Government is committed to developing the Islands in accordance with the requirements of the environment: PM; Describes A&N Islands as place of pilgrimage; launches series of infrastructural projects

PM on Dec 30 in Andaman
*Laid a wreath at the Martyrs Column, and visited Cellular Jail and also visited the cells of Veer Savarkar, and other freedom fighters.
*Hoisted high mast flag to mark 75th anniversary of hoisting of Tricolour on Indian soil by Netaji, and paid floral tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
*Released a commemorative postal stamp, 75 rupee coin, and First Day Cover
*Laid Foundation Stone of the 50 MW LNG Based Power Project at Hope Town, to be set up at cost of Rs. 387.80 Crore
*Solar PV-based induction cook stoves distributed to 99 households in Tsunami Shelter Homes at Chouldari village
*Flagged off 20 Electric Vehicles and handed over to A&N Administration
*Launched the 'A&N Islands Innovation and Start-Up Policy 2018'
*Announced new names of three islands i.e. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep for Ross Island, Shaheed Dweep for Neil Island, and Swaraj Dweep for Havelock Island
Port Blair, Jan 02: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has said that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are not just a symbol of India's natural beauty, but are also a place of pilgrimage for Indians. He stated this while addressing a mammoth gathering at a public event organized at the historic Netaji Stadium on Dec 30, 2018 evening in commemoration of the 75th anniversary celebration of the first flag hoisting on Dec 30, 1943 by Netaji Subash Chandra Bose on Indian soil in Port Blair.
The Union Minister of State for Communications (Independent Charge), Shri Manoj Sinha, the Lt. Governor, A&N Islands, Admiral DK Joshi, Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, the Member, HMAC, Shri Vishal Jolly, PBMC Chairperson, Smti. Anusia Devi, Adhyaksh, ZPSA Shri Sanjib Mandal and Adhyaksh, ZPN&M Andaman, Shri Srinivas Rao among others who were attended the event.
The Prime Minister said, the A&N Islands remind us of the collective resolve of our freedom fighters. He also mentioned about his visit to the Cellular Jail and the point where Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose had hoisted the tri-colour 75 years ago. The Prime Minister said, the Cellular Jail, where thousands of freedom fighters suffered, is no less than a place of worship for him. He said, the nation will never forget the sacrifices of the freedom fighters.
Recalling Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, the Prime Minister said that on Netaji's call, many youth from the Andamans had dedicated themselves to the freedom of India. He said, the flag on the 150 feet high mast, is an attempt to preserve the memory of this day in 1943, when Netaji unfurled the tri-colour at Port Blair. The Prime Minister said that today, Indians are working towards creating a strong India, in line with Netaji's vision.
He said that remembering and honouring our heroes, helps strengthen our feeling of integration. He said the Union Government is making efforts to highlight every glorious chapter of our history. In this context, he mentioned the Panchteerth related to Babasaheb Ambedkar, the National Police Memorial and the Statue of Unity. He said National Awards have also been announced in the names of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The Prime Minister said that the New India that is being built with the inspiration of these great leaders has development at its core.
The Prime Minister also announced and unveiled a series of development projects related to the energy, connectivity and health sectors which include 7MWp Solar Power Plant, Solar Village in South Andaman, State Wide Area Network Project (SWAN), Waste to Energy Plasma Re-gasification Plant, Chennai and Andaman and Nicobar Islands (CANI) Submarine Cable Connectivity Project, Upgradation of Primary Health Centre to District Hospital, Garacharma, Sub District Hospital, Diglipur- Middle Andaman District to Sub-District Hospital, Industrial Development Scheme for the Islands, 50 bedded AYUSH Hospital at Junglighat, 50 MW LNG Power Plant at Hope Town. Apart from this, the Prime Minister also announced the setting up of a Deemed University at Port Blair, dedication of 20 Electric Cars in A&N Islands and creation of Yacht Marina at Port Blair etc.
The Prime Minister said, the Government is committed to developing the Islands in accordance with the requirements of the environment. Special attention will be given to sectors such as tourism, food processing and information technology, as part of industrial development.
The Prime Minister further stated that the Union Government is committed to empowering and developing the Islands and the development projects unveiled today would further this objective in the fields of education, health, connectivity, tourism and employment.
The Prime Minister said efforts are being made to make the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as self-sufficient as possible. He spoke of the expansion of Port Blair Dockyard, which will enable maintenance of big ships. He called for a report on the condition of rural roads in the Islands within two weeks, and said that once the report has been examined, the Union Government will give whatever assistance is possible.
The Prime Minister said that a new Integrated Terminal Building is coming up at Veer Savarkar International Airport. He said, the Government is working towards strengthening connectivity across the country and the undersea Optical Fibre Cable connecting Chennai and Port Blair and eight other Islands, once completed, would provide good internet connectivity at par with mainland.
The Prime Minister also spoke of development works in areas such as water, power, clean energy and health. He also stated that the permission for constructing a bridge connecting Chatham and Bambooflat has been accorded and this will fulfill the long pending demand of the residents of the area.
The Prime Minister also launched the 'A&N Islands Innovation and Start-Up Policy 2018' which has been formulated to provide an enabling environment for encouraging and nurturing innovative thinking and entrepreneurship in the Islands.
The Prime Minister also released Commemorative Stamps & Quaternary Alloy Coin of Rs. 75. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi also declared the renaming of three Islands of A&N Islands which were named after British Officers viz. Ross, Neil and Havelock. He announced that Ross Island would now be named as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep; Neil Island would be known as Shaheed Dweep; and Havelock Island would be renamed as Swaraj Dweep. He also mentioned that a notification to this effect has come into force with this announcement.
The Prime Minister also announced the setting up of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Deemed University in A&N Islands.
Earlier, speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister of State for Communications (Independent Charge), Shri Manoj Sinha has expressed happiness that our visionary Prime Minster, Shri Narendra Modi is amidst the people of the A&N islands, gracing the 75th anniversary celebration of hoisting of first Tricolor by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on Indian soil at Port Blair on this day in 1943. He said, during the last four and a half years, the work culture of our country has undergone a big change, owing to the sincere efforts of our visionary Prime Minister. He also informed about the significance of releasing the Commemorative Stamp and First Day Cover on this day; as well as about the foundation stone laying of the Chennai and Andaman & Nicobar Islands (CANI) Submarine Cable Connectivity Project.
While speaking on the occasion the Lt Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands,  Admiral DK Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd) emphasized that no efforts will be spared in meeting the vision of the Prime Minister- 'New India' and 'New Andaman'. The Administration has also set a goal towards broad based economic growth so that no part of the Islands remain untouched from development process and effective public services are made available to the Islanders.
Speaking on the occasion, the Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray said that these Islands witnessed all round development in all spheres which was not visible since the last 50 years. A better road map has been prepared for the development of all the sectors and the A&N Administration is marching ahead to achieve the targets. Andaman will be developed in such a way that people from world over will visit these picturesque Islands, Shri Ray said.