Port Blair, Aug 12: In a vibrant celebration of national pride and social empowerment, the citizens of Nancowry came together today for a Tiranga Bike Rally as part of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, followed by the inauguration of a new Park dedicated to the empowerment of girls under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ravinder Kumar, Assistant Commissioner, Nancowry, said, today’s event is not just about celebrating our national pride but also about reaffirming our commitment to the cause of girl child empowerment. The Tiranga Bike Rally and the inauguration of this park are a testament to the progress we are making as a society in ensuring that every girl child has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the nation’s future, he added.
The rally organized by local Administration in coordination with Departments at Nancowry saw enthusiastic participation from hundreds of residents, young and old, who rode through the streets, proudly displaying the Indian flag.
Following the rally, dedicated park for girls, named ‘Balika Bagicha’, was inaugurated in a ceremony that highlighted the significance of girl child education and empowerment. The Park is a tribute to the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme, a Government initiative aimed at promoting the survival, protection, and education of the girl child.
In a symbolic gesture, 78 fruit-bearing saplings were planted in the park by girl children from local schools, symbolizing the growth, potential, and future contributions of girls to the nation. Each tree represents a beacon of hope and a reminder of the importance of nurturing and supporting the aspirations of young girls.
The programme concluded with a pledge taken by the gathering against drugs with the Mantra, ‘Bharat ho Nashe Se Swatantra’ by all attendees to continue supporting the initiatives against drug menace.

Port Blair, Aug 12: The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) under the guidance of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, has launched a nationwide initiative called ‘Dekho Apna Desh – People’s Choice 2024’. The objective is to gather public perception on the best tourist attractions across various categories (Spiritual, Cultural & Heritage, Nature & Wildlife, Adventure, and Others) to develop them into world – class tourist destinations.
The Ministry has also developed a dedicated webpage on the MyGov platform which allows citizens to vote for their preferred tourist locations in different categories (Link. https://innovateindia.mygov.in/dekho-apna-desh/). This campaign was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 07.03.2024 with an objective to raise awareness and promote the campaign to increase citizen participation through multiple channels.
In order to promote Dekho Apna Desh-People’s Choice 2024 campaign, all citizens of the Islands have been requested to use citizen service channels, websites and social media platforms to vote for their favorite destinations in the District. Influencers and eminent citizens of the Islands have also been requested to participate in the campaign and promote it on their social media handles.
Citizens may use Dekho Apna Desh voting Link: https://innovateindia.mygov.in/dekho-apna-desh/. To enhance the campaign’s reach, details of the social media handles of the influencers may be shared with the Department of Art & Culture, A & N Administration over email id: artand.culture@and.nic.in for further transmission to the Ministry of Culture, GoI.

 

Port Blair, Aug 12: CPI (M), Andaman and Nicobar State Organising Committee has organised a Condolence Meeting at Shaheed Bhavan, Anarkali, Port Blair to condole the death of Comrade Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, former Chief Minister of West Bengal. Addressing the gathering, D. Ayyappan, Secretary, CPI (M) A & N State Organising Committee said that Comrade Buddhdeb Bhattacharya led a simple life. CPI (M) State Secretary said that Buddhadeb Bhattacharya who had a great desire to indutrialise the West Bengal was not allowed to fulfill his commitment made to the people as the Left Front was unseated from power by a combination of forces from ultra left to extreme right wing political parties. Addressing the meeting, former State Secretary KG Das described Com Buddhadeb Bhttacharys as a role model for the Communists all over the country. Speaking on the occasion, D. Laxman Rao, State Secretariat Member of CPI (M) termed Buddhadeb Bhattacharya as one of the tallest leaders of Left in the country. Addressing the Condolence meeting, B. Chandrachoodan, State Secretariat Member, who paid homage to the departed leader in Kolkatta on 9th August, 2024, said that Com Buddhadeb Bhattacharya tried to industrialise West Bengal for providing job to millions of unemployed youth of West Bengal. The meeting was addressed also by senior leader P. Banerjee who said that like other Communist leaders of Bengal, Com. Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee lived in a two-room flat at Kolkatta when he was the Chief Minister of West Bengal and thereafter.
A large number of party workers of Port Blair attended the Condolence meeting.
Condolence meetings were also organised at Diglipur in North Andaman and Billiground in Middle Andaman by CPI (M) Area Committees on 10th and 11th August, 2024 respectively. Dr Gouranga Majhi, Sunil Bepari, Sarani Topno and AVA Samad spoke at the condolence meeting at Diglipur while Nikunjo Biswas, Rahul Dev Mridha and SR Mridha spoke at the Condolence Meeting at Billiground.

Port Blair, Aug 12: In a significant development for the residents of Pinakinagar, two key infrastructure projects were inaugurated today, marking major milestones for the Gram Panchayat Harinagar. The long-awaited Bituminous Road connecting the Main Road to the house of Late Mr. Mandhar Biswas at Pinakinagar Ward No. 1 and a newly constructed Kitchen Shed at Pinakinagar Ward No. 2 were both officially inaugurated by Mr. Dilkhush Meena, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, N&MA.
The Bituminous Road, a long-pending demand of the villagers of Pinakinagar Ward No. 1, was a vital infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity and enhancing the overall development of the area. The inauguration ceremony witnessed the participation of several key officials and local leaders, including Mr. Manojit Halder, Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Harinagar, and Mr. Subash Sammadder, Ward Member of Pinakinagar Ward No. 1, who were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.
In addition to the road, Mr. Dilkhush Meena, IAS, also inaugurated the newly constructed Kitchen Shed at Pinakinagar Ward No. 2. The inaugural ceremony for the Kitchen Shed began with the customs and rituals of the Bengali religion, adding a cultural touch to the event. Mrs. Mamta Biswas, Up-Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Harinagar, along with Mr. Manojit Halder, Pradhan, were present at the ceremony, signifying the Gram Panchayat’s commitment to meeting the needs of the local community.
Addressing the gathering at both inaugurations, Mr. Dilkhush Meena, IAS expressed his appreciation for the collective efforts of the Gram Panchayat and all stakeholders involved in the successful completion of these projects. He emphasized the importance of infrastructure development in improving the quality of life for rural communities and assured continued support from the district administration for future initiatives.
The events concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of all those who played a part in making these projects a reality.

Port Blair, Aug 12: In a remarkable display of collective commitment to environment sustainability, a special cleanliness drive was conducted under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner, Swaraj Dweep. In this programme all the Head of various line Departments of Swaraj Dweep were present. This initiative underscores the region’s dedication to enhance green cover and promoting overall ecological balance.
The ongoing special cleanliness drive has been achieved through the concerted efforts of different Departments of Swaraj Dweep including Pradhans and staff of both the Gram Panchayats, including PRIs, members and Govt. officials from all the line Departments. The Assistant Commissioner of Swaraj Dweep, SDPO, DFO also participated in special cleanliness drive. The initiative is also in line with the direction of A&N Administration to conduct mass cleanliness drive as part of the upcoming Independence Day celebrations.

Port Blair, Aug 12: On the occasion of World Elephant Day, The Biological Park, Chidiyatapu organized an Elephant Awareness Programme at Mathura Forest area with the help of Mannarghat Range, South Andaman Division. The programme was attended by 20 Forest Guard Trainees, faculty members, staff and mahaut of Mannarghat Range, South Andaman Division. The Deputy Director, Biological Park gave an overview on Asiatic Elephant Distribution, Behavior, Management and Conservation aspect. The Forest Guard trainees shown keen interest and raised queries related to elephant management by Forest Department and the remedies related to Human-Elephant conflict in Andaman Islands. Their queries were addressed by Deputy Director, BPCT. Two elephant namely Inderjit (Male) and Saniya (Female) were the main attraction of the programme.

 

Port Blair, Aug 12: The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), a vital national initiative aimed at combating substance abuse, is celebrating its fifth year of impactful work. On this significant occasion, the Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, led a mass pledge event against drug abuse at the Modern School, Barakhambe Road, New Delhi, on August 12, 2024, at 9 AM.
This theme, “Viksit Bharat ka Mantra, Bharat ho Nashe se Swatantra” (Mantra for a Developed India: Free India from Addiction), reflects the campaign’s on-going commitment to fostering a drug-free and healthier society.
The nationwide pledge and the local initiatives represent a unified effort to strengthen the fight against substance abuse, with participants from all corners of the country demonstrating their dedication to this crucial cause.
In the N&M Andaman district, the Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA) organized a dedicated Pledge Administering Programme under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner, N&M Andaman. Students and teachers at local schools actively took the pledge and participated in planting a sapling on their school campuses, symbolizing their commitment to a healthier, drug-free environment.
The event concluded with a commitment from all attendees to contribute actively to the campaign and work towards creating a positive impact on their communities. The Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts and the District Administration, N&M Andaman remain dedicated in supporting such initiatives and in ensuring that the vision of a drug-free India is realized.

Port Blair, Aug 12: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi has recently activated the newly launched Master of Science in Zoology, MSc (Chemistry), MSc (Bio Chemistry), MSc (Analytical Chemistry) programmes at the Study Centre-0201, JNRM under IGNOU Regional Centre Port Blair. The admissions are going on now for July, 2024 session. Interested applicants are advised to log on to https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/ for online admission. The Last Date for submission admission form is 14th August, 2024. For more details, regarding the programmes, fees, duration, visit IGNOU Website – www.ignou.ac.in or contact IGNOU Regional Centre, Port Blair, Opposite to AIR Cargo Complex, VIP Road, Phone: 03192-242888, 03192-230111 or Email: rcportblair@ignou.ac.in
A communication from the Regional Director, IGNOU Regional Centre, Port Blair said.

Port Blair, Aug 12: Submission of online application forms for admission to Two Years B.Ed. Degree Programme for the academic session 2024-25 in Tagore Government College of Education, Port Blair shall commence from 13th August 2024. B.Ed. is a two years degree programme affiliated to Pondicherry University and recognized by National Council for Teacher Education. Graduates and postgraduates of different disciplines are eligible for admission to this course as per the regulations of Pondicherry University.
e-prospectus-cum-application forms for admission to Two Years B.Ed. Degree Programme will be available online at http://collegeadmission.andaman.gov.in from 13th August 2024. Candidates who are desirous of taking admission in this degree programme can apply online by accessing the portal via URL http://collegeadmission.andaman.gov.in up to 31st August 2024.