Archives for January 2025

I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Shri. Mangal Sain Malhotra ji.

His century-long life was a testament to resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to serving society.

Through his remarkable contributions to the Indian Army and Andaman & Nicobar Administration, he touched countless lives and left behind an enduring legacy.

May his soul rest in eternal peace. His wisdom, kindness, and selfless service will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time of profound loss.

Yours in Grief,

Kuldeep Rai Sharma
Former Member of Parliament
Andaman and Nicobar Islands

 

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 08: The Draft University Grants Commission Regulations 2025 contains a provision, which is a direct assault on the rights of states on the question of selecting Vice Chancellors in state-run universities.

In a press release today Mr. Muralidharan, of CPI(M) Central Committee office said that the guideline gives the Governor-cum-Chancellor the power to appoint the three-member Selection Committee in which the Chancellor’s nominee will also be the Chairperson. This is happening in the background of Governors acting arbitrarily in appointing Vice Chancellors in some opposition-ruled states.

The state government will have no say in who is being appointed in the Selection Committee. At one stroke, through these guidelines, the Centre can appoint Vice Chancellors of its choice in all state-run universities through the Governors-cum-Chancellors.

The release added that these draft regulations violate the Constitutional position, wherein education is a concurrent subject. “All democratic sections, including the non-BJP state governments, should unitedly oppose this dangerous provision. It should be withdrawn”, the release mentioned.

 

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 08: An eviction drive was carried out at Calicut village which targeted fresh encroachments on government revenue land.
During the drive, three temporary structures with fencing, intended for residential purposes found on the encroached land, covering approximately 1000 sq. mtrs, were promptly removed, and the land was restored to its original status.
The District Administration, South Andaman reiterates its commitment to protecting government land and ensuring its rightful use. Citizens are urged to refrain from engaging in unauthorized encroachments and to cooperate with the administration in maintaining the integrity of public property. For any concerns, complaints, or information related to encroachments, the public can reach out to the District Control Room through the following channels Phone Numbers: 03192-240127, 03192-238881, 1070 WhatsApp: 9531888844. The District Administration, South Andaman assures all informants that their identities will remain strictly confidential to ensure their safety and security.

 

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 8: The Directorate of Industries, A&N Administration is imparting one year training in the trade ‘Carpentry’, ‘General Engineering’, ‘Cane & Bamboo’ & ‘Tailoring & Garment Making’ through the Department Training Centre at Sri Vijay Puram & other Outstation establishments.
The Department has received applications from candidates for undergoing training in the aforesaid trade for the year 2024-25 at Sri Vijaya Puram. The Department has provisionally selected 25 candidates along with 10 waiting list candidates for the said trade, which has been displayed in the Notice Board of Directorate of Industries, Udyog Parisar, Middle Point.
All the provisionally selected candidates along with waiting list candidates have been requested to carry the original certificates, provide the self-attested copy of relevant certificates, already communicated within seven days of the publication of the press note for completing the codal formalities to Training Cell of the Directorate of Industries. Failure to submit the documents and complete the codal formalities within the stipulated time shall result in cancellation of their selection.

 

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 8: A Draft Policy on ‘Comprehensive Development of Fisheries in A&N Islands’ has been prepared by the Directorate of Fisheries, A&N Administration as part of the commitment for sustainable utilization of marine fisheries resources and realizing the potential areas of Mariculture, coastal aquaculture and freshwater aquaculture. The document covers developmental aspects of Marine Fisheries, Fishing Technology, Post-Harvest Handling and Processing, Aquaculture, Capacity Building and Fisheries Management.
The Draft Policy is placed in the public domain seeking suggestions/comments/inputs from General Public, Fisheries Stakeholders, Fisheries Institutes, various Departments of A & N Administration etc. The Draft Policy is available in the official website of A&N Administration https://andaman.gov.in. All valuable comments/suggestions/inputs may be submitted in writing to Directorate of Fisheries, A&N Administration, Sri Vijaya Puram or through email to dirfish.and@nic.in within a period of 30 days from the date of publication.

 

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 8:The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), a flagship event by the Government of India, is taking place in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from January 8 to 10, 2025. The event aims to strengthen ties with the Indian diaspora and celebrate their contributions to the nation’s development.
The biennial event, which saw its 17th edition held in Indore in January 2023, is expected to draw around 4,000 delegates from across the globe. The theme of this year’s PBD aligns with India’s commitment to fostering cultural, economic, and diplomatic connections with the Indian diaspora.
The event will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on January 9, commemorating the historic return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India on this day in 1915. The valedictory session on January 10 will be graced by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, who will confer the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award. Adding a global dimension, dignitaries of Indian origin from various countries will attend the event as chief guests, further symbolizing the unity and strength of the Indian diaspora.
The Tourism Department of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration is also participating in the event. The Department has set up a promotional stall to showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage, national monuments, and tourism initiatives. This initiative is expected to attract global attention to the unique offerings of the Islands.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas serves as a vital platform to honor the contributions of non-resident Indians and explore avenues for collaboration in various fields, including trade, technology, and culture. Bhubaneswar, known for its heritage and vibrant culture, provides the perfect backdrop for this significant event.

 

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 8: The Elder Helpline 14567 has started functioning at WCD Control Room Building, VIP Road, Sri Vijaya Puram. This Helpline is dedicated to resolve issues related to senior citizens, ensuring their well-being and providing support and information. The Helpline has been initiated and funded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, Senior Citizen Division and operate from 8 am to 8 pm on all days of the week.
It has two key components, a Connect Centre/Call Centre that has Officers, who empathizes with the senior citizen and understand the problem faced by the senior citizen and field support that takes care of ‘on the field’ intervention that is required out of the service requested by the senior citizen.
The Social Welfare Director has appealed to the Senior Citizens, their caregivers or anybody representing the senior citizen to call and avail the Elder Line for various services which include (i) Information related to eldercare service providers, pension, elderly Govt. schemes, benefits etc, based on the caller’s requirements (ii) Guidance – guide senior citizens on pension (Social security pension) related issues (iii) Emotional support – the team would offer counseling support and if required, connect with partners specialized in those fields (for eg. Physiotherapists, Psychiatrists etc) (iv) Rescue & Reunion of Homeless Elderly – the team will facilitate the rescue of homeless senior citizens and arrange for their accommodation in Old Age Homes and facilitate the process towards reuniting the elder persons with the family and the problems and grievances of senior citizens are expected to be resolved expeditiously and help them age with dignity and joy.

 

 

Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 31:The Labour Department of Andaman and Nicobar Administration has urged all employers of establishments engaging gig workers to ensure the registration of their workers on the e-Shram portal. Additionally, all gig workers across the Islands have been urged to register themselves on the portal. This national initiative by the Ministry of Labour and Employment aims to create a comprehensive database of unorganized workers, including gig workers, to facilitate their access to various social security schemes and benefits. A Gig Worker means “a person who participates in a work arrangement and earns from such activities outside of a traditional employer-employee relationship.” It includes most commonly, platform -based work where workers earn money by providing specific services, including freelancers, door-delivery services, food delivery services and e-commerce platforms,
The registration process on the e-Shram portal is entirely free of cost and requires only a few-minutes to complete.
Steps for Registration on the e-Shram Portal:
• Visit the official e-Shram portal at www.eshram.gov.in.
• Provide the necessary details of the gig workers, including their Aadhaar number, bank details and contact information.
• Complete the registration process by following the instructions provided on the portal.
The Labour Department has strongly appealed to all employers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to prioritize the registration of gig workers under their engagement. The Department has also urged every individual gig worker to ensure their name is registered on the e-Shram portal. This proactive step will enhance their social security and contribute to the sustainable development of the unorganized workforce in the region.
To facilitate the registration process, the Labour Department has established a Special Cell to provide guidance and support. For assistance, one may contact over Phone No.: 230157.