*The Light of Andamans :: Issue 45 :: 4 Nov 2006*

*Jairam Ramesh for tourism & fisheries*

*In a typically diplomatic manner, the Union Minister of State for Commerce,
has promised to take the islands into the international arena*

By Staff Reporter

Port Blair: "Tourism can alone bring sea change in the islands' economy,"
commented Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh, adding, "We
should go for high-value low-volume tourism". The minister also suggested
the setting up of an international convention centre to build the necessary
infrastructure for hosting conferences and meetings at the international
level which would, in turn, bring in the high-class tourists here.
Addressing a press conference in Raj Niwas, Port Blair, last week, Mr.
Ramesh said "The Ministry of Commerce has directed the International Leasing
and Financing Service to undertake a feasibility study and to prepare a
perspective plan in this regard." He also said that an integrated project
plan for the convention centre and tourism in the islands will be looked
into.
Responding to The Light of Andamans, the minister admitted that "India has
neglected the A&N Islands," at least in terms of tourism — since it has been
over 60 years since we achieved Independence.
"I have already suggested for a professional to head the tourism sector of
the A&N Islands, who will be with the Andaman Government for not less than
10-15 years," the minister said. "Fisheries is the other main foreign
exchange earner, and Tuna fish, abundantly available in Andaman Sea, needs
to be exploited to its fullest," said the Minister, who did not seem keen
with the suggestion of shrimp cultivation or aquaculture in the islands,
saying: "This needed to be technically evaluated on the grounds of
bio-security."
Mr. Ramesh, however, did not indicate setting up or supporting the
wood-based industries in the islands and referred to the Supreme Court order
in this regard. "But we can go for producing medicinal crop in the islands
which has enough potential," he said.
Touching the issue of the Jarwas, Mr. Ramesh became sentimental and said, "I
would not use the word 'primitive' for this indigenous population. They
should be treated with sensitivity and we need to have a policy that would
respect their tradition. We should not push anything."
The Minister did, though, promise to visit the islands in January 2007.


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