CS Assures to Visit Nicobar District Soon and to Hold Meeting with NAFED/ Procurement Agencies on Copra MSP

Port Blair, Nov. 21: Shri. Vishal Jolly, National Executive Member, BJP & Former State President BJP-ANI today met the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration and highlighted the following burning issues pertaining to Nicobar District:

Jolly placed that there is a serious requirement of proper village roads as all roads in Car Nicobar are in a completely damaged condition and not motorable at all. He further placed that 95% of the street lights are not working. School infrastructure is completely in a bad shape and students don't even have benches to sit and study. During rainy season, the rain water flows directly upon them due to damaged roofs.

He further highlighted about the poor and damaged condition of water pipelines due to which the villagers face acute shortage of water round the year.

The issue regarding construction of Sea Wall at Mus was also discussed elaborately.

Shri. Vishal Jolly raised the issue of Copra and informed the Chief Secretary that despite the Government of India fixing a MSP (Minimum Support Price) of Rs. 105.90/-, in the month of December 2021, the ground level implementation of copra procurement at MPS has not started yet. Hence, the poor farmers are forced to sell their copra in a meagre price of Rs. 35/- to Rs. 39/- only, causing immense hardship to earn their livelihood. Appointment of Surveyors by NAFED at copra collection points was also placed and discussed elaborately.

The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration after hearing & discussion assured that he would soon visit Nicobar District and ensure that all these issues are sorted out at the earliest. 

He further assured that on the issue of COPRA, he would soon convene a meeting with officials of NAFED and all procurement agencies for effective ground level implementation & grant of Minimum Support Price (MSP) to all farmers.