Archives for December 17, 2023

Port Blair, Dec 17: Under the provisions contained in ‘Andaman & Nicobar Islands Rules for Grant-in-aid to Local Cultural organizations’ notified vide Administration’s Notification dated 3rd September 2018, applications were invited from interested local Cultural Organizations of A&N Islands for financial assistance in the form of Grant in Aid to promote activities of Art & Culture, National Integration, Communal Harmony, Brotherhood. The Cultural Organizations were asked to submit their applications with relevant details and supporting documents. In response to this, 16 Cultural Organizations have submitted their applications.
The Applications, Audited Statement, Annual Report, Utilization Certificate etc. submitted by the Cultural Organizations were scrutinized by the Scrutiny Committee based on provisions of ‘Andaman and Nicobar Islands Rules for Grant in Aid to Local Cultural Organizations’. The Committee after examining the details of activities undertaken by the Cultural Associations has recommended for release of GIA @ Rs. 25000/- each to 16 Local Cultural Associations for the year 2023-24 viz. Andaman Sangeet Academy, Junglighat; Sarmishta Music Centre Group, Junglighat ; Unity Orchestra, Ograbranj ; Niryalpana Dance Academy, Junglighat; Baaulmon, Shadipur; Sur Saptak A Sangeet Academy, South Point; Kasheesh, RGT Road; Aditya Natya Academy, Middle Point; Avinash, Aberdeen Village’ KRG Kalai Kaveri School, Buniyadabad; Anandodhara, Phoenix Bay; M.J. Music Academy, Dollygunj; Friends Cultural Group, Pahargaon; Balkrishna Nritya Academy, Nayagaon; Arpan Music Academy, Dollygunj; Jhankar Dance Group, Chouldhari.
In this connection, the Directorate of Art & Culture has invited claims, objections or suggestions if any against the said list. It may be addressed to the Director (Art& Culture), Cellular Jail Complex, Atlanta Point, Port Blair within a period of 7 days from the date of publication. The list of Cultural Organization shall be finalized after consideration of the objections and suggestions, if any.

Port Blair, Dec 17: Catphishing is a form of online abuse, wherein the cybercriminal makes use of various channels like instant messaging apps, SMS, online dating apps, social media platforms, porn sites etc., to lure the users into intimate video/audio chats and makes them pose nude or obtains revealing pictures from them. The fraudsters later make use of this material to harass, embarrass, threaten, exploit and blackmail the victims.
Catphishing occurs when a fraudster threatens to circulate your private and sensitive material online, if you do not provide images of a sexual nature, sexual favors, or money.
The perpetrator may also threaten to harm your friends or relatives by using information they have obtained from electronic devices unless you comply with their demands.
In this regard, Andaman and Nicobar Police issues the following advisory to safeguard yourself against online Catphishing:
1. Never share any compromising images, posts, videos of yourself to anyone, no matter who they are.
2. Never pick up any calls / video calls from an anonymous number.
3. Turn off your electronic devices and web cameras when you are not using them.
4. Use two factor authentication with strong passwords and different passwords for different social media accounts.
5. Enable privacy and security features in all your social media accounts.
6. Do not suffer in silence, know that you are not alone, reach out and seek help from trusted family and friends.
7. Avoid browsing the suspicious websites and websites fully which are not aware.
8. On social media or dating platforms, be cautious of unknown users who try to move the conversation to another interactive platform very quickly.

For assistance, information or enquiries, please contact: Cyber Cell, Port Blair, over Cyber Helpline No. 9531856083 or visit cybercrime.gov.in.

Port Blair, Dec. 17:The Directorate of Social Welfare has introduced a simplified process for pensioners to obtain their Life Certificate, ensuring seamless continuation of pension disbursements in accordance with the guidelines established by the Government of India. As part of the mandatory requirements outlined by the Government, all pensioners are required to submit a Life Certificate to maintain their eligibility for pension benefits. To facilitate this process, the Directorate of Social Welfare has implemented a user-friendly approach for pensioners to obtain and submit their life certificates. The process to be adopted for obtaining Life Certificate are as mentioned below.
How to Obtain Your Life Certificate:
• Visit the nearest Anganwadi Center/Social Welfare Office/ICDS: Beneficiaries are encouraged to visit their nearest Anganwadi Center/Social Welfare Office/ICDS to collect the Life Certificate form. Anganwadi Centers have been designated as convenient locations for pensioners to access and complete the necessary documentation.
• Complete the Life Certificate Form: Pensioners need to fill the Life Certificate and get the necessary signatures from the Officers/Officials upon which the form needs to be submitted to the nearest CDPO Office for further process.
The pensioners need to submit the life certificate every year to receive the pension every month without fail. This initiative aims to streamline the Life Certificate submission process, making it more accessible for pensioners and eliminating unnecessary complexities. The Directorate of Social Welfare is committed to provide support and guidance to pensioners throughout this process.

Port Blair, Dec. 17: The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi has deputed Ophthalmologists from VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi to Port Blair, A&N Islands from 2nd January, 2024 for 45 days to clear the backlog of cataract surgeries and to provide eye OPD services at G.B. Pant Hospital / ANIIMS.
In this regard, patients who have been diagnosed with cataract, suspected cataract and persons with other eye problems have been requested to report to their nearest Health Institution for preliminary investigation and subsequently report to Eye Department, G. B. Pant Hospital / ANIIMS with all reports for further investigation and treatment.

Campbell Bay, Dec.17:The Annual Athletic Meet of PM Shri GSSS Campbell Bay was held recently at Mini Stadium, Campbell Bay. The Block Development Officer, Shri Pradeep Kumar Singh declaring the meet ‘open’ as the chief guest appreciated the enthusiasm and talent of the students as well as the coordination of the staff in organizing the athletic meet in a disciplined manner Shri Venkat Rao, Pradhan, Govind Nagar was the guest of honour of the opening ceremony.
The meet was declared ‘closed’ by Shri J S Randhawa, TM Commandant, Coast Guard Dist. HQ 10.. Smti Rameswari, Pradhan, Campbell Bay was the guest of honour of the closing ceremony.

Port Blair, Dec. 17:Taking into account of LPG Consumer’s Safety and prevention of any accidents at Marriage Halls/Restaurants/Eateries & other Commercial Establishment, all such business entities have been advised to take adequate precautions during handling of LPG cylinders including use of standard commercial hose and stove as per ISI standard specification, which would immensely boost in averting any untoward incidents.
As per guidelines, the business entities involved in diversion of domestic LPG cylinders for commercial purpose is a punishable offence. Those indulged in such malpractice, stern punitive action as deemed fit as per extant Rules will be initiated against such commercial establishment. This is for strict compliance.

Port Blair, Dec 17: The Regional Institute of Education, NCERT Bhubaneswar in collaboration with State Institute of Education (SIE), Port Blair conducted 5 days Capacity Building Programme for School Librarians on Management and Modernization of School Libraries from Dec.11 to 15, 2023 at SIE, Shiksha Sadan Port Blair. The main objective of the programme is to develop the Capacity of School Librarians in management and automation of their Libraries for easy and effective access of the users.
Altogether, 40 Key Resource persons/ Librarians from State Library and Secondary/Senior Secondary Schools from all the 9 Educational Zones of Andaman and Nicobar Islands participated in the Capacity Building Programme.
The Deputy Director Education (Science), Mr. M Nehru as the chief guest of the valedictory function presented the Certificates to the participants and appreciated the Resource persons, Dr. (Mrs.) P.L. Negi, Librarian and Coordinator of Programme RIE Bhubaneswar, Dr. S. Nagraj, Librarian, RIE Mysore, Dr. B.K. Jha, Librarian, RIE Ajmer, Dr. P.K. Tripathy, Librarian, RIE Bhopal, who imparted the training programme very interestingly and effectively which made participants more enthusiastic towards Management, Modernization and Digitalization of School Libraries.

Port Blair, Dec 17: The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY) campaign, in its 8th Day, made significant progress within urban areas, in Ward No. 15 and Ward No. 16. In the morning, the Port Blair Municipal Council arranged a proactive community outreach event under Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra at Ward No. 15, Dairy Farm. Led by Ward Councilor, Mr. Padmanabham, the event aimed to familiarize residents with crucial Government schemes. Collaborating with major banking institutions and various Departments, the focus was on highlighting the welfare schemes available for beneficiaries. The event saw enthusiastic involvement from the community, offering health check-ups and updates delivered by officials from respective Departments. Moreover, the event showcased products from local Self-Help Groups, emphasizing community entrepreneurship and economic betterment. The Port Blair Municipal Council has expressed its heartfelt appreciation for the extensive community participation.
The evening session marked a momentous occasion as the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, virtually addressed the enthusiastic participants of Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra via live streaming. In his address, he made a fervent call to avail the numerous benefits of various Government of India schemes that are actively reaching both urban and rural areas through the VBSY campaign. His vision captured the aspiration for a developed India, emphasizing the importance of maximizing the impact of these schemes for the marginalized sections of society. Prime Minister engaged directly with beneficiaries from selected areas, highlighting the real impact of these schemes on individual’s lives.
The event was graced by Mr. Karunanidhi, Councilor of Ward No.16 and the residents, extended a warm welcome to the IEC Van of Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra by organizing various engaging programs in support of the campaign. During the event, the Ward Councilor fervently urged the attendees to actively propagate information regarding the GoI schemes operational in the Islands, aiming to ensure comprehensive coverage for all eligible individuals. Inspirational stories from beneficiaries, shared under ‘Meri Kahani Meri Zubani,’ motivated villagers to avail these schemes. Representatives from various Departments disseminated detailed information about schemes encouraging citizens to take advantage of these schemes.
The next Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra event is scheduled for December 18, 2023, with two sessions planned to accommodate everyone’s availability. At 10 am, the event will kick off at the Conference Hall of Dept. of Science & Technology, Dollygunj, Ward No. 17. Later in the day, at 3 pm, the VBSY programme will be held at Multipurpose Hall near TTI College Garacharama, Ward No. 18. This event is a golden opportunity for area residents to engage and benefit from various schemes implemented by our departments and Council. All area residents have been invited to participate in this program and explore the diverse benefits offered by various Departments and Council initiatives through the schemes implemented by them.

Port Blair, Dec 17: The Director (Social Welfare), A&N Administration, Dr. Nitin Shakya, today inaugurated a new Anganwadi Centre at Teylerabad-3 (Kaju Bagicha) under Sippighat Panchayat today. Mrs. Zarina Bibi, CDPO (UP), Ms Jyoti, Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Sippighat, Mrs. Jharna, ex-Principal ANM Training School, PRI Members, Mukhya Sevika & ASHA Worker were present on the occasion. Around 50 villagers along with their kids also attended the inaugural programme.