John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, September 22: In a bid to counter the continuous press conferences held by the Congress party, Mr. Ajoy Bairagi, the State President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Mr. Vishal Jolly, BJP’s National Executive Member and former State President, led a press conference today at the BJP State Office located at Shyama Prasad Mukerjee Bhawan, Middle Point.
The conference saw the presence of prominent BJP leaders, including Mr. K Ramdas, State General Secretary, and Dr. Devdas, State Secretary. The primary objective of this press conference was to respond to what the BJP perceived as unfounded allegations raised by the Congress Party, both at the national level and concerning the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
One of the central issues addressed during the conference was the deplorable condition of NH4 in North and Middle Andaman, which has been a major concern for the local population over the past couple of years. Mr. Bairagi conveyed that the BJP had taken this issue seriously and had raised it with the BJP High Command and Mr. Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India in New Delhi.
A detailed letter accompanied by photographs highlighting the dire state of NH-4 was submitted to the Minister. Additionally, the problem was also brought to the attention of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, leading to a meeting with National Highways Officials and the NH road contractor. During this meeting, the contractor assured that the existing 3.5 KM road stretch between Baratang to Rangat (54 KM), Nimbutala Jungle (11 KM), and Billiground would be made motorable, addressing all potholes.
He claimed that the Chief Secretary also pledged to provide all possible assistance to complete the work. While the contractor managed to complete approximately 08 to 10 KM of work, they failed to fulfill their promise. Heavy monsoon rains exacerbated the road’s condition, making it even worse.
Recently, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) assigned work to three new contractors to repair potholes and one contractor for major repairs. A total of four contractors are currently working on the project. The existing tender for the Baratang to Rangat road work will be canceled within a month, and officials have assured that the re-tendering process will commence by January 2024. The forest clearance for the 11 KM Nimbudera Jungle stretch will be obtained within a month, and the work is expected to be completed by March 2024, as per NHIDCL’s commitment.
Mr. Vishal Jolly, BJP’s National Executive Member and former State President, emphasized the party’s dedication to serving the people. He underscored that the Bharatiya Janata Party is continually striving for the welfare of the underprivileged and recently met Mr. Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, GoI. During the meeting, the BJP delegation presented a comprehensive account of NH-4’s lamentable condition, complete with facts and figures.
In response, the Union Minister directed the authorities of NHIDCL to expedite the process of canceling tenders awarded to the contractors responsible for the current state of NH-4. Fresh tenders will be called for immediately, and repairs will be carried out on various stretches of NH-4 as necessary.
Mr. Jolly also highlighted the suffering and mental anguish of commuters in North & Middle Andaman District, specifically pointing out three main stretches with severely deteriorated conditions: 22 KM between Baratang to Azad Hind Fauj, 12 KM beyond Rest Camp, and 10 KM between Kaushalya Nagar to Gate No 15.
Furthermore, Mr. Jolly provided an update on government job recruitment, noting that the Governor and Chief Secretary are diligently working to fill 5,000 vacant positions before the end of this year.
Member of Parliament demands to reschedule Physical Endurance Test for the Post of Mazdoor
Port Blair, Sept 22: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) to reschedule the physical test for the post of Mazdoor to a more suitable and convenient date, which does not coincide with the Meelad-un-Nabi celebrations.
In a letter written to the PCCF the Member of Parliament mentioned that the said physical test is currently scheduled to take place on 29th September 2023 but on 29th September2023, the Muslim brothers and sisters of the Islands will celebrate Meelad-un-Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Muhammed SAW.
He added that this is an occasion of profound spiritual significance for our Muslim brothers and sisters, and it is observed with great devotion and reverence throughout these Islands.
“On this day, special religious gatherings and ceremonies are held, drawing large numbers of believers who participate in prayers, processions, and community events. Given that a substantial number of candidates in the list of aspirants for the Mazdoor position also belong to the Muslim community, it is expected that a significant portion of them will be actively participating in these religious activities,” he added.
Considering the importance of both the physical endurance test and the religious observance, the Member of Parliament requested the PCCF to reschedule the physical test for the post of Mazdoor to a more suitable and convenient date, which does not coincide with the Meelad-un-Nabi celebrations.
R Alager Swami expresses Gratitude towards Transport Director for New Bus Allocation
Vikramaditya
Baratang Island, September 22: Mr. R. Alager Swami, the Zila Parishad member of Baratang Island has expressed his sincere appreciation to the Director of State Transport Services for the allocation of a new bus to Baratang Island, out of the 14 new buses inaugurated today.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, Mr. Alager Swami revealed that he had tirelessly pursued this matter with the Director of Transport Services, presenting the island’s need for enhanced transportation options on multiple occasions. “I have been informed that one out of 14 new buses will be allocated for Baratang Island,” he added.
The Director of Transport Services, after considering Mr. Swami’s earnest appeals, had affirmed the allocation of new buses to Baratang Island. Mr. Alager Swami said that in fact, he had requested three buses to improve the transportation infrastructure and restore normalcy to the region’s commuting woes.
While the allocation of one new bus is undoubtedly a welcome development, Mr. Swami underscored the necessity of an additional two buses. One of these buses would provide direct service between Baratang and Rangat, while the other would serve the route between Baratang and Diglipur. These vital routes have remained non-operational for more than one year, in stark contrast to the past when buses used to ply daily between Baratang and Diglipur, as well as Baratang and Rangat.
Big Relief for Selected candidates of various recruitment exams; Appointment Letter to be handed over During Rozgar Mela on September 25th
John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, September 21: In a significant move towards addressing unemployment and providing job opportunities to the youths of these Islands, the Andaman and Nicobar administration is set to organize a grand ‘Rozgar Mela’ on September 25th at 11 AM. The event will take place at the Auditorium of DBRAIT, where it is believed that approximately 1000 appointment letters will be handed over to selected candidates joining various government departments. As per sources, the Lt. Governor of A & N Islands, might personally hand over the appointment letters.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, Mr. C. Arvind, DANICS Secretary (Personal), stated that on September 25th, 2023, appointment letters will be distributed for 530 LGC positions, 254 Education Teacher roles, 47 Junior Engineers in the Power sector, 112 positions in APWD, 36 in the Police department, and multiple Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) positions. The final results for the LGC posts have already been published, and the qualified candidates from the Education, APWD, Power, and MTS categories will receive their appointment letters on the same day. Regarding the recent objections and queries related to MTS Matric level posts, they will be thoroughly examined once the process for LGC posts is completed. He said that the administration aims to release appointment orders for Matric level positions and the waiting list by the end of December 2023.
Member of Parliament demands Swift Replacement of TV Kulam Bridge for Public Convenience
Port Blair, Sept 21: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, to replace the deteriorating TV Kulam Bridge in Swadesh Nagar on priority.
The TV Kulam Bridge was recently closed for all regular traffic and pedestrian use due to extensive corrosion and safety concerns raised by experts from IIT Guwahati.
While acknowledging the importance of prioritizing public safety, the Member of Parliament, in his letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, has mentioned that the closure has caused considerable inconvenience to local residents.
He mentioned that the bridge, often considered a lifeline for the region, provided a valuable shortcut for daily commuters, saving time and ensuring safe travel. Its closure has forced residents to endure lengthy detours of approximately 6 to 8 kilometers daily, leading to significant disruptions.
In this regard he requested the Chief Secretary to expedite the replacement process by installing a new Bailey Bridge. This vital infrastructure project is not only expected to ease the challenges faced by the local community but also enhance overall well-being and convenience.
Sankalp Puja Committee’s Grand Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration in Calicut Hall Receives High Praise
Calicut, September 21: The Sankalp Puja Committee marked its second consecutive year organizing a spectacular Ganesh Chaturthi celebration at Calicut Community Hall. Running from September 19 to September 21, 2023, the committee left no stone unturned in ensuring a memorable experience for devotees.
Daily Annadanam and Bhog offerings were made available on the Community Hall premises, drawing thousands of devotees from across South Andaman. Their overwhelming appreciation poured in as they visited the beautifully adorned pandal.
One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of the Lord Ganesha idol, which captivated the audience with its exquisite craftsmanship. This remarkable arrangement was credited to the dedicated members of the Sankalp Puja Committee.
The event received a significant boost under the leadership of Calicut village Pradhan, Mr. T Yaghambaram, who earned applause from the general public for his valuable contributions.
Unpaid Salaries upset ITI Contractual Employees of Car Nicobar and Port Blair
John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, September 20: Approximately 22 contractual employees, serving as Vocational Instructors at the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) under the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, are facing severe financial distress as they have allegedly not received their salaries for the past six months. Among them, 14 are stationed in Car Nicobar, while seven are based in Port Blair.
A few employees, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared their plight with the Andaman Sheekha Daily. They expressed frustration over the continuous delay in salary payments, which has created extreme financial hardships for many of them. Some are struggling to support their families, meet daily expenses, cover medical bills for family members, pay EMIs, house rent, and fund their children’s higher education. Despite their pleas, they claim that the authorities have not provided a satisfactory response.
When Andaman Sheekha reached out to the concerned section of the ITI, an official mentioned that they had recently received approval from the administration in this regard. He assured that the pending salaries would be disbursed to the employees within the week. However, the ITI employees alleged that this was not the first instance of salary delays for various reasons.
Protest by Mayabunder Residents Spurs Quick Resolution to Electricity Woes
Vikramaditya
Mayabunder, Sept 20: The residents of Mayabunder village were confronted with a persisting problem that has lingered for a substantial period – unreliable electricity. Frustrations mounted as frequent power interruptions and an unstable power supply plagued the region, leaving large number of public in distress.
The crux of the issue lay in the old electrical infrastructure of Mayabunder, with some electrical poles standing tall for over more than four decades, bearing the weight of time and wear.
The situation reached a tipping point when a massive tree fell on 17 September, casting parts of Mayabunder into a two-day blackout. Another setback occurred on 18 September when a transformer malfunctioned, once again shrouding sections of the village in darkness.
In response to the mounting discontent, Mr. Abdul Siddique, ex Pramukh of Mayabunder, along with large number of villagers organized a protest against the electricity department yesterday. The gathering was a demonstration of the residents’ dissatisfaction, with students prominently articulating their grievances and the necessity of reliable power to support their education.
Their call for intervention did not go unheard, as Deputy Commissioner Mr. Ankit Yadav (IAS), accompanied by Assistant Commissioner Mr. Ashish Joon, promptly arrived at the scene. Mr. Mahesh Lall, an Assistant Engineer from the Electricity Department, was already on-site. Mr. Abdul Siddique conveyed the challenges faced by residents, especially students who had been consistently disrupted by power outages.
In response, Mr. Ankit Yadav issued immediate directives to restore the power supply. Mr. Mahesh Lall assured that electricity would be reinstated to Mayabunder’s main bazaar area by the following day. This commitment brought a sense of relief to the predominantly student crowd. Subsequently by night power supply was restored in some areas while today power supply was restored in rest of the areas.
Mr. Abdul Siddique expressed gratitude and commended Mr. Ankit Yadav (IAS), Deputy Commissioner N&M Andaman, and Mr. Ashish Joon, Assistant Commissioner (HQ) Mayabunder, for their swift response to the pressing issue. The police, under the leadership of SHO Mayabunder Insp. PK Abdul Arif, played a crucial role in maintaining order during the peaceful protest.
Man arrested for assaulting Mother, Causing Grievous Injuries in VK Pur, Little Andaman
John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, September 20: A 22-year-old man, identified as Mr. Pankaj and residing in VK Pur, Little Andaman, has been arrested for inflicting severe injuries upon his 59-year-old mother.
According to reports, the incident occurred yesterday evening when Mr. Pankaj returned home. An argument over family finances escalated into a heated dispute between the mother and son.
During the altercation, the accused attacked his mother with a sharp object, causing grievous injuries to her head, face, and hand. Nearby residents, upon hearing the commotion, promptly informed the Hut Bay Police Station.
A police team immediately arrived at the scene and discovered the injured woman. She was immediately transported to the hospital due to the severity of her injuries. Subsequently, the accused, Mr. Pankaj, was apprehended by the police unit in Hut Bay.
Given the condition of the victim, she was urgently referred to Port Blair. Due to weather conditions, she was airlifted to Port Blair for further medical attention. The accused remains in police custody, awaiting legal proceedings.
Member of Parliament demands 15 days advanced release of Ship Schedules for Car Nicobar Island
Port Blair, Sept 20: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has demanded release of ship schedules for Car Nicobar Islands 15 days in advance for the benefit of residents of Car Nicobar, Government Servants and other passengers.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary the Member of Parliament mentioned that the recent successful berthing of MV Sindhu and MV Nalanda at Car Nicobar has brought new hope for the residents of Car Nicobar Island.
In light of this significant development, the Member of Parliament requested the administration to consider releasing ship schedules for these vessels to Car Nicobar Island at least fifteen days in advance. Such an initiative would greatly assist our residents in planning their travel arrangements with greater efficiency and peace of mind, he said.
The Member of Parliament added that the Directorate of Shipping Services has been commendably releasing ship schedules well in advance for destinations such as Little Andaman, Nancowry Group of Islands, and Great Nicobar Islands. “Extending this practice to include Car Nicobar Island, with a fifteen-day advance schedule release, would be of immense help to our islanders, including government servants and the general public,” he added.
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