John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, August 13: The deplorable state of toilet blocks at the Kadamtala Primary Health Center has emerged as a distressing issue for patients seeking medical assistance at PHC Kadamtala. As per public, toilet blocks within the premises are in an appalling condition, leading to concerns of potential health risks for patients.
As per complaints, months of neglect have left toilets uncleaned, and broken floor tiles have rendered the facilities unusable for patients and attendants alike. The unsanitary conditions, dark stains on walls, and poorly maintained urinals all reflect a story of negligence on the part of authorities responsible for maintenance.
The hospital’s ward toilet blocks also share similar filthy and unkempt conditions, posing serious concerns for patients’ well-being.
Residents of Kadamtala expressed their dissatisfaction, stating, “The hospital’s sanitation is in extremely poor condition. Red stains from spitting paan are visible in many areas. Using the washrooms becomes an embarrassment due to their uncleanliness. We fear contracting infections from such unsanitary conditions.”
Mr. Prakash Mandal, Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Uttara, revealed that numerous complaints about the hospital’s unhygienic state had been registered by villagers. Despite repeated efforts, the situation has not seen improvement. He highlighted that both male and female wards’ toilet blocks emit strong odours, deterring patients from using them.
According to sources, inadequate staffing, lack of sanitation materials, and poor maintenance practices contribute to this unfortunate state of affairs. The outdated and deteriorating structure of the hospital’s toilets, coupled with broken tiles and fixtures, accentuates the problem. Mr. Prakash Mandal, Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Uttara demanded urgent intervention of Director of Health Service in this regard.
Archives for August 13, 2023
Member of Parliament requests Microsoft officials to initiate specialized training programs in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Students and Youths of A & N Islands
Port Blair, Aug 13: In a pioneering endeavor to uplift the technical acumen and employability of Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ youths, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, met with Mr. Ashutosh Chadha, Country Head Microsoft India and Mr. Sandeep Aurora, Director, Public Policy and Government Affairs, Microsoft India on August 12th, 2023 in New Delhi. The pivotal discussion centered around exploring avenues in the dynamic field of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Understanding the immense potential Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds, Mr. Sharma expressed the earnest desire to see the students and youths of Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ technical institutions, including engineering colleges, polytechnics and ITIs adeptly skilled in this frontier technology. With the long-term vision of elevating their employability quotient, the Hon’ble MP formally requested Microsoft to initiate specialized training programs in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for these students.
Microsoft, showcasing a collaborative spirit, appeared eager to act on this significant proposal. The global tech giant is expected to roll out comprehensive training modules tailored for the young talents of the islands. These proposed initiatives hold the promise not only of enhancing employability but also of catalyzing a new wave of entrepreneurial ventures, powered by Artificial Intelligence-driven innovations.
The concerted efforts of Mr. Sharma in championing such progressive causes reiterate his commitment to propelling Andaman and Nicobar Islands into the digital age, ensuring that its youth are not left behind in the race to harness the boundless possibilities that the Artificial Intelligence (AI) era offers.
Due to the Islands’ remote location from the mainland and the high cost of Artificial Intelligence courses, many of our youths and students are being deterred from benefiting from them. In light of this, Mr. Sharma proposed Microsoft to train the youths and students of the Islands in the Islands itself.
Child with a large Splenic Abscess with Hemolytic Anemic condition recovers after successful operation
Port Blair, Aug 13: A seven year old male child was admitted in children ward with complaints of high grade fever with chills and rigor and pain in abdomen for the last 2 days. He was in an unstable condition in septic shock and was managed initially in the PICU by the Paediatric intensivists and the child was stabilized. Child was clinically found to have abdominal distension and an enlarged spleen. Hence, the child was referred for expert opinion to the Surgical Department.
The child was examined and evaluated by Surgeons with blood investigation and USG abdomen and contrast CT scan and was found to have a large splenic abscess with hemolytic anemic condition namely sickle cell anemia. Since the entire spleen was filled with pus and the child was already on high dose of antibiotics and not responding to it with continuous high grade fever with chills and rigor, the decision was taken for removing the splenic abscess by doing emergency splenectomy.
A team of Surgeons and Anesthetists headed by Dr. Saji Vargheese and Dr. Saras Sahoo and staff performed emergency Laparoscopic Splenectomy on Aug 3, 2023 through 5 key holes of 10mm and 5mm size which lasted for 3 hrs and the child was shifted to the Surgical ICU and recovered post operatively very well and the recurrent episode of fever and chills and rigor subsided completely. The child was discharged from the Hospital. It is pertinent to mention that such emergency major Splenic surgeries are performed only through conventional open method but in this particular case because of the availability of expertise it was performed through minimally invasive method at G.B. Pant Hospital/ANIIMS.
ANTCC leads ‘Adivasi Mashal Yatra’ against Manipur violence
Port Blair, Aug 13: ANTCC President Mr. Rangalal Halder and ANTCC Campaign Committee Chairman Mr. TSG Bhasker on Saturday evening pushed full force into the ongoing protests against alleged atrocities on minorities and women’s in Manipur by leading a massive ‘Adivasi Mashal Yatra’ from Mathura Junction to Ferrargunj Chowk.
More than 1,000+ people mainly belonging to Chota Nagpuri Adivasis (Ranchi Community) participated in the Procession carrying Mashals and Candles. They raised slogans in favour of Adivasi Rights and highlighted the suppression of the voice of tribal communities in Manipur.
Mr. Halder criticized the Government of India for the deteriorating law and order situation in Manipur and the crime against women in the past four months. He strongly condemned the violence and sexual assaults happening against women in Manipur.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Bhasker appealed to all tribal people of A&N Islands to stay united and support each other. He lashed out at the anti people approach and decisions of the Central and State Government of Manipur.
Chairman, Adivasi Congress Mr. Sebastian Tirkey, Pradesh Youth Congress President Ms. Diksha Dular, NSUI State President Mr. M.A Sajid, BCC President, Ferrargunj Mr. Mohammed Ali and several other Congress leaders were present on the occasion.
05 More Foreign Poachers Apprehended by North & Middle Andaman Police
Port Blair, Aug 13: On 12.08.2023 the anti-poaching team consisting of ASI B.S Halder, HC V. Saji, and PCs Subrata Biswas & Shoaib Ali was on its way to search for foreign poachers in the mangroves and creek area of Loha Tikrey, Khari Nallah where they were suspected to be hidden. Suddenly, the team noticed some movement and the team got an alert from ASI B.S Halder. Then the team slowly forwarded towards them. On seeing the Police team the poachers tried to escape into the dense jungle but due to the warning shots fired by the Anti-poaching team, 03 poachers surrendered on the spot. Further, the team continued its search for more poachers, after an extensive search the team again noticed the movement of the poachers, and accordingly the team rounded them and apprehended 02 more poachers successfully.
All the 05 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.
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.
Legal Awareness Camp at District Correctional Home Prothrapur
Port Blair, Aug 13: The District Legal Services Authority, Andaman & Nicobar Islands organised a Legal Awareness Camp on Aug 12, 2023 at the District Correctional Home, Prothrapur. The programme focused on the crucial topics such as Legal Rights of the Prisoners and Free Legal Aid. The primary objective of the said programme was to educate and empower Jail inmates about their rights and provide them with access to free legal assistance. Mr. Anupam Mukherjee, Ld. District & Sessions Judge Cum Chairman of District Legal Services Authority, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bhawani Shanker Sharma, Ld. Additional District & Sessions Judge, Port Blair, Mr. Debarghya Biswas, Ld. Chief Judicial Magistrate Cum Secretary, DLSA, A&N Islands, held the legal awareness programme in presence of Mr. O. Md. Haneefa, Jailor, Mrs. Rekha Verma, Chief Medical Officer, emphasising the importance of legal awareness for the Inmates and Prisoners.
During the programme, the dignitaries shed light on various aspects of Legal Rights of the Prisoners and the availability of free Legal Aid. They highlighted the importance of fair and impartial justice, regardless of an individual’s status or background. In addition, they shared valuable information about the legal services and resources accessible to prisoners, emphasizing the role of DLSA in assisting them. During the aforesaid camp, a Pledge ceremony was also organized as a part of the ‘Mere Mati Mere Desh’ Campaign.
NGOs’ Association organizes State Level Convention on Restoration of Old Pension Scheme
Port Blair, Aug 13: The Non-Gazetted Govt. Officers’ Association, Andaman and Nicobar Islands organized a State Level Convention on Restoration of Old Pension Scheme on 12.08.2023 at Port Blair to create awareness among the employees covered under NPS and demand for scrapping NPS and restoring Old Pension Scheme. Mrs. A.R.Sindhu, National Secretary, CITU and Mr. P.Krishnaprasad, Finance Secretary, All India Kisan Sabha graced the occasion as guests. In her inaugural address, Mrs.. Sindhu briefed the gathering on the recent programme held at Ramleela Maidan, New Delhi on Scrapping of NPS which had seen immense response from the government employees and forced the government to have a talk with the leaders of the employees front. She urged for a united struggle by the government. Employees, workers and farmers for the common rights of the people.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. P.Krishnaparasad, Finance Secretary, AIKS explained about the year long fight by the Kisan Morcha on the issue of MSP held at New Delhi which had compelled the govt. to repeal the farm laws. He explained the effects of the neo-liberal and poor economic policies of the Central Government which is drastically affecting the agriculture farmers and workers at large. Addressing the gathering, he urged everyone to come together in support of workers and farmers who are the building blocks in the development of a nation.
Mr. D.Ayyappan, former General Secretary of the Association also addressed the convention. He was informed regarding the continuous struggles made by the Confederation of Central Govt. Employees & Workers throughout the country when the PFRDA bill was introduced in the Parliament and in the later stage in which the NGOs’ Association also gave their support and participated in every programme called by them.
Mr. Biju Kumar, Accounts Officer made a PowerPoint presentation explaining various aspects of NPS and the process to check their user profiles on govt. portal to know their account details. A discussion session was also held after the presentation where the NPS employees raised several questions.
Earlier, Mr. R.Papa Rao, President of the Association while welcoming the gathering expressed his concern over the long pending demand of the govt. employees to scrap the NPS and restore the Old Pension Scheme to all employees who were appointed after January 2004. Mr. R.Rajendran, General Secretary of the Association while proposing the Vote of Thanks urged the members to be united for further struggles to achieve the demand of pension for all the employees working in govt. sector. Mr. S.L.Vinjit, Asst. The General Secretary moderated the convention. The meeting resolved to demand the Central Government to scrap the National Pension System and restore the Old Pension Scheme to all employees who were appointed after 01.01.2004. The meeting was attended by hundreds of employees working in various departments under A & N Administration and other central government offices.
Draft Caravan Tourism Policy prepared
Port Blair, Aug 13: A draft Caravan Tourism Policy has been prepared by the Directorate of Information, Publicity & Tourism, A&N Administration aiming to regulate and promote Caravan Tourism in A&N Islands. As the UT Administration is taking efforts towards sustainable and inclusive tourism practices, suggestions, inputs and comments on the draft policy is being invited by the public, tourism stakeholders and Govt. Departments.
Caravan is a popular form of eco-tourism, which offers a unique and immersive way to explore the natural beauty, beaches and culture of these Islands. The draft Caravan Policy outlines a framework to strike a balance between boosting tourism and preserving the ecological balance of these Islands.
The draft policy is placed in the public domain seeking suggestions/comments/inputs from general public, tourism stakeholders, various departments etc. The draft policy is available in the official website of Directorate of IP&T https://www.andamantourism.gov.in. All comments/suggestions/inputs may be submitted to the Directorate of IP&T within a period of 30 days starting from Aug.12 to Sept.12, 2023.
Successful Rally and Pledge Ceremony Inspire Civic Engagement and Nation Building by Cid Unit under ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ Initiative
Port Blair, Aug 13: In a resounding display of unity and commitment to societal progress, a rally was flagged off on August 10, 2023, at 1600 hrs, by Sh. Rajeev Ranjan, IPS, SP(CID). The event, organized by dedicated Police Personnel from various units under the Crime Investigation Department (CID) in collaboration with the PRAYAS NGO, bore the theme ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ – a poignant tribute to the nation. The rally embarked from the SP CID office, traversing through key city precincts, culminating at the emblematic Flag Point.
The rally held a profound purpose as it sought to foster awareness amongst the public on pressing concerns like Crime against Women, Cyber Crime, and Drug Abuse. Beyond this critical agenda, the event instilled a sense of patriotism and urged active citizen participation in confronting challenges facing society. By disseminating essential information, the rally aspired to empower the community towards fostering a safer and more enlightened environment.
One day following the rally, on August 11, 2023, SP CID administered a solemn ‘Panch Pran Pledge’ ceremony at the CID Unit premises. The symbolic gesture entailed committing to nation building with soil in hand as a reverential tribute to the ongoing Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative. The theme “Meri Maati Mera Desh – Mitti Ko Naman, Veeron Ka Vandan” underlined the deep-rooted reverence for the motherland, signifying the dedication of the police force and the community to the values that bind the nation together.
These events are emblematic of the collective resolve to bring about positive change and uplift the society. The rally’s success in addressing pressing issues and fostering civic responsibility stands as a testament to the commitment of both law enforcement agencies and community organizations in shaping a harmonious and progressive nation.
IMD forecasts Thunderstorm with lightning
Port Blair, Aug 13: Thunderstorm with lightning is likely to occur at one or two places on Aug. 14. Heavy rain (07-11 cm) is likely to occur at one or two places over A&N Islands and thunderstorm and lightning accompanied with gusty wind (speed 30-40 kmph) is also likely to occur at one or two places over A&N Islands on Aug. 15. Thunderstorm and lightning accompanied with gusty wind (speed 30-40 kmph) is likely to occur at one or two places over A&N Islands on Aug. 16 & 17.
For further enquiries/information, one can contact helpline of State Emergency Operation Centre at Helpline No. 1070 & District Emergency Operation Centre at Helpline No. 1077. For any emergency/assistance at sea, call Coast Guard SAR Agency at Toll Free number 1554.