ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Archives for July 16, 2023

Public fumes as PHC Billiground Struggles with Staff Shortage and Subpar Facilities

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Trinath & Vikramaditya

Billiground, July 16: PHC Billiground, one of the busiest hospitals in the Middle Andaman region, is currently facing many challenges. As per a rough estimation more than 200 patients, mainly from from Basantipur GP, Harinagar GP, Swadesh Nagar GP, and Shivapuram Gram Panchayat, visit the hospital daily for health checkups and medical care, but the public are aggrieved due to the inadequate number of staff nurses, ward attendants, absence of a lab technicians, and irregular services of Homeopathy wing.

Patients and citizens from the surrounding areas expressed their frustration while talking to Andaman Sheekha. They informed that several months ago, the Health Secretary and Director of Health visited the Middle Andaman region and interacted with islanders of the region. During the visit, the public raised concerns regarding the functioning of the Homeopathy wing. In response, the Health Secretary and Director of Health assured the community that a Homeopathy doctor would attend to patients at PHC Billiground for two days every week. However, in recent weeks the Homeopathy wing is not providing service as per promised schedule.

Furthermore, it is surprising that there is no provision for a purified water RO plant at PHC Billiground, putting both outdoor and indoor patients at high risk. The lack of proper water arrangements is causing tremendous difficulties for patients.

The villagers also lamented the state of ambulances at PHC Billiground. Although there were two ambulances, only one has been operational for the past few years, leaving the region’s residents facing difficulties during emergencies.

Despite repeated representations by the public and political leaders, efforts to address the situation have yielded no substantial results, leading to growing frustration among the people.

The villagers and PRI members of the region have requested the administration to take immediate action to rectify the situation. The concerns raised by the public regarding staffing, services, water purification, toilet facilities, and ambulances at PHC Billiground require urgent attention to ensure the well-being and safety of the patients and the community at large.

Baratang Islanders Cry for Reliable Rides: STS Bus Shortage and Deteriorating Condition Cause Commuter Chaos

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John Wilbert & Vikramaditya

Port Blair, July 16: The dilapidated state of STS (State Transport Service) buses has become a common sight in the North and Middle Andaman, with leakages from the roof, broken seats, frequent breakdowns, and even passengers having to push the buses to get them started. This predicament is particularly prevalent in remote islands, causing serious inconvenience to residents and commuters.

Among the affected areas, Baratang Island have been enduring a long-standing issue – a single common bus provided for transportation to Wrafter Creek and Beach Dera from Nilambur Jetty. This arrangement is causing immense inconvenience to school students and the general public alike. Moreover, the demand for STS buses remains high on many routes, but the Transport Department is unable to meet the demand due to the poor condition of the buses and a shortage in their availability.

In response to these challenges, Mrs. Sumari Roy, the Pradhan of Nilambur Gram Panchayat, recently wrote a letter to the Director of Transport, highlighting the critical situation. She pointed out that out of the 16 buses allocated for the Baratang unit, only 8 are currently in operational condition. The STS unit in Baratang is facing a shortage of buses and staff members. Mrs. Roy emphasized the need to repair all the ATR buses that have encountered problems in Baratang, in addition to the buses assigned specifically for the area. Furthermore, she noted that there are 11 drivers, 11 conductors, and 8 mechanics currently serving in the Baratang units.

Previously, buses were provided on a daily basis from Nilambur to Diglipur and vice versa. However, the current scenario has seen buses being provided on alternate days. This change poses a significant inconvenience for the people of Baratang, as they often need to travel to Mayabunder for court appearances, the District Collector’s office, and the Zilla Parishad office. Additionally, the general public requires transportation for their day-to-day activities. To address this issue, it is recommended that the buses that start from Kadamtala and travel to Rangat and back should be extended up to Nilambur Jetty. Additionally, the 8 buses that are beyond repair should be returned to the STS unit in Port Blair, with new buses being provided in exchange.

“The deteriorating state of the STS buses in Andaman and Nicobar Islands demands immediate attention and action from the Administration. A reliable and efficient public transportation system is vital for the well-being and convenience of the residents,”said a resident of Baratang Island.

Kashthuri Bhai wins bronze medal for India in 17th Asian Schools Chess Championship 2023

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Port Blair, July 16: Chess Prodigy from A & N Islands, R Kashthuri Bhai created history by winning a bronze medal for India in the Rapid event of 17th Asian Schools Chess Championship 2023 being held at Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Playing for the first ever international event, she played brilliantly and scored five points out of seven rounds with five wins and finished third at the podium.
Meanwhile, the classical event is underway which will be held up to 19th July followed by the Blitz event & closing ceremony on 20th July 2023.

Member of Parliament meets Chief Secretary on Power Crisis issue

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Port Blair, July 16: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma on Friday (14.07.2023) held a meeting with the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration to discuss the pressing issue of the power crisis in A & N Islands. The meeting focused on identifying effective solutions to address the power shortfall.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary informed about the measures being undertaken by the administration to combat the power crisis in the South Andaman and other Districts. It was highlighted that various steps are being taken to mitigate the power shortfall, aiming to significantly reduce the crisis by the coming year.

The Chief Secretary informed the Member of Parliament about the details of a high level meeting held on 19.06.2023 in this regard under his Chairmanship, in which various strategies were planned to end the power crisis in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Member of Parliament Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma expressed his appreciation for the efforts being made by the administration to tackle the power crisis.

 

PBGKR Provides Financial Aid to Senior Citizens Of Katchal

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Port Blair, July 16: Upon receiving a request from the Captain of the Tribe Of Katchal to one of the Volunteer of Team Port Blair Guru Ki Rasoi Dr.Inderjit Kaur in Katchal. Team PBGKR immediately responded by Providing Financial Aid of Rs 21,000/- (Rupees Twenty One Thousand) among the Senior Citizen of Katchal on 16th June at Community Hall, Japan Tikrey.

Shri Mandeep Grewal , President, PBGKR sincerely thank Dr Inderjit Kaur and other Senior Officials to be present on the occasion to give away the financial aid to the elderly.

Grewal added “We are blessed to be able to provide assistance to the elderly in the remotest of Islands, we will always be on the fore fronts to help and assist those in need.”

 

Mass joining of Youth Congress Members at Congress Office, Port Blair

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Port Blair, July 16: On the 15th of July,2023, A mass crowd of Youths from Port Blair Municipal area especially from the Aberdeen Bazaar area joined Pradesh Youth Congress under the leadership of Youth Congress President Miss. Diksha Dular and Vice President Mr. Abhibhusan Ghosh.
The programme was graced by the presence of ANTCC President Mr. Rangalal Halder, ANTCC Campaign Committee Chairman Mr. TSG Bhasker , Congress Leaders Mr. Sadab Riaz (Sunny), Mr. Isa Dilshad, INTUC General Secretary Mr. Rafique and PBMC Councillor Mr. Joga Rao.
Miss. Diksha Dular welcomed the youths with enthusiasm and optimism in the Congress Party. While interacting with the youths she has discussed the “Behtar Bharat ki Buniyaad” Programme and guided them to take an initiative for addressing the foundational issues that hinder India’s progress, such as poverty, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
The programme was entitled with enthusiasm among the youths and general topics were discussed regarding the beneficial aspects of the up gradation of the skills and capabilities required among the youths in the society.
At last the Congress Leaders gave their blessings to the youths with encouragement and motivation to chase their dreams fearlessly. Hence the programme was successfully coordinated by the Pradesh Youth Congress.

Fruit distribution programme at Ayush Hospital

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Port Blair, July 16: The volunteers of TSG Foundation on Sunday organized a fruit distribution programme at Ayush Hospital, Junglighat for the patients to celebrate the birthday of Mr. TSG Bhasker in the presence of all Staffs of the hospital.
Mr. Bhasker took part in the programme and distributed fruits among the patients. He also interacted with the patients on their health condition and prayed for their speedy recovery.
On this occasion, the hospital administration appreciated the works undertaken by TSG Foundation and thanked them for their noble gesture. The programme received full support and cooperation from Doctor Rekha Singh and other Staff nurses.
Councillor Ward no. 14 Mr. Y. Joga Rao, Social Worker Shri. Saji Varghese and Programme Coordinator, TSG Foundation Mr. Ameer Bux were present on the occasion.

74th Van Mahotsava organised by South Andaman Division, Department of Environment and Forests

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Port Blair, July 16: As a part of celebration of 74th Van Mahotsava, South Andaman Forest Division, Department of Environment and Forests in association with Navy Children School, Minnie Bay organised a ceremonial tree planting program on 15.07.2023 at the premises of Navy Children School, Minnie Bay. Dr. T. S. Ashok Kumar, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (ANI) graced the occasion as Chief Guest and Shri Kamal Datta, IFS, APCCF(Administration and Vigilance) and Dr. S. Senthil Kumar, IFS, APCCF(Coastal Zone & Forest Conservation) were Guests of honour on this occasion. Dr. Dinesh Kannan, IFS, (Chief Conservator of Forests, Territorial), Shri Sanjay Waradkar, IFS (Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife) also graced the occasion. Around 45 seedlings of fruits bearing, shade bearing and different ornamental species were planted by the Officers, school authorities and students.

Later, after the ceremonial tree planting, a simple function was organised at the meeting hall of the school, where the Chief Guest and the guests of honour addressed the gathering and passed on the message on the importance of celebration of Van Mahotsava, tree planting and urge the young students to inculcate love and passion for the trees and wildlife for posterity.

Earlier, students of Navy Children school, Minnie Bay presented a welcome song and Shri A. K. Paul, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, South Andaman, Wimberlygunj welcomed the gathering and Ms. Anita Devi, Principal, Navy Children School, Minnie Bay proposed vote of thanks to the audience.

List of qualified candidates in the Physical Measurement & Endurance Test (PM&ET) uploaded

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Port Blair, July 16: With reference to the recruitment notice vide No. DGP/RC/DR/2023/112/2181 dated 09/05/2023 published by A&N Police for filling up of various Graduate Level posts of A&N Police Department and other Departments of A&N Administration and Follower Posts of A&N Police Department, the list of qualified candidates in the Physical Measurement & Endurance Test (PM&ET) for the recruitment to the Post of Sub-Inspector (Executive), Sub-Inspector (Station Officer) Fire Service, Radio Operator (ASI) Police Radio, Cipher Operator (ASI), Police Radio, Radio Technician (ASI) Police Radio and Dealing Assistant (HC) PMT in Andaman and Nicobar Police has been uploaded on the A&N Police website https://police.andaman.gov.in for information to candidates.
In case of any queries, candidates have been advised to contact Recruitment Cell, Police Headquarters, Port Blair, A&N Islands on email ID: recruitment.phq@and.nic.in or on phone no. 03192-230735 from 9.30 am to 5 pm on all working days.