Port Blair, July 9:Common Matric Level Examination for filling up Group ‘C’ vacant posts in various Departments of A&N Administration was conducted on 09.07.2023 across A&N Islands at 9 Tehsils by the A&N Administration with the help of Staff Selection Commission, New Delhi. In all, 48702 candidates had applied online for around 2520 vacancies and 41003 candidates appeared in the examination. The overall attendance rate was an encouraging 84.2%.
Despite various constraints, Administration had made elaborate arrangements at the examination centres located at the far-off Islands to conduct free, fair and transparent examination. To ensure the integrity and sanctity of the examination, the Administration utilized the services of several IAS, IPS, IFS, DANICS Officers apart from other Officers from the local Administration viz, Education, APWD, Police, Forest among others. To rule out any possibility of electronic unfair means, the Administration installed jammers at all the examination centres with the assistance of Bharat Electronics Limited, Panchkula.
The Administration has frequently been conducting the recruitment examinations to fill up all the vacancies under A & N Administration and this is perhaps one reason why such a large number of candidates had applied for these posts. In order to accommodate such large number of candidates, 61 centers across the Islands i.e. 45 centres were located in South Andaman District while out of the rest, 12 were located in N&M Andaman District and 4 were located in the Nicobar District.
During the examination, suitable arrangements were made for the eligible specially abled candidates belonging to Visually Disabled (VH) & Cerebral Palsy (CP) category. Administration tried its best to accommodate them to the extent possible within the framework of rules to allow all eligible candidates to have a chance to try their luck at the examination.
The Administration is relentlessly trying its best to provide opportunity of employment to the eligible aspirants of the Islands and fill up all vacant posts. In this regard, Administration is also taking various initiatives including establishing infrastructure for online examination in the Islands so that examinations could be held frequently for job aspirants and there is no delay in filling up the posts.
Archives for July 9, 2023
Adverse Weather Conditions lead to Collapse of vacant Wooden Building at Dilanipur
John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, July 09: In a weather related incident, an old residential vacant wooden building in the Dilanipur area, located behind the Petrol Pump, collapsed yesterday, July 8, 2023.
At approximately 8:56 AM, the dilapidated wooden structure succumbed to the relentless downpour and fierce winds. The collapse of the building highlights the vulnerability of such structures in extreme weather conditions. Fortunately, there were no reports of any individuals being trapped or injured under the debris.
In addition to the building collapse, numerous tree branches also fell on houses in various areas, resulting in minor damages and further adding to the chaos caused by the inclement weather.
Responding promptly to the incident, the fire tenders from Chatham Fire Station and the Chatham police personnel rushed to the affected area to assess the situation and provide immediate assistance.
Efficient Traffic Management eases Traffic woes on Common Metric Level Examination Day
Vikramaditya
Port BLair, July 09: Today, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration conducted the Common Metric Level Examination for the recruitment of various group vacancies across different departments. In order to ensure a smooth process, the Traffic Unit of the Andaman and Nicobar Police made commendable efforts to regulate the traffic and ease the movement of candidates and the general public.
Along with other Islands, the examination took place at numerous exam centers in Port Blair, with thousands and thousands of candidates appearing for the written test. Typically, such examination days lead to chaotic traffic situations, causing inconvenience to both candidates and the public. However, due to the diligent and professional approach of the Traffic Unit, under the leadership of Dy.S.P Traffic, Mr. Ajay Rai, the traffic arrangements were executed excellently, providing immense relief to all stakeholders.
Member of Parliament requests Promotion of Film Industry in A & N Islands, Enhancing Infrastructure and Creating a Single Window Clearance System
Port Blair, July 09: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has emphasized the need for two crucial elements to invigorate the film industry in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, enhancing infrastructure and streamlining administrative processes.
In a letter addressed to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, the Member of Parliament mentioned that Andaman and Nicobar Islands are blessed with awe-inspiring natural beauty that has attracted a few filmmakers to shoot their movies in these Islands in the past. However, when it comes to film production in A & N Islands, there are a few challenges that deter many film producers and directors who prefer neighbouring Island-Nations for shooting rather than coming to Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
He pointed out that two main reasons for their hesitation are the absence of a single window clearance system for shooting permissions and the unavailability of film production equipment and dedicated shooting locations akin to Film City in Mumbai or Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad.
Therefore, he requested the Hon’ble Lt. Governor to consider initiating the establishment of a single window clearance system for film producers and directors who wish to shoot their films in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This streamlined process will greatly ease their entry into our region and facilitate the framing of films that showcase the beauty and allure of our islands, he added.
Furthermore, he urged to send a high-level team to visit Film City in Mumbai and Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. “Their visit will provide valuable insights into the essential infrastructure required for film production, such as trolleys, lighting, cables, sound systems, and more. Implementing a similar infrastructure in our islands will enable film producers to conveniently bring only their advanced cameras and a few basic equipment to shoot films in Andaman and Nicobar Islands,” he added.
He mentioned that providing such facilities will contribute to the growth of Andaman and Nicobar Islands in several significant ways:
1) First and foremost, the promotion of the film industry will generate substantial revenue for the Andaman and Nicobar Administration. Film producers often spend lakhs of rupees on location shoots, including substantial fees paid to the concerned Administration.
2) Additionally, by offering a convenient single window system and easy access for film producers, we will attract an increasing number of filmmakers to our islands. This, in turn, will raise the international profile of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, promoting tourism and enhancing the brand image of our region.
3) Thirdly, the growth of the film industry will create numerous employment opportunities for our local youth. Historically, a few film producers who have come to Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the past had shown a preference for employing local talent in supporting roles, providing them with substantial remuneration. Moreover, this development will also generate employment for tour operators, cab owners, boat operators, and various other sectors, thereby invigorating our local economy.
4) Lastly, promoting the film industry will serve as a platform to showcase the immense talent that resides in Andaman and Nicobar Islands at both national and international levels. Our region boasts a wealth of untapped potential, waiting to be discovered through the medium of cinema.
Chief of Defence Staff visits Andaman And Nicobar Command (ANC), the Only Operational Tri Service & Coast Guard Command of the Country
Port Blair, July 09: The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM arrived at Port Blair today. He was received by Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, AVSM, VM, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN).
The CDS was briefed on the role, significance and challenges to India’s only operational Joint Services Command. During the briefing the CINCAN highlighted the Geo-strategic potential of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the role played by ANC towards supporting military operations in the area. Andaman and Nicobar Command has played a significant role in nurturing Governments ‘Act East’ Policy and initiatives prioritising the Indian Ocean Region in accordance with Hon’ble PM’s vision of Security & Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR).
The CDS also visited the Naval Ship Repair Yard (NSRY) and inaugurated the newly constructed Wet Basin and Refit jetty. It is a state of art project in which a jetty with underslung compartments has been constructed along with office spaces and accommodation for troops. The jetty would boost the refit capability of ANC manifolds. During the interaction with troops, the CDS lauded the efforts of ANC personnel towards protecting national interests.
Vishal Jolly requests for reschedule the university exams
Port Blair, July 09: Mr. Vishal Jolly National Executive Member BJP & Former State President BJP-ANI requested Chief Secretary, A & N Administration, Vice-Chancellor, Pondicherry University and Secretary (Higher Education) A & N Administration to reschedule the university exams due to its overlapping with recruitment exams of A & N Administration.
In a letter Mr. Jolly mentioned that the Pondicherry University had previously issued a tentative schedule of various CBCS- UG/PG(Arts & Science) Course examinations in which large number of students from our Islands were due to participate at Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidhyalaya and other Colleges affiliated to Pondicherry University.
Further he wrote that these exams were scheduled to commence from 20th July, 2023 onwards, but as per the “fresh” schedule of examination, issued recently by the examination wing of the Pondicherry University, the previously issued dates have been proponed from 20th July onwards to 12th July, 2023.
He also mentioned here that in terms of the direction issued by Prime Minister Narendra Modiji, targeted recruitment drives are going on throughout the Country for filling up 10,00,000 vacant posts under the Central Government & UTs. Likewise, in our UT also recruitment for large number vacant posts are being conducted for which the process has already begun and various physical as well as written examinations were already scheduled & notified between 09th July to 15th July, 2023, and now after the issuance of fresh schedule of examinations by the Pondicherry University, the dates are OVERLAPPING with recruitment exams, as large numbers of students who are required to write the University exams are also aspiring candidates of these recruitment exams.
He added that unless and until the fresh dates issued by the University are postponed to some other dates or the previous tentative schedule issued on 21st June, 2023 is maintained, the aspiring candidates will not be able to attend/participate in both examinations, which are equally important in so far as their respective careers are concerned.
Accordingly, he requested to either postpone the Pondicherry University exams to any other dates in the next month OR fix the same as per the previously released tentative schedule, in the larger interest of careers of the students & aspiring candidates.
North & Middle Andaman Police Apprehends 03 Foreign Poachers and Seized 02 Engine Dinghies
Port Blair, July 09: Poaching by Foreigners in the Islands territories is one of the major challenges for the Police in North and Middle Andaman District. Foreign Poachers from Myanmar are coming to collect sea wealth from A&N islands which have immense value in the international market.
On 07/07/2023 information regarding the presence of foreign poachers near Loha Tikrey was received. Reacting swiftly, a team consisting of Insp. Anirudra Mondal, HC/ Khokan Das & Cts Rajkamal, Vikash, Bhusai, Gopal, Ganeshwar and HG Gautam Saha were formed to conduct Anti-poaching operations. The team conducted an extensive search and ambushed near Loha Tikrey creek. The tireless team noticed poachers’ movement in the mid-night. The team immediately jumped into action and tried to stop the poachers, but they did not stop and tried to escape into dense mangroves. The courageous Police team chased them and apprehended 02 Myanmar poachers along with their engine dinghy containing large quantities of sea cucumber & edible articles.
Then the team continued its search operation suspecting more poachers. After a long hour search at nearby areas they succeed in apprehending 01 more Myanmar poachers along with one engine dinghy containing sea wealth. All apprehended poachers were brought to PS Kalighat and later handed over to PS CCS for further investigation. The entire operation was carried out under the direct supervision of Ms. Geetanjali Khandelwal, IPS, SP (D) N&MA who was continuously connected with the anti-poaching team through satellite phone.
The exemplary bravery shown by the anti-poaching team has been lauded and they will be suitably rewarded.
The general public and fishermen who are venturing in sea are requested to pass and share any credible information pertaining to sighting of foreign boats/nationals to their nearest Police Station or over phone No.100, 112 & 03192-273344. Their identity will be kept secret and they will be suitably rewarded for their brave act.
Chief Secretary visits Organic Horticulture Farm at Sippighat
Port Blair, July 9:The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Keshav Chandra, IAS, today visited the Organic Horticulture Farm (Spice Garden) of Agriculture Department at Sippighat. He was accompanied by Shri Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, Director General of Police, A&N Islands. The purpose of the visit was to observe the developments in spice cultivation, organic farming and emergence of Sippighat as an Eco-Tourism site in A&N Islands. The Director of Agriculture, Shri Vikram Singh, DANICS, and Dr. Ajit Arun Waman, Scientist, CIARI, Port Blair welcomed them.
During the visit, they visited the Medicinal Garden (plants used by different tribes), newly constructed Tissue Culture Laboratory, Integrated Fish- Agri pond. The Director (Agriculture) apprised the Chief Secretary about integrated fish farming pond with a capacity to hold 25 lakh liters of water and Agri-Tourism Circuit being developed there. Tourists can enjoy fishing (angeling), visit the Spice Garden, mountain cycling, bird watching, and 2 km trekking amid picturesque Spice Garden, resting & recreational points.
Dr. Ajit Arun Waman, Scientist, CIARI under whose technical guidance and consultancy the Tissue Culture Lab was established at OHF Sippighat, apprised the Chief Secretary about the Tissue Culture Laboratory and the technical aspect of functioning of Tissue Culture Lab such as Lab machineries, feasibility and way forward. The Department of Agriculture is thankful to CIARI for imparting consultancy, support and cooperation in various activities.
Shri Ramesh, Joint Director of Agriculture apprised the Chief Secretary about the 50,000 nos. of plant saplings of various fruits, medicinal and ornamental crops being sold to the farmers and general public on nominal rate.
In another event during the visit, the Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police and Sr. Scientist, CIARI launched Flagship program posters of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bhima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana and Kisan Credit Card.
The Chief Secretary also visited the Medicinal Garden, where plants used by Island Tribes like Jarawas, Shompens, Onges, Andamanese, Nicobaris, etc. were displayed. The Chief Secretary took keen interest and appreciated the Agriculture Department for maintaining and displaying such medicinal plants. He also instructed the Department to create awareness among farmers to produce such plants and distribute them to farmers and the general public.
Thereafter, the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police visited Sales Outlet Unit of SHG setup in the Organic Horticulture Farm premises. Shri Aditya Kumar Asthana, DANICS, Director (RD) welcomed the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police at the Sales Outlet Unit named ‘MITRANCHAL’ and they inaugurated the stalls by cutting the ribbon. The Chief Secretary also interacted with the members of the Self Help Group and took keen interest in the various products displayed by them. The Chief Secretary and Director General of Police made the first purchase of products from the SHGs and appreciated the overall efforts taken by the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.
TSG Bhasker condoles demise of Shri. Narayan Moorthy
Port Blair, July 09: ANTCC Campaign Committee Chairman Mr. TSG Bhasker has expressed his grief over the said demise of Shri. Narayan Moorthy, R/o Aberdeen Bazaar, a renowned Hockey Coach, sports fanatic and an able Hockey Administrator who passed away on Saturday at G.B Pant Hospital.
“He was a thorough gentleman and a fine role model to many. Under him, the Players of the Andaman Hockey team achieved good results. His passing away has shocked the sports fraternity”, said Mr. Bhasker.
Mr. Bhasker offered his deepest condolences to the family of Shri. Narayan Moorty in this moment of grief and prayed that his family is given the strength to cope with this loss.
Mobile Birthday Celebrations and Grooming Sessions Bring Joy to Senior Citizens in Andaman
Port Blair, July 09: The Social Welfare Department, in collaboration with the Pankh Andaman NGO under the banner of Hasgulla Club, has introduced a heartwarming initiative aimed at celebrating the birthdays of senior citizens and providing them with grooming sessions. This unique program ensures that every possible senior citizen is reached out to and given a memorable birthday celebration.
At the Ferrargunj Old Age Home, a special event was organized in the presence of Dr. Nitin Shakya, Director of Social Welfare, Mr. A.K Biswas, Probation Officer, Swami Sudhanand from Chinmaya Mission, and Mrs. Komal Anand, President of Pankh NGO, along with other members of the NGO. The program commenced with an interactive session for the elderly residents, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. A cake cutting ceremony added to the festive spirit of the occasion.
As part of the grooming session, the inmates received expert guidance from Anita’s Makeover Academy. The academy shared valuable beauty and grooming tips, enhancing the self-esteem and confidence of the senior citizens. Additionally, the Pankh NGO contributed to their well-being by providing essential items such as slippers, towels, adult diapers, and children diapers.
The program concluded with the distribution of refreshments, spreading joy and warmth among the inmates of the old age home.