Modi Addresses BJP Karyakartas in A&N Islands Through Video Conferencing

Port Blair, Aug 9: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today interacted with Bharatiya Janata Party Karyakartas of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. During his interaction via video conferencing, the PM listened to the Party workers and talked at length about the Central Government’s development roadmap for Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Prime Minister Modi began his remarks by paying rich tributes to Veer Savarkar and Subhas Chandra Bose, who strengthened India’s freedom movement. He also recalled his visit to the Cellular Jail in 2018.

PM Modi applauded the Party workers for their efforts in battling against Coronavirus and encouraged them to keep on helping the people. Seva Hi Sangathan is our goal”, said PM Modi.

PM Modi listed out several development measures being undertaken in the Islands. The PM said that the reach of Central Government schemes in Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been very influential. “Connectivity with the rest of the country is being increased here. Efforts are on to better the air connectivity. Work has also started on the 300 km national highway. This will strengthen the infrastructure here. For the youth, higher education institutions have been developed”, PM Modi added.

The Prime Minister said that Andaman and Nicobar gave strength to India's independence movement and now this Islands have a special role in the development of the country. PM Modi remarked, “For a self-reliant India, Andaman and Nicobar Islands also has a major role in the security and prosperity of the new India. Realizing this, Island Development Agency was formed in 2017 itself. MSMEs and other industries are being encouraged in this entire area with the Industrial Development Scheme.”

The PM said that the Government’s aim is to strengthen the industries in the Islands such as the sea food, organic products and coconut-based products. He also added that 12 Islands of Andaman and Nicobar had been selected, where the High Impact Projects would be expanded.

In terms of Blue Economy and trade, the Prime Minster said that Andaman and Nicobar Islands is at strategic location. PM Modi remarked, “Andaman and Nicobar Islands is located at a very competitive distance from many ports including Chennai port, Kolkata port and Mongla port of Bangladesh. Freight movement through the sea is growing rapidly. The proposed trans-shipment hub with deep-water facilities would make Andaman and Nicobar a major centre of global maritime trade. Andaman and Nicobar Islands will emerge as a hub of blue economy, port, maritime and start-ups in the coming years.”