Port Blair, Dec 15: A wheel chair has been donated by the management of M.V.Mark Marina to the tourism department to help the physically challenged Tourist who travel to this beautiful Islands and when they arrive at water sports complex find difficult to start from the gate and reach till the Boat as there was no facilities provided to them earlier.
An old resident of Mayabunder Passes away
Mayabunder, Dec 15: The president and Members of Malayalee Samajam Mayabunder have deeply mourned the death of EP Hamza, an old inhabitant of Mayabunder on 14th December 2015 at about 07.40 PM at Dr.R.P Hospital, Mayabunder he was aged 80 years.
The President and members of Kerala Samajam pray to almighty to give courage and strength to the bereaved family and eternal peace of the departed soul.
Death condoled
Port Blair, Dec 15: The President and al Members of AATO have deeply mourn the sudden and untimely demise of Mr G.T Chellian active Member of the Association and Proprietor of Andaman Padmini Travels. He passed away on Tuesday at GB Pant Hospital. In a release, the President, AATO, Mr M Vinod said that with the demise of GT Chellian, the association has lost a sincere and dedicated member. The members prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul and for enough strength for the members of the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.
Sri Lankan Tamil Settlers intensify protest in Andaman; Demand Proper Settlement Package
Sheekha Bureau
Port Blair, Dec 14 : Members of nearly 161 families of Sri Lankan Tamil Settlers have intensified their protest against Andaman and Nicobar Administration demanding a respectable package for their permanent settlement.
The Government of India under the rehabilitation package scheme under the Sasthri- Srimao Bandaranayaka pact of 1964 had settled 48 Sri Lankan Tamil families, in tribal Island, Katchal of Nicobar Groups, in the year 1974 and 1976 and given employment in daily wages in Andaman and Nicobar Plantation Rubber Board.
Over the years the Rubber Plantation became a loss making unit leaving these families, who are now total 161 in number, in total distress.
Moreover being a Tribal Island, for the third generation decedents of the Sri Lankan Tamil Settlers it has become impossible to carry out any kind of business or purchase a land for the secure future.
After 2004 Tsunami, life for these outsiders has become more difficult because of added restrictions over outsiders in the Tribal Island Katchal.
Demanding a permanent settlement package, like other groups of settlers have been given by the Government, these Sri Lankan Settlers had moved to court in 2010, after which the court had ordered the A & N Administration to prepare a proper settlement package for them but Andaman and Nicobar Administration failed to follow the order.
“We moved to court again in 2013 claiming contempt of court and after several years of fight now the Administration seems to have finalized a package for us which is nothing but peanuts for us and an eyewash for the court,” said Lawrence George Thomas, a member of Sri Lankan Settler family of Katchal.
Lawrence said that the present package reportedly planned by the local Administration offers them only a 200 sq mtr land with a one bedroom and kitchen house, built over 80 sq mtr of land and a job for one member of each family for just one year.
“This is nothing compared to the package given earlier to other settler families. Moreover the land allotted for our package is in remote Little Andaman Island, that too, in a very interior place,” he added.
To express their anger member of all members of 161 families have organised a protest on Friday last in Katchal Island.
“We don’t want temporary jobs in package. Give us adequate land for our settlement, which will become a permanent source of income for us,” said Haridas George Thomas, another protesting Sri Lankan Tamil Settler.
The four decades old struggle for these Sri Lankan Tamil Settlers in remote Islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been a very tiresome one but the Settlers are hopeful that near future they will surely get justice.
Harbour Master, PMB arrested on graft charges
Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, December 14: The Harbour Master of Port Management Board was today arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation, Port Blair after he was caught accepting bribe from a boat owner for the registration of his boat, in PMB Office.
Capt S Rupere, who is serving as the Harbour Master in the PMB was caught red-handed, it is learnt. Capt. S Rupere joined PMB on deputation from Navy and later retired from Navy but continued in PMB. His deputation is about to end in Jan 2016.
It is learnt that the complainant by profession is a boat owner at Havelock. The accused had reportedly asked the complainant for bribe to register his boat.
According to sources, today the Central Bureau of Investigation, Port Blair nabbed him while he was allegedly accepting the cash deposit receipt of Union Bank of India deposited in the accused bank account.
It is learnt that a team of CBI with two female staffs of Port Management Board also went in the house of the accused for investigating. Later the accused was taken to hospital for medical test.
A case under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered and the accused has been arrested and further investigation is on, it is learnt.
Zonal Exhibition organized at GMSSS Mayabunder
Port Blair, Dec 14: Zonal Level Science, Mathematics, Arts & Craft Exhibition was organised as a part of State Level Exhibition-Gyanodaya 2015 in a befitting manner at GMSSS, Maybunder in which 09 Government schools and 03 Private Schools of this zone participated with great zeal.
Dr. Francis Xavier, Principal, Jawahar Lal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya, Port Blair while inaugurating the Exhibition by lighting the traditional lamp appreciated the efforts taken by the Deputy Education Officer, Mayabunder in providing a platform for the young minds to maneuver their thoughts.
Students of all schools of Mayabunder Educational Zone witnessed the exhibition. After experiencing the efforts of school students the parents and the public were appreciative of the participating students.
The best exhibits, selected by a jury of judges will be displayed at the State Level Science, Mathematics and Environmental Education Exhibition, Gyanodaya 2015 at Port Blair during the first week of January 2016.
The Deputy Education Officer expressing his gratitude to each individual involved in organizing the event and appealing all students to intensively get involved in studies to excel in life and declare the exhibition close.
3rd or 5th page..
CAG to arrive on visit to Isles
Port Blair, Dec 14: Mr Shashi Kant Sharma, Comptroller & Auditor General of India is scheduled to arrive at Port Blair on Dec 15, 2015 on a six-day visit to the Islands. The itinerary of the CAG during his stay here includes visit to places of historical importance and tourist interest in and around Port Blair. On completion of visit, the CAG will leave for mainland on Dec 21.
Municipal Chairperson calls on PM, submits charter of demands to Chairman Finance Commission
Port Blair, Dec 14: The Chairperson, Municipal Council accompanied by the Member of Parliament met the Chairman of Fourth Finance Commission for Union Territories Mr.Narayanaswamy in Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi and submitted a charter of demands aimed at augmenting the devolution of funds that is allotted to the sole urban local body in the Union Territory.
During the meeting, the Chairperson requested the finance commission to maintain the current provision of 35% that was recommended by the third finance commission before and laid emphasis on following the recommendations of the finance commission by the UT administration in letter and spirit. She also stressed upon the Finance Commission of the challenges faced by the current municipal council due to the addition of new areas under PBMC and sought for funds under Non-Plan head for maintenance of roads and bridges, buildings, etc constructed by PBMC which includes 73 km existing road included in PBMC after delimitation. Apart from this main issue, the Chairperson PBMC also highlighted other key issues and sought for additional funds for Slum Improvement in the 27 Identified Slums Clusters in the city and for improving the prevailing sanitation scenario in the city under Swatch Bharat Mission to make Port Blair open defecation free during the mission period. The 4th finance commission assured to make specific recommendation on the above issues.
During the visit, the Chairperson, PBMC also called on the Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, Minister for Urban Development, Mr Venkaiah Naidu and Minister of Road, Highways and Transport, Mr Nitin Gadkari, Minister of State Home & Secretary Home (GOI).
Kuldeep congratulates Deborah
Port Blair, Dec 14: The PCC President Kuldeep Rai Sharma and all leaders have congratulated Ms Deborah Herold a resident of these islands for becoming the first Indian female cyclist to be ranked fourth in the world. Wishing her more glory in the field of cycling, Kuldeep has said that Deborah has proved herself a role model for all the youths of India and made the islanders proud of her.
Awareness Programme by ANCOL
Port Blair, Dec 14: Andaman College (ANCOL), Port Blair organized an awareness program on 14.12.2015 to provide a concrete means for addressing gender sensitization on the college campus in accordance with the guidelines issued by UGC. To implement the objectives of “SAKSHAM” ie measures for ensuring the Safety of Women and Programmes for Gender Sensitization on Campuses a cell was formed as “ANCOL SAKSHAM CELL”. Principal of the College nominated Dr Pusphavalli, HOD, English Department as the Incharge of the cell along with two members.
In her welcome address Dr Pusphavalli, HOD, English Department and Incharge of the SAKSHAM CELL said that the her team will ensure that every student and staff can work and study without fear of harassment and violence, and that too in an atmosphere of equality and dignity.
Earlier Principal of the college Dr R Dev Das highlighted on the importance of the formation of the Saksham Cell. He said that it’s s an important need to create safe and secure atmosphere in campuses. In order to achieve this, there is a need to change the mindset of the people in true spirit. Gender sensitization discussions and awareness programs should be made an integral part of public discourse in campuses in order to build awareness on the same.
The program ended with the vote of thanks by Dr Nazma Begum, Assistant Professor(Hindi)/member of the Saksham Cell.
Cultural evening at ASI enthrals big audience
Port Blair, Dec 14: An impressive cultural programme was organized by the Department of Art & Culture on Saturday at ASI Auditorium wherein the artists of Sur Saptak – A Musical Academy and Gauri Shankara Classical Dance Academy mesmerized the audience with their excellent presentation of classical dances and music. The classical rendition by Carnatic vocalist Mr Chandra Mohan also kept the audience spell bound. The cultural evening drew lot of applause from the audience. Mr Anish, Guru, Mr Gauri Shankar Classical dance Academy choreographed the dance performances whereas musical programme of Sur Saptak –A Musical Academy was directed by Smt. Ananya Karak .
Smt Sheela Singh, Chairperson, Municipal Council was the chief guest of the function. She was delighted to enjoy the presentation of the artistes. She appreciated the effort of the Department of Art and Culture for providing opportunities to talented and upcoming artists of the islands to show case their talent. Earlier, Dr. R. Dev Das, Director (Art & Culture) in his welcome address highlighted various initiatives taken up by the Department for the promotion of art and culture in these islands. Dr. Rashida Iqbal, Assistant Director (Art & Culture) proposed the vote of thanks.