*::: 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* 24.02.2025 *EDITOR: DENIS GILES* --------------------------- *Future of Kuala Lumpur – Port Blair Air Connectivity in Darkness* *MP Bishnu Pada Ray Urges Home Minister to Waive Landing Charges and Offers a 50% Discount on Airport Charges for Kuala Lumpur-Port Blair Air Asia Flights* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 23:* Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon'ble Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has written a letter to Shri Amit Shah, Hon'ble Home Minister and other concerned Ministries and authorities of A&N Administration seeking a waiver of landing charges and a 50% reduction in airport charges for Air Asia (Malaysia) flights operating on the Kuala Lumpur-Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram) route. In his letter, he mentioned that the Andaman & Nicobar Islands marked a historic milestone with the commencement of their first and only international flight, connecting Kuala Lumpur to Port Blair. This major development, which began on November 16, 2024, has opened new avenues for tourism, trade and economic growth in the Union Territory of A&N Islands. However, despite its potential, the airline is struggling to maintain sustainable passenger loads, with an average occupancy rate of only 40-50%. Reports indicate that Air Asia may discontinue this route by April 2025 if financial challenges persist. Mr. Ray pointed out that while the A&N Administration had initially announced a waiver of landing charges to support international connectivity, the implementation has been delayed, resulting in Air Asia currently paying Rs. 56,317 per flight as landing charges. Moreover, the airline incurs considerable operational costs, including RNFC: Rs. 5,54,952 + taxes (collected by Airport Authority of India), TNLC: Rs. 49,397 + taxes (collected by the Airport Authority of India), parking charges: Rs. 1,500 per flight + taxes (collected by the Airport Authority of India), landing charges: Rs. 56,317 per flight + taxes (collected by Defence), UDF: Rs. 709 per passenger + taxes (collected by the Airport Authority of India) and PSF: Rs. 200 per passenger + taxes (collected by NASFT). For January 2025 alone, Air Asia incurred a total expenditure of Rs. 26,25,469 (including taxes) for operations on this route, considerably impacting the airline’s ability to sustain services. Although the A&N Administration extended a 0% VAT benefit on aviation fuel for international flights, Air Asia has utilized only 10 KL from Port Blair due to lower fuel prices in Malaysia. Moreover, the Indian Oil facility in Port Blair has not provided the international fuel supply benefits available in other Indian cities, further disadvantaging the airline, said MP in his letter. In light of these financial burdens, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray has made an urgent appeal to the Hon'ble Home Minister to intervene in the matter urgently to resolve the issues, namely (1) Immediate waiver of landing charges for Air Asia's Kuala Lumpur-Port Blair flights at Sri Veer Savarkar International Airport, Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), as per the commitment of the A&N Administration (2) a minimum 50% concession on airport charges (RNFC, TNLC and UDF) for at least 24 months to ensure the airline’s operational viability. The MP has emphasized that without these financial relaxations, Air Asia may be compelled to discontinue its services, which would much hamper the progress of the Islands and weaken international connectivity. Therefore, he urged the Minister to intervene and direct the concerned authorities to take immediate action to safeguard this vital international link. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33766-future-of-kuala-lumpur-port-blair-air-connectivity-in-darkness ================= *MP Raises the Issues Concerning PRIs in the Chief Secretary's Meeting* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 23:* A meeting under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, was held on 22/02/2025 at the Secretariat in the presence of the Member of Parliament (MP), along with the concerned Secretaries and Deputy Commissioners of both districts, to discuss the issues of PRIs raised by the Member of Parliament to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor and Chief Secretary on 21/02/2025. During the meeting, the MP raised various issues in sequence, as detailed in the letter dated 22/02/2025 submitted to the Chief Secretary. The main issues highlighted were (1) Funds, power and functions should be granted to PRIs as per the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (2) Devolution of power to PRIs, as several meetings have already been held with PRIs, but no steps have been taken for implementation or policy framing (3) Award of work orders to societies as per the notification dated 20/01/2025, since the decisions taken by the former Chief Secretary through a one-line order in the minutes dated 13/09/2024 are void and contrary to the Grant-in-Aid Rules notified by the Lieutenant Governor (4) Immediate reassignment of the charge of Secretary (RD/Panch), which is currently held by the DC, who is already handling multiple responsibilities (5) Enhancement of financial powers to PRIs for sanctioning work and awarding contracts to societies (6) Separation of the Directorate of Panchayati Raj Institutions from the Rural Development (RD) Department for betterment of the PRIs (7) Withdrawal of the requirement for PRIs to seek prior permission before traveling to other locations (8) Timely submission of estimates by Engineering Wings with a fixed timeline (9) Implementation of the Prime Minister’s vision to provide ease of living, ease of doing business, and a good governance system in PRI institutions (10) Enhancement of honorarium for PRI members (11) Harassment faced by PRIs due to non-cooperation by DCs, ACs, Secretaries (RD), EEs/AEs, Tehsildars, BDOs, Patwaris, etc., who create unnecessary objections and impose excessive bureaucratic hurdles (12) No funds have been provided to the Samiti, which was restored following the direction of Amit Shah Ji (13) More than 10 number bosses of LG, CS, DC, Secretary RD, EE/AE, BDO, Tehsildar, Patwari etc are supervising and overseeing the PRIs performances (14) Allotment of quarries to PRIs, as they are facing immense hardship in road construction, which was earlier facilitated (15) Granting of earth-cutting permissions to PRIs and general public, which have been halted, allegedly to harass PRI members by the Revenue Department (16) Honoring Vajpayee’s policy of providing ₹1 crore for the road sector and ₹1 crore for Grant-in-Aid (GIA), instead of reducing fund provisions for PRIs (17) Publication of news items highlighting PRIs’ demands to raise awareness (18) Immediate repair and renovation of SH-11 Road from Tushnabad Junction to Manpur-Tirur, which is in a deplorable condition (19) Stopping the practice of falsely granting awards to PRIs on August 15th and January 26th without providing funds or achieving any development in the respective areas/wards, which is merely a cover-up for mismanagement in PRI/Municipal administration (20) Supply of DAP-Urea to farmers as per government policy, since the Modi government has already allocated a budget for DAP Urea supply, but the administration has purposely avoided availing it, acting against farmer welfare. While concluding his presentation, the MP informed the Chief Secretary that PRIs were agitated due to the withdrawal of their legally authorized powers, and the Administration’s inaction on the various issues rose. As a result, all PRIs, under MP’s leadership, are planning to launch an agitation and protest dharna, including a march past on 5th March 2025 in front of Raj Niwas to press their demands, besides proceeding to Delhi for further agitation before the BJP high command. After extensive deliberation and discussions presented by the MP before the CS in the presence of other Secretaries, the Chief Secretary directed all concerned Secretaries to study the issues raised by the MP and submit their respective reports within a week for examination to take a final decision. However, the MP appealed to all PRIs, stating that while the Administration makes the final decision on the issues, the dharna protest scheduled for 05/03/2025 at Raj Niwas will proceed as planned. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33765-mp-raises-the-issues-concerning-pris-in-the-chief-secretary-s-meeting ================ *Training Programme on Preparation of Compost, Bio Fertilizers and Bio Pesticides Organised at Nischintpur* *Diglipur, Feb. 23:* The Union Territory Agriculture Technology Management Agency (UTATMA), Diglipur in association with the Department of Agriculture, Diglipur organized a two-days training programme on ‘Preparation and uses of various Organic inputs including compost, Bio fertilizer and Bio pesticides’ at Nischintapur village under Gram Panchayat Kalighat at Diglipur Block on Feb. 21 & 22, 2025. Nischintapur village is one of the remotest villages under Gram Panchayat Kalighat, where 16 farmers were settled during the year 1955-56 and 2.02 ha land allotted to each farmer which is now divided into approximately 42 families. During the training programme, Smti Arti Singh, Assistant Director (Agri), Diglipur briefed about the importance of using various organic inputs including Vermicompost, farm yard manure, bio fertilizers and bio pesticides for organic cultivation of crops. During the training, Smti Seena Pillai, Agriculture Officer(I/c) briefed about the method of vermicomposting using Vermibed being supplied by the Department on 20% subsidy and the precautions to be taken during preparation of vermicompost. The importance and uses of various bio fertilizers/ bio pesticides supplied by the Department and its method of application were also detailed among the participants of the training programme by Smti Kamrun Nisa, Agriculture Assistant. Hands-on demonstration were given to the participants on preparation of Neemashtra, Jeevamrit and Vermicomposting by Shri Riktik Baroi, JAA and Shri Satinder Prasad, AFA. The team also urged farmers to register in the Departmental market outlet-VATIKA at Sri Vijaya Puram for selling the value added products produced by them. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33764-training-programme-on-preparation-of-compost-bio-fertilizers-and-bio-pesticides-organised-at-nischintpur ================= *Science Centre Organises Competitions as Part of National Science Day Week* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 23:* As part of National Science Day week, the Science Centre Sri Vijaya Puram organized various competitions on 22nd & 23rd February, 2025. A ‘Smell the Nature’ competition was organized for students yesterday, aiming to foster their curiosity about plant diversity. The students were taken on an interactive tour around the campus of Science Centre where they observed and learned about various characteristics, fragrances and medicinal properties of different plant species. Thereafter, a plant identification competition was conducted in which the students were challenged to recognize plant samples based on their smell & appearance. This activity encouraged hands on learning and deepened their appreciation for plant science. Further, a ‘Painting Competition’ for the students of primary level as junior group and middle level as senior group was organized today. The theme of the painting was ‘Science & Future’. More than 200 students from various schools in & around Sri Vijaya Puram took part in the competition. Accordingly, in ‘Smell the Nature’ competition, Anandini Kumar Manik of GSSS, School Line, Vidiya of GMS Corbyn’s Cove, Mohmmed Rijwan of RGT Public Vidyalaya, Dakshita Saha of GSSS Girls were adjudged as First, Second, Third & Consolation prizes winners. Similarly, in the Painting Competition in the Junior group, G. Lavanya of VKV, Bambooflat, Ishana Prasan Topno of Nirmala Sr. Sec. School, Vinaya Krishnan of RGT Public Vidyalaya, C. Kashni of Carmel Sr. Sec. School were adjudged as First, Second, Third & Consolation prize winners. In the Senior group, S. Maheshraaja of MGIS, Nimisha S of St. Mary’s Sr. Sec. School, Edel Baxla of Nirmala Sr. Sec. School, A Priyadarsini of VKV, Lamba Line were adjudged as First, Second, Third & Consolation prize winners respectively. The prizes of the above event shall be distributed during celebration of National Science Day on 28th February, 2025. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33763-science-centre-organises-competitions-as-part-of-national-science-day-week ================ *Department of CS&CA Ensures Availability of LPG Cylinders at Little Andaman* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 23:* LPG consumers of Little Andaman have been informed that the Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs is regularly monitoring the replenishment of LPG in all far flung areas of the UT of A&N Islands. However, it is the sole responsibility of the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) to ensure timely replenishment of LPG cylinders through their authorized LPG distributors. It is further brought to the notice of LPG consumers of Little Andaman that on intervention of the Department of CS&CA, on Feb. 14, 2025, a transhipment consisting of 1300 domestic LPG cylinders was delivered to Little Andaman via MV Ebrahim Ali Hussain cargo vessel, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the steady supply of LPG across the region. Unfortunately, due to limited storage capacity on the vessel, the full demand for LPG in Little Andaman could not be met, leaving a shortfall in the supply required to cater to all the LPG consumers in the area. In response to the situation, the CCS Ltd. has assured that adequate consignment of domestic LPG cylinders required for the month of February, 2025 will be dispatched to Little Andaman aboard MV Bay Island in the next few days. The Department of Civil Supplies and Consumers Affairs in association with IOCL will closely monitor and ensure that the distributor namely CCS Ltd. fulfils its obligation to provide sufficient number of LPG cylinders to the residents of Little Andaman in order to alleviate current challenges. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33762-department-of-cs-ca-ensures-availability-of-lpg-cylinders-at-little-andaman ================= *Department of Fisheries Conducts Awareness Programme for Local Fish Exporters and Traders* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 22:* The Department of Fisheries, A&N Administration, in collaboration with the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India, conducted an awareness programme for local fish exporters and traders of South Andaman District. The session focused on the procedures for certification and registration required for direct seafood exports from the Islands to international markets. The programme was presided over by Dr. K. Gopal, Joint Director (Fisheries), Shri A. Sakthivel, Assistant Director, MPEDA, Kochi, and Shri S. U. Maheswar Rao, Governing Body Member, NFDB. The programme witnessed active participation from key seafood exporters and traders of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The Assistant Director of MPEDA shared valuable insights into promoting direct seafood exports, covering export procedures, quality standards, and MPEDA's support programs. He also explained about the concept of a Common Chilled Fish Handling Unit, which would enable the processing of fish catch for export in live, chilled, or dry forms to foreign destinations with less capital investment as compared to a conventional Processing Plant. The stakeholders present raised few queries regarding the export licensing process, laboratory testing, and the establishment of chilled fish export units, cost involved etc. which were duly clarified by the Official of MPEDA. The exporters expressed their willingness to embark on direct seafood exports under the technical guidance of MPEDA and the Department of Fisheries. Dr. K. Gopal, Joint Director (Fisheries), informed the participants that the Andaman & Nicobar Administration is taking active steps in collaboration with various authorities, including the Ministry of Fisheries, Govt. of India, Airport Authority of India, Customs Department, MPEDA, and EIA to facilitate the commencement of direct seafood exports. Shri S.U Maheswar Rao, Governing Body Member, NFDB briefed the participants on various schemes of Govt. of India such as PMMSY which can be availed by the local fish traders and exporters to improve the value chain of the fish and fishery products. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri G. Amalatheeban, Assistant Director of Fisheries, South Andaman. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33761-department-of-fisheries-conducts-awareness-programme-for-local-fish-exporters-and-traders ================= *NIPUN Chaupal Conducted at Govt. SS Junglighat* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 23:* ‘NIPUN Chaupal’ under the flagship programme of Samagra Shiksha, was conducted at Govt. Sec School, Junglighat on Feb 22, 2025 involving the Balvatika students along with teachers & parents. NIPUN Bharat Mission aims in achieving fluency in language and numeracy by the students of Balvatika stage by 2026-27. Shri S. Suresh Kumar, SPO Samagra Shiksha, DDE (Plg.) was the chief guest on the occasion. In his address, the chief guest lauded the efforts of small children, their parents and teachers for making the NIPUN Chaupal a grand success. He also mentioned that the Nipun Bharat Mission shall be accomplished by 2026-27 in all Primary School of these Islands. He also encouraged the children and parents to actively participate in all academic and co-curricular activities of the institution for the holistic development of the children. Earlier, the Vice Principal, Smti. Aziz Fatma welcomed the gathering and highlighted the importance of NIPUN Chaupal. Children and parents displayed their activity models prepared with the help of teachers and parents. A large number of parents witnessed the ‘NIPUN Chaupal’ Programme. Colourful Cultural program based on Literacy and Numeracy was presented by small kids. The programme concluded with vote of thanks by Smti Balbeer Kaur, Headmistress (Primary). https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33760-nipun-chaupal-conducted-at-govt-ss-junglighat ================= *Mahashivratri at Chinmaya Mission* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 23:* Shri Mahashivratri will be celebrated at Shri Sarweshwar Mahadev Mandir, Chinmaya Mission Police Line on Wednesday 26th February from Moring 6 am to mid-night 12 am with religious fervor. The auspicious day will begin with Shri Ganapathi Homam at 6 am followed by Maha Rudrabhishekam at 7 am. From 8 am to evening 5 pm Pooja, Abhishekam, Bhajan will continue followed by Shiv Sahasranama Archana (Chanting of one thousands names of Lord Shiva) at 5 5.30 pm. From 8 pm to Mid-night 12 am Satsang, Bhajan etc. will be held. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33759-mahashivratri-at-chinmaya-mission ================= *Ministry of Corporate Affairs Launches PM Internship Programme* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 23:* The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Government of India, has launched the PM Internship program to provide young graduates with skill development and practical exposure through structured internship opportunities. This initiative aims to envisage as an arrangement between the intern and the company in which the company provides an opportunity to the intern to get training, gain experience and skills within the real-life environment of the business or organization that helps in bridging the gap between academic learning and industry requirement, in turn, assisting enhancement of their employabilities. Candidates who have completed high school, higher secondary school, hold an ITI certificate, a diploma from a Polytechnic Institute, or have graduated with degrees such as B.A., B.Sc., B.Com., BCA, BBA, B. Pharma, etc., are eligible to participate in this program. Eligible candidates are encouraged to register for the PM Internship program through the official portal: https://pminternship.mca.gov.in. The detailed guidelines for registration, eligibility criteria, and program benefits are available on the official portal. The program offers internships across various sectors, providing hands-on experience and practical knowledge essential for career growth. All eligible students have been urged to take advantage of this opportunity and register at the earliest. Institutions and educational authorities have also been requested to disseminate this information among their students and alumni to ensure maximum participation. For further details, candidates may contact [email protected], Principal ITI, Dollygunj or [email protected], Training and Placement Officer, DBRAIT. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33758-ministry-of-corporate-affairs-launches-pm-internship-programme ================ *62nd Annual Sports Meet of GMS Jawawa Creek Held* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 23:* The 62nd Annual Sports Meet of Govt. Middle School, Jarawa Creek was held on Feb. 21. Shri Sathish Nair, UP-Pradhan Nilumbur Panchayat was the chief guest on the occasion. The day was filled with excitement and enthusiasm as students participated in various sports events such as race, long jump, high jump, etc. The participants showcased their athletic skills and competed with great spirit. The winners were awarded medals and certificates. Onge House emerged as House Champions. The Teacher in charge of the school, Shri S Ramesh advised children to keep up their sportsman spirit. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33757-62nd-annual-sports-meet-of-gms-jawawa-creek-held ================= *Weather Alert for A&N Islands from Feb 24 -27* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 23:* Thunderstorm with lightning is likely to occur at one or two places over A&N Islands on Feb. 24. Heavy rain (07-11 cm) also accompanied with thunderstorm and lightning is likely to occur at one or two places over A&N Islands on Feb. 25 & 26. Squally weather with surface wind speed reaching 35-45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph is very likely over Andaman Sea & A&N Islands from Feb. 24 to 27. Sea condition is also likely to be rough. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off Andaman Sea & A&N Islands till Feb. 27. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33756-weather-alert-for-a-n-islands-from-feb-24-27 ================= *Bob’s Banter by Robert Clements* *A Real Women’s Day Gift..!* The morning papers headlined PM Modi’s latest announcement, of handing over his social media accounts to women on Women’s Day, March 8. Sounds like a grand gesture, doesn’t it? A modern-day digital chariot ride for women achievers, paraded before millions of followers. But before we break into applause, let’s pause and ask: is this a step forward or just another well-packaged PR stunt? Now, don’t get me wrong. Seeing women achievers take center stage is heartwarming. Their stories of grit, resilience, and success will no doubt inspire many. But let’s face it—what happens when the clock strikes midnight on March 8? Does Cinderella’s social media carriage turn back into a pumpkin of everyday struggles? Real change for women in India needs more than just a symbolic Twitter parade. We need legislative action, cultural shifts, and policy overhauls that outlast the trending topics of the day. Let’s start with one of the most glaring issues—marital rape. India remains one of the few countries where a husband forcing himself on his wife is not explicitly criminalized. Apparently, some still believe that a marriage certificate comes with a lifetime subscription to non-consensual intimacy. A nation that takes such pride in its legal framework cannot afford to ignore this fundamental violation of human rights. Then there’s safety—or the lack of it. From bustling city streets to quiet village roads, from workplaces to public transport, from boardrooms to social media comment sections—women face harassment and violence at every turn. We have helpline numbers and pink police patrols, but what we really need is a justice system that delivers quick, effective, and fear-inducing consequences for perpetrators. After all, a well-lit street is reassuring, but a legal system that terrifies offenders is far better. Now, let’s talk money. Equal pay remains an elusive dream in India. Women often earn significantly less than men for the same work, as if their qualifications and efforts come with a discount tag. Oh yes, a Women's Day retweet is nice, but a paycheck that matches their male counterparts? Now, that’s a real tribute. And let’s not forget representation. Women continue to be underrepresented in politics, corporate leadership, and decision-making positions. They’re not asking for special treatment—just a fair shot at sitting at the table without having to fight for the last available chair. So, while the Women’s Day social media takeover might give us a warm, fuzzy feeling, let’s not get too carried away. The real celebration will be when women in India don’t need a designated day to have their voices heard, their rights respected, and their achievements acknowledged. As they say, actions speak louder than words—or in this case, louder than tweets. So, Mr. Prime Minister, while the country appreciates the gesture, how about some solid policies, airtight laws, and actual systemic change? Now that would truly be worth showing the world, especially a male chauvinist like Trump..! *[email protected]* https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/features/33755-a-real-women-s-day-gift ==================