Killing An Idea!

Killing An Idea!

By Zubair Ahmed

Don't make democracy look so weird and ridiculous. Democracy is a good idea. Don't kill the idea. People, who have been denied a democratic setup and have no say in major policy decisions should not be derided by showing them a kid's version of the great system called democracy.

Moreover, the students who participated in this 'version' might mistake it as part of their political science class. In short, 'chosen' voters participated in this exercise, like it happens in banana republics.

Now, its of no use discussing 'threadbare' the process adopted to finalize the permanent location of the new college - ANCOL. And, this article doesn't wish to go into the merits and de-merits of both locations, as that is not the real issue.

The site at Chakkargaon is very 'beautiful' and enchanting. Its in the proximity of all 'stakeholders'. The set of 'students' and 'faculties' who voted for the location are also undoubtedly credulous. So everything is set.

There may be dissenting voices somewhere outside, far far away from those who matters. They are incredulous, naive and are sure to have personal axes to grind. So, in this format of democracy, their voices should not count. Or, they don't at all deserve such an institution. All logic fails when such an institution is placed in a rural milieu.

When everything was decided, this preposterous show was just the last nail. Anyway, I still think there is a small space left to express one's opinion. If that too can be sabotaged by staging another futile exercise, its most welcome.

The new college was a good idea. Everybody hailed the decision. There was a demand to place the college in South Andaman, so that the notion that Port Blair is Andaman and Nicobar Islands is changed. The idea was also welcomed. No stakeholders expressed any objection to the idea, when the Administrator mentioned it at various platforms. Indeed, it was a welcome idea!

A committee with eminent persons chaired by the Chief Secretary was constituted. Consensus was reached on the location of the college. The majority report was shunted and a fresh two-member committee was constituted and a single member minority report has been finally accepted.

The site at Chakkargaon is no doubt, a very beautiful and apt location for anything - a mall, housing complex, entertainment hub or any other commercial activity. And, it is indeed suitable for an educational institution too. Nobody objects to that. Like, the same 'stakeholders' if given an option to select between Haddo and Chakkargaon will undoubtedly vote for Haddo.

Why the new college should be placed in a rural milieu is not to make it a second-grade college, as the students who could not make it into JNRM were accommodated in the new college for obvious reasons. So, the question of upper-hand or competition can be over-ruled.

There are hundreds of students studying in Class X to XII in various schools in South Andaman, who are also the real stakeholders, who might need to decide to join a college in the coming years. Why they are not part of the 'democratic process' is quite incomprehensible.

When there was sufficient time to decide, we kept procrastinating, and when there is no time to decide, major decisions are taken, and 'stakeholders' are left with no choice!

Since many years, we have been missing opportunities one after another. Post tsunami, the Islands got an opportunity to plan and utilize the available resources including land.

All the permanent tsunami shelters were placed inside Port Blair and in a very beautiful location in Bambooflat. The beneficiaries were actually from Nicobar and Katchal. They would not have resisted any move, if they had been rehabilitated in N&M Andaman District. Prime land, that too in the commercial hub of Port Blair and surrounding areas were used for the shelters. And, we kept lamenting when we missed NIT due to lack of land that too inside Port Blair.

Most of the prime commercial space in the capital city is occupied by Government buildings. On both sides of the road, archaic govt offices greet the tourists, and we harp about a beautiful city. And, residential quarters are being built in Goal Ghar! And we again rue about lack of revenue land for commercial activities.

When we could not pan our vision beyond the radius of 25 kms, how can we expect to have holistic development from Campbell Bay to Diglipur?

The decision has been taken and let it be. Lack of vision or shortsightedness of policy makers are a bane of the Islands. Nobody thinks beyond a two or three year frame. Not a single development was result of long term planning. Quick-fix band-aid solutions to searing  problems add to the woes.

Post Script: In the 70s, approximately 300 Nicobari tribal families were uprooted from Car Nicobar and settled in an hamlet in Little Andaman called Harminder Bay. The raison detre was quite interesting. The Admn set on the mission after it felt that the population of Car Nicobar Island had grown to 10000 living in an area of 49 sq miles, which might pose serious space problem for plantations.

Its forty years now. Population in Car Nicobar might have increased manifold, but it hasn't reached an alarming proportion demanding decongestion. Is it true about Port Blair?

Tourism Department to Have Two Directors: Lt. Governor

Tourism Department to Have Two Directors: Lt. Governor

Arun Gupta, DANICS Posted New Director

Taking into view the amount of work load in the Tourism Directorate, the Lt. Governor, A.K. Singh today said that henceforth the Directorate will have two Directors with specific mandate.

Speaking to LOA over phone, on the controversy raised by the Association of Tour Operators on replacing the present Director, the Lt. Governor clarified that the Administration has no plans to relieve Dr. P. Vishwakannan IFS from the post.

Earlier on Sept. 1, 2014, the Andaman & Nicobar Administration had issued an order posting Arun Gupta DANICS as the Director Tourism and Nabanita Ganguly, IFS, DCF (Plg & Monitoring) as Director (Tribal Welfare) with Additional charges of AC (TW)/ Officer-in-Charge ANTRI, relieving Arun Gupta from these charges.

The ambiguity in the order had shocked the tour operators, who wrote a letter to the Lt. Governor expressing their resentment over the assumed change in guard.

Reacting to the sudden action by the Administration, the Association of Tour Operators said that the tourism industry is already facing lots of issues at ground level and as the tourist season has just begun, transfers at this time will be setback to the industry.

The Association has always requested to post a Director in Tourism Department for a minimum period of 3 years since frequent change of Directors decelerates the progress, M Vinod President, ATO said.

Meanwhile, the Lt. Governor AK Singh clearing the prevailing confusion said, Apart from focusing on upcoming projects and promotion of tourism, the Department has to monitor tourism activities, frame rules & regulations, issue licences etc. which means immense documentation.

The LG added that for an effective functioning of the Directorate, the decision to appoint two Directors has been taken.

I am For Medical College, But Have Reasons to Lack Confidence: Bishnu

I am For Medical College, But Have Reasons to Lack Confidence: Bishnu

The Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray today clarified his stand on the proposed Medical College and said that he never mentioned that the Medical College should be closed down and open PG College. He also said that the MD of AIMS, Dr. Prem Nair also did not say anything against the Medical College.

Bishnu was addressing the media over the controversy involving him. He expressed happiness about people’s participation in this critical issue, which he believes is a beginning and very good sign for any development.

“Politicians and Administration, if not criticized, they will not look back to correct themselves,” he opined.

Slamming the media reports, he said, “A wrong message has somehow been spread by my ill wishers that MP is against opening of MBBS College in Port Blair, which is absolutely an incorrect message. “I have never said that MBBS College should be closed down and open PG College nor Dr. Prem Nair had ever said.”

He also cleared his name and said that there was no such proposal to favour Amrita Institute as is being spread.

“Everybody knows that no institution can be selected on nomination basis in the Govt. system and rules. I am an open book and there is no hidden agenda or any black spot so far,” Bishnu added.

However, Bishnu once again drew attention towards the merits of PG course over UG course.

“Looking at the complex requirement of the UG courses compared to PG courses, which is comparably lesser complex, I had a justified reason to advocate for PG course to start with,” he said.

He also listed steps taken by him to ensure availability of immediate specialists’ treatment at Port Blair

“I had written a letter on 29th Oct. 2013 to Hon’ble Lt. Governor to immediately start PG Courses in Medicine and Surgery with various Super Specialty Hospital Services like Cardiology – Heart Diseases, Gastroenterology- Gastric/ lever transplantation problems, Nephrology – Super Specialty in Kidney treatment, Oncology – Super Specialty in cancer treatment, Neurology – Super Specialty in brain, nerves, etc, Cardio-vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Gastrointestinal Surgery, Urology – Urine, Bladder,” he added.

He further said that he had requested the Administration in view of large number of such cases being detected for which there is no specialized treatment available at Port Blair. Starting of these courses will immediately bring in specialists who can render immediate treatment to Islanders in case of stroke, heart blockage, kidney failure, cancer, liver diseases, mother and child care, digestion issues, etc. abundant in Islands. At the same time the local students will get admission in those PG cases, who in turn can serve the Islands.

He also gave the example of PGI Chandigarh which has established PG Courses on the same lines.

Bishnu said that the Lt. Governor acknowledging his letter had informed that he has recently taken a review of the complete health services and given necessary instructions to fill in the existing gaps. LG also replied that detailed proposals are being worked out by Principal Secretary (Health).

Bishnu, however, mentioned that though he had written to the Lieutenant Governor about the issue, nothing has so far been done on his suggestions.

Citing various deficiencies of the Administration, he said, “The Administration could not fill up 38 posts of Medical Specialists for the past 20 years, I had reasons to lack confidence, as the UG courses require as much as 244 faculties. The requirement of faculty for PG courses being only 30, and tapping the resources in PPP mode would be much easier compared to 244 faculties required for UG course.”

Taking a jibe on a recent interview given to the press by the Director of Health Services regarding tapping of faculty from the Defence, CHS and Private sectors, and the response the Administration got, Bishnu said, “I have gone through a CAG observation under the caption, “Critical Shortage of doctors in defence hospitals”, which says the defence hospitals had a deficiency of 298 specialist doctors in armed forces against the authorized strength of 2217.”

“When there is shortage in defence itself, how the Administration will get faculty support from defence?” he questioned.

Bishnu further mentioned some of the recent issues that compelled him to pro-actively intervene in the issue and to impress upon the need for a conscious decision.

He cited the examples of nine Medical Colleges in Maharashtra State which had to give up 500 out of total 2100 MBBS Seats due to lack of infrastructure and shortage of Faculty Members. Nearly 1000 staffers are vacant as reported by newspaper “Mumbai Mirror” on 21.08.2014.

He also mentioned about the minutes of the Executive Committee meeting of Medical Council of India dated 14.03.2014, which indicated shortage of infrastructure and faculties in a number of colleges that may lead to scaling down the seats or even suspension.

Citing a Press Information Bureau report dated 8.8.2014 regarding periodical assessment carried out by the Medical Council for grant of permission to admit students, he said that MCI has not recommended maximum number of cases due to shortcomings as mentioned in the report emerged from the reply to a Parliament question by Health Minister.

He also delved in depth about the financial implication and said that the infrastructure requirement for UG courses is massive worth Rs. 500 Crores approx. compared to minimum infrastructure required for PG course worth Rs. 40 Crores approx. Similarly, the recurring expenditure on operation of UG College is worked out to be Rs. 109 Crores and Rs. 38 Crores only for PG College.

He questioned the logic of shifting from PPP mode to Society run Medical College and explained that the High Court had passed an order in 2005 to start Medical College and a consultant M/s HSCC (I) Ltd. was appointed at a cost of Rs. 1.75 Crores, which in 2010 submitted its report recommending establishment of Medical College in PPP Mode.

Bishnu added, “The 12th Standing Committee on IDA discussed regarding establishment of MBBS College in PPP mode and was approved by the Prime Minister in the 13th Meeting of IDA on 15.07.2011. The Union Health Minister had also conveyed approval for opening the college in PPP mode on 26.02.2013.”

He blamed the lower level officers for reversing the order and said, “The Proposal to open college in PPP mode was reversed by lower level officers on 6.8.2013 and took a decision by them to establish the college through a Govt. Society.”

He also highlighted certain failures on the part of Administration especially the inability to fill up 38 posts of specialists for the past many years, delay in filling up of regular 30 GDMO posts, delay in finalization of under-sea OFC cable project, cancellation of the sewerage treatment project, delay in finalization of the project for construction of bridges across creeks in ATR, poor maintenance of National Highway and ATR, delay in implementation of PMGSY roads, delay in execution of NRDWP projects and closure of Forest Plantation Development Corporation.

He categorically targeted ANIIDCO and said that without IMFL, the Corporation is a total failure. He also lauded Lakshadweep Development Corporation Limited and said that they are doing much better compared to ANIIDCO.

He also blamed the Administration for delay in creation of National Highway Circle and dedicated Water Circle.

Bishnu said that the growth rate of Islands as reported in the Planning Commission’s report is just 0.98%.

He drew attention towards the corpus fund of Rs 43 Crores lying with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and said that the Administration is unaware of the cess money lying unutilized.

Bishnu said that there has been significant delay in creation of 38 posts of ITI, 628 posts of Transport Department, 71 posts of higher education, 481 posts of Police Department, 20 posts of Shipping Department, 22 posts of Health Department, 73 posts of Official Language Wing, 140 posts of Disaster Management and 4 posts of Civil Aviation Department.

The Member of Parliament told the media that he had discussed the issue of Medical College with the Administration at length and with some of premier institutions like AIMS and finally gave many suggestions to the Administration.

He advised the Administration to immediately float an Expression of Interest (EOI) for engagement of faculties and assess the response and suggested that the investment on infrastructure may be restricted till such time adequacy of faculty is assessed, so as to avoid wasteful expenditure.

He also suggested simultaneously preparing a contingent plan for establishment of Post Graduate College, which does not require much of infrastructure or faculty. In case the Administration did not find required response for UG Course, the Administration will have the option to begin with the PG course.

“The Administration may also invite reputed Medical Institutions for a preliminary discussion to explore viability of PPP mode as has been done by Odisha Government in Rayagada and Gajapati Districts,” he suggested.

He once again reiterated his view and said, “I am fully in favour of establishment of Medical College. My only concern is that it should not be a failure and Govt. money should not be wasted. The much desired Super Specialty Health Care facility should reach the Islands at the earliest and the people and students of the Island should get 100% benefit of the project.”

Bishnu said that he along with the senior officers of the Administration will meet the Union Minister of Health Dr. Harshavardhan on 28th of this month to reach some conclusion on the issue.

Bishnu Pada Ray reminded the Islanders that he is an elected servant of the Islanders. “I think and battle only for development of the Islands and common cause,” he concluded.

Medical College Row: When Cure Becomes Disease!

Medical College Row:

When Cure Becomes Disease!

By Zubair Ahmed

Santa and Banta bid to build a medical college. Both of them started constructing it from opposite directions. When a man asked, whether both the building will meet in the centre, Santa lightly said, “If it meets you will have one great Medical College, and if it doesn’t you will be lucky to have two medical colleges!”

Jokes apart, Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament is now on a mission mode to garner public opinion using various forums to press upon his idea of having a PG Medical Programme in the Islands instead of a MBBS College as proposed by the Administration and vigorously followed up by the Lieutenant Governor.

Keeping in mind, the temperament of Bishnu Pada Ray, it was quite obvious and natural that fissures would start to appear in the relations between him and the Administrator in due course. But, it has dawned too early and quite openly.

The Medical College is not a new idea. It was there for the last five years. Land was allotted in 2012. A major poll plank during last elections appearing in the promises of all candidates, Bishnu was all praises for the initiative and had put it as an achievement in his manifesto too. So, what went wrong suddenly that he had to take a major shift from his earlier position?

No one in the Islands would have opposed setting up of an institution of higher studies, especially a medical college per se. The Islanders had earlier welcomed an engineering college started in the polytechnic campus. They had welcomed ANCOL in a school campus too. It’s truly a positive step that the Islands will have a medical college along with an engineering college.

Then why is there a section who is murmuring against the proposed medical college?

It was Lt Governor A K Singh, who for the first time offered the medical college as a panacea for shortage of specialists in the Islands, a quite difficult concept to digest. We did not start an engineering college, to overcome shortage of engineers in the Islands. An educational institution in the Islands is always good for the local population to pursue higher education without moving out to mainland. It’s a sign of development too.

But, Medical College wasn’t the solution to overcome the scarcity of specialists in the Islands. That could have been solved using other options. How many of us ever bother about the exodus of good doctors from GB Pant Hospital? We have lost good pediatric surgeons, ophthalmologists, gynecologists and many others. Was it just the lure to earn more outside which made them quit? Obviously, the administration needs to rethink about the suffocating administrative setup that governs our healthcare system.

Why doesn’t the Administration think about recruiting MBBS doctors and sending them for specialization from reputed institutions in the mainland? We have examples of serving doctors upgrading themselves and coming back and serving at GB Pant Hospital. How many specialists would we need? It’s a miniscule number.

Both the options – a UG programme, as recommended by the Administration and a PG programme, as wished by the Member of Parliament seems to be not the solution they are looking for.

No doubt, realization of the dream called the Medical College would add a feather on the cap of the Administrator. And, his overwhelming enthusiasm to achieve the target had ushered a new hope among the Islanders. The college would have been a boon for the Islanders in many ways, but it won’t be a solution to the immediate problem at hand.

The idea of PG programme by AIMS as advocated by the MP might be made to look very innocuous, and a sacred service, but reading between the lines exposes many other dimensions. He as a devotee and disciple of Amritanandamayi, had always wanted Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) to play a major role in the healthcare sector in the Islands. And, its too obvious now that with BJP Govt at Centre, and the clout AIMS enjoys in the Ministry, they could pull the strings and get things done.

The presentation by Prem Nair, MD, AIMS was mostly unconvincing. He had referred to the unfeasibility of a MBBS college on the basis of small population. If they are vouching for PG courses in the Islands itself, it has to be made clear whether it would be a regular institution or a temporary one, churning out specialists every two years? If they are offering a solution for the Islands, how many specialists would the Islands need? He had mentioned that the Islands would hardly require 10-12 specialization courses. Is it sustainable in the long run?

Nair tried to convince that they will put all efforts at Ministry to increase the number of MBBS seats allocation for the Islands. In fact, since last three years, the Ministry has been reducing the number of MBBS seats.

It wasn’t difficult to read between the lines. A PG programme on PPP mode would do wonders for anyone, may it be AIMS, Adani or Ambani.

Bishnu Pada Ray is desperately trying to project a larger than life image of him. By going against the Lieutenant Governor, he is sending a clear message that the ego-massage the Administrator does is not going to work, and would continue with his own ways.

As mentioned in an article soon after the 100 days of LG A K Singh, it is quite obvious that the formidable challenge for the Lieutenant Governor in the coming months would be Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament.

Moreover, BJP is right now in different boats. In quarry issue, the party stand remained divided. And, the conspicuous absence of the party leadership and a major chunk of party workers from the presentation on PG course yesterday once again manifested, how things are going to unfold in near future.

As mentioned earlier, if the priorities of the Administrator and the Member of Parliament are different for the same territory, loads of fireworks can be expected henceforth. Whether, the Islands will have a PG course or a MBBS course is a different matter, but it’s clear that whatever happens will not happen in near future.

AIMS Suggests Medical PG Courses Instead of MBBS College

AIMS Suggests Medical PG Courses Instead of MBBS College

To overcome the shortage of health care specialists in the Islands, Prem Nair, MD, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi suggested that it would be wise to commence PG Courses instead of going for a MBBS College.

Giving a presentation on the benefits of having PG Courses in the Islands, Prem Nair said that it would be cost-effective and will also help overcome the shortage of specialists. He was speaking to a gathering at the Chinmaya Mission, Port Blair.  

“We have been coming to the Islands for almost a decade now to serve the Islanders. We are honoured for this opportunity provided,” he said.

He observed that some of the health care requirements are not available at G.B. Pant Hospital. The Islands are far away from the mainland and so acute medical care needs should be addressed in the Islands itself, he explained.

“Infectious diseases are not a major concern today. But specialized treatment is required for diseases relating to heart, kidney etc. which are increasing manifold,” he said.

“We have given a presentation to the Administration on the need for specialised health care facilities in the Islands. Our first recommendation to the Administration was to immediately provide Acute Medical Care facilities at the GB Pant itself and to get specialists in 8-10 specialities at least. This can be started immediately,” he said.

“We have also suggested initiating a Post Graduate Medical course in the Islands as second phase towards improving the health care facilities. In this case, the students who come for PG Courses will be able to provide specialised treatment too. This would incur much lesser cost to the exchequer”, Nair said.

“Starting a MBBS programme is a very complicated and costly affair”, the MD of AIMS cleared. On the other hand, for Speciality Programme, mere Rs. 12-14 Crore would be required apart from adding a few equipments. The rest is already available at G.B. Pant Hospital. Moreover, starting a MBBS programme would require at least 300 faculties to join and stay in the Islands for a long time," he said.

“It is our recommendation to plan a PG Programme, which will be able to take care of the immediate medical emergencies.”

As far as MBBS seat for the Islands’ students is concerned, we can work with the Govt. of India to increase the number of seats being allotted presently. “I suggest this because the cost of medical surgical care is very low compared to the cost involved in setting up a medical college. The amount of Rs. 500 Crore for set aside for starting a MBBS Programme can be used as corpus to further improve the health care standards in the Islands,” Nair suggested.

The MD of AIMS also appealed to the administration to look into the suggestion in a different way. “We will not neglect the children of the Islands but will help them by fighting with the Govt. of India to increase the number of seats,” he stressed.

He further opined that the MBBS Course is not feasible for the Islands as the quality will suffer as the population of the Islands is less and is not sufficient to train the doctors efficiently in the long run.  

Addressing the gathering, Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament added that the project of medical college costing Rs. 500 Crores, was initially to be implemented in PPP mode, as was decided by the Administration.

Questioning the present decision of the Administration to set up Medical College through a society, he asked why the Administration shelved the idea of PPP mode. He also alleged that ANIIDCO and SOVTEC have failed miserably in executing projects like Under Sea Optical Fibre Cable.

Bishnu Takes On ANI Admn for Delaying Projects

Bishnu Takes On ANI Admn for Delaying Projects

Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament today lambasted the Andaman and Nicobar Administration for derailing and delaying many major projects. He was speaking to the media on the sidelines of a presentation by Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi for suggesting the Administration to start Medical PG courses instead of going for a MBBS college in the Islands.

Bishnu said that the undersea cable project, which was the brainchild of previous NDA and UPA governments got entangled in many controversies and now fresh DPR is being prepared. He said that the new cable will directly connect Chennai with Port Blair at a higher cost and will not cover Islands like Kamorta and Campbell Bay. “The new project will take more than four years now,” he said.

Bishnu also said that Andaman Forest Corporation was on the verge of closure due to wrong move of the Administration. He also dealt on the issue of widening of the Andaman Trunk Road, the National Highway connecting Port Blair with Diglipur. He said that the project was put on backburner for more than 10 years. “After my meeting with Mr Nitin Gadkari, we have salvaged the project now,” he said. “When I retrieved the file, I could see that the width was reduced to 5.5 mtrs from 7 mtrs. I convinced the Prime Minister, and now two bridges will also come up and the amount of Rs 1040 crores has been also sanctioned,” Bishnu added.

“Every year, our Islands get Cess charges in petrol and diesel to the tune of Rs 5.5 crores. In the last seven years, an amount of Rs 43 crores is lying with the Administration. The money should have been used by APWD to maintain the road,” Bishnu alleged.

"There were funds for many schemes like drinking water and PMGRY which the Administration could not obtain from the Centre,” he said. On the project for sewerage plant proposed during the tenure of Vivek Rae, Chief Secretary, Bishnu said that the Detailed Project Report was prepared by WAPCOS and submitted to Ministry of Urban Development. He said that the DPR prepared by WAPCOS was erroneous and ultimately the project costing Rs 335 crores was shelved.

Kalidas and Khalid: What is the Cost of Life?

Kalidas and Khalid:

What is the Cost of Life?

By Zubair Ahmed

During the Independence Day Celebrations, two faces stood out in the crowd, in contrast, at the main function at Netaji Stadium as well as ‘At Home’ function at Raj Niwas. The widow and child of Late C Kalidas, the killed forester and K Khalid, a severely burnt employee of Electricity Dept. Both the victims were awarded the LG’s commendation certificate.

 A look into the eyes of the widow and child of C Kalidas would bring tears into your eyes. She stood there staring into the blankness. The dry and pale look, aghast and lost amidst celebrations, there was nothing for them to be happy or proud about. She had lost her husband, who was in his prime. The child could never comprehend the happenings around her.

K Khalid, who had sustained severe burn injuries while working on power transmission line, had his hands wrapped in a cloth and the marring accident has literally left his body, scarred for life.

Isn’t it a quirk of fate that both of them were in fact victims of someone’s negligence? Orders for enquiry might have been issued in both cases, but there are many vital questions that remain oblivious.

Had the young forester been properly briefed about the cost, he will have to pay, while facing an elephant that was beyond control? Had he known the fate, would he have taken the move to confront the elephant so naively? Or, was he just following an order from someone, for whom any result was inconsequential?

There had been enough uproar over the death of the forester as well as the elephant. In fact, both the forester and elephant were victims of some callous mind.

The killing of the elephant invited so much flak in the media as well as social media that the loss of the forester conveniently took a backseat. It was felt that this will be also forgiven and forgotten as time passes.

Who killed the elephant? Was it the rifle or the person pulling the trigger or someone with authority who ordered to kill it?

Who killed Kalidas? Was it the musth elephant or someone who hastily pushed the naïve forester into the clutches of the elephant?

Like the elephant was ruthlessly killed, Kalidas too became a victim of someone of same mindset, who knew quite well that there won’t be any damaging repercussion.

An order for enquiry has been issued. And, isn’t it quite intriguing that the PCCF (Wildlife) has been entrusted the job? Doesn’t transparency demand that an independent enquiry be ordered?

If someone justifies killing of the elephant, justice demands that they should also take the responsibility for the death of the forester.

K Khalid, a mazdoor of Eectricity Dept sustained severe burn injuries when a reckless co-worker charged the transformer, he was working on. He had to battle against all odds to survive the physical and mental trauma.

What was the role of the Junior Engineer or Asst Engineer? Aren’t they responsible or accountable for the accident? Has the Department taken any action?

Undeniably, the Department is an orphaned entity without any accountability towards service or its employees. There are no protocols or safety measures followed. Cases of fatality on duty in Electricity Department have become a routine fare.

There have been talks, talks and more talks about actions to be taken. No one has heard about any tangible outcome of enquiries ordered by the authorities. It’s time they walk the talk and ensure that accidents due to recklessness or decisions taken devoid of serious thought are not spared. And, we can’t keep learning lessons endlessly without putting into practice what we have learnt. Fixing responsibility and prompt action against the culprits will only serve as deterrent.

It’s heartening that this year both the victims were awarded with the Commendation Certificate, along with other genuine awardees. Or else, it had become a mockery with anyone having an access to the cook or sentry of Raj Niwas to manage a commendation.

A touch of sympathy might help heal the wound. But, nothing can bring back what they have lost. At least, a responsive Administration should deliver justice and it needs to be seen doing it.

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.

Havelock Cargo Dinghy Mishap: Search on for Missing Person

Havelock Cargo Dinghy Mishap:

Search on for Missing Person

In a mysterious incident, a cargo dinghy reportedly packed with more than 5 tonnes of cargo and two persons on board went missing between Port Blair and Havelock.

According to Mr. Jawahar, Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, one person namely Ranjan Mondal was found at No. 19 Beach in Havelock today morning.

Despite continuous search by 3 PCR speed boats, 2 fast crafts and a Dornier of Coast Guard, there was no trace of the Dinghy or the missing person, Karak Mondal.

Jawahar also informed that as soon as the information was received, SOP was activated. Eventually, search operations were started.

Its learnt that whatever information is available is from the survivor, Ranjan Mondal, who is recuperating at PHC, Havelock.

Speaking to LOA, Vikas, SHO, PS Havelock said that a missing report has been filed and a police team with Coast Guard searched the whole area close to Neil Island and Havelock today without any result. He said that the search will continue. "We spoke to the survivor, who is admitted in PHC Havelock, and according to him, the Dinghy was carrying vegetables and other ration materials belonging to different vendors," Vikas said.

Ranjan Mondal told a source that the Dinghy had hit rock near Kalapathar area and drowned. Both the persons got hold of empty cans, but only he could reach the shore.

The Dinghy is owned by Nirmal Biswas who had shifted to plying the cargo dinghy after his vegetable business went into loss.

The vegetable market was today shut down due to the accident. Only one vegetable shop was open, which was selling potatoes at the rate of Rs 50 per kg.

Speaking to LOA, a resort owner said that death on sea due to toppling of cargo dinghies are not very uncommon between Port Blair and Havelock. "As its raining, the cargo would have been tightly secured by ropes, and the Dinghy would have hit the sea bottom when drowned," he said. "It might come up in a couple of days as the potato sacks open up," he added.

Making a comment on the precarious situation, he said that the cargo dinghies which were plying earlier have all shifted into lucrative tourism business and most of the current crop of dinghy owners are unskilled and incompetent, who don't know how to handle it.

"A disaster between Havelock and Port Blair is not something which could not be anticipated, as there are no cargo ships plying in this route and the cargo is taken by unauthorized and illegal Dinghies without any safety measures or documentation, " the Resort owner added.

Illegal Quarry and Crushing Units Seized; BJP Block Road Protesting

Illegal Quarry and Crushing Units Seized; BJP Block Road Protesting

We have Evidence of Illegal Quarrying: DC

Stone Crushing Units and Quarries found operating illegally in South Andaman District were seized by the Deputy Commissioner South Andaman after conducting raids. The units along with eight trucks and three excavators were seized in two different raids conducted by a team led by the Sub Divisional Magistrate on 28th July and 1st Aug. 2014.

While two trucks were fined under Mines & Minerals Act and released after production of the Transit Permit, the remaining vehicles are still under the custody of the Dy. Commissioner.  

The raids were initiated by the Dy. Commissioner South Andaman after complaints were received regarding the illegal operation. The seizure has led to much hue & cry among the community involved in the business, which is backed by Bharatiya Janata Party now.

Protesting the action taken by the Deputy Commissioner South Andaman, the BJP functionaries along with the effected party, led by Deepak Jha, State BJP General Secretary today blocked the road in front of DC Office, demanding release of the seized property.

“These people have Patta Lands in their names. They had parked their vehicles in their own land, which is cannot be illegal”, said Deepak Jha, General Secretary. “Their vehicles were seized without any intimation. The Dy. Commissioner has no right to do so”, he added.

Jha further said that the affected party have patta lands where crushing unit were in operation. But these units have not been functioning for months yet case was made against them for illegal operation.

“Even if it is illegal operation, why should someone run around for days together to get their seized vehicles released? Fine can be imposed and their vehicles released. There is no point in holding their vehicles”, Jha concluded.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner South Andaman, Mr. Jawahar IAS cleared that all the vehicles and excavators that have been seized were from the site where illegal quarry and crushing were found in operation. “We have evidence”, he said.

Jawahar said that intensive campaign was launched by the Sub Divisional Magistrate and team for a week after complaints were received from various quarters of the civil society. It was later decided in a meeting to crackdown on these illegal operations.

“After ascertaining the facts and gathering evidences, the sites along with 3 Excavators and 8 Trucks were seized where illegal quarry and crushing units were in operation. Among the 8 Trucks seized, the drivers of two trucks were found not in possession of the ‘Transit Permit’ issued by the DC Office, although the Permit was issued to them. They were fined under the Mines & Minerals Act, which amounts to double the market price of the product and later released”, Jawahar added.

‘Transit Permits are issued by the Deputy Commissioner’s Office to transport quarry products, which is valid for one day. It is also mandatory for the drivers of the vehicles to carry the permit while transporting these products. This is in accordance to the Mines & Minerals Act”, Jawahar said.

Jawahar also mentioned that there are two groups involved in illegal quarry and stone crushing operations. “We used to catch them but it was in a sporadic manner”, he said.

The DC, South Andaman added by stating that he is awaiting detailed reports after which stern action will be taken according to the Law.

By curbing the illegal quarry operations, DC South Andaman has shown courage to touch a sensitive nerve and taken the nexus head on, which surely is going to create ripples.

The quarry operators is a strong and powerful lobby having both political and financial clout. It cannot be discounted that it will take things lying down. However, the villagers can finally heave a collective sigh of relief with the stern action by DC.