Port Blair, June 4: In order to support SHG members for their economic activities, as per the direction of Ms. Veditha Reddy, IAS, Secretary, RD & Panchayat/ Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, the Block Office of the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj with the enthusiastic support of the Gram Panchayat Mithakhari organized an SHG Mela at Community Hall, Ograbraj today. The Mela was inaugurated by Ms. Veditha Reddy, IAS, Secretary, RD & Panchayat/ Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman in the presence of Shri Aditya Kumar Asthana, Director, RD & Panchayat and PRI Members of Gram Panchayat Mithakhari, Namunaghar, Tushnabad & Collinpur.

Diglipur, June 4: To dry up the supplies of illicit liquor, as a part of zero-tolerance against bootlegging, a strategy of jungle search has been adopted in N&MA District. In the recent past, several jungle search operations were carried out, the operation has yielded excellent results in apprehending and recovering major haul of Illicit Liquor/Lehan.

Port Blair, June 4: The online nominations/ recommendations for Padma Awards namely ‘Padma Vibhushan’, ‘Padma Bhushan’ and ‘Padma Shri’ has started from 1st May, 2023 and the last date for nominations is 15th September, 2023. These awards are announced on the occasion of the Republic day every year. The award seeks to recognize ‘Work of distinction’ and is given, for distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields/disciplines, such as, Art, Literature & Education, Sports, Medicine, Social work, Science & Engineering, Public affairs, civil service, Trade and Industry etc. All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these Awards. A copy of the statutes and rules relating to these awards is available in MHA's web-site www.padmaawards.gov.in.

Port Blair, June 4: Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the Member of Parliament has raised a significant concern regarding the refund of fare differences to passengers in the event of ship changes for the sailing between Port Blair and Campbell Bay.

I am glad to know that "World Environment Day" is being celebrated on 05th June, 2023 in Andaman & Nicobar Islands along with rest of the nation and world, based on the theme focussing on Solutions to plastic pollution under the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution.