Port Blair, Aug. 7: A sensitization programme on role of Para Vet Staff for control of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) was held on 6th August 2013 at CARI, Port Blair, under the project on FMD control programme organized by Division of Animal Science, CARI in collaboration with KVK and DAH&VS, A & N Administration.

 Speaking on the occasion the Chief guest and Director, CARI, Dr. S. Dam Roy, highlighted the significant role of para vet staff in the control of FMD. He spoke on importance of this disease in terms of direct and indirect losses to livestock and economy. He also stressed on the significance of the FMD Control programme in the islands.

The guest of honour, Dr. P. Balakrishnan, Director, AH & VS, A & N Administration appreciated the contribution of para vet staffs in  completing many rounds of FMD control programme. He also motivated all the staff to actively involve all the farmers for successful implementation of FMD control programme. He also assured to provide all required facilities to carry out the programme.

Dr. S. Shiv Kumar, Jt. Director, AH & VS, A & N Administration speaking as  the guest of honour stressed upon the importance of cold chain maintenance for transport of vaccines and collection of blood samples. He also informed to reward the best team for active participation and successful implementation of vaccination.

Dr. A. Kundu, spoke on the importance and significance of FMD control programme and role of para vet staff who are actively involved in the FMD vaccination and blood collection. He also motivated all the staffs for their cooperation for the success of the programme.  Dr. Nagesh Ram also assured the support and cooperation of KVK in the FMD control programme.

Dr. Jai Sunder PI-FMDCP presented the detail about the FMD in livestock, its effective prevention and control measures and strategies for eradication of this disease from A&N Islands. In his presentation he also highlighted the status of FMD in A&N Islands and urged all the para vet staff to do extra effort in effective vaccination, proper blood collection and creating awareness on FMD vaccination among farmers.

Dr.Satya K. Balasundaram, RA demonstrated the procedure of serum collection, administration of vaccine, storage, labeling and dispatch of samples.

Earlier Dr. Abhay Kumar Singh KVK welcomed the gathering and Dr.T.Sujatha, Scientist proposed vote of thanks.

The programme was attended by para vet staffs from Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Port Blair.

Under the influence of moderate to strong Southwest Monsoon current, strong Southwest to westerly wind speed exceeding 45kmph and gererally rough seas likely along and off Andaman & Nicobar coast. Fishermen are advised to be cautious while venturing into the sea.

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.

Port Blair, August 6: The Lt Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) A K Singh, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, today launched the regional office of 24X7 news channel near RGT road, Port Blair by unveiling a plaque in the office premises of the channel.

In his brief address on the occasion, the Lt Governor complimented the channel for opening its regional office in Port Blair.  He hoped that the channel will bring out the best of the Islands in various fields. Assuring support of the Administration, he observed that the channel should be able to highlight important and relevant issues of the islands. 

Earlier, the Chairman of the channel, Shri S. Labh Singh Ahluwalia stated that the channel has been telecasting programmes for the last 18 years. He also offered to help the students of the islands for their higher education in colleges of Guru Harikishan Group of Education owned by him.

The function concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Shri John Robert Babu, Network Director, A&N Region.

Port Blair, Aug. 6: As a part of celebration of the Independence Day, from 9th to 14th of August, 2013, the A&N Administration will be organizing screening of two shows each (10 AM to 12 Noon, 5 PM to 7.30 PM) of the patriotic Hindi/regional feature films at BRAIT auditorium Pahargaon as well Ambedkar auditorium of PBMC for the students in the morning and in the evening for the general public free of cost.

The aim of organizing screening of patriotic feature films is not only to provide healthy entertainment but also to create an atmosphere of patriotism in the minds of the people. The purpose is also to remind the supreme sacrifices made by our freedom fighters from all walks of life and also our brave and dedicated soldiers who laid their life for attaining the hard earned freedom and also for protecting the country from enemies aggression.

A series of award winning patriotic films like Pinjar, 1942 Love story, Bombay (Tamil), Haqeeqat, Lagaan and Chittagong are some of the feature film which have been selected for the screening. The films have been obtained from the NFDC, Mumbai and Directorate of Film Festivals, New Delhi for screening.

The said one week long screening is being coordinated with the help of Principal BRAIT auditorium, Pahargaon, Department of Art & Culture PBMC and Directorate of IP&T. The screening schedule for both the halls will be published separately in the Daily Telegrams, Dweep Samachar and through local media.

The students as well as general public is requested to avail the opportunity.

Port Blair, Aug. 6: The Chairman, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and the Deputy Commissioner of  Nicobar,  Shri P. Jawahar along with the members of Task force formed under DDMA to evolve island wise disaster management plan  visited Teressa Island on 3rd an 4th August . 

The DC held a meeting with the Chairman, Tribal Council & Captains and discussed about the Disaster Preparedness, demands of the Tribal Council and grievances of tribals.  He handed over a Desktop Computer purchased under the ITDP to the Chairman, Tribal Council, Teressa. He also heard the grievances of the staff posted at Teressa Island during his inspection to all the departments to review the developmental works.

The team members of the Task Force undertook a Survey and GPS readings of all vulnerable locations, besides a participatory appraisal on disaster preparedness at every village of Teressa Island during the visit for the preparation of Disaster Management Plan for Teressa Island in the same line of Crisis Management Plan for Car Nicobar that was recently launched by the Islands Lt Governor.

The visit assumed more significance from the disaster management point of view as it has given an insight into the vulnerability of the tribal settlements and also suggestive measures to overcome the same.

Port Blair, Aug. 6: The Lt. Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd) AK Singh, will be on a day’s visit to Baratang on August 07, 2013.

The programme of the Lt. Governor during his stay there includes inspection of Phooltala field camp site of AAJVS, inspection of PHC Kadamtala and meeting with public and PRI Members at Forest Club, Baratang.

On completion of visit the Lt. Governor will return to Port Blair in the evening on the same day.

The Lt. Governor on his visit will be accompanied by the Chief Secretary, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (APWD) and Secretary (Tribal Welfare).