ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Archives for May 22, 2023

Never-ending suffering for ATR commuters: Vehicle Ferry Breakdowns Cause Chaos and Delays for NH4 Commuters at Middle Strait

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John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, May 22: The frequent breakdowns of vehicle ferry vessels in the Middle Strait are resulting in significant delays and inconvenience for commuters traveling on NH4 (Andaman Trunk Road). Yesterday, one of the two vehicle ferries operated by Shipping Services experienced a breakdown, leaving over 30 vehicles stranded at Nilambur Jetty. Today, a few cargo vehicles are also stranded at Nilambur Jetty this evening, causing chaos at both Middle Strait Jetty and Nilambur Jetty of Baratang Island.
The inadequate number of vehicle ferries on the Middle Strait route has long been a concern for travelers to North and Middle Andaman. They have been demanding the provision of at least three vehicle ferries at Middle Strait, but only two, namely MV Kadamtala and MV North Bay, are currently in operation.
Yesterday, due to technical issues with the ramp of MV Kadamtala, only MV North Bay was providing services. This resulted in passengers of ATR being forced to wait for several hours to cross the Middle Strait. The prolonged wait without food posed difficulties, especially for children and elderly individuals. It has become crucial to have additional vehicle ferry vessels at Middle Strait to minimize waiting times and ensure swift movement of vehicles.
Mr. Alagerswamy, Zilla Parishad Member of Baratang, expressed the need for the Directorate of Shipping Services to address this matter urgently. Many people, including patients, travel between North, Middle, and South Andaman for various urgent reasons. He emphasized that the administration should deploy a minimum of three vehicle ferries.
Mr. Subrata Basu Adhyaksh of North & Middle Andaman Zilla Parishad echoed these sentiments, stating that the Shipping Services should increase the number of vehicle ferries to at least three in the Baratang region. This would greatly facilitate smoother and timelier transportation. Additionally, he requested the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration to increase the convoy by adding an additional 5th Convoy specifically for essential services operating between Jirkatang and Middle Strait. This step is necessary to ensure that the interruption of vehicle ferry services does not impact the transportation of essential goods, which affects the lives and livelihoods of the entire population in the logistically constrained district of North & Middle Andaman.
In response to the situation, Andaman Sheekha reached out to a senior officer of the Directorate of Shipping Services. The officer explained that the ramp of MV Kadamtala had cracked entirely, and since there is no crane facility in Middle Strait, they had to call MV Kadamtala to Port Blair for repairs. Furthermore, MV Austin 03 was sent to Baratang from Long Islands last night and started service this morning to assist MV North Bay. The repairs for MV Kadamtala, including some engine work, are expected to be completed tomorrow. The department plans to send MV Kadamtala back to Middle Strait on Wednesday. To address public demand and ensure uninterrupted smooth movement, the department is considering the continuation of service with MV Austin 03 between Middle Strait and Baratang, alongside MV North Bay and MV Kadamtala.

Forest Wildlife Team Demonstrates Exceptional Skills in rescuing adult Elephant “Vikram” from Kadamtala Jungle

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John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, May 22: In a remarkable display of expertise and coordination, the Forest Wildlife Team successfully rescued Vikram, an adult male elephant from the 07 Number area of Kadamtala Jungle in Middle Andaman. The Forest Department officials, along with the Wildlife team from the Middle Andaman Range Office, initiated a search operation in the jungle area of Kadamtala after receiving information that Vikram had ventured into the jungle from his campsite two weeks ago, sparking panic among residents.
Working diligently, the team quickly located the elephant’s whereabouts, ensuring the situation was under control and preventing any potential untoward incidents. Despite Vikram entering ‘musth’, a period of heightened aggression and abnormal behavior in male elephants, the team cautiously approached him, maintaining a safe distance. With great care and without causing any disturbance, they closely monitored the elephant’s behavior until he returned to a normal state two days ago.
Under the expert supervision of Dr. Abdul Qayum, IFS, along with the assistance of a veterinary doctor, the Wildlife and Forest Department officials successfully conducted the rescue operation. Vikram was safely transported to the campsite, where he will receive the necessary care and attention.

MP demands to extend the age limit for Recruitment in various posts in Department of Education

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Port Blair, May 22: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Lt. Governor to extend the age limit for Recruitment in various posts in the Department of Education and also to extend the last date of submitting application.

In a letter addressed to the Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, he mentioned that recently, the Directorate of Education published a vacancy notice for the recruitment of Post Graduate Teachers, PETs and various other posts in the Department of Education, Andaman and Nicobar Administration. While the initiative is commendable, I would like to address a critical concern regarding the age limit mentioned for these positions, which is 30 years of maximum age for both male and female.

He pointed out that there is a genuine reason, which is causing immense agony and frustration among the local unemployed youths. “By the time a candidate clears their Graduation, Post Graduation and B.Ed, they are already 26 or 27 years old. Additionally, if we consider a minimum five years of experience then the age limit already exceeds 30 to 31 years. Therefore, setting the maximum age limit as 30 years is unjustified based on the local conditions in Andaman and Nicobar Islands,” he added.

Considering the gravity of this issue and the sentiments of our local unemployed youths, he requested the Lt. Governor to extend the age limit for local candidates applying to these posts to 33 years for male and 35 years for female candidates. “By doing so, the Administration would provide a fair opportunity for our local youths to apply for these job vacancies,” he added.

He mentioned that for the past 7 to 8 years, the recruitment process has been insufficient, exacerbating the unemployment situation in our islands.

Adding to this he also requested to extend the last date of submitting the application to 15.06.2023 from 30.05.2023.

TSG Bhasker Demands for Removing Restrictions on People’s Traveling to Southern Group of Islands

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Port Blair, May 22: The Congress Campaign Committee Chairman, A&N Islands Mr. TSG Bhasker has written a letter to the Lt. Governor, A&N Islands on Monday to bring his attention towards the plight of passengers traveling to the Southern Group of Islands.
In the letter, Mr. Bhasker said that all areas of the Southern Group of Islands except where Shompen tribes live are accessible for the general public. However, the Directorate of Shipping Services is not issuing tickets to those who do not have Islanders Card, though they have been living in that area for a very long time. They have Aadhar Card from the respective areas but do not possess Islanders Card.
“This is against the constitution and it is not mentioned anywhere in the Gazette or no notification is issued by the A&N Administration restricting the peoples to travel in Campbell Bay or any other Islands of Southern Group”, said Mr. Bhasker.
He further added that many Islanders were employed in the Rubber Plantation at Katchal Island and these people have been residing there for more than 50 years. However due to the closure of Rubber Plantation, they not only lost their livelihood, but also the rights to live on the Island because of restrictions imposed.
“Moreover, the business community people who have established their business in Campbell Bay and in other areas of Southern Group are not able to come to Port Blair as they fear of not being allowed to return back to these Islands where they are currently residing”, he added.
Concluding his letter, Mr. Bhasker requested the Lt. Governor to see that the poor Islanders are not harassed by unnecessary rules and ensure the free movement of Island people to Southern Group even if they do not have Islanders Card. He also requested the Lt. Governor to issue necessary directions to the DSS for issuing the tickets.

Vishal Jolly requests for grant one time Age Relaxation for applying for the post of PETs and PGTs

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Port Blair, May 22: Mr. Vishal Jolly National Executive Member BJP and Former State President BJP ANI wrote a letter to the Lt. Governor, ANI for grant one time age relaxation of 08 years for both male and female over and above the upper age limit for applying for the post of Physical Education Teacher and Post Graduate Teacher (Group “B” Non- Gazetted) in the Directorate of Education under the A & N Administration – reg.
In his letter Mr. Jolly wrote that a large number of aspiring candidates of Physical Education Teacher and Post Graduate Teacher having experience in their field approached me stating that the Education Department has invited applications to fill up the 23 post of Physical Education Teacher and 32 post of Post Graduate Teacher. As per the vacancy notice Dated: 10/05/2023 & Published in the Daily telegrams on 04/05/2023 and 07/05/2023, in Directorate of Education under the A & N Administration, it is found that many candidates do not meet the age-related criteria as stipulated in the terms and conditions of the notice, although they possess the requisite education qualifications and also fulfill the other criteria.
Further he mentioned that while the last recruitment drive for the post of Physical Education Teacher was carried out during the year 2015, the maximum age limit for the said post was 33 years for male and 38 years for female. Further, 40 years age relaxation was also granted by the A & N Administration as one time relaxation in order to get opportunities for a large number of candidates waiting for employment. Copy of notice of recruitment published in the Daily Telegram dated 17th April 2015 is enclosed. Further the then Lt. Governor, A & N Islands had also accorded approval for one time age relaxation to the tune of 08 years for both male and female over and above the upper age limit, which was published on 05.02.2016. Your goodself has the power to relax the age criteria and in the past on several occasions such power was utilized for granting relief to the aspiring eligible candidates.
He also stated that there are several eligible candidates who haven’t faced any recruitment drive during their lifetime despite acquiring the requisite qualification in time, as this is the first time this post has been published for filling up vacancies and they have unfortunately crossed the age limit. They deserve to be considered positively as they would never ever get any chance in future, if they are not given any opportunity now.
Accordingly, he requested the Lt. Governor to consider granting one time age relaxation of 08 years in the upper age limit for candidates who have applied for the post of Physical Education Teacher and Post Graduate Teacher in Directorate of Education under the A & N Administration.

ANTCC conducts Street Corner Meeting at Dairy Farm and Bhatubasti over Power Cut and Water issue

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Port Blair, May 22: A Street Corner Meeting was organized by Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC) on Sunday evening at Dairy Farm Junction and Bhatubasti Vegetable Market against the curtailment of water and frequent power cuts in the Islands. The meeting was held under the leadership of ANTCC President Mr. Rangalal Halder and ANTCC Campaign Committee Chairman Mr. TSG Bhasker.
The Congress leaders criticized the A&N Administration for not taking appropriate measures from the past many years for storage of water despite the fact that water scarcity occurs in the Islands every year. They expressed apprehension that the Rutland Water Project was done without proper planning because of which water supply from Rutland is not able to meet the current water requirements of Port Blair and other regions under South Andaman District.
Moreover, the Congress leaders alleged that the Administration did not take any necessary steps to solve frequent power cuts in the Islands which have caused hardships among Islanders for many years.
The meeting sawed the presence of City Congress Ex-General Secretary Mr. Saji Varghese, NSUI State President Mr. M.A Sajid, DCC Member Mr. Abdul Shabir, Youth Congress Ex-State General Secretary Mr. Ansab Ahmed, Congress leaders Mrs. M. Bindu, Mrs. Lipika Mazumder and several others.

45 students with 4 faculty members from Jharkhand visiting Andaman under ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ scheme

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Port Blair, May 22: A team of 45 students with 4 faculty members from Jharkhand arrived in A&N Islands today for the Yuva Sangam-2 prog. under the scheme of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. An inaugural function was organised for them in DBRAIT, where they were welcomed by the students of various Colleges of the Islands.
An experience sharing session on the trip to Jharkhand as part of Yuva Sangam-2 prog. under the banner of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ was done by Esha Ebyinson, a student of Andaman Law College, followed by an itinerary presentation by Roshan Sharma, a student of DBRAIT.
The delegates from Jharkhand were provided with the merchandise by the host institute, DBRAIT.
In the evening, as part of Paryatan and Parampara, the team visited the National Memorial Cellular Jail and also witnessed the Light and Sound Show in order to have a glimpse of the freedom struggle. This was followed by a visit to Corbyn’s Cove.

 

CITU -Affiliated ASNVMS Protests against Pressurizing DRMs To Furnish Undertaking

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Port Blair, May 22: Andaman Sarvajanik Nirman Vibhag Mazdoor Sangh (ASNVMS), affiliated to CITU, urged the Administration not to pressurize daily rated mazdoors for furnishing undertaking for grant of 1/30th of pay plus DA benefit. In a letter sent to the Chief Secretary, A & N Administration, SP Kalairajan, General Secretary of ASNVMS stated that daily rated workers working in various Divisions of APWD are being forced/pressurized to furnish an undertaking of not claiming the regularization of services, for extending the benefit of 1/30th of pay plus DA to them. He told the Chief Secretary that the financial benefit of 1/30th of pay plus DA has been granted to the DRMs as per the judgment of the High Court at Calcutta in the matter of Lt. Governor-vs-ASNVMS (MA/09/2020). In the said order, there is no direction about obtaining any undertaking from the DRMs or any other condition for grant of 1/30th of pay plus DA.
The Union categorically told the Chief Secretary that it is the right of the workers to demand regularization of their services which cannot be taken away by the Administration by forcefully obtaining any undertaking from the workers. The Union further demanded to issue necessary instructions to the Heads of Departments under the Administration in this regard.

 

Rally on Mission LiFe Campaign

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Port Blair, May 22: The A.P.W.D, Kamorta with the support of Nehru Yuva Kendra, Kamorta taken out a rally under Mission LiFe on 22/05/2023 starting from the office of Assistant Engineer, APWD, Sub Division I, Kamorta and culminated at Indira Park. The rally passes through the Education office, Medical, AC office and Kamorta Bazar. The rally was taken out in order to spread the campaign of Mission Life. Altogether 60 participants participated and spread out the message of the campaign among the people through placards depicting things like save water, save energy, reduce single use plastic, reduce waste, adopt sustainable food system, adopt healthy lifestyles etc. The rally was flagged off by Mrs. Bandana Chakarborty, AE, APWD, Kamorta while Mr. Alphonce Toppo, Deputy Director (OSD), NYK, Kamorta administered Lifestyle for the environment pledge. The rally was also participated by Mr. Jeetender Rao, JE, APWD and Mr. Great Heart, JE, APWD.

 

ASA and ICAR-CIARI Organizes Workshop on Agro-Ecotourism

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Port Blair, May 22: Two days workshop on “Sustainable Agro-Ecotourism for A&N Islands: Opportunities and Challenges” to commemorate International Biodiversity day organized by Andaman Science Association (ASA), ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute in collaboration with Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Anthropological Survey of India (ASI), National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Fishery Survey of India (FSI), Department of Ocean Studies and Marine Biology Department of tourism A&N Administration with financial support by NABARD, Port Blair was inaugurated today on 22nd May, 2023 at ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest Dr. Jatinder Sohal, DANICS, Director (IP&T), A&N Administration, welcomed the initiatives of the Institute in conducting such important workshops for the stakeholders. He informed that A & N Islands has evolved as the best destination not only at National but also International level. He exhorted that tourists should be made responsible tourists; beside he advocated introducing the concept of countryside visit which is gaining more popularity elsewhere due to its exposure to sustainable practices that is local culture, food and behavior.
The Guest of Honors, Mrs. Archana Singh, General Manager, NABARD, Port Blair, informed that ANI has become the choicest place of visit and we have to capitalize on it. The sensitivity of the local inhabitants towards cleanliness is USP of ANI. She advocated that NABARD can facilitate the launching of “My District My Project” to promote Agro eco-tourism in a team mode. She referred to the introduction of showcasing the local culture of ANI as that of Rajasthan local culture Chokhi Dahni. Dr. P. Abdul Salam, Asst. Professor, JNRM College, Port Blair informed that stakeholder should have wider and comprehensive understanding, so that agro eco-tourism can be promoted both nationally and internationally thus creating job opportunities and adding to National exchequer. Mr. Ankit Kumar Tripathi, Member Secretary, Tourist Vehicle Owners Association, Port Blair stressed to highlight resources of the Island (Flora & Fauna) followed by noting by A & N Administration and promoting the same by tour operators so that the young mind can opt for entrepreneurship in agro eco-tourism.