Highlights: Audit of Power Transmission and Distribution

Highlights: Audit of Power Transmission and Distribution

• Feeder Control Room at Bambooflat ready for commissioning by the end of November 2014.
  
• A 33 KV sea-link line between Surya Chakra Power Plant at Bambooflat and Chatham Power House by December 2014.
   
• Proposes to replace the overhead bare conductors with insulated cables in the Rural areas.
   
• Establish 02 sub-stations in South Andaman.
   
• In Havelock NTPC will install a 3 MW Power Plant in 2015.
   
• In North & Middle Andaman, a 33 KV Double Circuit exclusive transmission line on towers will be established from Kadamtala to Diglipur with sub-stations at 10 locations.
   
• Indoor and Outdoor Circuit Breakers of some power houses will also be replaced.
   
• The total cost to carry out the works proposed in the Long term measure will be approximately Rs. 300.00 Crores for which provision will be kept in the Annual Plan of 2015-16 and 2016-17.
   
• The projects are expected to be completed within next two years.
   
• Electricity Department is meeting out the parameters of the “Standard of Performance” laid down by JERC for repair and restoration of power supply.
   
• The minimum time to restore the power supply in-case of fuse failure laid down by JERC is 04 Hrs. in Urban area and 08 Hrs. in Rural areas.
   
• Power supply availability in all the 19 major inhabited Islands is about 95% on an average in a month which is better than all other parts of India.
   
• The per unit cost of power generation and transmitting it to the consumer end is Rs. 24.70 whereas the average realization from the general public is Rs.4.49 only, one of the highest subsidized rates of power in India.
   
• Lt. Governor has already given direction to all the Govt. Departments to reduce their power consumption by 10%.
   
• Process of establishing a LNG Based Power Plant at South Andaman for providing environmental friendly, clean and low cost power to the general public.
   
• The Administration is also striving hard to establish number of Renewable Energy projects like Solar and Wind Energy Power Plants.

ANI Admn Makes Audit of Power Transmission and Distribution Public

ANI Admn Makes Audit of Power Transmission and Distribution Public

LG directs Electricity Deptt. to be more Responsive to Public

Port Blair, Nov. 10: With a view to ensuring uninterrupted power supply by augmenting the electricity generation, the Electricity Department has come out with an action plan. According to an official press release, the action plan would consist of both short & long term remedial measures. As for addressing immediate problem, while a Feeder Control Room is ready for commissioning by the end of this month, a 33 KV sea link lines between Surya Chakra Power Plant at Bambooflat and Chatham Power House will become operational by December, 2014.

A presentation was made on 05.11.2014 to Hon’ble Lt. Governor by the Secretary (Power) in presence of Chief Secretary & Other Senior Officers of Administration regarding the report of Audit of Transmission & Distribution System. In the presentation, the entire scenario of electricity generation was explained threadbare by the Department.

Power Generation in A&N Islands is a “Stand alone system” i.e. the Electricity System set up to generate power and distribute electricity in a specified area without connection to the grid. Moreover, the electricity distribution system in A&N Islands cannot be compared to the grid of mainland as the “Grid” is a high voltage back bone system of interconnected transmission lines, sub-station and generating plants.

The highest voltage level in A&N Islands is 33 Kilo Volts (KV) which comes under distribution network and the transmission network starts from 66 KV onwards as per Standard Electrical Practice. The power is transmitted to the consumers through 4734 Kms. HT & LT distribution line and distributed through 889 Distribution Transformers.

Due to the peculiar geographical location of A&N Islands, during both South West and North East Monsoon season’s inclement weather, heavy rain and high wind pressure are observed. During such weather conditions, faults and damages in the overhead T&D system, is unavoidable. In the absence of a grid, the magnitude of the fault current due to any fault in the system collapses the complete generation sources.

However, the impact of same could be reduced by adopting preventive measures and strengthening & up-gradation of the system.
As per the Audit Report the major faults prone zones are Rural South Andaman area, Kadamtala to Rangat, Rangat to Mayabunder and Mayabunder to Diglipur and the causes of power interruptions are the majority of distribution system comprises of overhead lines with bare conductor passing through thick vegetation and forest; most of the overhead lines of aluminum conductor have corroded due to oxidation and ageing and due to heavy rains and high speed wind, the branches & trees falls on these lines.

According to the release, the Long term measure aims at improving the power supply reliability the Electricity Department which proposes to replace the overhead bare conductors with insulated cables in the Rural areas and establish 02 sub-stations in South Andaman. In Havelock NTPC will install a 3 MW Power Plant in 2015. In North & Middle Andaman, a 33 KV Double Circuit exclusive transmission line on towers will be established from Kadamtala to Diglipur with sub-stations at 10 locations. Indoor and Outdoor Circuit Breakers of some power houses will also be replaced. The total cost to carry out the works proposed in the Long term measure will be approximately Rs. 300.00 Crores for which provision will be kept in the Annual Plan of 2015-16 and 2016-17.

The Ministry of Power will be requested for providing assistance for said proposed schemes. Some of the said projects are expected to be completed within next two years.

The Department also felt it necessary to clarify its stands in the pretext of a report in a section of the local press, on 4th November 2014, that in spite of having limited resources, the Electricity Department is meeting out the parameters of the “Standard of Performance” laid down by JERC for repair and restoration of power supply. The minimum time to restore the power supply in-case of fuse failure laid down by JERC is 04 Hrs. in Urban area and 08 Hrs. in Rural areas. It is also a fact that the power supply availability in all the 19 major inhabited Islands is about 95% on an average in a month which is better than all other parts of India.

It would not be out of place to mention here that maintenance of smooth power supply is due to the hard work and commitment of the Engineers, Staff of Electricity Department and proper monitoring by Senior Officers. The power interruptions are being restored within the time limit specified by the JERC despite of several difficulties, hurdles and adverse weather conditions that too in dense forest areas.

The Lt. Governor during the presentation has appreciated the efforts of Electricity Department for maintaining regular power supply to the public with its limited resources and in adverse weather conditions. He also appreciated the action plan of the audit report conducted by the department. It is also a fact that the power which is made available to the general public of these islands is highly subsidized. The per unit cost of power generation and transmitting it to the consumer end is Rs. 24.70 whereas the average realization from the general public is Rs.4.49 only. This is again one of the highest subsidized rates of power in India.

The release further says that since, the major portion of budget is spent on generation of electricity by diesel, so there is a pressing need that each and every consumer to conserve electricity by reducing their consumption in a duty bound manner. In this regard, initiation has been taken by Lt. Governor himself by reducing the power consumption of Raj Niwas by 22.6% in a period April to October, 2014 as compared to previous year.

Meanwhile, the Lt. Governor has already given direction to all the Govt. Departments to reduce their power consumption by 10%. Each department has been asked to strictly follow and monitor their power consumption on regular basis. However, these instructions are not applicable to the essential services like Hospitals, Cold Storage etc.

The A&N Administration is also in process of establishing a LNG Based Power Plant at South Andaman for providing environmental friendly, clean and low cost power to the general public. Besides this the Administration is also striving hard to establish number of Renewable Energy projects like Solar and Wind Energy Power Plants.

The Lt. Governor has further directed during the presentation that any power cuts may be publicized through various print, audio and visual media. The Helpline numbers may also be published again for information of general public. He also directed that the normal timing in case of disruption of power supply may be informed to Superintending Engineer, Electricity Department and Secretary (Power). In case of any major power breakdown, the Chief Secretary also to be informed on priority. Conclusively, the Lt. Governor also directed the department to be more responsive and responsible to the general public, the press release added.

Survival International Opposes Documentary on Jarawas

Survival International Opposes Documentary on Jarawas

Organic Jarawa, the documentary film shot by French-duo Alexandre Dereims and Claire Beilvert by trespassing into the Jarawa Reserve, is drawing flak from all quarters especially activists and organizations.

Survival International has opposed the film saying that its against any illegal entry into Jarawa Reserve.

"Survival International is opposed to any illegal entry into the Jarawa's Reserve and has a strict policy against anyone trying to make contact with, or film, un-contacted or recently contacted tribal people," Sophie Grig, Campaigner, Survival International told The Light of Andamans.

"We always tell any journalist or filmmaker that they should not make any attempt to go into the Jarawa Reserve. Therefore we do not support the making or showing of the film, Organic Jarawa," Sophie said opposing the film which in no way helps the cause of Jarawa tribe.

As per the information available on the website of the filmmakers, they had visited the Jarawa Reserve and met the Jarawas several times during the last three years. Andaman and Nicobar Administration has filed a case against the filmmakers.

Jarawa Tragedy: Four Deaths Reported in Three Months. Investigation Still On?

Jarawa Tragedy: Four Deaths Reported in Three Months.

Investigation Still On?

Bureau Report

Kadamtala, Oct. 22: As many as four children of the Jarawa Tribe died during the past three months. The last death was recorded in September 2014 at Tirur. All these children were below the age of one year. The reason gathered is lack of Post Natal Care and administering of expired Allopathic medicines issued by the AAJVS.

While two children belonged to Tirur area, two others died at Punna Nallah and Choudhary Ghumai, inside the Jarawa Tribal Reserve.

“Unless we have a proper report on this from an expert, we cannot come to a conclusion,” said G. Theva Neethi Dhas, IAS, Secretary (Tribal Welfare) in the Andaman & Nicobar Administration.

When AC/LOA tried to investigate into the matter, it was learnt that there was sheer neglect on the part of the AAJVS when it comes to monitoring the health of the Jarawa tribe. All four children had died due to lack of proper post natal care and two among them were victims of expired medicines.

The investigation also revealed that the Jarawa are given medicines by the AAJVS when they complain of minor ailments but there is no proper watch on whether the course of medicines is completed. Documentary evidence revealed the Jarawa members in possession of expired stocks of medicines.

“We are enquiring into it”, said the Secretary Tribal Welfare.

“Being a medical issue, we have to consult a doctor before coming to any conclusion. There are allegations of expired medicines”, said Dhas.   

On being asked to comment on the issue, Dr. Vishwajit Pandya, Honorary Director of Andaman Nicobar Tribal Research Insititute (ANTRI) said he is well aware of the issue. Complaints with documentary evidences of neglect in health care of the tribe had been submitted to the concerned authorities soon after the incident. “Surprisingly nothing much has been done in the case”, Pandya added.

The Jarawa today number above 400 and live in a stretch of Tribal Reserve starting from Constance Bay in South Andaman to Lewis Inlet Bay in Middle Andaman. The death of four children amounts to a loss of one percent of the entire population of the tribe. Had there been a death in the so called civilized society due to neglect on the part of health department, the Andaman Administration under pressure would be forced to conduct Post Mortem examination through a Medical Board.

The loss of one percent of the Jarawa population does not seem to ring a bell among the authorities. This is evident from the kind and pace of enquiry being conducted. The incident is also a glaring example of what the so called civilized world has to offer the voiceless Jarawa of Andaman Islands.

Jarawa Tribal Reserve: A Potemkin Village?

Jarawa Tribal Reserve:

A Potemkin Village?

By Zubair Ahmed

*[Potem'kin vil'lage: a pretentiously showy or imposing façade intended to mask or divert attention from an embarrassing or shabby fact or condition.]

Is everything fine inside the Jarawa Reserve, especially during the last two years, when major steps were taken and stringent laws enacted to contain poaching of Jarawa resources as well as keep a tab on tourists ogling at them in the garb of visiting limestone caves?

Everybody was under the good impression that things are under control, and the syllabus is not yet out of context. However, the perception is deceptive. The constant lip-service did keep them away from the glare of media as well as the activists. Ecological and tribal concerns might have remained at the fore while discussing development, but the system never strained to do anything concrete to translate the concerns on the ground. Nevertheless, bureaucratic approach did enough irreparable damage.

When Alexandre and his team could hoodwink the whole system and enter the Jarawa Reserve, and remain with them undetected and unnoticed for days and weeks, that too several times during last three years, isn't it time to realize that many things are not right, and it might require some kind of willpower to accept the fact and take some bold decisions, without fear or favour.

From police, intelligence, defence, coast guard, forest and tribal dept, nobody had a clue about the Organic Jarawa documentary project, until Alexandre himself revealed it. Isn't it shocking that such kind of breach could be a potent threat to the security perceptions of the territory? Lots of questions can be poised why we were in dark about the incident.

Why such intelligence and security lapse on the side of our defence and police? How porous and vulnerable is our West Coast? Why the operations went undetected by the forest department inside the Reserve? What happened to all the tall talk about the strategic importance of the Islands, when the most sensitive part of the territory, already forbidden to the citizens of the country is wide open for someone who enters unnoticed and does whatever he wants?

In the face of such blatant lapse, how can the Administration claim that the tribe is well protected from evil forces? In fact, Alexandre and his team has proved how weak, our system is. He has proved beyond doubt that the territory is not protected as claimed. Instead of looking out, its time we look inside and plug the holes.

Why is there lack of coordination between different agencies involved? When we poised this question to Prof Vishwajit Pandya, a senior Anthropologist and Hony. Director, ANTRI, he said, “When the defence forces can have a combined command, why can’t the Islands have an “Environmental Force” involving all three agencies – Tribal Welfare, Police and Forest Dept. We need to see the picture in totality and not as separate entities. I had suggested this to the Administration, but the response is not encouraging.”

Whenever a breach is brought to the notice of police or forest by AAJVS, there begins a marathon blame-game. Conflicting interests play crucial role in the outcome, and most interestingly, what the Administrator can do is just appeal them to work in unison to achieve the desired ‘unknown’ goal!

The rhetoric that the Andaman and Nicobar Administration is committed to safeguard the interests of the vulnerable Jarawa tribe is nothing but a charade, or how did four small Jarawa kids lost their lives in the last three-four months, due to negligence of the pharmacist posted with AAJVS? Very strong documentary evidence proves that expired Amoxicillin and other drugs were administered to the tribes, and there were clear carelessness in attending to post-natal care of Jarawa babies, resulting in death. Why no action was taken when the matter was brought to the knowledge of the higher ups?

It’s true that ANTRI is playing a very vital role in redefining the discourse and addressing policy issues, and implementing very unique projects in education (Project Angkatha) and clothing (Project Kangapu) that would show results in the long run. The role of AAJVS in executing the projects designed by ANTRI is also encouraging. But, on the ground, there seems to be disconnect, which is shocking.

The Jarawas could keep the whole Organic Jarawa episode a secret for such a long time literally startles. In fact, the poachers or those collaborators, who helped the film crew holds more influence or the Jarawas trust them more than the AAJVS staff is a fact, which has serious repercussions.

“Normally Jarawas won’t say anything unless asked, and in this case when they got so much goodies from the film crew, they knew what to do,” says Prof. Pandya.

The conviction one can see on the ground does not reflect at the top echelons, which conveniently affects the whole process. Wary to take decisions, and the protracted delay inflicts the system. The suffocating check the bureaucrats exercise on the social workers and the experts will not help in yielding any results. Until and unless the system is liberated from the clutches of babus, whatever we get to see from inside the Reserve would be through some Alexandres, Thiery Falises or Oliver Blaises.

One needs to open eyes and do a reality check or when the bitter facts explode with full force, it would be very late.

Illegal Entry into Reserve to Film Jarawas: Case Filed Against Foreigners and Karen Men

Illegal Entry into Reserve to Film Jarawas:

Case Filed Against Foreigners and Karen Men

By Staff Reporter

In the recent incident of foreigners illegal entry into the Jarawa territory and filming a documentary, Organic Jarawa, cognizance has been taken of the offence based on the complaint lodged by the Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti (AAJVS), and an FIR has been registered at Mayabunder Police Station on 19 October 2014 under sections 7/8 PAT Regulations 1956, 8(4)/8(B) PAT Amendment Reg. 2012 and 67 IT Act 2010, 3(1)(2) IT Act and 14(A) Foreigners Amendment Act 2004 RN Para 3 of FRA Order 1963.

As per the information provided by a few Jarawas namely Mamul, Modele, Kumar Tatiwenda and Thenga based near Parlobjig No. 10, Kadamtala, Middle Andaman, two foreigner men and a women had entered the Modele Chadda, a Jarawa Camp near Lewis Inlet Bay on West Coast during the last Todala season (March-April 2014) by using a Engine Wooden Dinghie. The foreigners were accompanied by four Karen men namely Bada Sheer (large headed), Uli, Gullu ka Ladka and Natia (dwarf fellow).

The foreigners - Alexandre Dereims and Claire Beilvert, Director and Producer of "Organic Jarawa", a documentary film under post-production expected to be released in 2015 were accompanied by the Karen men and stayed in the Jarawa habitat for one night and day and had engaged in filming the Jarawa men, women and children.

The filmmakers who had illegally entered into the Jarawa Reserve had used many Jarawa families - Ape, Naru, Utta, Muktona, Tete, Chaluhe, Telo, Tahi, Mamul and Modele as cast for filming the documentary.

The accused had provided the Jarawa with sacks of rice, cooking oil, biscuits and other ration materials in lieu of the cooperation extended for the filming process. The complaint also mentions that the Karens were helping the foreigners as interpreters.

As per the FIR, the perpetrators without permission of any competent authority made the video film and interacted with the Jarawas in violation of the provisions under A&N Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes).

The police with the help of AAJVS is investigating the case to ascertain the identities of the Karen men, mentioned by the Jarawa. Two Karen men were identified by the Jarawa today.

According to official sources, the foreigners had stayed at a resort in Mayabunder on 8 March 2014 and checked out on 10 March 2014. Sources informed LOA that foreigners had moved from Mayabunder towards the Modele Chadda with the local support of Karen men.

As per the information available on the website of the filmmakers, they had visited the Jarawa Reserve and met the Jarawas several times during the last three years.

Thank God, Bishnu Survived Hunger Death!

Thank God, Bishnu Survived Hunger Death!

By Zubair Ahmed

Until death do I fast, had proclaimed Bishnu Pada Ray, the lone Member of Parliament aggrieved due to removal of a statue of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose at Diglipur, North Andaman.

He had given ultimatum to Andaman and Nicobar Administration to reinstate the statue or he will sit on hunger strike unto death, if the demand is not met.

Bishnu withdrew the hunger strike, as a senior bureaucrat was flown in an helicopter exclusively from Port Blair to Diglipur to hand deliver the letter of assurance from the Administration.

What contained in the letter of assurance is quite obvious, a convenient excuse to end the drama. The latest embarrassment to both the Member of Parliament as well as the Administration is as of now averted.

Soon after withdrawal of his two and an half hour hunger strike between breakfast and lunch, Bishnu sent a press release mentioning that he had written to the President of India as well as Prime Minister of India on this issue to put pressure on the local Administration. He also claimed that the Administration had to wake up and act, or Delhi would have acted upon them.

What a tragic end to a clear mandate given to a Member of Parliament, who has to write to Delhi to get a statue re-instated! Doesn't this prove his clout or influence or lack of it over the local administration?

Had been mentioning time and again that the formidable challenge for the Administrator would be Bishnu Pada Ray in the coming days. And, he is proving it on a day to day basis that behold, I am the perpetual irritant, you all deserve.

Why a three time MP with clear majority and his own Govt in power at Centre needs to stoop to such levels to prove a point? Are the bureaucrats or the Administrator beyond his reach or control?

In his own words, it seems the major conquest in the statue debacle was the helicopter he could make fly from Port Blair carrying a letter through a emissary. Is there nobody to question the colossal waste of public money to gain a brownie point? What is perplexing is the way the Administration handled the issue. Re-instating a statue as per the wish of the MP was not a big deal. It could have given him the leverage as well as saved the time and energy and constitution of a high-level committee (formation of committees is the new way of life) and all the drama surrounding the issue. But, Administration, it seems also wanted to prove a point, in the same mode, which looks unreasonable.

If he starts writing to President of India and Prime Minister on such issues, who will he approach, if there is a 'genuine' issue necessitating his intervention? The Secretary General of United Nations?

Its quite obvious that Bishnu's misadventures are seriously affecting the development of the Islands. Questions are being asked about his achievements in the last six months. His somersaults in various issues are becoming quite evident. In Medical College issue, ANCOL, aversion towards areas where he could not garner votes, especially tribals and his recent spats with various officials are all in the public domain. Moreover, what he is getting back from officials is also no more a secret.

He is acting as a redundant one-man army against the whole administration, which is not required. Not a single official in the Administration seems to be in his good books. In fact, he has started repeating himself.

Channelising his energy and time in frivolous issues is not going to take him anywhere. The day is not far when Delhi too starts circumventing him, if he doesn't mend his ways.

Long four years are ahead, and if he behaves the same way, nothing remains unpredictable for the Island territory in the coming years. As of now, he has only foes and foes. And, in the long run, undoubtedly, he will turn many of his friends also into foes.

When BJP is engaged in embracing Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and others, 'Little' Modi as Bishnu refers to himself needs to learn a lesson or two from PM Modi in public relations. Or the path that he has embarked upon will be not only an embarrassment for the party he represents, but a perpetual annoyance for the Island territory, which has only one Member of Parliament for anything and everything.

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.