Cholunga Proved Waterways the Best

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | VOL 36 | ISSUE 03 | 01 NOV 2012

Cholunga Proved Waterways the Best

By Basudev Dass

All the Jetties and wharves in the islands have been named after the name of the place but one. The lone Jetty at Port Blair was named after the vessel Steam Ship-SS Cholunga as Cholunga Jetty. Call it a vessel and the Master, sorry, the Captain of the Ship, Mr. Gomez will behave furious. She was a Ship for the Captain Mr. Gomez who claimed that she alone caused the initial development of Middle and North Andaman area, riding on which; today's Maddhyottar Andaman district is thriving. To a greater extent he was true.

'Cholunga' never missed a sailing except when on annual survey. One could correct watch timing with the movement of the vessel. From Cholunga Jetty, filling tons of Coal in its belly to generate steam, it would sail out sharp at 0700 hrs every Wednesday for Diglipur via Rangat and Mayabunder and would reach back alongside the Cholunga Jetty sharp at 1715 hrs at Port Blair on Saturday. May whatever come; the stakeholders of the vessel will never claim that she had ever ditched them on the plea of rough weather or breakdown, years after years, till it finally retired. It would carry poultry birds, cows, buffaloes, goats, construction materials including steel, cement bags along-with human beings including farmers, businessmen, peon, senior as well as junior officers of A&N Administration without a feeling of hatred and discrimination. She was a true socialist by nature and an advocate of harmony amongst men and men and men and animals.

The steam ship Cholunga took up her obligations when those Islands were just trying to stand on its feet and remained with them till it could bear the wrath of the mis-visionary people's vision at the later stage. 'The situation of the intervention of apex court would never arise had our so called Delhi based Lords governing these islands would have thought of developing the water-ways instead of the road-ways in the name of ATR', once said Late Janab FS Riazuddin in an informal chat with the writer citing the example of 'The Cholunga'. Janab Riazuddin too was a bureaucrat, but from these islands with local blood, who rose to the level of Deputy Commissioner. 'When there was nothing, the waterways alone was responsible for a slow but steady development in the region from Port Blair to Diglipur, then why the planners did not find a way to improve and modernise the existing path instead of exploring the alternative'. 'A million dollar question with lone answer - vested interest of bureaucrats-politicians-businessmen (contractors) nexus', he himself answered to his reservations. An insatiable reader by nature he had commented that there existed many island-nations where waterways was the only lifeline where  criss-crossing sea- distances of 50-100 Kms was subjected to daily routine.

"We could count the number of vessels the then Marine Department had to cater to the needs of the people of outer islands. They did not have the comforts and speed but fulfilled the needs of the commonest of commons. A farmer or a businessman was never denied of his belongings of bunches of bananas, poultry and goat or cartoons of biscuits, clothes and grains. The vessels were slow but strong enough to face the wrath of nature", said late Mahananda Biswas, a senior former Congress leader.

'The present set of vessels had comforts like speed and air-conditioning (on papers) but will not allow even personal belongings. And as far as the potency is concerned, if 200 passengers vent their air out at one go, the 'air-conditioned Tin kaa Dibbas' will cry for postponement of its voyage', sarcastically commented a passenger at Phoenix Bay jetty who failed to reach his destination since the 75-pax vessel had abandoned it voyage on a plea of bad weather.

In 1968, I was accompanying my parents from Car Nicobar to Port Blair. My father had to take a transfer since I had opted for Science stream from class 9th and Carnic school did not have the facility. We had to sail by TSS Yerewa which had anchored kilometers away from shore at Mus Jetty. A boat or a Houdi (Country boat made by Nicobarese) would pull a pontoon carrying passengers and goods along-side the vessel and the Nicobaree workers would support the transportation of the people as well as the goods to the ship through a narrow ladder hanged on the side of the ship. The sea was too rough and as a kid I was praying that the vessel should postpone the journey. But then someone took me on his shoulder and I was on the deck of the ship. Anxious to see my mother's safe arrival on the deck I could see one of the big wooden cartons fell in to the sea while being transported. I was shocked. The box belonged to us. But soon 2-3 workers jumped into the turbulent sea and lifted the box that finally reached to us on board the ship. Despite all such situations the ship did not postpone its journey and sailed right on time. My mother fell sick and I had vomited a lot during the two-day journey of the vessel that reached Port Blair in time without fail. Gone are the days when one can predict his arrival at any Port travelling on board the present fleet of ships/vessels. Construction of vessels are planned, ordered and inspected by those in the Administration as well as the Lt. Governor, who will never board such a vessel but will take a chopper or sea-plane to reach other island. No matter the built ship will reach years after the due date of completion and then; even after arrival; will initiate her maiden voyage after years and again call off its sailing with the throw of the hat on any plea. None is accountable and answerable. Things are becoming identical to Chinese goods. Use and throw and sometimes, don't even use but throw. More wastage- more orders, more orders-more commissions, more commission-more accumulation for generation after generation!

'Exchequer's money! Who cares? Live but don't let live is becoming the key mantras of many. The rest are only allowed to be proud of their past, decry over the present and be ready to have a ****ed off future' commented an Executive Engineer of APW Department in his late fifties.  

Dreaming Surplus Green Energy

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | VOL 36 | ISSUE 03 | 01 NOV 2012

Dreaming Surplus Green Energy

By Staff Reporter

There is no other option but to tap green energy for sustainable and stable energy supply for the Islands. It seems the policymakers have taken it too seriously. In the presentation prepared for the IDA Standing Committee, the Admn has dared to think beyond the routine. The title of the presentation is apt - "World's first Archipelago run on Green Energy." The Island Administration has already announced "The New & Renewable Sources of Energy Policy for A & N Islands" in April 2012.

The policy aims at new and alternatives sources of energy and bids were invited on 16th October 2012 for solar rooftop panels. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy was approached in Jan 2012 for 'Energy Mapping' of the Islands for renewable sources. The presentation says that there had been past efforts with ONGC for CNG exploration, NPCL for nuclear energy exploration and NTPC for Bio-Mass and Solar energy.

The Admn also feels that geo-thermal stations may be possible due to presence of India's only live volcano at Barren Island. The presentation also claims that with surplus 'Green Energy', all public and private transport in the Islands can be entirely run on electricity.

Report Card on Tribal Issues

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | VOL 36 | ISSUE 03 | 01 NOV 2012

Report Card on Tribal Issues

By Staff Reporter

Why did the Tribal Policy appear in the IDA Standing Committee still remains a puzzle. It seems the Admn got an opportunity to convince the Planning Commission what it has done on this front as it appears more like a report card on tribal issues. The way the issue of Buffer Zone was presented does not elicit at any point that it was a fiasco, where they actually deserve reprimand.

In the presentation, the Admn boasts of its protection regime and the mistakes committed by the British. On Great Andamanese, it has commented that the British Policy has severely impacted them and the Admn is protecting them in Strait Island. On Onges too, it blames the intervention policy of the British. On Nicobarese, it mentions that they have been successfully mainstreamed and integrated with non-tribal civilization and are now educationally advanced. On Jarawas, the presentation mentions that the hunter and gatherer tribe, initially hostile with outsiders are in friendly disposition now due to protection and health care extended by the Administration.

About Andaman Trunk Road, the presentation says that the closure of the road is going to cause tremendous hardship to settlers. It says that the road was constructed as a part of the approved Rehabilitation Scheme, 56 km stretch passing through the Jarawa Reserve and is also the lifeline of 1.50 lakh population in about 100 settlements. It further mentions that safeguards are in position on ATR which passes through Reserve area and the Jarawas are insulated from outside influence.  It also raises concerns about the settlers living in the Buffer Zone. The Admn claims that regulated traffic movement, reduced convoy frequency and DIG-level police officer being designated as Nodal Officer to monitor traffic movement are positive steps taken to protect the tribe from outside influence.

To review the existing Jarawa Policy as suggested by the Expert Committee of Ministry of Tribal Affairs chaired by Union Secretary in Feb 2012, it says that empirical data is being collected engaging field functionaries of AAJVS.

On alternate sea route, the presentation mentions that the route will be opened for traffic by March 2015. Ministry of Tribal Affairs had suggested avoiding tourist traffic on ATR by establishing new jetties, navigational aids and dredging works. The Admn informed the Standing Committee that the works related with the alternate route has been incorporated in 12th Five Year Plan. Preliminary works for REIA study and hydrographic survey has been completed and other preliminary works like sub-soil investigation, preparation of navigational charts have commenced.

On Buffer Zone, which was notified in 2007 to protect Jarawas from harmful effects of outside contacts, the Admn presented that the Zone covers an area of 842.58 Sq Km in which 22000 people lives in 31 revenue villages. It also informed that seven tourist establishments were closed out.

Going into the details the Admn said that on the Notification being quashed by Calcutta High Court, Administration filed SLP in Apex Court, and the Apex court directed the Admn to implement Buffer Zone notification without any exception until notification is rescinded or amended.

The Administration informed that it has constituted a committee under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary and two field level committees to revisit Buffer Zone. It also informed the IDA Standing Committee that a revised notification is expected by March, 2013.

The Admn also informed the Standing Committee that A&N Islands (PAT) Amendment Regulation, 2012 was brought into force on 9 August 2012, which empowers Administrator to declare/modify Buffer Zone, and any area contiguous to reserve area & provides stringent penal provisions against the offenders.

IDA Standing Committee Meeting: Indecisive and Inconclusive

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | VOL 36 | ISSUE 03 | 01 NOV 2012

IDA Standing Committee Meeting:

Indecisive and Inconclusive

By Staff Reporter

The Standing Committee of Island Development Authority, which met on 17 Oct 2012 at Planning Commission were less agenda and more point-scoring on tribal issues and vision document for the Islands. The IDA meetings has been a fiasco as no issues are discussed in detail and taken to a logical conclusion.

With very short time at disposal, it is learnt that most of the time was once again consumed by the Member of Parliament, who raised the issue of Viper Island and brain-mapping. The same thing had happened in last IDA meeting in which Bishnu Pada Ray had incensed Pranab Mukherjee, then Finance Minister and P Chidambaram, Home Minister.

Commenting on the Standing Committee meeting of IDA, Jalaj Srivastav, Principal Secretary, Planning said that there has to be certain structure to this meeting. Many issues related with education, health and social welfare could not be discussed in the meeting due to paucity of time. He also said that it was decided that Action Taken Note (ATN) will not be discussed in the Standing Committee Meeting. It will be disposed off in the quarterly meetings at the level of Secretary, Planning Commission. At the Standing Committee level, there will be maximum ten issues. And the IDA meeting at Prime Minister Level there should not be more than four issues.

The Admn has placed a demand for 193 posts in education department and has sought to increase the quota of seats for MBBS and BDS for A & N Island's students. It has mentioned that more seats are required till the new Medical College is established in A & N Islands. It has also placed on agenda the demand for posting of specialists from CHS non-teaching specialists' cadre to A&N Islands on regular basis and reservation of PG seats in Medical Colleges.

Another agenda is the demand for transfer of committed liabilities from Plan to Non-Plan. As per standard practice, salary and allowances to the posts created and maintenance expenditure of assets created in a Plan period ought to be transferred to Non-Plan. Committed liabilities of 7th plan were transferred to Non-plan budget in 1990-91 with some reductions. Since then, such liabilities were not transferred.

A request was also made for extension of validity period of erstwhile Coastal Zone Management Plan, 1991 for next two years or till new plans (IIMP & CZMP as per CRZ, 2011) are finalised.

For very small projects such as toilets, changing rooms etc. on beach side, way-side, the Admn has place the demand to waive off Rapid EIA norms. It has also requested to give powers to a local committee under the Chief Secretary (with experts from domain area) to conduct REIA for the projects allowed at the level of ANCZMA for projects under Rs.5 Crore.

Admn has also demanded delisting of Trochus Niloticus (Sea shell) which is used by the local handicraft artisans. Zoological Survey of India conducted a survey and recommended lifting of the ban initially for three years. A & N Admn submitted a proposal to MoEF for delisting of species for a period of three years.

It also demanded inclusion of Long Island and Neil Island in ICRZ category. Initially four Islands, North Andaman, Middle Andaman, South Andaman and Great Nicobar were in ICRZ category. Subsequently NCZMA in its 25th meeting recommended inclusion of four more Islands - Baratang, Havelock, Little Andaman & Car Nicobar.

Sand mining in the Islands was reduced, as per Supreme Court's decision dated 07 May 2002. The Amdn informed the Standing Committee that practically no sand mining was carried during last 3 years resulting in serious problems for the construction and development works. NCZMA in its 25th meeting recommended amendment to IPZ notification 2011 for permitting sand mining from identified non-eco-sensitive areas. Due to delay in issue of notification, it was requested that a local committee under the Chief Secretary may be allowed to go ahead with sand allotment, as approved by Minister of State (IC) MoEF.

The demand for upgradation of Port Blair airport and starting International flights via Port Blair was also raised in the Standing Committee meeting. Port Blair was declared as International airport in 2007 and Ministry of Civil Aviation was requested to introduce International Flights in May 2012. The Admn informed that watch hours has been increased up to sunset and further proposed to be increased to 24 hours by June 2013. AAI had also discussed the issues during the visit of Member, Planning Commission on 24th July 2012 and the layout plan of Airport upgradation and expansion was finalised. The Amdn has requested for expeditious action for early upgradation of the Airport, and International flights re-routing to touch Port Blair, in line with the vision of world- class tourism in the Islands.

Reduction in air fare and increased connectivity also was on the agenda of the Admn. Route Dispersal Guidelines (RDG) was brought into improve connectivity in the remote regions such as North-East, J&K and Islands. At present 10% quota is earmarked under RDG for these sectors. Most of the airlines prefer to meet this criterion by touching Jammu and other short duration destination and avoid Port Blair.. In June 2011, Ministry of Civil Aviation was requested to keep A&N Islands in an exclusive category under Route Dispersal Guidelines.

Although, there was no dearth of agenda for the meeting, nothing seems to reach a logical conclusion with the current format, where debates and discussions takes more time than decision making.

Editorial - Death On Self Service

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS Vol: 36 | Issue: 03 - Editorial

Death On Self Service

Set aside the demand for quarry materials, forget scarcity of vegetables or life sustaining potable water. There was an urgent and immediate need for a self-servicing wine shop in the heart of the town. Don’t blame the Administration if it was not properly advertised, or given the publicity it required. It was on the top priority to have a place with the ambience of a mall, where one can walk, choose a bottle of poison, to make merry and forget all other worries that grip the Islanders. The new look wine shop from ANIIDCO is another move of the Admn, towards achieving the much needed revenue that is the foremost focus of the people-centric government.

As if the number of bars in the city and wine shops run by ANIIDCO at different points were not enough to push the small population of the Islands to the abyss of death, the new format shop in the most presentable manner offers death in the most modish style.

The long queues at the wine shops, with a bag in hand to hide the bottle they purchase manifested the inherent embarrassment everyone has to the habit they nurture. Now, stop thinking about the disgrace or ignominy attached with alcoholism, or the queue in front of the shops, it’s the new fad to walk in style into the showroom where everyone on the street can see the brand one prefers and even take your family and children while you shop for the preferred brand. It’s offered in such a style!

Who cares about the shocking press meet last month, in which Director General of Police SBS Deol had revealed that the police gets about 4-5 complaints every day on attempted suicides from the Islands. Now what’s the connection, one might ask. Alcohol has been one of the principal killers in the Islands. The amount of liquor that flows in the Islands has no parallel anywhere in the country. The number of excise related cases and family disintegration issues will find a link that leads to alcoholism.

Now don’t ask why nobody is bothered. We were never bothered, when we went through severe water crisis, intermittent power cuts or when the developmental works were affected due to non-availability of construction materials. It seems the Admn also fully understands our priorities. Even without asking or demanding, they have opened the wine showroom for our convenience. Now, don’t blame the Admn for not asking us. When have they asked us before taking any major step, for the good or bad of the Islanders?

But note it down - gradually our aversion towards alcoholism is also going to evaporate. Now, when we walk through the street with our children, chances are there that they will force us to visit the newly opened showroom just for the charm of it, like they force us to have a bite of AFC chicken.

Why the Admn never gives a thought on opening up fresh vegetable shops or even generic medicine shops at every nook and corner of the Islands? May be the new economic policies, where growth and profits are the only motive doesn't even allow them to think on that line.

The priorities of the Admn are indeed very strange. But if we remain mute spectators to such moves of the Admn, it’s a not a good sign for a society, which still claims to be the descendents of freedom fighters, who dreamt of a sane polity in full senses.

Zilla Parishad, South Andaman: Technically Yours, Kuldeep

LOA Vol 36 - Issue - 02 - 15 Oct 2012

Zilla Parishad, South Andaman

Technically Yours, Kuldeep

Abala Sammaddar, the Zilla Parishad member of Vijaynagar constituency, Havelock from the Congress was elected the Adhyaksha, Zilla Parishad, South Andaman for the third year term reserved for women with Balbir Kaur of Campbell Bay as Up-Adhyaksha.

In the South Andaman Zilla Parishad Congress has a strength of 10 members and the BJP has five members out of the total 15 members as on date. Abala Sammaddar of the Congress secured eight members support and Farida Bibi of the BJP secured the support of seven members for the post of Adhyaksha. Two Zilla Parishad members of the Congress cross voted for the BJP. Hunt is on for the two undisciplined Congress members, this may not be such a Herculean task. Though other permutation and combinations are there with both sides cross voting but raking ones brain over it would be waste of time as the report card to the high command at Delhi says all's well.

Zilla Parishad has known to be a bout ring for the technocrats and the politicos. There was a time when an Ex-Adhyaksha ruled the roost for three consecutive terms in the last Zilla Parishad with the blessings of a Technocrat and the political bosses were left cooling their heels helpless. The same game could be smelt here but to no avail as the politicians prevailed this time. Congress in the last PRI elections had seven members with the BJP seven members and one independent in the Zilla Parishad. Baring the first year term when power was shared between the Congress and BJP, the second year saw SS Balakrishnan Nair consolidating the Congress position with three new entrants supporting him eventually.

If not for Balakrishnan's astute management skills Farida Bibi could have pipped Abala Sammaddar to the post and the technocrat could have got his suspension revoked. This could have also made matters a lot easier for the PRI's who are finding hard to proceed ahead by the lack of estimate schedules denied to them by the present crop of technocrats who are no less corrupt. The BJP leadership was at the mercy of the suspended technocrat running their losing game.  

Zilla Parishad, Madhyottar Andaman: Nothing Official About It!

LOA Vol 36 - Issue - 02 - 15 Oct 2012

Zilla Parishad, Madhyottar Andaman

Nothing Official About It!

Madhuri Giri of the Congress from Mayabunder Zilla Parishad Constituency defeated the official Congress nominee Panchavarnum from Nimbutala Zilla Parishad Constituency for the Adhyaksha, Zilla Parishad, North-Middle Andaman garnering support of nine members against six opposing members with one member vote being disqualified.

Srinivasan of the Congress was elected unopposed as Up- Adhyaksh. N-M Andaman Zilla Parishad has 16 members. Madhuri Giri had earlier the fortune of leading the first term as Adhyaksha where as the second term was headed by P Prasad as Adhyaksh. Here the Congress versus Congress game was more of Prasad versus Sony Thomas battle. Prasad is known to be close to the President, Congress rewarded time and again for his outbursts against Bhakta who was on his way out of the Congress when Kuldeep was consolidating his position.

Prasad is known to maintain the same level of aristocracy as his president on his visits to the state or national capital and during routine activities. His tenure was marked with a period of one man ship with the other members cooling their heels while he made hay as the sun shone.

This time, he put his weight behind the inexperienced  Panchavarnum hoping for a proxy rule but Sony Thomas a contractor turned TMC supporter turned Congressmen who had played a important role in Madhuri Giri's first tenure stopped the official Congress bandwagon. Contrary to popular sentiments Kuldeep offered seat to a candidate fully aware of the fact that it'll go the other way, which it did.

Now, there is lot of hue and cry about disciplinary action by the Territorial Congress Committee, the highest local body of the party filled with his sidekicks and kingmakers, but it seems unlikely that Kuldeep would risk it and face a wipe out from North Middle Andaman district. Here too the BJP had no stance to offer with its members switching camp at will.

PBMC: Blood Brothers!

LOA Vol 36 - Issue - 02 - 15 Oct 2012

PBMC: Blood Brothers!

P. B. Murugan of the Congress has been elevated as the new Chairperson for the third year term of the Council, strangely unopposed. Subsequently M. Arumugam and Indrapal Singh have been elected as Senior Vice Chairman and Junior Vice Chairman of the Council respectively. The first year being reserved for a Lady Chairperson, saw Firdaus Bibi get elected with a little help from a defector of the BJP. The Council originally had nine Congress Councilors, four BJP, two RJD, one TMC, TDP and DMK each.

Congress had gone to polls alone without any ally. Midway through her tenure Firdaus Bibi got a few more supporters in the eighteen member council. Credit for increase in her support strength goes to a nominated councilor Sudeep Rai Sharma who was inducted along with 2 other nominated councilors for adding experience to the bunch of mostly inexperienced Councilors. This, being the rationale put forth by the Congress President in his recent interview to LoA. The second year term saw history being made at the Council as the lady retained her position by virtue of the experienced nominated councilor putting his weight around. First two years of the present council had its fair share of headlines and controversies in the local press. P.B. Murugan had a mild cardiac stroke prior to becoming the first citizen of Port Blair city and could be thanking his stars for getting the top spot at the council.

The experience imparting nominated councilor coupled with his blood ties with the Congress Supremo had other designs for the third year, but by virtue of his high-handedness for the last two terms lost out to the original Congress, lead by the more experienced K. Ganeshan and M. Arumugam. However, these two gentlemen also paid in terms of losing the coveted post for their mini rebellion which ultimately went to a more acceptable P.B. Murugan proposed by the PCC President as a forced compromise to appease the rebels, predominantly of a community which does not trust Kuldeep after the quarry exploits and to waive off any vindictive action by the new Chairman on the misappropriation of Sudeep Rai Sharma controlled Firdaus Bibi regime. This time around in a no holds bar tussle it was the nominated councilor versus the rest, even the BJP, RJD and DMK supported the original Congress. Election to the chair of the sub-committees in the Council saw original Congress councilors leading the committees. The experience imparting nominated councilor along with his four new Congress councilors including the ex two consecutive terms Chairperson, first year BJP defector, a TMC defector and a TDP fence sitter were left nursing the inflated ego of the experienced nominated councilor. Post election to the sub committees saw some altercation at Gandhi Bhavan between the new Congress group led by Sudeep and the State Congress leadership sans the PCC president who luckily was on a private visit to Havelock after the swearing in ceremony of Adhyaksha, Zilla Parishad South Andaman. Going by the track record of the Sudeep Rai Sharma, the Congress supremo Kuldeep Rai Sharma has his hands full not from the opposition but his own family and partymen at PBMC.

Congress V/s Congress

LOA Vol 36 - Issue - 02 - 15 Oct 2012

Congress V/s Congress

Is there a need for all the parties in the Islands to unite and fight against the mammoth Congress? The internecine battles inside the century-old party have already started to manifest its ugly face. The elections to the Local Self Government bodies was the arena, where blood brothers, and khadi-clad Congressmen - New and Old - were engaged in using all tricks of guerilla warfare against each other. The finishing-point of the race of  Congresses inside the Congress will be interesting to watch when it reaches 2014.

By Staff Reporter

In all public meetings or announcements by the opposition parties both small and big of late, opposition speakers have a field day criticizing the Congress Chief Kuldeep Rai Sharma, his family and his relationship with the Administrator. Recent elections to the Chair of Municipal Council and the two Zilla Parishads saw three great battles; one was Kuldeep versus Sudeep at PBMC, second was Kuldeep versus an under suspension technocrat at Zilla Parishad, South Andaman and thirdly Kuldeep versus his own Sony Thomas (a recent TMC import to Congress) at  Zilla Parishad, Middle-North Andaman. This is not the time to be in Kuldeep's shoes in Island's politics. 

Bodies of local self governance are the only institutions wherein decisions for development are made by elected representatives of people. Democratic set up in the Islands has a lone Member of Parliament who if not from the ruling party at the centre is as good as a lame duck. The present MP's histrionics have not yielded any good for the Islanders as routine matters were put into inordinate delays for rubbing the Bureaucrats' egos on and off. In an Administrative set up that is controlled by outside bureaucrats; people have great expectations from Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies for meeting their aspirations.

Congress for the majority of the island's local self governance history has controlled these institutions baring a few years when the opposition controlled it. Once in the past the opposition was shunted out of power midway by the most popular Lt. Governor of the Islands to date, when it was christened a Pradesh Parishad. This Parishad never saw light of the day again. Secondly the 'Bharatiya Janata Party -the Party with a difference' and its allies when at the helm in the rearranged institutions of self governance -the Zilla Parishad and the Municipal Council were no good either with large scale corruption and having made a few millionaires of its own.

Poor islanders have been mute spectators to the large scale misappropriation of public exchequer by our representatives since inception of these institutions. To facilitate equitable share of this misappropriation a novel concept was designed. For the entire tenure of these institutions change of guard takes place annually, as to who will head them as Chairperson or Adhyaksh/Adhyaksha as the case maybe. This is the time when our elected representatives have a field day. Horse trading is the norm and cash plays a big role. The person who bags the coveted post spends a lot to get there and once there, goes all out to recover his investment plus a lot more for eternity.

Congress by virtue of its Government at Centre and commanding the attention of the local bureaucrats has an easier task to lure the fence sitters and stake claim to control these bodies. Last local bodies elections had not given Congress absolute majority but it still controls the PBMC and the two Zilla Parishads. Congress has a history of being a party which is top heavy and revolves around a few individuals calling all the shots. Manoranjan Bhakta's reign as an MP saw the party function without any major hiccups. There was space for a few in Bhakta's loyalist who would run the party, hold various positions and even make money locally. Bhakta meanwhile was a national player, built his empire around his non-resident Islanders- daughters, son-in-laws and grandkids in the mainland from the big stakeholders venturing in the Islands for business.

Kuldeep Rai Sharma as fate would have had it, dethroned Bhakta and got the party on a platter when Bhakta formed the Trinamool Congress. Political power in the islands or for that matter the whole country revolves around money to be misappropriated from various democratic institutions of power. If one happens to have enough money this would suffice to tilt the scales in your favour in any election is a popular notion. As an aspiring unemployed educated Island youth looking for a vocation, Kuldeep found it easy to dabble into politics as he was the son of a rich Government servant who was always in the news for wrong reasons. Congress has a long history of king makers and sidekicks of the party's main leaders; right from Sardar Nechal Singh Chawla to date. These sidekicks switched sides for Kuldeep especially when an ageing Bhakta got disconnected with the Islanders with failing health and made some foolish decisions of his own. These very bunches of sidekicks have brought about the downfall of many great Congress leaders and now its Kuldeep's turn. Kuldeep has the distinction of being an autocrat like his predecessors in the party with the only exception being he has to have a finger in every pie and eat it too. There's no room for others. All the resources and the positions are to go to him or his immediate family. Certain chain of events in the past six years with the reign of the present Lt. Governor has made matters worse for him. He has been branded anti to certain communities and no matter how hard he tries this outlook of those communities will not change. Kuldeep has failed to find a balance in his approach towards all communities and the prime reason being his greed for absolute power without yielding any space for others. Dissidences in the party are brewing and the results are for all to see in bodies of local self governance. 2014 has a bleak future for the Congress in the Islands as its leadership is plagued with the same disease that is crippling the Central leadership- 'Corruption, directionless policies and disconnect with the grass roots cadres'. Amidst the recent swearing in ceremonies of our new VIPs in institutions of local self governance, it is interesting to chart the turn of events, where it was the Congress leadership who could only wait for events to unfold on its own merit rather than do anything as was the case with the opposition parties too.

EDITORIAL: Bon Voyage Seshasai

LOA Vol 36 - Issue - 02 - 15 Oct 2012

EDITORIAL:

Bon Voyage Seshasai

Capt. Seshasai Director Shipping Services had a graceful exit from the Islands with loads of disgraceful accomplishments to his credit. He had inherited everything Capt Paul James left, including his corrupt practices. But, Seshasai was of a different league altogether. He went one step ahead, tweaked and reinvented better tactics. And as a master of anecdotes, he could easily floor anyone with his countless jibes on everyone and everything.

When Captain Seshasai joined the Shipping Directorate, he was one of the three Directors and assigned Operations and Maintenance. Anyway, he was not keen to continue as 'one of the Directors' and had told LOA at that time that without complete control, he would not be in a position to bring any positive change to the department. He was given complete control as the whole and sole Director. Like any tenderfoot, he too showed all idiosyncrasies in the initial period. In boiler suit, he was found in the dockyard early mornings as a timekeeper. By the time, he could understand the work culture of his employees; he had obviously learnt the ways to consolidate his grip on the cash-rich department. With a large fleet of sick vessels, unable to decommission or make operational, he found it a tough go. New vessels joined, but could not cover the demand. The onus once again fell on the whole and sole director to explain. He had by now learnt how to dodge the complaints. Technically, he would try to convince or ultimately confuse those who went to him with complaints. It was a cakewalk for him to charm the gullible Secretary Shipping and even the Chief Secretary.

The Shipping sector touched the lowest ebb, with stars too failing in favour of the captain. Three ships which he did not place order joined the fleet during his tenure and all three of it failed to sail and remained tethered for more than 4 years. It gave him another weapon to blame his predecessors.

Capt Seshasai had made lots of demands and promises to bring sanity to the department But, his hollow promises failed miserably, with the services severely hitting rock bottom. And, in the meantime, corruption touched another level with his sordid greed increasing day after day.

After a series of Vigilance and CBI raids, glaring instances of corruption came to the fore. From crankshafts, gearboxes, navigational equipments and corruption in everything, the department had turned into a black hole of corruption.

But, it is unfortunate that the Admn instead of keeping him tethered to the Islands and making him pay for the corrupt deeds, he was given a soft kick with repatriation to his parent organization. The safe passage to Capt Seshasai shows the resolve of the Admn in tackling corruption. It was not the efforts of the Admn, but the tireless efforts of a few who had to approach court to get the big fish in the net. Unluckily, the fish got a free and safe passage.

United Front for Assembly

LOA Vol 36 - Issue - 02 - 15 Oct 2012

United Front for Assembly

By Staff Reporter

Every political party nurtures the aspiration to have a democratic setup in the Islands. But, sense never prevailed among the top parties to come together on a common platform and assert for it. Very recently, tired of the bureaucratic labyrinth and autocratic decisions of a Lieutenant Governor with Defence background and without administrative skills, an all-party delegation met the President of India and other national political leaders and submitted memorandum demanding a Legislative Assembly for the Islands. The all-party delegation has strongly demanded an urgent solution to change the present system of Administration as self-governance is their basic right.

More than six political parties including BJP, CPM, TMC, RJD, TDP, DMK and AIADMK have come together with only Congress party remaining out of the Front very prominently.

Addressing the media, KG Das, State Secretary, CPIM said that they have demanded Assembly for the Islands. When asked about exclusion of Congress Party from the front, he clarified that Assembly is part of Congress agenda, but are unwilling to join the front or agitation to achieve it. "I feel that Congress too will take a step towards it," he said.

When asked about the opposition of Local Born Association for an Assembly, KG Das said that no one can oppose Statehood on the basis of demographic equations. Citing an example from North-East, he said that the local populations in many states are very low, but it cannot stop them having a democratic and participatory self governance system. "This is a colonial mindset trying to strangle the aspirations of the Islanders," he said.

Commenting on the attitude of the Lieutenant Governor, he said that the Administrator's dictatorial approach without any consultation process or accessibility has effected the development of the Islands badly. "How can an Administrator allow Raj Niwas to be used as a Party office?" he asked.

"We have also demanded for immediate call back of the Administrator, who has exceeded his tenure by 3 years," Das added.

Manoranjan Bhakta, who made a comeback with joining the Front said that this is a new journey with all parties coming together.

Clarifying the agenda of the front, Bhakta said that this is a common platform for Assembly and not an electoral alliance to fight elections.

In the memorandum submitted to the President, it is alleged that for the last ten years, no major development has taken place in the Islands. The Lieutenant Governor, who is about to complete two-terms, is not working keeping the interest of the public. The dictatorial attitude towards general public, politicians, elected representatives and PRI members have jeopardized the entire economic development of these Islands, stated the memorandum.

The All-Party delegation also rued the abolishment of the 30-member Andaman and Nicobar Pradesh Parishad with five Councilors of the rank and status of Deputy State Minister, which was sanctioned by the Ministry of Home Affairs and inaugurated on 20th June 1981 by State Home Minister Yogendra Makhwana. In his message, greeting the people of these Islands, he had said, "The Inauguration of this State Counci marks the dawn of a new era in the history of this Union Territory. The active participation of the people in the affairs of the State is the backbone of democracy. The need for greater association of the local people in the Administration of this Territory has been felt ever since independence." He had also said that the Pradesh Council is a forerunner to this process to complete democratic decentralization. As a stepping stone, the Council provides opportunity to the elected representatives and the officials to gain experience in vital areas of development and policy making. From now on the elected representatives of the people are going to sit together and advice the Government in matters of administration."

The memorandum said that the Council was sanctioned to the Islanders as a triial to form a Legislative Assembly in the near future. However, this State Council had functioned only for ten years and consequent to the formation of the Zilla Parishad for the South Andaman District, ANI Admn abolished the 30-member Council without consulting the political parties. The unilateral decision of the Admn in winding up the Pradesh Council

Citing many anti-people notifications and regulations without any consultation, the all-party delegation has urgently demanded the need for a democratic setup for the Union Territory for speedy development on the same pattern of Pondicherry.

Prominent leaders of all parties including Marudavanan, DMK, P R Ganesh, RJD, and R Mohan, BJP too attended the Press Meet. They informed that the All-Party Front will organize a token dharna and awareness programmes throughout the Islands to garner support for the cause of Assembly.

chalte | CHALTE: Vadra-What A Big Deal In It!

LOA Vol 36 - Issue - 02 - 15 Oct 2012

chalte | CHALTE

Vadra-What A Big Deal In It!

Robert Vadra, the poor fellow has unnecessary became target of controversy, obviously for no fault of him. However, the only blunder he committed is to marry in a family of rulers. For this again, he should not be blamed since the 'pairs' is made in heaven. The country owes many obligations to the family and, so, to Robert too. What's a big deal in it?" exclaimed he after finishing his fifth round of 'Herculese XXX' in a local bar here.

"A DANICS officer after getting his posting order to Andamans approached Andaman Office in Delhi to have some first-hand information about the facilities available in the islands. His queries included: Good school existed? , Proper bus services? , 2BHK flat/house on rent? , Helping hand for Jharu-Phoncha? etc. The answering personnel, when came to know about the status of the DANICS officer, simply said him not to worry but to inform him the date and flight of reaching Port Blair", the drunken person continued. Meanwhile, some curious drunkards surrounded him and one of them offered him the sixth peg.

He continued, "The officer, gentleman to the core, landed at the Port Blair airport to be received by local official here. A car was waiting to escort him while another car with other personnel was there to take care of his baggage. The arriving Officer should not wait and take pain to collect his luggage! He was driven to the posh Govt. guest house and the car was left behind for his use to go to Secretariat to report for his duty and also otherwise. And thus before he became a part of the Andaman government, he became small 'Lord'. In fact, some senior officer had only informed the arrival of the official from Delhi and the rest 'buttering' and 'flirting' part was taken care by us. Later, he was provided with a bungalow, chauffeur driven car, gardener, maid servant (on govt. expense) and many other privileges. Our junior level officials with their folded hands exhausted all they had expecting some favour from the senior officer as well as from the new arrival. The Delhite official did away with his gentlemanship. This is human. If one showers privileges, favour and facility to other, can never be termed as unwarranted in favour of the later"

"So is with Vadra. He might not have desired but is showered favours because of his status by his friends and others who expect favour from the sources Vadra is surrounded by. And fortunately or unfortunately his 'friends' are part of Government in Position, so, a bone of contention for Opposition", he concluded with his seventh peg.

—    Musafir

Durga Puja: Yesteryears

LOA Vol 36 - Issue - 02 - 15 Oct 2012

Durga Puja: Yesteryears

By Basudev Dass

Secularism, we don't preach but practice,' said a proud islander to a local tourist at Rajghat in New Delhi while paying tributes to Gandhiji. 'Come October and visit Andamans to enjoy Durga Puja not only for entertainment but to realise universal brotherhood and only brotherhood without any religious abhorrence', said he and added, "And why should it not be. The seed of this festival was sown by the 'freedom fighters' and 'political prisoners' along with other convicts deported to the infamous Cellular Jail from all parts of the Country. It was they who celebrated the first 'Durga Puja' inside the high-rise bricked walls of the 'Cells beyond Cells'.

Irrespective of the fact what religion they practiced, whether atheist or theist, the states they belonged to, the language they spoke, the rituals and culture they followed; they registered their participation in the Puja in the year 1934. The celebration of this was not alone a ritual for them but an opportunity to mark a symbolic triumph over the British tyranny and exhibition of supremacy over the foreign clout. The 46-days 'Hunger Strike' observed by the 'Heroes' of the 'Freedom Struggle' inside the jail ended on 26th June 1933. Though three of many became martyr for the cause, the prisoners were extended substantial relief including, reading and writing materials, significant improvement in living standard with better food, bed, games facilities, reduced working hours and allowance of following religious rituals.

In his book 'In Andamans - The Indian Bastille'Bejoy Kumar Sinha, a well known revolutionary and a close associate of Sardar Bhagat Singh, tried along-with Bhagat Singh in Lahore Conspiracy Case was sentenced to 'Saza-e-Kalapani' in Cellular Jail in 1933 has said, "Durga Puja had approached and we therefore readily seized the opportunity as an occasion for having a grand festival, rich in it round of amusements and other social features".

A five-day festival, each day having its own rituals, was not a matter of joke in those days that too for prisoners under the foreign yoke staying inside the 'Cells beyond Cells'. But who could stop their indomitable courage, enthusiasm and determination who had already sacrificed everything including themselves for the cause of motherland!

Meetings were held, committees were formed and programmes for Puja as well as amusements were finalized. It had puja committee, amusement committee, reception committee, stores committee, kitchen committee etc. Everyone was given task as per their capability It was a situation where each worked as a team presenting their individual expertise and dedication.

"We formed our Drama Committee that included among its members, coach, manager, electrical engineers, prompter, technical director, music master, in short, the complete troupe of a drama company. For scenes we collected a large number of our bed-sheets and stitched them together. Our painter comrades by their day and night labour transformed them into scenes far better than what one ordinarily finds in amateur drama club of our small towns. Wings were also painted. Our artistes were so successful in their enterprise that they earned universal praise. One local high official even expressed his desire to purchase one of the scenes".

Envisage the situation where even the people outside the jail were unable to gather items of their daily needs, how could the prisoners, that too under the foreign command, manage the required items of erecting the deity, the bamboos, earth and husk for the structure, paints for colour, apparels and ornaments for the image, items to perform the rituals and above all, a priest to conduct the puja during all the five days. But nothing could stop them and the first Durga Puja in the islands was celebrated by the prisoners facing the challenges of physical approval but mental disapproval of the British rulers inside the Jail made by them to 'tame the freedom loving lions'.

Sinha concludes about Puja, "After a crowded programme of five days our Puja was over. We had enjoyed the festival more than we expected. We now craved for a change. .......The old order was changing yielding place to new."

Time and tide waited for none. 12 years had passed. Political prisoners had left for mainland. Even people in the islands had started smelling the fragrance of freedom which was not far. NK Patterson was the British Chief Commissioner of the A&N Islands. Mihir Kumar Sanyal (English pronounced him as Sandal) had joined the then Marine department as Harbour Master and Assistant Engineer (Marine) on November 30, 1945. The very next year in 1946, Sanyal himself made the image of Durga and her accomplices at his residence at Marine Hill and conducted the Puja. And the lone Puja continued there.

"I was a student of 2nd standard in School Line Primary School and would walk to my school from the hilltop residence at Dairyfarm. Since walking was not a problem, I with my three elder brothers would walk to 'Sandal Saab ka Durga Puja' at Marine Hill on Asthami and Navami day of the Puja to have Khichdi Prasad as well as visiting the Mela at Marine Ground (now the Marine Recreation Club and the Mohanpura School up to private bus-stand premises)". This can be termed as the older form of the present 'Island Tourism Festival'. It might have much lesser charm and modern activities then the present ITF but, had the 'heart full of emotion and concern for each other'. The Mela comprised of 'Pashu Mela' (Animal fair) too. Apart from stalls of exhibition, there existed fancy dress competition, sports and games also during all five days of celebration. People would come to Port Blair from distant villages on bullock carts. Even devotees from islands like Havelock, Rangat etc. would come days before and would stay with friends, relatives and even as guests with people in Port Blair Since then the islands witnessed Durga Puja uninterrupted.

Till 1960 only one Puja at Marine Hill was performed followed by the second Puja at Haddo in 1962. This Puja was later shifted to Atul Smriti Samity in 1965, it is said (to some, the year is 1964). The 1949 colonization Scheme of Indian Government saw many Bengalese settled in different islands and as a result they too started conducting Durga Puja. Havelock was the first outer island that witnessed this Puja and the deity was made at the Marine Hill Durga Puja premises and was transported to Havelock by the tug boat 'Moti'. While describing the event, a few names other than Mr. and Mrs. Sanyal needs be mentioned among many others. They are Mintu Biswas, Manabendra Chaki, KN Adhikari, Manik Sarkar, Dilbar Hussain etc. Later when APWD too organized Durga Puja Executive Engineer KP Mohinuddin was the chief organizer of the first Puja. M Chaki, Mintu Biswas, Sardanand, Jagdish Narayan etc. were the main actors to start and continue Puja at Junglighat. The organizing committees till now do not harvest any religious differences and responsibilities are given and accepted according to one's ability.

But now counting of Puja-Pandals in and around Port Blair as well as in different islands is becoming difficult. From Diglipur to Campbell Bay including tribal areas, the Puja is celebrated. Followers of any religion will participate in the festival as if it is their own. Ismail would not compromise without new pant and shirt to visit pandal on one hand while Samuel is intolerable without the pair of a new branded shoe. And all these demands are met by the parents happily since the celebration is a Island Festival as a whole.

However, with the advent of modern facilities, the emotion and involvement is fast annihilating instead exhibition of show and competition with involvement of money and politics are making its way. The Budget of a Puja varies between Rs 5 to 12 lakhs and Committees are formed with senior members of various political parties. In earlier days, rice, necessary commodities and vegetables would form part of donation. Now all the activities are becoming highly professional and commercial, right from preparation of idol, Prasad, reception, decoration, ritual and also immersion. The emotional involvement is fast receding and days are not far that this Island Festival will also become an attraction of pomp and grandeur alone as happening in other part of India.  

PAUPER’S LOG: Mango People in Banana Republic

LOA Vol 36 - Issue - 02 - 15 Oct 2012

PAUPER’S LOG:

Mango People in Banana Republic

By Abu Arsh

When the First Son-in-Law of the Nation -Robert Vadra posted these remarks on his facebook status message, it created a lot of furore in the political circles over reference to the Aam Aadmi as Mango People. Some of the recent decisions of the UPA-II government have made these remarks sound true. Politicians do consider us nothing more than that and we do live in a Banana Republic. As and when new declarations are made by the Government the Aam Aadmi is made to run from pillar to post just to meet his basic requirements all over again.

The most recent lifting of subsidies on LPG and limiting it to 6 cylinders per family per year which fortunately got increased to 9 cylinders by our Administrator like in the Congress ruled states has set us all in a spin. Household budgets have gone haywire with constant and periodic increase in fuel prices and essential commodities. Our islands are known to pay the brunt for these issues as we import every essential commodity from mainland at already exorbitant prices.

Coupled with these the harassment meted out to the Aam Aadmi is many fold. The distributors of LPG are having a field day with the amount of hassles a LPG subscriber has to go through in getting their connections re-verified in order to avoid duplicity. Forms are to be filled again. Mile long queues are formed braving the heat and the rain with people trampling over each other. There is a mad rush where joint families are on the verge of being divided by separating the ration cards of sons and daughters from their parents in order to avail an extra connection. Another long queue awaits us at the Civil Supplies Department enabling us to separate from our parents to avail an LPG connection. If the government can go about creating such new exercises where the misery of Mango people never ends, why can't it have a simpler method of ascertaining the genuine connections rather same old forms and queues? There have been half a dozen multimillion rupees exercises by the Govt. of India as in the case of NPR's and Aadhars bothering us no end time and again. These exercises should have taken care of such information which can be updated.

The LPG story has made the black marketers have a field day too. If one has the money procuring a cylinder without any document is as easy as it comes. The market for a LPG cylinder in the black market post lifting of cap on subsidy scenario has made a quantum leap from Rs 650 to Rs 1300. The major distributors of LPG in the Islands have staffs who are masters of this trade since ages and there is no fuss involved here except extra cash. Some of the booking procedures if it involves standing in long queues to book a cylinder would as well make the above proposition more lucrative to a consumer as its door delivered.

Administration in its endeavour should make arrangements for processes which are simpler and less complicated; it also should not be repetitive and less time consuming. Further more if the Govts are concerned about preventing duplicity and fake connections it should also stop all pilferages and black marketing by hoarders.  

Tillangchang: No Entry for Missiles

LOA Vol 36 - Issue - 02 - 15 Oct 2012

Tillangchang:

No Entry for Missiles

Photo Credit: Manish Chandy

A proposal of Indian Navy received in the MOEF for consideration of the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), seeking recommendation for use of 2m x 2m area within Tillangchong Wild Life Sanctuary, A & N Islands, for erection of a structure as target for practice missiles from sub marines, for 7 to 10 days in a year has been turned down.

In the deliberations on the issue in 25th Standing Committee meeting, the matter was extensively discussed and several members expressed their strong opposition to the proposal. Representative of the Indian Navy made a very persuasive presentation of the importance of the project.

Accordingly it was recommended that the proposal for use of forest land for installation of a structure as target for use of the practice versions of the missiles in the Sanctuary cannot be permitted. The proponent, Indian Navy, was requested to identify alternate locations, where high conservation values of this nature are not at stake, for ensuring the defence preparedness and security of the country.

The area is notified as a Wild Life Sanctuary in 1985. The Island is about 15 km long and 1 km in width, with a total area of 16.83 sq km. The island supports tropical evergreen vegetation.

The proposal was considered in the 23rd meeting held on 14th October 2011 wherein a site inspection was prescribed and entrusted to Dr A Rahmani, Member, along with the Chief Wildlife Warden, A & N Islands, for submitting a report to the Committee. Site inspection was carried out by Dr Rahamani on February 12, 2012, along with the representatives of A & N Forest Department and Indian Navy. Dr Rahmani reported that the area is important for presence of the endemic Nicobar Megapode, Megapodius nicobariensis nicobariensis, a sub species of the Nicobar Megapode, occurring on seven islands of the Nancowry group. The population of this sub species has declined to less than 200 from above 2000 breeding pairs in 1990s and Tillangchong is the only island holding the safest population of the sub species. He also reported presence of a few other endemic species in the area like Nicobar Bulbul, Nicobar Sparrowhawk, Coconut crab etc. The Island is considered sacred by the Nicobarese communities and hunting of birds is not allowed. They had expressed their opinion against the proposal of the Navy. Dr Rahmani recommended that the proposal should not be recommended due to the unique status of this habitat, and potential destruction of the habitat in the nearby area in case of misfire. The report was considered in the 25th meeting held on 13th June 2012. In the meeting it was generally felt that the area, being among the last remaining habitats of an endemic bird, must be preserved. In the meeting, was also considered to permit one pilot testing to understand the impact.

Subsequently several representations and more information were received in the Ministry related to the conservation value of the island. It is indicated that the proposed missile testing is likely to have highly damaging consequences on the ecosystem including the endemic species.