PAUPER’S LOG: National Dedication and APWD Funfare

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | VOL 36 | ISSUE 04 | 15 NOV 2012

PAUPER’S LOG:

National Dedication

and APWD Funfare

By Abu Arsh

Rashtriya Sankalp Diwas (National Dedication Day) and 55th APWD Raising Day-2012 were both observed in the A&N Islands on 31st October 2012. Though APWD raising day falls on the 8th of October it was observed on the same day as the death anniversary of late Smti. Indira Gandhi. This came about due to the pre-occupation of the Lt. Governor. Both the programmes have different levels of importance. One programme calls for mark of respect to a towering leader of the nation in a sober vein and other can be an all out gala event considering the status our APWD officials hold in the society by virtue of the resources they have thus indulging in all forms of corruption. One fails to understand as to why APWD raising day and its award functions to officials facing multiple vigilance cases against them, followed by a party of its hardworking officials organized on a different day other than 31st October if not on 8th October. 

To mark Rashtriya Sankalp Diwas, a function was organized in the JNRM Auditorium in which the Lt Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) Bhopinder Singh, garlanded the portrait of former Prime Minister of India, Late Smt Indira Gandhi and offered floral tributes. Thereafter the Lt Governor paid tributes to Sardar Vellabh Bhai Patel on his birth anniversary. This was followed by paying of floral tributes by the Chief Secretary and other dignitaries present on the occasion. On the occasion, the Lt Governor administered a pledge to the gathering present at the auditorium. Two minutes silence was observed to mark the death anniversary of former Prime Minister of India, Late Smt Indira Gandhi. Teachers of the Education department sang patriotic songs on the occasion. To mark the day, befitting programmes highlighting the sacrifice of Smt Gandhi for the unity and integrity of the country and the contribution of these two great Indian leaders in the nation building process are also being organized at various places of the Islands.

The Andaman Public Works Department celebrated 55th APWD Raising Day-2012 by organising befitting programmes. To mark the celebration, a function was held in the auditorium of Govt. Girls Senior Secondary School on the same day in the evening. The Lt Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) Bhopinder Singh, was the chief guest here too and gave away awards to some of the best staff in various categories. The Lt Governor also released a quarterly newsletter of APWD 'Nirmatri' in the presence of the First lady of the Islands, Smt Bhawanee Singh. The Member of Parliament, B. P. Ray, Chief Secretary and other senior officers of the Administration were also present in the function.

Speaking on the occasion, The Lt Governor was all praise for his APWD on 55th years of service in the Islands. He stated that APWD is the most vital department which has not only contributed significantly in the development of infrastructure facilities in the Islands, but also provided the required basic amenities to the people across the Islands. The department has successfully fulfilled the responsibility entrusted to it much to the satisfaction of the people by facing numerous challenges at various fronts.

He further stated that despite tough and treacherous weather condition, inaccessible areas, difficult mode of transportation of construction materials, equipments and manpower in scattered Islands, the department has successfully worked in challenging environment by showing tremendous commitment and dedication. Be it construction and maintenance of ATR, extension of runway at Port Blair, tsunami relief and rehabilitation works and water projects, APWD since its establishment has executed some of the most important projects which has brought great deal of changes in the life of the people of the Islands. A colourful cultural programme presented by children of APWD staff enthralled the gathering present in the auditorium with classical and modern film dance numbers.

APWD can be easily qualified as one of the most corrupt departments of the A&N Administration. Water crisis, condition of roads, water logging and quality standards of its buildings proves that. Celebrating its raising day with a national leader's death anniversary could have been avoided.