Archives for April 13, 2025

The 70th Fire Service Day, on 14th April, 2025, is a solemn occasion to honour the unwavering courage and selfless dedication of our brave firefighters. Day and night, they stand as sentinels of safety, protecting precious lives and property- often at a great personal risk.
This year’s theme, “Unite to Ignite: A Fire-Safe India,” is a powerful and inspiring call for all of us to come together to promote fire safety across the nation. Fire safety is not merely the duty of a few brave individuals but a collective endeavour-one that calls for vigilance, preparedness and widespread awareness within our communities.
The commendable efforts of the Andaman & Nicobar Fire and Emergency Services in promoting fire safety awareness deserve special recognition.
Additionally, fire audits of schools, hospitals, coaching centres, hotels and cinema halls, along with mock drills, reflect their unwavering dedication to preparedness and public safety.
The sheer valour and efficiency of our firefighters were evident in their response to 392 fire calls and 807 special service calls in 2024, safeguarding property worth an estimated Rs.166.34 crores. Their courage and professionalism continue to inspire, standing as a beacon of hope and resilience for our Islands.
Wishing them continued success in their noble service to the people of these Islands.
Sd/-
(Admiral DK Joshi)
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)
Lt. Governor, A & N Islands
&
Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency

Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr 13: The AYUSH Wing of the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), A & N Administration, concluded the month-long celebration of World Homoeopathy Day-2025 with great fervor and grandeur on 11th April, 2025 at the TGCE Auditorium, Sri Vijaya Puram. The celebration commemorated the 270th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann, the Founder of Homoeopathy.
The event marked the culmination of a series of awareness and health promotional activities, aimed at highlighting the efficacy and contributions of Homoeopathy in healthcare. The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and a floral tribute to Dr. Hahnemann. Dr. Anil Agarwal, IAS, Secretary (Health)/MD (NAM), graced the occasion as the chief guest. Dr. Suja Antony, Director of Health Services and Padma Mr. Naresh Chander Lal were present as guests of honour.
In his address, the Secretary (Health) emphasized the potential of AYUSH systems, including Homoeopathy, in preventive, promotive, and curative healthcare. He noted that Homoeopathy offers a gentle and effective approach to managing many health conditions and is particularly suitable for children and the elderly due to the ease of consuming the medication. He also encouraged ongoing awareness initiatives throughout the Union Territory.
Padma Mr. Naresh Chander Lal hailed the efforts of the AYUSH Wing of the Health Department in organizing various camps and awareness programmes involving people from all sections of society.
Earlier, Dr. Kalyan P. Kadbhane, Deputy Director (AYUSH), welcomed the gathering. A brief report on the month-long activities was presented by Dr. Supria Arangi, MO (Homoeo), AYUSH Hospital.
A Skit performance by students of TGCE, showcased the effectiveness of Homoeopathy in disease management while the Puppet Show focused on the role of Homoeopathy in child care. An Exhibition showcasing various aspects of Homoeopathy and its role in public health was also inaugurated by the Secretary (Health).
Certificates and prizes were awarded by the dignitaries to the winners of various competitions and the participating students as well. Similar programmes were arranged by all Homoeopathic Units situated in various Islands. The programme concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Rajiv Ghosh.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr. 13:In accordance with the A&N Islands Marine Fishing Rules, 2004 (Amendment-2019), the period commencing from 15th day of April to 31st day of May-2025 (inclusive of the day of commencement and day of expiry) shall be closed season for Fishing Vessels plying bottom trawling gear and for shark fishing in A&N Waters. The fishermen have been advised to strictly comply with the above closed season for bottom trawling gear and for Shark Fishing in A&N Waters.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr 13: Under the Mission Shakti Scheme of GoI, the UT Administration is implementing the One Stop Centre Scheme, which provides integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence during distress both in private and public spaces. The One Stop Centres are functioning under one roof to facilitate immediate, emergency, non-emergency services access to a range of services including Medical, Legal, minimum 5 days temporary shelter, Police assistance, Psychological and counselling support to fight any forms of violence against women.
Presently, 3 One Stop Centres are functioning in Junglighat near AYUSH Hospital for South Andaman, North & Middle Andaman in Zonal Library building at Mayabunder and in Nicobar at Perka Head Quarter. The distressed women can reach OSC South Andaman over phone 03192-234221. For OSC North & Middle Andaman one can contact 03192-273009 and for OSC Nicobar 03193-265141/ by self-visiting/through Anganwadi Workers/ relatives, friends and public servants. Since the inception of One Stop Centre, various cases have been handled in these Centres.
Any aggrieved women can approach these One Stop Centres for redressal of their grievances and amicable settlement of minor issues within the family and other issues concerning women safety and security in urban, rural and tribal areas.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr 13: The Department of Sports will be conducting Selection Trials in the discipline of Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Cycling, Swimming, Yogasana and Table Tennis. The selected players will be participating in the forthcoming Wild Card Entry-Khelo India Youth Games-2025 to be held in Bihar from 4th to 15th May, 2025.
In this connection, the general public/participating players have been informed that due to the inclement weather condition and less registration on the above cited sports discipline, the date for the conduct of selection trial has been postponed and the same will be organized on 19th April, 2025 at 6 am at Netaji Stadium Sport Complex, Sri Vijaya Puram. The other eligibility criteria will be the same as notified in the Daily Telegrams on dated 10-04-2025.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr 13: The Ministry of Labour & Employment, GoI, New Delhi, is conducting a nationwide Campaign from April 7 to 17, 2025 to organize ‘Special Registration Camps’ for the registration of Platform and Gig Workers. The term ‘Platform Worker’ refers to an individual engaged in a work arrangement outside of the traditional employer-employee relationship, wherein organizations or individuals use an online platform to access other organizations or individuals to solve specific problems or provide specific services, or any other activity as notified by the Central Government, in exchange for payment. Similarly, a ‘Gig Worker’ is a person who performs work or participates in a work arrangement and earns from such activities, also outside of the traditional employer-employee framework.
This initiative aligns with the Union Budget 2025-26, which announced the registration of Platform & Gig Workers on the e-Shram portal, issuance of identity cards, and the extension of health benefits under Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
As part of the campaign, the Labour Department, A&N Administration, has urged all Platform and Gig Workers in A&N Islands to register themselves on the e-Shram portal via the link: https://register.eshram.gov.in/#/user/platform-worker-registration. The workers who are unable to register themselves online may visit the Labour Department, Sri Vijaya Puram, on any working day for assistance with registration. For clarifications, queries, or registration support, one may contact over phone no. 03192-230157.