ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Archives for August 6, 2023

Member of Parliament moves Private Member’s Bill “The Anganwadi Workers of Andaman and Nicobar (Regularization of Service and Welfare) Bill, 2023” in Parliament

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Port Blair, Aug 06: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has taken a number of steps towards ensuring the welfare of Anganwadi workers of A & N Islands. On 04.08.2023 taking welfare issue of Anganwadi workers of A & N Islands to highest level, he moved a private member’s bill in Parliament, titled “The Anganwadi Workers of Andaman and Nicobar (Regularization of Service and Welfare) Bill, 2023.”

The primary objective of this bill is to provide for the regularization of the services of Anganwadi workers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by granting them the status of permanent employees of the Government. It aims to address the concerns surrounding job security and honorarium faced by these dedicated workers who play a crucial role in the implementation of the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme.

Anganwadi Centres, initiated by the Central and State Governments, have become indispensable in rural areas, promoting health awareness among women and child welfare. The Anganwadi workers serve as strong advocates of various government schemes, ensuring the well-being of children and women.

However, despite their commendable contributions, Anganwadi workers lack job security, and the meager honorarium provided is inadequate to meet their immediate basic requirements. This poses a risk to the effective functioning of the Integrated Child Development Scheme.

Recognizing the pivotal role of Anganwadi workers as a bridge between the Government and the general public, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma highlighted the necessity to safeguard their service and welfare. The bill aims to address these concerns and secure the rights of these workers, who play a vital role in the successful implementation of health programs.

The bill’s introduction marks a significant step towards empowering and protecting the rights of Anganwadi workers, ensuring their continued dedication to the welfare of children and women in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Was the incident of Panighat Jetty Collapse avoidable? Islanders Demand Regular Safety Surveys

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John Wilbert &Vikramaditya
Port Blair, August 06: The news of sudden collapse of Panighat jetty yesterday has sent a shockwave across Andaman and Nicobar Islands and now questions are being raised whether this catastrophe was avoidable.
As per details the collapse occurred between 5:00 PM to 5:10 PM on a Saturday evening, with a crowd of more than 50 to 60 people gathered on and around the Jelly. Eyewitnesses said that only three individuals, two women, and one man, suffered minor injuries. They were standing on the front portion of the jetty when it gave way, plunging them into the sea. Swift action by local youths saved the day, rescuing the stranded victims.
This tragic incident raises several questions about the safety of old jetties in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. When were regular surveys of the jetty’s strength conducted? Why are such reports not in the public domain? What if the collapse had occurred during peak hours with maximum crowding? Public demands are echoing the need for regular safety assessments of old jetties and making such reports publicly available.
Rasheeda Banu Pradhan, a member of the Gram Panchayat in Hope Town, witnessed the tragedy unfold. She recounted the terrifying moment when a mother (36 years old) and her daughter (15 years old) from Austhinabad as well as a man fell into the sea along with the jetty. Thanks to the timely intervention of nearby youths, both women were rescued and taken to CHC Bambooflat for treatment.
Disaster Management officials told Andaman Sheekha that the Jetty was very old and the Department can’t comment anything further without a detailed investigation. “The case is under investigation and the technical expert team has already started the investigation,” he said. He said that although an earthquake of magnitude 4.8 occurred around 41 kilometers away in the Bay of Bengal yesterday, it is too early to attribute the jetty collapse to seismic activity.

 

Subsidy provided for purchase of Outboard/Inboard Marine Engine /Fishing Gear & Propellerc

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Port Blair, Aug. 6:The Department of Fisheries, A&N Administration is implementing a component “Motorization of Traditional Craft” under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme – “Blue Revolution” wherein subsidy is provided for purchase of Outboard/Inboard Marine Engine /Fishing Gear & Propeller. The pattern of subsidy and eligibility criteria for the programme of the scheme are as under:-
Pattern of Subsidy for General Category 40% of the unit cost With a ceiling of Rs.48,000/- per inboard / outboard Engine, fishing gear and propeller for unit cost of Rs.1.20 Lakh. Pattern of Subsidy for ST/SC Women Category 60% of the unit cost With a ceiling of Rs.72,000/-per inboard Outboard engine, fishing gear and Propeller for unit cost of Rs.1.20 Lakh.
Eligibility Criteria:
1. Applicant should be a bonafied fisherman of A&N Islands possessing registered nonmotorized or motorized fishing craft, holding valid fishing license continuously for 02 years including the current year. The Pandemic COVID relaxation is applicable.
2. The engine to be purchased should not be of more than 30 Horse Power (HP)
3. The eligible subsidy for procurement of engine shall be up-to 10 HP.
4. The fishermen possessing motorized fishing crafts, whose engines are of more than 05 years old and are unserviceable, are also eligible to replace the engines.
5. The fishermen seeking replacement of 05 years old and unserviceable engine should produce a certificate issued by an Authorized Marine Engineer stating that the engine is beyond economical repair.
6. The type / size of gear allowed to purchase are Gill net not below 25 mm mesh (knot to knot diagonally), Hook & Line. Shore seine/drag net of mesh size not below 25 mm., Fish traps.
7. The Applicant should not have availed the assistance for purchase of engine, fishing gear and propeller from the Department of Fisheries or any other Government Department during the last 5 years.
Applications are invited from eligible beneficiaries interested in the procurement of Outboard/Inboard Marine Engine /Fishing Gear & Propeller to extend subsidy by the Department during 2023-24. Application form and detailed terms & conditions of the scheme can be obtained from the Directorate of Fisheries / Fisheries Zonal Offices / Fisheries Sub Stations. The applications completed in all respect should reach the nearest Fisheries Zonal Office / Sub – Stations on or before 31st August–2023.

Review meeting of tourism developmental held under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary, A&N Administration

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Port Blair, Aug 06: With a view to take stock of various tourism developmental initiatives and ongoing projects in the Isles, a review meeting was held with the tourism stakeholders under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary, A&N Administration Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS, in the Conference Hall of Secretariat here yesterday.
The A&N Administration is prioritizing the tourism sector and review meetings on tourism related matters are being held since February 2023 under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, to further boost tourism in these Islands.
Tourism Department has formulated policies for various tourism activities i.e. Caravan Tourism, HouseBoat Tourism, Bird Watching, Beach Shacks, Luxury Tents which will be placed on public domain for inviting comments/suggestions from various Departments, tourism stakeholders and general public before final approval & notification of these policies.
The Administration is also planning to open up new Islands for tourism and as part of this, Cinque Island is being considered to be opened for general public & tourists for day tourism.
In addition to these, other proposals like Blue Flag Certification of 5 selected beaches, Inter Island Cruise Tourism, Simplification of IV Rules, Relaxation of dry days, International air connectivity, improvement of beach amenities and facilities, seaplane connectivity to Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep and Long Island, improvement of facilities and amenities at various jetties & wharfs etc were also deliberated upon in details for early implementation of the same.

Panighat Jetty collapsed: Member of Parliament demands permission to Temporary Transportation Arrangements from Hope Town Jetty and Reconstruction of Panighat Jetty

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Port Blair, Aug 06: Highlighting the unfortunate incident of collapse of Panighat Jetty of South Andaman region yesterday evening, the Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Lt. Governor to allow Temporary Transportation Arrangements for public from Hope Town Jetty and Reconstruction of Panighat Jetty.

In a letter addressed to the Lt. Governor, the Member of Parliament said that he has been informed by the general public and PRI members of the Hope Town and Panighat areas about the collapse of Panighat Jetty this evening at around 5.00 PM.

He added that this unfortunate event resulted in minor injuries to three individuals who accidentally fell into the water. Thanks to the prompt action of nearby people, they were rescued.

He pointed out that the Panighat Jetty holds immense significance for our community, serving as a crucial point for movement to various parts of the island. However, with its collapse, the people of the area will be facing great difficulty in commuting, leaving them entirely helpless.

In light of this situation, he requested the Lt. Governor to temporarily allow all residents to use the Hope Town Jetty for their daily commute and local transportation until Panighat Jetty is re-constructed.

The Member of Parliament also requested for the timely reconstruction of Panighat Jetty for the benefit of people of the region.

 

Kuldeep Rai Sharma attends the 38th meeting of the Committee of Parliament on Official Language in New Delhi

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Port Blair, Aug 06: Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, who has been recently elected to the Committee on Official Language, attended the 38th meeting of the Committee of Parliament on Official Language in New Delhi on Friday.
The meeting was chaired by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Mr. Amit Shah During the meeting, the 12th volume of the report of the Committee of Parliament on Official Language was also approved which will be presented to the President.

Congress leaders visits Bambooflat Hospital and meets victims of unfortunate Panighat Jetty collapse

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Port Blair, Aug 06: The ANTCC President Mr. Rangalal Halder and ANTCC Campaign Committee Chairman Mr. TSG Bhasker on Saturday evening visited Bambooflat Hospital and met the victims who got injured in the unfortunate Panighat Jetty Collapse.
They spoke with the doctors and inquired about the health condition of those injured. They also met the victims and their family members and assured them of all possible assistance during this challenging phase.

ANTCC leaders participates in the Shobha Yatra of Sree Venkataswara Temple

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Port Blair, Aug 06: The Saptha Shanivara Vratham Shoba Yatra was organized by Sree Venkataswara Temple, Haddo Ward No. 02 on Saturday evening. The procession started from the temple in the presence of Mr. Rangalal Halder, President, ANTCC and Mr. TSG Bhasker, Chairman, Campaign Committee, ANTCC.
A large number of people from Haddo and adjoining areas took part in the Shobha Yatra in large numbers. The idol of Lord was taken in a highly decorated palanquin amid chanting of Bhajans and religious slogans.
Mr. Halder and Mr. TSG Bhasker performed religious rituals at the beginning of the Shobha Yatra and prayed for the well-being of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Andaman Law College offers five year integrated B.A.LL.B. degree course affiliated to Pondicherry University

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Port Blair, Aug 06: Andaman Law College, established by Andaman Nicobar Islands Legal Education Society (ANILES), offers a five year integrated B.A.LL.B. Degree course affiliated to Pondicherry University and approved by the Bar Council of India. E-prospectus and other information regarding eligibility criteria and other admission details can be viewed or be downloaded from the Common Online Admission Portal for Colleges (CCAP). The candidates seeking admission to B.A.LL.B. (Five year – Integrated) degree course for the academic year 2023-2024 in Andaman Law College can apply online to the Common Online Admission Portal for Colleges (CCAP) by login into http://collegeadmission.andaman.gov.in.
The last date for online submission of the application form for admission to B.A. LL.B. degree course is Aug. 25, 2023. No admission applications will be received or entertained directly from the candidates in the college.

 

Inter school football tournament of Diglipur Zone concludes

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Diglipur, Aug. 6: The Inter school football tournament involving all the schools of the zone, concluded today at Diglipur. In the Boys under 14 category finals played today at the Vivekana nd Stadium, Govt. Model Senior Secondary school Sitanagar defeated Govt. Secondary School Pashchim Sagar by 4-0. Bishal Das and Yashwant Ram scored 2 goals each.
In the senior category of under 17 Boys, the GSSS Subhas gram won the final against GSSS Kishorinagar by 6-0. In the Girls under 17 final the Girls of GSSS Diglipur defeated GSS Nabagram by 2-1, in an interesting match. Total 22 schools in ‘under 14 category’ and 16 teams in the under 17 category each in boys and Girls, participated in this first ever mega zonal school sporting event held after the Corona Pandemic period.
The chief guest of the event, the Pradhan of Subhash gram Panchayat Shri P.R Singaram, Special guests, Zilla Parishad Member Shri Pradeep Das, Panchayat Samiti Member Shri Madhai Murshid and the Deputy Education officer Shri S. Suresh Kumar gave away trophies to the winning teams. The DEO Shri Suresh kumar also spoke on the occasion.