ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Archives for March 15, 2023

Local Born Association and Andaman MOPLAH Service Organization Demand 38% OBC Reservation in Teacher Appointments

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John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, March 15: The Local Born Association and Andaman MOPLAH Service Organization, Port Blair, have jointly appealed to the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to provide a 38% OBC reservation quota in the appointment of teachers on short-term contract basis in the education department. In a press conference held on March 15, 2023, at Hotel DelicciaJunglighat, the organizations highlighted various government recruitment related issues.
The conference was chaired by Abdul Rahman Advisory AMSO Member, N Yousuf President AMSO, Rakesh Pal Govind President Local Born Association, Abdul Siddique General Secretary AMSO, Deepak K Johnson Representative Bhathu Community, and Edmond Representative ST Community.
During the conference, Mr. Abdul Rahman brought to attention the vacancy notice published by the education department, wherein 539 posts of graduate trained teachers and primary teachers are proposed to be filled on a short-term contract basis from 01.07.2023 to 30.04.2024. However, the notification was silent on the mandatory reservation made for candidates belonging to OBCs in these islands, as per the Andaman and Nicobar Gazette Notification No. 343/2005 F. No.8-3/2003-TW dated 16 Dec, 2005.
To address this issue, the Local Born Association and Andaman MOPLAH Service Organization, Port Blair, separately submitted a representation letter to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, drawing attention towards the prescribed quota of 38% admissible to candidates belonging to OBCs.
The organizations also highlighted various government orders related to the reservation of scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and other backward classes in temporary appointments, which are to last for 45 days or more. Despite these orders, the vacancy notifications were silent on the mandatory reservations made for candidates belonging to OBCs in the islands.
In this regard, the organizations humbly requested the administration to ensure that the prescribed quota of 38% admissible to candidates belonging to OBCs of these islands is set apart for their engagement as short-term contract teachers (GTTs & PSTs). The organizations urged the administration to uphold the spirit of the Gazette Notification published by the AN Administration vide No 343/2005 F.No.8-3/2003-TW dated 16″ Dec, 2005.
Furthermore, the organizations requested the administration to review the process initiated to invite online applications for the said 539 posts, so that the best interest of the islands’ candidates is protected by dissuading the entry of non-Islander candidates into the vacant posts. They also requested that all government departments, public sector undertakings, private educational and other entities availing of Grant-in-Aid/financial assistance and government colleges/educational institutions follow the above-stated instructions while considering appointments to various vacant posts, including short-term vacancies lasting beyond 45 days.
The Local Born Association and Andaman MOPLAH Service Organization, Port Blair, are hopeful that the administration will take necessary actions to ensure the prescribed quota is followed, thereby promoting inclusivity and diversity in the recruitment process.

AATO & India Tourism, Kolkata to Host First-ever Tourism Roadshow in Andaman

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John Wilbert &Vikramaditya
Port Blair, 15 March: The Association of Andaman Tour Operators (AATO) and Ministry of Tourism are set to host a roadshow in Andaman, featuring various programs from 16th March to 18th March, 2023. This marks the first time a tourism roadshow is being organized in Andaman, with the main aim of promoting and increasing awareness of the destination. The roadshow will include an outreach program to other states in India, with the intention of showcasing Andaman’s tourism offerings.
In a press conference held earlier today, Mr. Vinod, President of AATO, and Mr. Ramakrishna, Assistant Director of the Ministry of Tourism at India Andaman, provided details about the upcoming roadshow. Mr. Vinod highlighted the significance of the event, emphasizing that tour operators have previously attended tourism roadshows organized in different states. However, this time, agents from other states, such as Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and other parts of India, will have the opportunity to visit Andaman directly and connect with local tour operators. The objective is to bring together mainland agents and influencers to promote Andaman as a potential tourist destination in India.
The Ministry of Tourism has extended invitations to leading Indian travel trade players who have registered with the tourism department. The roadshow will engage and inspire over 30 travel trade players, showcasing the breadth and diversity of Andaman’s tourism offerings as a must-visit leisure destination.
The roadshow will commence with an inaugural function on 16th March, 2023, at TSG Emerald, where registration and presentations will be given, and delegates will interact with the island’s tourism stakeholders. On 17th March, delegates will visit Swaraj Dweep and its beaches, as well as properties on the island. On the final day, 18th March, the delegates will return to Port Blair, where they will visit the museum and Cellular Jail. Departure to respective destinations will take place on 19th March.
The target audience for the roadshow includes travel agents and influencers from all over India, who have an interest in promoting lesser-known destinations in the country. Participants include tour operators of the Ministry of Tourism, IATO, TAAN, ATOAI, members of Tamil Nadu Federation, as well as social media influencers such as travel bloggers, journalists, photographers, and cinematographers with a strong presence on social media platforms to help spread the word about Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Mr. M Vinod has also expressed gratitude to all tourism stakeholders of the islands for their support for making this event possible.

 

Member of Parliament Demands ‘Special Concession for Stretcher Patients of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, during Medical Emergencies’ in Lok Sabha

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Port Blair, Mar 15: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr.. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, has raised a significant issue in the Lok Sabha today, highlighting the exorbitant rates being charged from stretcher patients of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, during medical emergencies.

He informed the Parliament that Andaman and Nicobar Islands are situated nearly 1200 KM away from nearest Airport in Mainland India-Chennai and Kolkata. For critical medical cases, evacuation in passenger aircraft is the only option and the family members of the patient have to pay Rs. 1,32,000 one way, excluding cost of tickets for patient attendants.

However, the rate of tickets for stretcher patients has been almost doubled without any valid reason to nearly Rs.2,41,000. The steep hike is a cause of concern for islanders most of whom can’t afford to buy tickets for stretcher patients at such a high rate. Charging such an exorbitant amount from stretcher patients during the time of medical emergencies is unethical and can also lead to death of the patient, if there is failure in paying such a huge amount. Government had fixed the rate for stretcher patients from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, under which a stretcher patient had to pay only Rs.29,000 which was issued through ANIIDCO and was revised in 2007.

The Member of Parliament requested the Government to intervene in this matter and give special concession to all stretcher patients of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and issue necessary directions to all private Airlines Companies to allow evacuation of stretcher patients as presently only Air India is allowing these services.

Optimal Energy Utility Plan gives shocks to public & business owners

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The recent announcement by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration regarding strict measures to deal with the power crisis in the region has caused concern among the public. While the administration has put in place a detailed demand side management plan to ensure optimal utilization of available power, the measures announced have caused hardships for the common people and businesses in the region. The Optimal energy utility plan seems to be giving shocks to Islanders.
The decision to impose strict restrictions on the usage of air conditioning units in government buildings and commercial establishments during peak hours of the day is understandable. However, it is unfair to impose the responsibility of providing power supply on small businesses, hotel owners and the public in general. The administration must take responsibility for ensuring adequate power supply to meet the needs of the people, especially during hot and humid weather conditions.
The directive to shut down shops by 7.00 pm has also had a negative impact on the economy of the region. Many businesses have been forced to operate at reduced hours, causing financial losses to owners and workers. Moreover, this decision has also caused transportation problems for the workers who depend on public transport to travel back home. Sudden change The rush of auto-rickshaws during peak hours has caused chaos and inconvenience for the public.
The hotel owners and small industry owners are also facing a significant financial burden due to the directive to use their own generators during peak hours. The cost of fuel required to run these generators for several hours each day is significant and will have to be passed on to the customers, increasing the cost of living for the people in the region.
The Andaman and Nicobar Administration must take immediate action to address the power crisis in the region. It is essential to ensure that all machinery and equipment required to provide a continuous supply of power are in place and functioning correctly. The administration should also conduct an inquiry into the failure of the electricity department officials responsible for maintaining the power supply in the region. The top officials of Electricity Department must be questioned by the Administration as why they have failed so miserably to provide sufficient power to the public? How can administration plan to transform such powerless Andaman into a Tourism hub? There is a need to fix responsibility on some officials so that from next year everyone remembers the maths of power requirement during exam season and power available.
The directive issued by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to deal with the power crisis in the region has caused hardships for the people and businesses. The administration must take responsibility for providing basic amenities to the people, including a 24-hour power supply. The people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands deserve better, and it is the responsibility of the administration to ensure that their needs are met.

Inspection by District Road Safety Committee to ascertain the causes and mitigate the traffic congestion and its regulation during peak hours

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Port Blair, Mar 15: The District Road Safety Committee headed by The Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman Ms Veditha Reddy, IAS alongwith the SP (Traffic),Additional District Magistrate, PBMC, APWD, Transport Dept, Assistant Commissioner (U/T), Director, Education and the officers of line department, Ward Councillors, Auto union inspected Bathubasti Bazar area, Dollygunj Auto Stand, VKV school Lambaline, Dairy Farm Airport Entrance Gate, Junglighat area and Mohanpura market area to ascertain the causes and mitigate the traffic congestion and its regulation during peak hours, the points which we were discussed in the last meeting of District Road Safety Committee held on 10.03.2023.

Starting from Bathu Basti Junction, the Auto Union raised the demand for notification for auto stand. Further, parking of two wheelers on one side and four wheelers on other side from Bhatubasti vegetable Market to Bhatubasti Junction was also discussed and checked on ground. The Committee considered the proposal for notification after the pilot mode is successful. The feasibility of land for auto stand at Dollygunj shall also be explored and a report from concerned were asked to submitted.

In front of the Airport where traffic congestion has been reported in the meeting and by the PRI members, the committee requested transport department during the inspection to explore the feasibility of running a Bus for pick and drop of students at schools such as VKV, Carmel and Nirmala School.

Further during the site visit, model parking of two wheelers on one side and four wheeler on the other side from Radha Krishna Temple to AKT Automobiles, Junglighat was checked and will be considered for notification after success of the model parking.

During the inspection, it was observed that widening/resurfacing of the road from KV-I main gate to Carmel School back gate should be taken on priority and there is a need to examine notifying No Parking Zone during school hours from (0700 to 0830 Hrs) and from (1200 to 1430 Hrs) from the KV-I gate to Carmel Back gate except
two wheelers.

The committee is suggested that parking area of Private Bus Stand to be developed at Mohanpura and at Aberdeen Makret. The feasibility study may be done in consulation with the stakeholders such as Market associations, public representatives and shopkeepers association for the proposal for the road leading from Ratnam market to Ganesh temple at Aberdeen Bazaar and the road leading from Ganesh Temple to AMR Enterprise at Aberdeen Bazaar to be notified as walking market for making it congestion free market area.

Further the committee inspected the parking facilities at GB Pant hospital and discussed the proposal of increasing parking facilities for which APWD will submit the feasibility study for further consideration.

Overall, the team inspected all the major traffic choke points in the city for taking steps ensuring road safety, to mitigate traffic congestion and it’s regulation during peak traffic hours.

Member of Parliament Demands compensation for the family members of minor girl, who died in a road accident at Brichgunj

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Port Blair, Mar 15: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma today demanded compensation for the family member of a minor girl, who lost her life in a tragic road accident on March 13,2023.

In a letter addressed to the Lt. Governor, the Member of Parliament said that the incident has left the entire community in shock and mourning, and he is deeply saddened by this tragedy.

“As Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and as an Islander, I feel it is my duty to demand compensation for the family members who have been affected by this terrible incident. They are going through a difficult time, and it is our responsibility to provide them with the necessary support and assistance,” the Member of Parliament added in his letter.

He also requested the Lt. Governor to issue directions to the police and revenue department to ensure that such incidents do not repeat in the future.

It is essential to have stricter traffic regulations in place, especially near schools and other high-risk areas, to prevent such accidents from happening, he added.

CPI (M) Demands to Explore Possibilities of Desalination of Sea Water

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Port Blair, Mar 15: CPI (M) has asked the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to explore the possibility of desalination of seawater to drinking water as has been done by the defense establishments in these islands, Lakshadweep Islands and at various cities on the mainland like Chennai to have a permanent solution to the drinking water crisis in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. In a letter sent to the Chief Secretary, A & N Administration, D. Ayyappan, Secretary,CPI (M) Andaman & Nicobar State Organising Committee strongly opposed the unjustified curtailment in the supply of drinking water to the residents of Port Blair and rural South Andaman areas imposed by the Port Blair Municipal Council and APWD from 9th March, 2023. He expressed concern that with the curtailment, drinking water is supplied once in three days because of which people especially the women and children are facing difficulties. Besides, the duration of water supply has also been reduced by 5 minutes, as per the reports received from the residents. CPI (M) is deeply concerned over the present situation as, it is noticed, that despite spending a whopping amount of one thousand crore rupees for the Rutland Water Supply Project, the Administration and PBMC have failed to provide sufficient drinking water to a merely 2 lakh population of Port Blair town and rural South Andaman.
Secretary, CPI (M) brought to the notice of the Chief Secretary that defense establishments at Port Blair are getting huge quantities of drinking water through the desalination process. Ayyappan told the Chief Secretary that large size Desalination plants have been installed at various parts of defense areas through which lakhs of liters of drinking water are made available daily for supply to defense personnel. CPI (M) suggested that it is high time that the A & N Administration should also explore the possibility of getting drinking water through the desalination process in order to face the water scarcity occurring every year in the Port Blair town and rural South Andaman areas. He further told the Chief Secretary that desalination of seawater will be a permanent solution for the water crisis faced by the people of these islands. A good quantity of water supplied to the residents of Chennai and the whole population of Lakshadweep Islands is through desalination process.

Arrangements for NSCB Open Sea Swimming Competition reviewed

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Port Blair, Mar 15: Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), the Lt Governor, A&N Islands and Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agencyalongwith Chief Secretary, A&N Administration Mr. Keshav Chandra, Chief of Staff, A&N Command, other Senior Officers of A&N Administration, Police, & Forest reviewed the presentation made by Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, Directorate of Education on preparedness for conduct of 1.6 Km NSCB Open Sea Swimming Competition to be held on 18th March 2023 from Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Dweep to Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex, Aberdeen Jetty, Port Blair as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Vishal Jolly National Executive Member, BJP meets Chief Secretary, A & N Administrations regarding optimal usage of electricity

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Port Blair, Mar 15: Mr. Vishal Jolly, National Executive Committee Member, BJP, today met the Chief Secretary, A & N Administration and raised the following issues in respect of the Administration’s Order No. 642, dated 13th March, 2023 regarding optimal usage of electricity (power).
He highlighted that the Order regarding closure of all shops & commercial establishments within 7.00 PM is against the interest of the small-scale businessman community and sought its modification by permitting the entrepreneurs to operate their respective shops & commercial establishments even after 7.00 PM by using their own power generators.
Another point that was raised by Mr. Vishal Jolly was to fix a deadline for the aforementioned Administration’s Order as the same cannot be for an indefinite period.
The Chief Secretary, A & N Administration positively considered the issues raised by him and agreed to issue necessary directions to modify the Order No. 642 dated 13th March, 2023, by permitting the entrepreneurs/business community to operate their respective shops & commercial establishments even after 7.00 PM, by using their own power generators.
He also clarified that the deadline for the Order No. 642, dated 13th March, 2023 would be for a particular period of completion of Board (CBSE) Examinations.

APWD Karmachari Sangh of ANRKM, BMS stages Hunger Strike from 13th March 2023 at Tiranga Park for Regularisation of DRMS

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Port Blair, Mar 15: The APWD Karmachari Sangh, an affiliated association of the Andaman Nicobar Rajya KarmachariMahasangh (ANRKM) and the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), recently held a hunger strike at Tiranga Park from 13th to 14th March 2023. The purpose of the hunger strike was to demand the regularisation of DRMs (Daily Rated Mazdoors).
Before proceeding to Tiranga Park, all members of the AKS and ANRKM visited the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, where they garlanded the statue and paid their respects. The members then proceeded to Tiranga Park to carry out the hunger strike, which was a peaceful form of protest inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s Satyagraha movement.
Four members of AKS sat on hunger strike for twelve hours, and in the evening, they were replaced by four male members who continued the protest until the evening of 14th March 2023. Meanwhile, several rounds of discussions were carried out with the Administration and Chief Engineer’s office to find a solution to the demands.
The matter of regularization was finally declared in positive consideration by the Office of the Chief Engineer, and this was announced by Mr. Vishal Jolly at Tiranga Park. The announcement was received with cheers and slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai!”
The committee of AKS ultimately decided to withdraw the hunger strike and provide juice to the persons who were on the hunger strike under the guidance of Mr. Sunil Ghosh, the State General Secretary. The resolution was reached calmly, with the support of the Administration and employees.
The committee expressed their gratitude to the Administration, Police, Print & Digital Media, all the State committee members of BMS and office bearers of Andaman Nicobar Rajya KarmachariMahasangh, and all affiliated associations who extended their support for the successful conduct of the hunger strike and its positive conclusion.