Lt. Governor Interacts With Media
Port Blair, Aug. 6: The Lt. Governor, A&N Islands, Lt. Gen. (Retd) AK Singh today had a interaction with the local media at Raj Niwas. Briefing the media, the LG said, “Having served 44 years in the Army, I am linked to the spirit of Uniform. I have zero tolerance for corruption and there is no currency printed on earth that can buy me”.
My target is for a responsive Administration where transparency prevails and work accomplished in a time bound manner, said the General. As far as corruption is concerned, I can ensure no option for corruption by strengthening Preventive Vigilance. I have taken measures to prevent corruption and strengthen the vigilance department by appointing a Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO). The CVO has been given the liberty to choose the best officers in his team, he said.
“I count my posting as the Lt. Governor, a milestone and not a stepping stone”, the LG said adding that this is a second chance he received to serve the people.
The Administration’s thrust will be to invite the attention of Delhi on Andaman Issues. Delhi is a big place and we have to raise the issues repeatedly till it is heard, the LG explained stating that after having inspected the Islands he has met most of the Ministers concerned at Delhi and apprised them on the prevailing issues.
“We have challenges too, some of which are connectivity and communication, affordable air fare and international air, development of tourism and fisheries, higher education, health care, medical college etc. Security and Disaster management are other challenges as it is because of the islands that India’s outreach has extended 1200 Kms. Most importantly we are located just above all main shipping channels”, said the LG.
As regards to Disaster Management, the LG said that the frequency of disasters is increasing in the islands and he will personally be inspecting the Disaster preparedness. For this the LG said that instructions have been given to the departments for a full rehearsal on disaster preparedness in which all agencies and people will be involved. The tentative date of the rehearsal is in between 20th -22nd November 2013.
“My decisions will be taken in the best interest of the people in consultation with the Administration. I don’t have a magic wand which can solve issues overnight; the issues that has been persisting for decades. But I can assure that I am committed 200% on my job”.
The Lt. Governor also appreciated the harmony prevailing in the islands and said that our focus should be on strengthening it further.
After having moved around the islands and having interacted with the people the Lt. Governor observed that the islanders do not have the mindset of ‘Free Enterprise’. One thing that lacks among the islanders is the spirit to move ahead, said the LG adding that people feel contended if they get a Govt. job and for seeking a govt. job, they prefer to waste years together sitting idle.
Encouraging the islanders, the General assured that the Administration will certainly help people who help themselves. As regards to issues relating to vacancies and creation of posts in the Administration, he said that the matter would be raised in the forthcoming Island Development Authority meeting.
The LG also announced that for the entertainment of the islanders patriotic films will be screened from 9th -14th Aug. 2013 which will also be a part of the celebration of our Independence. The films will be screened in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Auditorium, Port Blair and DBRAIT Auditorium, Dollygunj which will be open for all.
Meanwhile on 16th August 2013, the LG has also proposed ‘Cycling for Health & Fun’ which will begin from Marina Park upto Corbyn’s Cove, where refreshment will be served. He has invited all interested cyclists to join him on the day.
Reminding the media that it is a pillar of democracy, the LG said that media has a great responsibility and should understand it. Media does inform but at times it irks when biased media intrudes. The media do take a line but the question is ‘What is the truth’, Lt. Gen. (Retd) AK Singh added concluding the one and a half hour interaction.