Committed to Overcome All Challenges: Lt Gen A K Singh

Committed to Overcome All Challenges: Lt Gen A K Singh

LG Addresses Islanders on Independence Day Eve

Reminiscing the sacrifices of the Freedom Fighters and Founding Fathers of the nation, the Lieutenant Governor A K Singh greeted the Islanders on the occasion of 68th Independence Day and called upon the Islanders to rededicate themselves in nation building and work in tandem to overcome the challenges ahead. He expressed happiness over the journey of one year and took a firm oath to continue the good work.

He dealt on various aspects and achievements in the past one year and the developmental activities taken in all sectors.

On strides in communication sector, the Lieutenant reiterated his commitment and said that on short term, steps have been taken to enhance the bandwidth. He also said that the Administration is committed to complete the undersea fibre-optic cable in the coming years.

Addressing the issues in education sector the LG said that the Administration was keen to overcome the shortage of seats in higher studies in the islands. A new college was the only solution as it had been 24 years since the last educational institution for higher studies had come up in the Islands.

"With the commendable increase in the overall pass percentage in CBSE  throughout the Islands, especially in the Nicobar District which achieved 74.69%, the new college ANCOL, which started functioning from July this year is a boon for the Islanders," he said.

"There were wide apprehensions about the 422 vacancies for teachers announced. Its quite heartening that out of the total 248 seats, 90% percent has gone to the local candidates," the LG mentioned.

Moreover, another 150 new teaching posts has been created. He also said that for Andaman College, approval of 41 new posts is on the anvil.

On poor connectivity in the Islands, the Lt. Governor AK Singh said that 24th July 2014 will be a memorable day for the Islanders as Administration commenced a new chartered flight service between Car Nicobar and Port Blair connecting the farthest district with the rest of the country. It will be of immense help for government servants, defence personnel and Islanders. The fare is also kept nominal at Rs 1500 one way. And it’s a matter of happiness that the flights are going full capacity.

“Moreover, we are on talks with Alliance Air to start a similar service between Port Blair and Vizag, which has remained an old demand” the LG said.

 “We have also added an additional helicopter in the existing fleet to enhance the services," he said.

For quicker response in disaster and medical emergencies, there is a proposal to construct new helipads in inhabited Islands”, LG said.

On the new integrated terminal building coming up at Port Blair Airport, he said that it will have state of the art features.

He also expected a positive impact from the talks the Administration held with the CEOs of national carriers to reduce the airfare between Mainland-Island sector.

"There are initiatives to explore the possibility to introduce international flights services from Port Blair, he said.

“In health issues, the Islands are on a better scale on health indicators in the country and especially in government sector, we have one of the best health care system," he said.

He also rued the wide dearth of specialists and to overcome the scarcity, he said that regular health camps are conducted and doctors serve in outer Islands on rotation basis.

To augment health services, LG lauded the efforts and cooperation of doctors from Army Medical Corps.

“As the LG relief fund fails to meet the medical expenses of poor Islanders, who proceed to mainland for specialized treatment, it has been a challenge for us”, said the LG.

"A Medical College in the Islands was the only solution which we are pursuing vigorously. The college will function from a temporary premises till the new buildings come up," Lt Gen AK Singh said.

On providing employment to the local youth, the LG said that a special recruitment camp for Defence services was conducted in which about 84 local youths were recruited.

Expressing shock over the boat tragedy of 26 January 2014,  in which many lives were lost, he said that the Administration would not allow such accidents to happen in future.

“We have learnt a lot of lessons from the unfortunate incident and the safety and security of tourists is now our priority. Safety audit of all tourists vessels were taken up and to implement the safety norms, Tourist Safety Enforcement Team comprising police, tourism department and health department has been formed, who will keep a tab on all tourism activities in important tourism destinations," he informed.

"In adventure tourism activities, registration of all operators has been made a must," he cleared.

The Lt Governor mentioned about the heightening of Dhanikhari Dam by 5 mts which eventually increased the capacity by 70%, solving the problem of water scarcity in Port Blair and surrounding areas in the next 20 years.

In order to ensure availability of water in 10 villages of Bambooflat area the Administration has also launched Kamsharat Nallah Water supply scheme, likely to be completed by mid 2015, the Lt Governor said, expressing confidence that the work Khudirampur Dam in Diglipur will also commence in this financial year.

The Lt Governor reiterated on the target of the Administration to supply treated water to all the areas with a population of over 250 people, for which a new dedicated circle will be set up, he said.

The Lt Governor expressed his displeasure over the poor performance of the State Sports Associations. The Sports Secretary has been asked to review all aspects of sports and take necessary steps for reconstitution and improvement in the sector.

The Lt Governor also mentioned that the Administration will establish a multipurpose indoor stadium at Wimberlygunj with volleyball, badminton, table tennis and gymnasium facilities. He also expressed hope that the youth of the Islands will regain their fame in the field of football.