*::: Andaman Chronicle Updates :::* _*Please do share the updates with all you know…*_ *Join us on facebook today:* https://www.facebook.com/groups/andamanchronicle/ *Follow us on Twitter: @AndamanNews* *Do visit www.andamanchronicle.net for more on Andamans…* *Updates for* 06.02.2025 *EDITOR: DENIS GILES* --------------------------- *Department of AH&VS Removes 15 Kilos of Plastic Waste and Metallic Foreign Bodies from a Cow* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 5:* The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services has successfully performed a Rumenotomy on a cow at the field level today. The animal was initially brought to Garacharma Hospital with the history of anorexia. Upon rectal examination, ruminal impaction was noticed. Thereafter, the surgical procedure called Rumenotomy was carried out under paravertebral anesthesia to treat the ruminal impaction. During the surgery, approximately 15 kg of plastic waste and several metallic foreign bodies were removed. The procedure was performed by Dr. Harsha G.V, assisted by the para-veterinary staff of Garacharma Hospital. Meanwhile, livestock owners have been strongly advised to prevent their animals from consuming waste materials. Additionally, the general public have been urged to dispose of waste responsibly to safeguard animal health and well-being. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33582-department-of-ah-vs-removes-15-kilos-of-plastic-waste-and-metallic-foreign-bodies-from-a-cow ================== *CITU and AIKS Organise Mass Demonstration Throughout A&N Islands in Support of All India Protest Day* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 5:* In support of the All India Protest Day by central trade unions and Samyukta Kisan Morcha, CITU and All India Kisan Sabha jointly organised mass demonstrations throughout the Andaman & Nicobar Islands today (5.2.2025) to protest against various anti-working class and anti-farmer policies of the NDA government. At Port Blair, the mass demonstration was conducted in front of the Municipal Council, Aberdeen Bazar which was inaugurated by R. Surendran Pillai, President, CITU A & N State Committee. Speaking on the occasion, he criticized the central government for imposing four labour codes in place of the existing 29 labour laws in the country. These Labour Codes are enacted to enable the multinational companies to exploit the workers. Addressing the participants in the mass demonstration, B. Chandrachoodan, General Secretary, CITU State Committee briefly explained the flagrant violation of labour laws by private sector as well as certain government departments in the islands. SP Kalairajan, Secretary, CITU also addressed the gathering. The mass demonstration was led by P. Sathyapal and Anand Rajan, Secretaries of CITU State Committee and K. Lakshman, General Secretary, Nagarpalika Shramik Sangh. A large number of workers from various trade unions of urban and rural South Andaman areas participated in the mass demonstration. Mass Demonstration was organised in front of North & Middle Andaman Deputy Commissioner’s office at Mayabunder by the Mayabunder Zonal Committee of CITU which was led by R. Muralidharan Pillai, President and C. Murugan, Secretary of the Zonal Committee. At Billiground, Middle Andaman, the mass demonstration was conducted at Billiground bazaar jointly by CITU and AIKS. Nikunjo Biswas, Vice President and SR Mridha, Secretary, AIKS State Committee addressed the participants. PK Khalid, Secretary, CITU State Committee was also present. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33581-citu-and-aiks-organise-mass-demonstration-throughout-a-n-islands-in-support-of-all-india-protest-day ================== *Agriculture Department Conducts Training on ‘Value Addition of Fruits & Vegetables’* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 5:* The Department of Agriculture organized a one-day Training Program on ‘Value Addition of Fruits & Vegetables’ today at the Departmental Fruit Preservation Unit, Haddo. The participants were briefed on the benefits of the value addition of fruits and vegetables. During the training, beyond the technical aspects, hands on training on value addition of ginger and carambola was imparted besides quality of the products, techniques in processing, packaging and marketing was also briefed. Addressing the gathering, the In-charge FP Unit, Smt. Gulshan Bibi, briefed about the functioning of the Unit and the importance of value addition of fruits and vegetables for enhancing the income. She also emphasized on FSSAI Certification which is mandatory for recognition of the quality of the produce and which will also provide better marketability of the products. She advised them to register with FSSAI for their produce. About 21 Members from 4 SHGs groups namely Savera, Durga, Sriguru and Netaji participated in the program. With the active participation of the members, ginger candies and carambola squash were prepared. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33580-agriculture-department-conducts-training-on-value-addition-of-fruits-vegetables ================== *SAI Sri Vijaya Puram to Conduct Selection Trials for Admission of Athletes in Residential Scheme of SAI* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 5:* SAI Sri Vijaya Puram will be conducting selection trials in Sri Vijaya Puram for the age group of 10 years to 14 years at SAI Campus, Netaji Stadium on 10th February, 2025 from 9 am onwards for admission of Athletes in the Residential Scheme of Sports Authority of India, STC Sri Vijaya Puram. This selection trials will be to induct children in water sports- Rowing, Kayaking, Canoeing and Football (Girls only). Those children who fulfills the criteria, knows Swimming and are Medalists at District/State/School level will be preferred in the selection trials. Selection will be on the basis of physical tests to be conducted by SAI NSNIS Coaches. Those children willing to attend the selection trials should report with the following documents viz. Original birth certificate, Aadhaar Card, Sports Certificate and four passport size photo. For further details or inquiries regarding selection trials, one may email at [email protected], Instagram ID: sai.andaman and may contact the Coaches viz. Shri Mohd. Sadique, Coach (Football), Ph. No.: 9531879321; Shri Manish Kumar Tiwari, Coach (Rowing), Ph. No.: 9140891676 & 9451005745 and Shri Karma Toppo, Coach (K&C), Ph. No.: 6297596680 & 9531956474. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33579-sai-sri-vijaya-puram-to-conduct-selection-trials-for-admission-of-athletes-in-residential-scheme-of-sai ================== *Agri Store ‘Vatika’ – A step towards providing direct marketing to Isles’ farmers* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 5:* The Agriculture Departmental Sale outlet ‘Vatika’ situated besides Sagarika Emporium, Udyog Parisar at Middle Point is frequented by many tourists and general public on daily basis. Agricultural products ranging from virgin coconut oil, spices to local seasonal squashes/jams and pickles are being sold at the outlet. The objective is to have a one stop for sale of various Departmental farm produce, value added products as well as farmers agriculture produce. The Agri Store ‘Vatika’ is functioning for ease of farmers to sell their agricultural commodities especially value added products and spices as a step towards providing direct marketing to the farmers of these Islands. Farmers can register themselves for selling their produce through the Departmental outlet ‘Vatika’. No registration fees will be levied on them for registration. The amount of the sale proceed will be directly deposited into the account of farmers. For registration, interested farmers may contact the concerned Sub Depot In charge/Zonal Officer on all working days. For any further assistance, farmers may contact the concerned Sub Depot In charge or Kisan Call Centre Phone 03192- 243434 on all working days. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33578-agri-store-vatika-a-step-towards-providing-direct-marketing-to-isles-farmers ================== *30th Meeting of A&N Islands Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board Held* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb.5:* The 30th meeting of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (ANIBOCWWB) was held today in the Conference Hall of the Office of the Labour Commissioner, A & N Administration, Supply Line, Sri Vijay Puram. The meeting was chaired by Shri L. Kumar, IAS, Chairman of ANIBOCWWB and Secretary (Labour & Employment). Representatives from the A & N Administration, employers, and trade unions attended the meeting. During the meeting, various issues related to the extension of social security assistance to the registered construction workers under the Board were discussed. The Chairman emphasized the need to ensure that benefits and assistance are effectively extended to the registered construction workers. He also highlighted the importance of creating awareness among workers engaged in construction activities across various sites in the Islands. This could be achieved by distributing pamphlets among beneficiary workers, detailing the procedures to claim the various benefits provided by the Board. After deliberations on the circulated agenda, the Board unanimously approved the release of Rs. 3.99 lakhs to address 29 claims filed by registered construction workers under the prescribed welfare schemes, including Pension, Education, Maternity, and Death Assistance. Accordingly, the ANIBOCWWB will initiate the process of disbursing all financial benefits and assistance through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board was established in 2009 with the objective of providing various social security schemes to registered construction workers. Currently, the Board is implementing 9 welfare schemes for the benefit of registered construction workers. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33577-30th-meeting-of-a-n-islands-building-and-other-construction-workers-welfare-board-held ================= *ANTCC President Appeals for Alternate-Day Water Supply at Rangat Block* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 5:* The Andaman Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee President Shri. Rangalal Halder, has issued an urgent appeal to the Chief Engineer, APWD, regarding the severe water crisis faced by the residents of Rangat Block, particularly in the Mithila and Sitapur villages. The existing water supply arrangement, which provides water only once in two days after for a mere half an hour, is proving grossly inadequate, leading to extreme hardship for the residents. In his appeal, Shri. Halder highlighted that the insufficient water supply is causing severe distress, particularly to senior citizens, children, and those dependent on a steady water source for their daily needs. He emphasized that such an irregular and limited supply is unsustainable and needs immediate redressal. Additionally, He said that there is grave concern over the quality of water being supplied, as it has been observed that the water source is located near an area where medical waste from the Rangat Community Health Center (CHC) is being dumped. This raises serious health risks and exacerbates the crisis faced by the residents. Contaminated water can lead to severe health hazards, making it imperative for the authorities to act swiftly to ensure a safe and hygienic supply. Shri. Halder has requested the Chief Engineer to ensure that water is supplied at least on alternate days as an immediate relief measure. He has sought a clear explanation regarding the root cause of this persistent crisis. ANTCC President further calls for prompt intervention to implement necessary corrective measures, ensuring an adequate and reliable water supply to the residents of Rangat Block at the earliest. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33576-antcc-president-appeals-for-alternate-day-water-supply-at-rangat-block ================= *Left Parties Call on Alternative Proposals for Budget* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 5:* The Union Budget 2025-26 is a betrayal of the immediate and basic requirements of the people. Instead of addressing the problem of demand in the economy due to the lack of purchasing power in the hands of the people, mass unemployment and shrinking wages, the Modi government has, through the Budget, sought to stimulate the economy by giving concessions to the rich even as expenditures are cut. Instead of mobilizing resources by taxing the rich and the big corporate houses and expanding public investments that would help generate employment and ensure a minimum wage for people, it has chosen to do the opposite. The Budget promotes greater accumulation of wealth by promoting private investment, placing public assets at the service of the private sector and privatization of the power sector and so on. The Union Budget completely neglects the issue of unemployment and expenditure on food subsidies, agriculture and allied activities, education, health, rural development, social welfare and urban development are stagnant or lower than last year, if one factors in inflation. The allocation for MNREGA remains stagnant at Rs. 86,000 crore, even as the demand has grown. The raising of the income tax exemption limit to Rs. 12 lakhs has provided relief to a section of the people, but a wider number of working people who are suffering from price rise and indirect taxes like GST have been left out. The loss suffered by raising the tax exemption limit could have been met by increasing the rates of taxation on the richer sections and the corporates. But the government has chosen not to do so and instead provided a bonanza to the corporate sector and the super-rich. The Left parties reject all the anti-people proposals in the Budget and have resolved to demand that they be replaced by the following alternative proposals, which can help to create demand by increasing the purchasing power of the people, generate employment opportunities and raising wages. The alternative proposals will help to ensure the right of people to education, health and social security benefits. The Left parties demand the introduction of the following proposals, which should find a place in the Finance Bill: 1) Introduce a wealth tax of 4 per cent on the 200 billionaires (in dollar terms) in the country; increase corporation tax. 2) Provide legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce and withdraw the draft National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing. 3) Halt privatization of public sector units and handing over of public assets to the private sector through the National Monetisation Pipeline. Withdraw 100 per cent FDI in insurance sector. 4) Increase MNREGA allocation by 50 per cent; introduce urban employment guarantee Act; increase the Centre’s provision for old-age pensions and other social security benefits. 5) Increase outlays for health to 3 per cent of GDP and education to 6 per cent of GDP. 6) Increase food subsidy to strengthen public distribution system. 7) Increase allocation for SC, ST sector and for women and child development substantially, including increased outlay for ICDS; increase the Central share of the honorarium for scheme workers. 8) Increase transfers of funds to the states and funds for Centrally-sponsored schemes substantially. Scrap the cesses and surcharges on petroleum products which are not included in the divisible pool for sharing with states. The Left parties will campaign for the inclusion of the above demands/proposals in the Union Budget before it is finally adopted through the Finance Bill. To mobilise the people in support of these proposals, the Left parties will conduct a week-long mass campaign from February 14 to 20. The state units of the Left parties will chalk out the plans to conduct mass campaign and reach the maximum number of people through door-to-door campaign, street corner meetings, demonstrations and rallies. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33575-left-parties-call-on-alternative-proposals-for-budget ================= *Island Cricket Premiere League T-20 Day-Night Cricket Tournament Scheduled to Begin* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 5:* The Cricket Association Andaman Nicobar (CAAN) is delighted to announce the commencement of the Island Cricket Premiere League T-20 Day-Night Cricket Tournament, scheduled to begin on February 12, 2025, at Netaji Stadium, Sri Vijaya Puram, with the first match starting at 6:00 pm. This highly anticipated tournament will witness the participation of 12 teams, showcasing exceptional talent and sportsmanship. Registrations are currently open and will remain so until February 7, 2025. The inauguration ceremony will be graced by Er. Prijith Rekh, Chief Engineer, APWD, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, as the Chief Guest, adding a touch of prestige to the event. Cricket enthusiasts and supporters are cordially invited to witness and celebrate the spirit of cricket at this exciting tournament. The CAAN looks forward to a vibrant display of sportsmanship and camaraderie throughout the event. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33574-island-cricket-premiere-league-t-20-day-night-cricket-tournament-scheduled-to-begin ================== *Department of Industries Announces Competition to Showcase Creativity Among Isles’ Talents* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 5:* The Directorate of Industries, A&N Administration has announced a competition where the participants will get an opportunity to showcase their creativity to create various promotional materials aimed to portray the handicrafts products under the aegis of the Department. All the talented designers, artists, and social media content creators in the category of Students and Professionals from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands including Startups, Entrepreneurs in the field of Information Technology, Advertising, Media etc. have been invited to submit their innovative ideas in the form of a new logo, catchy slogans and promotional video clips that encapsulate the essence of the Department’s handicraft products. The details of the competition categories, participants, rules and regulations etc. have been uploaded in the Website of the Department of Industries https://industries.andaman.gov.in https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33573-department-of-industries-announces-competition-to-showcase-creativity-among-isles-talents ================= *List of Eligible, Non-Eligible Candidates for the Post of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 5:* The candidates who have applied for the post of Anganwadi Worker and Anganwadi Helpers under ICDS Project, Ferrargunj, South Andaman as per the notification vide no. 4-12/ICDS/SA/AWW/AWH/2024-25/769 dated 06.12.2024 and on completion of last date of application i.e. on 20.12.2024, the application were scrutinized and the list of eligible and the non-eligible candidates along with the reason of ineligibility have been displayed in the notice board of the office of CDPO, ICDS Project, Ferrargunj along with date time and venue of interview. Any claims and objection can be submitted within 02 days from the date of the publication. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33572-list-of-eligible-non-eligible-candidates-for-the-post-of-anganwadi-workers-and-helpers ================= *Sailing of MV Nalanda Postponed* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 5:* The passenger/general public have been informed that, due to administrative reasons, the scheduled departure of the vessel MV Nalanda from Car Nicobar to Sri Vijaya Puram via Little Andaman on 07.02.2025 at 1600 hrs has been postponed. Now, the vessel will sail for Sri Vijaya Puram via Little Andaman on 08.02.2025 at 0700 hrs from Car Nicobar. Passengers have been advised to avail the vessel MV Nalanda with the same ticket. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33571-sailing-of-mv-nalanda-postponed-3 ================= *Bob’s Banter by Robert Clements* *Win, If You Think You Can..!* Today, I’m going to take a page from my book, DARE, since my friend Rusy Shroff, decided to immortalise a poem I’ve always cherished, with his voice, which if you click on the link, further down, you will hear as he speaks these wonderful words out! Even as you face rejection in your journey through life, and as you DARE to DREAM, let me share the words of that poem that kept my dream burning bright and steadfastly. It was that of a poem I’d read, and then copied out in red ink and as a teenager had stuck it to the side of my bedpost, so I could read it every night before going to bed and each morning when I woke up. I can’t think of a better poem to read when you wake up, then this. A poem which taught me to push on, despite any setbacks I’d faced the previous day. A poem that taught me to put in every effort to become a winner, in whatever I put my mind to. The poem went like this: If you think you are beaten, you are If you think you dare not, you don't, If you like to win, but you think you can't It is almost certain you won't. If you think you'll lose, you're lost For out of the world we find, Success begins with a fellow's will It's all in the state of mind. If you think you are outclassed, you are You've got to think high to rise, You've got to be sure of yourself before You can ever win a prize. Life's battles don't always go To the stronger or faster man, But soon or late the man who wins Is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN!” ― Walter D. Wintle I can still see that bedpost in my mind’s eye. Last year I went to that little house where I lived as a child. It looked smaller, older and quite rundown. I saw a window was open and peeped in. My wife who accompanied me must have thought I was peering nostalgically at memories of my growing up years. I was, but I was looking a little deeper, at a cot which was not there anymore and a poem in red, stuck to it, and in my mind, I heard myself repeat the last verse, which was my life’s marching song, “‘Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man, But soon or late the man who wins is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN!” And if you’d like to hear my friend Rusy give voice to these powerful words, click on this link, https://youtu.be/DUjgHJrOjaE?si=7DW8VYfIM7d0DoUd and feel the power of words that changed my life..! *[email protected]* https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/features/33570-win-if-you-think-you-can ==============