ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Archives for December 6, 2023

Member of Parliament requests to increase number of reserved seats for Islanders to double in ferry vessels for Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep

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Port Blair, Dec 06: Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands has requested the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration to address Ticket Shortage Issue being faced by Islanders.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, the Member of Parliament mentioned that the availability of tickets allocated under the Islanders’ quota for Islanders travelling to and from Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep has become increasingly inadequate.

The Member of Parliament further mentioned that tickets for almost all vessels are fully booked well in advance, sometimes even two days before sailing. This has forced our fellow Islanders to resort to paying exorbitant amounts for tickets in private ferries, which are priced 8 to 10 times more than the Islanders’ fare in DSS-run vessels.

Considering this issue the Member of Parliament proposed an increase in the reservation of seats for Islanders to double. “This will ensure that even on the last day, an islander in urgent need of a ticket to visit Shaheed Dweep or Swaraj Dweep or return, can obtain one at the Islanders’ fare from Port Blair,” he added.

 

Para – Athletics team of A&N Islands to participate in Khelo India Para Games – 2023 for the first time

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Port Blair, Dec. 6: It is a proud moment for A&N Islands, as for the 1st time, the Para – Athletics team of A&N Islands will be participating in the Khelo India Para Games – 2023 to be held from Dec.10 to 17, 2023 in 7 Sports Disciplines at New Delhi.
Smt. Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, Secretary (Sports), A&N Administration and Shri Aditya Kumar Jha, Director (Sports) today blessed the 4 Athletes namely Smt. M. Bhavani, Smti B. Albakka, Ms. Prachi Toppo and Ms C. Nisheta Anand at Netaji Stadium Sports Complex and wished them good luck for the event. Sports kits were also distributed to the Para Athletes by the Secretary (Sports) and Director (Sports). The team will proceed to Delhi tomorrow (Dec.7), 2023.

Vishal Jolly holds Meeting with Director- NHIDCL regarding the condition of NH-4

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Port Blair, Dec 06: Mr. Vishal Jolly, National Executive Member-BJP held a meeting at Transport Bhawan, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, New Delhi with Mr. T. K. Baidya, Director- NHIDCL, Mr. Ashish Gupta, DGM- NHIDCL and Mr. Amul, the Concerned officer of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways having responsibility of looking after the issues pertaining to NHIDCL, at New Delhi.
Mr. Jolly highlighted the ground realities and the unbearable difficulties faced by the people of North & Middle Andaman District due to the worst condition of National Highway-4.
By presenting all the facts & figures, Mr. Jolly conveyed and appraised the authorities regarding the apprehensions & demands of the residents of North & Middle Andaman.
He then earnestly requested to cause necessary repairs & carry out maintenance work at the required places of the NH-4 and to ensure that the road is motorable.
The aforementioned authorities took serious note of the points raised by Mr. Jolly and have assured that the works would be done at the earliest.

MESSAGE

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The Armed Forces Flag Day is an occasion to pay our tributes towards the courage and dedication of our Armed Forces in defending our country. Every year since 1949, 7th December is observed as the Armed Forces Flag Day throughout the country to honour the men in uniform who valiantly fought to safeguard the country’s honour. At the same time, it is a day to remember and honour the widows and children whom our valiant soldiers left behind while safeguarding the country. The A & N Islands will also be observing the day as per tradition and commitment.
To mark this day, Rajya Sainik Board, Port Blair will distribute Flag Day stickers and token Flags in return of generous voluntary donations to Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. The Fund is meant for rehabilitation of divyang ex-servicemen, resettlement of ex-servicemen and welfare of the families of servicemen who have lost their lives.
On the occasion of the Armed Forces Flag Day 2023, I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to all Armed Force Personnel, veterans and their families. I also urge all Islanders to contribute to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund as a gesture of solidarity towards our brave Armed Force personnel & their families.

(Admiral D K Joshi)
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)
Lt. Governor, A & N Islands
& Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency

SBM Ambassador visits Govt Primary and Secondary School Calicut

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Port Blair, Dec 06: To check the cleanliness and sanitation under Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, today Mr. Naresh Chander Lal Padmashri Awardee Ambassador Swachh Bharat Mission Andaman and Nicobar Islands, visited the Govt. Primary and Secondary school Calicut.
Mr. Lal urged the students and teachers to maintain cleanliness at their school premises as well as to their respective societies. SBM Ambassador also requested to the students to keep away themselves from drugs, Alcoholism and other substances which harms to their body.

 

MESSAGE

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As we approach the solemn commemoration of the Armed Forces Flag Day on December 7th, I am filled with admiration for the unwavering courage and dedication exhibited by our Armed Forces in safeguarding our nation. This annual observance, dating back to 1949, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women in uniform to uphold the honour of our country.
It is a day not only to acknowledge the valour of our soldiers but also to pay tribute to the widows and children left behind by those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
On this significant occasion in 2023, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all Armed Force Personnel, veterans, and their families.
Kuldeep Rai Sharma,
Member of Parliament,
A & N Islands.

TSG Bhasker lays concern over acute power shortage in Swaraj Dweep

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Port Blair, Dec 06: Keeping in view the problem of General Public and Hoteliers of Swaraj Dweep who are suffering from frequent and prolonged power outages, the ANTCC Campaign Committee Chairman Mr. TSG Bhasker has drawn the attention of Andaman & Nicobar Administration towards the issue.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Mr. Bhasker expressed his grief that power cuts have become a daily occurrence, and it is causing a lot of inconvenience to the general public and hoteliers of Swaraj Dweep. He said that power cuts happen at irregular intervals and last for hours, which has affected the daily work and business activities of people. It has also put overload on the generators causing huge maintenance costs to the Hoteliers.
“All the Hotels & Resorts across Swaraj Dweep are grappling with disruptions in power supply, hampering the ability to provide seamless services and jeopardizing the overall tourism experience of guests. Such a situation will also defer potential tourists from coming to Swaraj Dweep, which is considered as the most popular tourist destination of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Even, the guests who take the elevator of the hotel usually get panic as they could get stuck due to power outages”, mentioned Mr. Bhasker.
He further highlighted that most of the Hotels & Resorts have their generator which can be operated at times of emergency for a couple of hours. But the continuous power cuts for 6 to 10 hours a day cannot be managed with these generators. This is leading to customer complaints, booking cancellation, high operation cost etc.
Hence, he requested the Chief Secretary to take corrective measures and fast track the work on power agreement so that private providers can help in augmenting short supply of electricity and the general public in the Islands can be provided uninterrupted electric supply.

Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, DGP, A&N Islands complimented all the awardees of 27 Ati-Utkrisht Seva Padak and 55 Utkrisht Seva Padak-2023

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Port Blair, Dec 06: It is a moment of immense pride and pleasure to announce the award of 27 Ati-Utkrisht Seva Padak and 55 Utkrisht Seva Padak-2023. These Padaks have been instituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs vide its Notification No.11024/02/2018-PMA dated 13th July, 2018. The Seva Padaks were bestowed to the officers by the Director General of Police, A&N Islands, on 05.12.2023, for their outstanding and unblemished service.
Detail list of awardees is as under:
Ati-Utkrisht Seva Padak
Sl. No. Rank Name
DIGP Mr. Sanjay Kr. Tyagi, IPS,
DIGP Mr. Ajay Krishan Sharma, IPS
SSP Mrs. Varsha Sharma, IPS
Dy.SP Mr. M.K. Shukla, DANIPS
Dy.SP Mr. Ajay Kr. Rai, DANIPS
Inspr. (Ele.) Mr. K. Nagendra Rao
SI (GD) Mr. R. Vinod Kumar
SI (HRO/156) Mr. Nathaniel
SI Mr. Rangaswamy
SI Mr. C. Manivannan
SI Mr. M. Saravanan
SI Mr. Mohd. Rafique
SI Mr. Abdul Nazir
ASI Mr. Ram Lall Karia
ASI (FS) Mr. Ram Prasad
ASI Mr. R.C Singh
ASI (Serang) Mr. P. Mustafa
ASI Mr. Biju
HC/46 Mr. Chandar Sekaran
HC/181 Mr. Ram Lall
HC/04 Mr. Dinesh Singh
HC/1909 Mrs. Sheela Kumari
HC/868 Mr. Paresh Chandra Das
PC/1984 Mr. Pethu Raj
FM/135 Mr. Zakir Ahmed
HG(R)/273 Mr. Biplab Bairagi
HG(R)/169 Mrs. Narayanamma
Utkrisht Seva Padak
Inspr. Mr. Rahul
Inspr. Mr. Rizwan Hassan
Inspr. Mr. Girish Kumar
Inspr. Mr. K. Abdul Nasir
Inspr. (GD) Mr. Shanta Bahadur
SI (HRO/60) Mr. Chockalingam Raja
ASI(GD) Mr. C.H. Joga Rao
ASI (GD) Mr. G. Adinarayana
ASI-RO/34 Mr. Shailendra Singh
ASI (RO/151) Mr. S. Ramaksrishna
HC(S)/713 Mr. Rajesh Ram
HC/2122 Mr. Prem Ch. Singh
HC/2100 Mr. Sanjay Kr Singh
HC(VHF)/85 Mrs. Arti Narayan
HC/588 Mr. Zubair
HC/297 Mr. Rakesh Lall
HC/2444 Mr. Muthu Kumar
HC/683 Mr. V. Karthikai Raju
HC/166 Mr. Ramayan Singh
HC/1656 Mr. Christopher Joshua
HC/2424 Mr. G. Kameshwar Rao
HC/2306 Mr. D. Mani Kumar
HC/2329 Mr. Nakul Halder
HC/2357 Mr. Anup Kr. Biswas
HC (GD)/021012 Mr. P. Ganga Raj
HC (GD)/021077 Mr. Johnson Mangra
HC(GD)/021032 Mr. Anant Prakash
HC(GD)/021308 Mr. Badal Sikder
HC(GD)/021115 Mr. M. Subramani
HC(GD)/021263 Mr. A.V. Radhakrsihna
HC(W)/031407 Mr. Pandi Raja
HC/98 Mr. K. Mohamed Mustafa
HC/387 Mr. P. Mohamed Hanifa
HC/2472 Mr. C. Abdul Sattar
HC(GD)/031490 Mr. Dinesh Tutty
HC/811 Mr. Sunil Singh Yadav
PC/2085 Mr. Kamrudin
PC/890 Mr. Abdul Salam
PC/1515 Mr. Bhuvaneshwar Rao
PC/2346 Mrs. Desamma
PC/1273 Mr. Subrato Kr. Nag
PC (FS)/2297 Mr. Manoj Kr.
PC/2384 Mr. Amit Kr. Singh
PC/2420 Mr. Manoj Kr. Nandi
PC/891 Mr. Dilip Mondal
PC/866 Mr. S. Neelkanteshwar Rao
PC/2316 Mrs. Prisca
CT(GD)/021211 Mr. K. Manivel
CT(GD)/021347 Mr. A. Sekhar
CT(GD)/051571 Mr. P.V. Sakir
CT(W)/031419 Mr. Rakesh Kr. Pandey
CT(W)/031422 Mr. R.A. Swinglie
CT(T)/ 031906 Mr. T. Prakash Rao
CT(T)/041969 Mr. P. Simachalam
HG(R)/548 Mrs. Dhanlaxmi
Mr. Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, DGP, A&N Islands complimented all the awardees for the distinctions conferred on them. He wished them success for their future career.

 

Gate Protest in front of Directorate of Education to enhance the wages at par with DRMs by Part Time Education Employees Association of ANRKM, BMS

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Port Blair, Dec 06: Part Time Education Employees Association an affiliated association of Andaman Nicobar Rajya Karmachari Mahasangh (ANRKM), BMS has called Gate Protest in front of Directorate of Education to enhance the wages at par with DRMs as the part time employees are also working for more than eight hours but the order earlier use to issue for 4 hours and currently it upgraded to 6 hours.
The part time employees of Education department were not considered for economic upliftment due to the designation i.e. Part Time BUT they are delivering more than 08 hours of service in their respective establishment. Afterwards, as per the judgment of Supreme Court of India, all DRMs attached with various offices under the A & N Administration were considered for regularisation as per the directions, who were completed 10 years of continuous service BUT the Part time Employees were not counted for any such regularisations.
ANRKM has submitted a detailed letter to the Chief Secretary in the month of Sept. 2023 and thereafter met the Secretary (Education) in presence of the Director (Education) on resolving the issues as all the documentary evidence was provided to prove that they are working for more than 08 hours.
On commencement of Gate Protest the Director of Education invited a delegation to discuss the issues to arrive at a conclusion. The delegation was led by Mr. Jaydeep Kr. Dey, President, ANRKM in presence of Mr. Vijay Kumar, Vice President, Mr. S. Biju Pillai, General Secretary, ANRKM, Mr. Shakti, President, Part Time Education Employees Association and other members of ANRKM & Part Time Education Employees Association.
The Director heard the issues which are very sensitive from the part of the working class that the salary they are getting is very meagre and doing 08 hours of service. Discussion in length carried out and concluded with the remarks that ANRKM may submit 05 points on priority to resolve within the rules. The delegation demanded that it should be resolved within February 2024 otherwise the election process will commence, in which it was assured that speedily the works will take up with the higher authorities.
On getting a positive note, the protest called off. The Secretary, Part Time Education Employees Association, Mr. Laxman Mehra expressed gratitude to all co – workers as well as other affiliated associations of ANRKM for their cooperation and support.

Visit of DGP, A&N Police to A&N Police Dog Squad Unit

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Port Blair, Dec 06: On 04/12/2023, Director General of Police of A&N Police, Mr. Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, paid a visit to the A&N Police Dog Squad Unit in Austinabad. Upon the DGP’s arrival, the Police Canines (K9s) presented a Guard of Honour. Subsequently, a demonstration was presented by the Police K9s, simulating a building collapse scenario to showcase their search and rescue capabilities. The K9s also exhibited their physical and mental efficiency by engaging in various obstacle and agility exercises.
Subsequently, Director General of Police visited the Dog Kennels and Staff barracks, inspecting the designated area for the erection of agility equipment for K9s, and also reviewed the on-going projects at the Dog Squad. He also held interaction sessions with the personnel posted at Dog Squad and addressed their duty related issues.
The A&N Police Dog Squad Unit was established in the year 2002 and started functioning with 04 Sniffer Dogs. At present, 11 Dogs are available with A&N Police, which includes 03 Explosive Sniffer, 03 Narcotics Sniffer, 02 Tracker Dogs, and 03 Search and Rescue Dogs. These Sniffer Dogs have been trained at the National Training Centre for Dogs, BSF, Tekanpur, and ITBP, Panchkula, Haryana.
All these Dogs are being deployed along with respective Dog Handlers for various operational duties at the Airport, Sea Port, VIP Duties, National functions, and crime scenes in these Islands. Moreover, K9s are deployed with ANTF teams for the checking of Contrabands. Further, Search & Rescue dogs are trained to locate missing persons, disaster survivors, or individuals in distress in diverse environments, finding people who are lost in the wilderness or trapped in the rubble of a collapsed building, etc.
These K9s are accommodated in proper hygienic kennels with regular veterinary check-ups through Veterinary Hospitals to maintain the health and up-to-date vaccination of the dogs, as well as proper nutrition and hydration. The Police dogs are valuable assets that enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies across various operational domains. In the recent past, narcotic dogs on numerous occasions, detected narcotic substances at the Airport/seaport. Also the tracker dogs played a vital role in solving theft/burglary and cases of homicides.
In addition to the above, the dog squad contingent had taken part in the 77th Independence Day parade held at Netaji Stadium and Aviation Security Culture Week-2023 at VSI Airport. As police dogs play a vital role in law enforcement, contributing to various aspects of police work and providing unique capabilities that enhance the overall effectiveness of law enforcement agencies. Further A & N Police is in the process of procuring Four more Pups of Belgium Malinois breed for detection of Explosives and Narcotics, with the approval of A & N Administration. In addition, to enhance the physical and mental efficiency of the K9s, the erection of Agility works at the Dog Squad is in progress. Moreover, Isolation Kennels and a veterinary dispensary at the Dog Squad are on the verge of completion.
Impressed by their dedication and skills, the DGP directed steps towards modernizing the squad, aligning with the latest K9 standards. He also emphasized enhanced coordination with various agencies for optimal operational efficiency.