THE DAILY TELEGRAMS, January 27, 2009

Republic Day celebrated with great enthusiasm

Staff reporter,

Port Blair, Jan 26

Like other places, these islands also celebrated Republic Day with
great enthusiasm. Unfurling of national tricolors, distribution of
commendation certificates and impressive parades marked the Republic day
celebration in these islands. The main function was held at the Netaji
Stadium in which the Lt. Governor, Lt. General, (Retd), Bhopinder Singh,
PVSM AVSM unfurled the national flag amidst a large gathering present in
and around the Stadium. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the
Lt. Governor reiterated the administration’s commitment towards
providing basic amenities to the islanders covering the length and
breadth of these islands. Touching upon every sector in of development,
the Lt Governor informed that keeping in mind the security scenario, a
proposal has been placed before the GOI for creation of 2,121 posts in
the police department and acquisition of 9 offshore patrolling vessels.

To meet the water scarcity, work on Rutland water supply project is
progressing well and the height of Dhanilkari Dam is being further
raised to 5 mtrs, the Lt. Governor said. In the health sector, the Lt.
Governor said that posts of 12 specialists, 22 general doctors and 79
nurses have been filled on contract basis besides selection for 21
general and specialist doctors have been done recently.

Referring to the permanent shelters, the Lt. Governor said that
altogether 10,000 shelters are being constructed in 70 different
locations. Permanent shelters have been handed over at many places and
the rest will be completed within few months, he added. The Lt. Governor
said that the Administration has urged the GOI for extending free ration
for another one year for 42,500 tsunami affected people. The LG further
said that due to concerted effort made by the Administration the GOI has
increased the additional quota 2,269 MT of wheat and 5000 MT of rice for
this territory. Further, the quantity of ration (wheat) to the 5-member
APL family has been increased from 5kg to 8kg and from 3kg to 5kg for
3-member family for the next three months.

The Lt. Governor said that due to the effort of the Administration
the Indian Oil Corporation has given approval for additional 10,000
extra LPG cylinders for the islanders. In the education sector, he said
that the Department of Information and Technology has started distance
education program. Matter relating to opening up an Engineering College
with affiliation of the Pondicherry University is also in progress.

The Lt. Governor said that various schemes have been started for the
welfare of the tribal people besides special effort is being made
towards the safety and security of the primitive tribes. Under the
welfare schemes, a 50- bedded capacity working women’s hostel will be
ready by March this year besides similar hostels will be constructed on
each at Diglipur and Rangat, he added.

The LG said that the NREGA has been successfully implemented in
these islands under which unemployed people are provided works. A
coconut mission is being taken up with the help of the GOI for improving
the production and development of coconut in these islands which
promises various job opportunities to the islanders.

In the shipping sector, two 100 pax-cum ferry vessels have been
inducted in the shipping fleet. More facilities are being added at the
Port Blair International Airport for starting of International flights.
For strengthening Inter-island services, the Administration has obtained
approval for two more helicopters. Regarding tourism, the Lt. Governor
said a draft tourism policy has been prepared and the same has been put
in the official website for obtaining suggestions. Private sectors will
be encouraged for the development of tourism. The development of the
area near Water Sports Complex is almost complete and it will soon be
thrown open for the benefit of the islanders and the tourist alike.

About fisheries, the Lt. Governor said that an action plan has been
prepared for Tuna fishing for which the Junglighat jetty is being
extended up to 75mtrs. The Lt. Governor thanked everyone for the
co-operation in the development of these Islands.

The Lt. Governor also distributed commendation certificates to the
awardees.

Earlier, the Lt. Governor visited National memorial Cellular Jail
and placed wreath at the martyrs’ column there. The function was graced,
among others, by the First Lady of these islands, Smt. Bhawanee Singh,
the Member of Parliament, Shri Manoranjan Bhakta, the CNC Vice Admiral
Vijay Shankar, the Chief Secretary, Shri Vivek Rae, Chairperson PBMC,
Smt.S Selvi, Municipal councilors, senior officials of the
Administration and senior citizens.

Impressive parade by contingents, presentation of tableaux by
different department and presentation of cultural program by school
students formed part of the Republic day function at the Netaji Stadium.






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