or are serving in other countries or have acquired foreign citizenship or have got Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card have been requested to inform the Department of CS&CA and get their names deleted from their Ration Cards immediately, failing which, strict action as per the provisions of PDS Control Order, 2015 shall be taken against the card holders without any further notice.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan.29: Impressive performances by bands of Army, Navy & A&N Police, Colourful cultural programme, illumination of ships and spectacular fire power display formed part of the ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony that marked the grand finale of the ‘Republic Day’ celebration-2025 at the historic Netaji Stadium here this evening.
The Chief Secretary (I/C), A&N Administration, Shri ASPS Raviprakash, IAS, was the chief guest on the occasion. Senior Officers from Defence & Civil Administration and a good number of general public witnessed the programme. The ceremony set out with the bands of Army, Navy and Police including A&N Ladies Police Pipe Band playing popular tunes. This was followed by the lowering of the National Flag.A combined colourful and mesmerizing cultural programme presented by school students of RBV, Haddo School, GSSS Bhatubasti and Girls School on patriotic theme drew loud applause from the audience present in the Stadium. As part of the ‘Beating Retreat’, Naval ships at the anchorage fired Vary’s Pistol and the fireworks illuminated the sky in front of the Stadium. This was followed by illumination of ships anchored between Marina Complex and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island. The Beating Retreat ceremony concluded with National Anthem.