Doors of Lok Niwas to Remain Open to Political Parties to Raise Issues and Concerns of the Islanders: LG
Shaheed Dweep, Sept. 27: The Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands, Dr. Dinesh Sharma is currently on a two-day visit to Shaheed Dweep. Soon after arrival, the Hon’ble Lt. Governor participated in the cleanliness drive organized as part of the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign and World Tourism Day celebrations at Bharatpur Beach, one of the 70 beaches covered under the cleanliness campaign. He administered the Swachhata pledge to administrative officers, the Panchayat Pradhan, sanitation workers and members of the public, urging everyone to contribute towards keeping the Islands clean and sustainable.
Earlier, on his arrival at the helipad, the Hon’ble Lt. Governor was accorded a Guard of Honour. Anganwadi workers also welcomed him through a cultural presentation.
Thereafter, Hon’ble Lt. Governor visited the Primary Health Centre and took stock of various facilities, including the diagnostic laboratory, dispensary and wards. He emphasized the need for cleanliness and timely repairs at the health facility and directed that the construction work of the 10-bedded under-construction ward be completed at the earliest.
During his interaction with patients, the Hon’ble Lt. Governor took note of the need for an ultrasound (USG) machine and the absence of a night ship service and directed the Health Department to take appropriate action in this regard.
During his visit to the Anganwadi Centre, the Hon’ble Lt. Governor interacted with children & mothers and reviewed the curriculum, functioning and activities of the Centre. He also appreciated the talent of the children, who presented a poem on the occasion. Addressing those present, he reiterated the resolve to strengthen efforts towards sustainable and balanced development by promoting the local culture and values, education, employment and tourism. He also interacted warmly with the children and posed for photographs with them.
Thereafter, the Hon’ble Lt. Governor visited the Muthukumarswamy Temple and offered prayers to Lord Murugan.
The Hon’ble Lt. Governor also visited the Police Station at Shaheed Dweep, where he was accorded a Guard of Honour. He interacted with the police personnel and took note of the issues and challenges being faced by them. During the inspection, he was briefed about the CCTNS software, cleanliness of the lock-up/prison facilities and sports facilities available at the Police Station.
In his address, the Hon’ble Lt. Governor directed the police personnel to undertake regular patrolling and intensify efforts against drug abuse and illegal trafficking by foreigners. He also emphasized the need to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for tourists and directed that all necessary assistance and security be provided to them.
Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, Ms. Pallavi Sarkar, Superintendent of Police, South Andaman, Ms. Shweta Sugathan, Secretary (Rural Development), Shri Rajesh Chopra, Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, Ms. Jyoti Kumari and Director (Tourism), Ms. Akanchha Singh, were, among others present on the occasion.
Hon’ble Lt. Governor, Dr. Dinesh Sharma attended a programme organized under the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign at Government Senior Secondary School, Shaheed Dweep. Addressing the students, Hon’ble Lt. Governor appreciated them for expressing their patriotism through the rendition of Vande Mataram with correct pronunciation.
Emphasizing Mahatma Gandhi’s message that cleanliness is an individual responsibility, the Hon’ble Lt. Governor urged everyone to adopt cleanliness as an integral part of their personal lives and daily conduct.
Hon’ble Lt. Governor advised the teachers to be punctual, continue learning and earn respect through their dedication and hard work. He also directed that a concrete action plan be prepared to improve the quality of education in the Islands and encouraged the promotion of Hindi as a major medium of teaching and learning.
The Hon’ble Lt. Governor, Dr. Dinesh Sharma also organized a “Jan Samvad” programme at Shaheed Dweep today. During the programme, the Hon’ble Lt. Governor directed the concerned departmental officers to address the issues raised in a time-bound manner.
In his address, the Hon’ble Lt. Governor appreciated the spirit of unity in diversity reflected among the people belonging to different communities. At the conclusion of the programme, he visited the Radha Krishna Temple, sought the blessings of the Almighty and prayed for the happiness and well-being of all the Islanders.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Pradhan of the Panchayat expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor for choosing Shaheed Dweep for his first visit after assuming office. He also apprised him of important issues, including the availability of an ambulance at the hospital, arrangements for fertilizers to support vegetable cultivation, repair of rural roads and construction of a new Community Centre.
Thereafter, the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands, Dr. Dinesh Sharma held a meeting with the concerned Officers of the A&N Administration regarding the issues raised during the ‘Jan Samvad’ programme. He emphasized the need for resolving the issues as soon as possible and keep him informed of the action taken. He also directed that all proposals be examined as per the prescribed rules and that time-bound action be ensured.
Thereafter, he held separate meetings with delegations of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress Party and discussed important matters concerning the speedy and holistic development of the Island.
On the occasion, he assured representatives of all political parties that the doors of Lok Niwas would always remain open for them to raise the issues and concerns of the Islanders.