Port Blair, Feb. 20: The 43rd General Body meeting of Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti (AAJVS) was held under the Chairmanship of the Lt. Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) Bhopinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM at the conference hall of Raj Niwas here today. The meeting reviewed the action taken report on all the agenda points of the previous meeting and took decisions on the new agenda points.
The general body meeting approved the agenda already circulated to the members. On the point of setting up of Tribal Research Institute, the Lt Governor directed for setting up the proposed Tribal Research Institute within a time-frame so that research oriented projects can be taken up for policy formulation and framing and proper implementation of tribal welfare schemes. He directed APWD for timely completion of all the construction and repair works at Strait Island including the retaining wall and Onge homes.
“All the projects meant for creating facilities for the tribal people must be done on top priority”, he said. He further laid emphasis on proper coordination between Forest, AAJVS, Health and Police department in order to ensure proper protection and security of the tribal population of the Islands. The general body agreed on the agenda point for establishment of a separate eco-friendly ward for Jarawa patients at PHC Ferrargunj, which is close to Jarawa settlement. The meeting also approved for supply of free ration and clothing to Shompen residing at Chingen village, Campbell Bay.
A number of suggestions for the welfare and betterment of the tribal population of the Islands were given by participants of the general body meeting including the experts.
The Chief Secretary, Shri Anand Prakash, Adhyaksha, Zilla Parishad, South Andaman, Chairperson, SWB, experts Prof. Vishwajit Pandya, Professor, Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology, Gujarat, Shri Manish Chandi, ANET, Wandoor and Prof. Anvita Abbi, Centre for Linguistics & English, School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies, JNRM, New Delhi, Senior Officers of the Administration and Police Department, officers and representatives of AAJVS and related departments were present in the meeting.