PSTs recruitment cancelled due to administrative reasons; Is LG's, CS's assurances and MP's effort unworthy?

TMI Bureau

Port Blair, Jan 16: The administration on Jan 11, 2019 announced that the recruitment of PST notified by the education dept. vide F.No.8-10(1427)/Edn/CCB/PST-Rect (DR)/2018/3348 dated 16/7/2018 is cancelled due to administrative reasons, following which the candidates who had been selected for the posts of Primary School Teacher (PST) are now sitting on in dharna outside the Directorate of Education building at VIP road.

Earlier, at the same venue the candidates whose names were missing from the select list had sat on Dharna last month, their grouse being that they have been deprived of their rightful selection in spite of having scored higher marks. They ended their dharna only after the LG assured them of a review the selection process.

The Member of Parliament, A&N Islands, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray along with applicants for recruitment to post of Primary School Teacher (PSTs) / Craft Instructor under Directorate of Education, A&N Administration called on Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.) Hon'ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands and Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency on Dec 24, 2018 at Raj Niwas.

Hon'ble Lt Governor assured about commitment of Administration towards early filling up of vacancies in the Administration after thorough examination of all aspects in conformity with extant rules. He emphasized that the CTET exams were conducted and age-relaxation to applicants was considered. Also, 2 members have been included in the Directorate of Education Committee which will look into all the grievances and no such post will be filled up in Education Department till decision on Committee's recommendations.

Earlier, agitating candidates have informed TMI correspondent that, 'a delegation of 8 members on behalf of protesting candidates have met the Chief Secretary, Shri Chetan Bhushan Sanghi on Dec 19, 2018) evening, the Chief Secretary after hearing their grievances has asked the delegation to submit their representation in written with documents, and he also assured to look into personally and will direct to re-exam and verify all the applications. He further assured that, the appointed orders will not be given to any of the listed candidates until and unless clarify all points raised by the protesting candidates'.

However, this sudden cancellation notice from Education Department has raising many questions on recruitment process. Now the candidates are questioning how despite of constituting a committee and scrutinizing the applications, administration failed to untangle the PSTs recruitment issue?

Police week celebrations began with impressive ceremonial parade on A&N Police Raising Day

Port Blair, Jan 16: Raising Day of A&N Police was celebrated with great enthusiasm and pride on 16.01.2019. An impressive Ceremonial Parade was held at Police Lines in morning. In the evening, "At Home" Ceremony was organized in which Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM, (Retd.) was the Chief Guest. Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Shri D.M.Shukla, IFS, IG Maneesh Vishal Pathak, Commander, Coast Guard, Smt. Geeta Pathak, President PFWC, Inspector General of Police (L&O), Shri Shalini Singh, IPS, Inspector General of Police (ACU), Shri Sanjay Singh, IPS and other senior officers from A&N Administration, Forest department, Police, Armed Force, Member of Electronic & Print media were also an important part of the ceremony.

The history of A&N Police dates back to the year 1875, when an organized police force was established in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. In order to deal with crime and criminals, in the year 1924, the Civil Police Force was formed as a separate branch under the control of a Commandant. After national independence, it was on 16th January, 1953, that Mr.  Naushirwan Feroz Sauntook, the first IPS officer took over the charge of the Superintendent of Police from Shri M. Macfarland. This day is celebrated as the "Raising Day" of the Andaman & Nicobar Police.  

Ceremonial Parade with 06 contingents comprising of 01 platoon each of Executive Police (Gents), Executive Police (Ladies), IRBn, Fire Service, Home Guard, Traffic and 2 platoons of A&N Police Band, headed by Shri Naveen Kumar, Assistant Commandant/IRBn as Parade Commander, was held at Police Lines Parade ground, Police Lines. Shri Dependra Pathak, IPS, Director General of Police, A&N Islands took the salute of the Ceremonial Parade.  Speaking on the occasion, the Director General of Police conveyed his heartiest greetings and best wishes to the people of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and all the members of A&N Police. He lauded the services rendered by the A&N Police in maintaining law & order and highlighted the outstanding achievements made by the A&N Police in crime prevention, providing security to the islands, curbing criminal activities, and in providing a safe & secure environment to the women, children and other weaker sections of the society. He further motivated everyone to extend better services to the people and appealed to show greater professionalism, transparency and sensitivity in their functioning. He encouraged all to discharge their duties with dedication and sincerity so as to uphold the name of A & N Police to glorious heights. He also congratulated the parade participants for good turnout and excellent performance in the parade.

Andaman & Nicobar Police is celebrating its Police Raising Week from 16/01/2019 to 23/01/2019 by organizing various activities and programmes to improve Public Police Interface such as awareness drives on social and contemporary issues in schools, colleges & residential areas, cultural-cum-interaction programmes involving public & police families, visit of school children to Police Stations, jan sambark & citizen committee meetings, nukkar-natak and performances by Police Entertainment Team & Police Band, etc. These are also in furtherance of #New Andamans initiatives.

The entire function of Police Raising Day celebration was held under the supervision of Ms. Usha Rangnani, IPS, Superintendent of Police (AP).

Raksha Mantri reviews operational preparedness of ANC

Port Blair, Jan 16: The Defence Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman visited Campbell Bay on Jan 14, 2019 and reviewed the operational readiness of the Command. She witnessed all four components working jointly in unison during an amphibious demonstration. The exercise, conducted near Campbell Bay included 10 ships, 6 aircrafts and 700 troops of the Command. The Marine Commando (MARCO) unit of Indian Navy and specialist platoon (GHATAK) of Indian Army displayed their operational capabilities by carrying out helocasting, and beach assault.

The minister also visited the southernmost part of India, Indira Point.  Later, on her arrival at Port Blair, the Defence Minister was given a demonstration on jungle survival skills at Military Station, Birchgunj. Thereafter, she inaugurated the phase II of Married Accommodation Project (MAP) that includes 868 dwelling units for the troops of Andaman Nicobar Command. Interacting with the troops at Port Blair, the Minister wished them a very happy Lohri, Makar Sankranti and Pongal.

Smt Nirmala Sitharaman is on a two day visit to Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC). On arrival at INS Utkrosh, Port Blair yesterday, she was received by Vice Admiral Bimal Verma, AVSM, ADC, Commander in Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN). Later at the ANC Head-Quarters, the minister was given a comprehensive briefing and update on thrust areas and achievements of the Command.

During her earlier visit in Oct 2017, the Hon'ble minister had celebrated Diwali with the troops. (PIB)

First tribal woman entrepreneur awarded LPG distributorship

With vision "Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas", A&N Administration has been persistently striving for progressive development of tribal community. On Jan 16, 2019, Smti. Reem Banu, first tribal woman entrepreneur awarded LPG distributorship in A&N Islands, called on Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Lt Governor of A&N Islands and Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency. Shri B Soren [DGM-LPG Sales, IOCL], Shri Rashid Yusoof [Chairman, Tribal Development Council] & Shri Rayhaan Pasha [President, Nicobar Youth Association] were also present on the occasion.

Aquatics, Water Polo and Jal Tarang Championship by ANC held

Port Blair, Jan 11: Andaman Nicobar Command (ANC) organised Aquatics, Water Polo and JalTarang championship 2018-19 from 07 to 11 January 2019. Approximately 300 personnel from all four components of the Command participated in the tournament that included water polo, Individual Medley and Relay races involving Free Style, Breast Stroke, Back stroke and Butterfly. The events covered various distances ranging from 50 Mtrs to 1500Mtrs.

After a keenly contested competition of four days, the Aquatics and the Water Polo trophy was won by the team of 12th Battalion JAT Regt. Asides from these two events "JalTarang" is an event in which all the teams field 30 participants each for a non-stop relay and Naval Component (NAVCC) team won the JalTarang trophy for the year 2018-19. NA (1) FD Ankit of NAVCC team has been adjudged as the best swimmer. Commodore A T Anandan, Material Superintendent Port Blair, under ANC graced the occasion as Chief Guest and handed over the medals, certificates and trophy to the winning teams. (PIB)

TMI Clock Tower 17/01/2019

* Man stabbed, police searches for assailant - Port Blair: An unidentified masked man stabbed a 64 year old Treasurer of Kamraj School at Nayagaon on Jan 14. According to sources, a masked man suddenly emerged out of the crowded market place and stabbed Murgan, resident of Bargat Line, opposite GS Store. The assailant escaped after stabbing. The injured man was rushed to GB Pant Hospital where he is recovering. Police is learnt to be searching for the accused.

* Man Commits suicide - Port Blair:  A 77 year old man Mr. Jagdish Ram having recovered paralysis has committed suicide in his house at Macchi Line, Port Blair on Jan 16 evening around 6:00 pm, by hanging himself. When family member noticed they immediately shifted Mr. Ram to G B Pant Hospital, where he was declared brought dead. Police has registered a case in this regard.

* Airtel 4G launched in Isles - Port Blair: Bharati Airtel have launched 4G services for A&N Islands at Port Blair from 15 Jan, 2019. By this, Airtel became the first to launch 4G services in the Islands. The launch session was hosted by Mr. Sameer Anjaria, CEO - West Bengal & Odisha, Bharti Airtel Limited. Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, the MP was the guest of honor at the occasion. Airtel 4G services will be available in Port Blair to begin with and will be gradually expanded to other parts of the islands. Customers can upgrade to 4G SIM for free and choose from a range of exciting Prepaid and Postpaid plans that come with premium bundled content like Netflix, Amazon and Zee5. Airtel 4G will be available to customers across a range of smart devices including mobile phones, dongles and 4G hotspots.

* Rs.2,40,000 vanished by unknown - Billyground, Jan 16: A lady, r/o Joypur, Billyground went to SBI Rangat Branch to withdraw some amount but to her utter shock, she found that her account has nil balance, immediately collected her mini statement from Rangat Branch ATM counter, after which she came know that Rs. 2,40,000/- has been withdrawn by some unknown person through her ATM Card from various cities. According to victim, she never shared her ATM PIN Number with anyone. SBI officials informed her that until she lodges an FIR at PS Rangat, they won't be able to help her. After facing many hurdles she has lodged an FIR at PS Rangat only after intervention of the MP.

Parliament approves 10% reservation for poor in general category

New Delhi, Jan 09: A day after Lok Sabha approved The Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill, 2019, the Rajya Sabha passed the law with 165 voting in favour and 7 against.

The Parliament on January 9 approved amending the Constitution to provide 10% reservation to general category poor in jobs and education with the government terming the landmark move as "slog over sixes".

A day after Lok Sabha approved The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2019, the Rajya Sabha passed the law with 165 voting in favour and 7 against. In the last leg of the legislative process, the Bill will now go to the President for approval. And once its gets his ascent, it will become the law that will give economically weaker sections in the general category 10% reservation in education as well as central and State government jobs.

The Bill was approved after the House rejected a motion moved by Kanimozhi (DMK) and supported by Left parties for sending it to a parliamentary select committee for scrutiny. Against 18 members supporting, 155 opposed it and one member abstained.

The Bill was approved after the House rejected five amendments moved by Opposition members. The quota will be over and above the existing 50% reservation to SCs, STs and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

Replying to nearly eight-hour long debate in Rajya Sabha, Social Justice and Emowerment Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot asked the Congress how it would have implemented the promise it made in its election manifesto of giving reservation to poor of general category but by amending the Constitution. He said reservation to SC, ST and OBCs will not be touched by the amendment and opposition parties should have supported the legislation without any ifs and buts. The changes in the Constitution being made to provide the reservation will hold scrutiny of the Supreme Court, he hoped.

Filling up of jobs reserved for SC/STs and OBCs is an ongoing process, Mr. Gehlot said, adding the Bill was an attempt to benefit poor of general category who have been deprived so far.

DC sanctions ex-gratia relief

Port Blair, Jan 09: An unfortunate fire accident was reported on 06.01.2019 wherein the semi-pucca house belonging to Smti. Panchavarnam, D/o Late Guruswamy, R/o Wimberlygunj got fully damaged due to fire incident took place at about 7.30 pm on 06/01/2019.

In order to provide timely relief to the affected family the Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman has immediately sanctioned an amount of 95,100/- (Rupees Ninety Five Thousand One Hundred Only) as ex-gratia relief to the victim Smti Panchavarnam, D/o Late Guruswamy, R/o Wimberlygunj. The amount is sanction in terms of SDRF norms.

TMI Clock Tower 10/01/2019

 * Fire guts house at Wimberlygunj village: A fire accident reported from Wimberlygunj on Jan 06, 2019 at 7.30 pm. The incident was claims reported to the Fire Brigade at around 7.30 pm in the evening. But in vain, before fire tenders could reach the mishap site, the house made of timber and bamboo was reduced to ashes. Sources said, the house is of one Panchavarnam, W/o Kanagaraj was reduced to cinder in a fire incident, no one sustained injuries in the mishap. It is learnt that electric short-circuit is the cause.

* Unique type of accident with STS Bus:  The rear Tyres set of STS Bus came out all of a sudden at Ograbraj at 6 pm on Jan 07, 2019. As per sources, the bus heading towards Port Blair from Tirur, while at Ograbraj road suddenly the set of rear wheel came out. Fortunately, no one was injured in this accident. Mechanical experts says, 'it has to be fixed with 16 thick nut bolts, if any one of them is loosened, the driver can sense the defect while driving'. 'But, this case is a matter of 16 at once. This is high time for the Transport Department to enquire about the mechanical blunder', he added.

* A 46 yr lady was killed in road accident: 46-year-old lady (A.Meena Kumari) working as Hindi typist in PBMC while riding with her brother on a two wheeler was hit by a truck near Light House on Jan 07, 2019 morning. It happened when, her brother A.Loknathan, Rtd. Police Dept, R/o Haddo was driving the scooty with his sister as pillion riding, and they were hit by the truck driven rashly. During which, Loknathan escaped with minor injuries, his sister was crushed under the truck and died on the spot. The accused driver of the truck (AN01 K 5020) was nabbed by the passersby and a PCR call was made after which police team reached the spot and arrested him.

Isles' entrepreneur Neha Bhatt wins National Award

Port Blair, Jan 09: Neha Bhatt, an entrepreneur who makes handcrafted soaps and shampoo & conditioning bar under the brand 'Cosmic Island', using indigenous raw materials of the islands, has won the coveted 'National Entrepreneurship Award-2018' instituted by The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) on Jan 4, 2019 in a glittering ceremony at New Delhi from Suresh Prabhhu, Minister of Commerce, Industry & Civil Aviation, in the presence of Anant Kumar Hedge, Minister of State MSDE. Neha runs an enterprise at Attam Pahad with her husband Rahul Gandhi, who is a hospitality industry consultant and French Teacher. Her popular range of products is available at Mubarak Hypermarket, S-Mart, Freggie Mart, Seven Heaven, Barefoot Resort & Amazon.in, in the islands. Neha is indeed an inspiration for young entrepreneurs and who has made the Isles proud.

Trade expedition between Banda Aceh and Port Blair; Indonesian Ship 'KM Aceh Millennium' arrives with goods

Port Blair, Jan 09: A pioneer trade expedition from Malahayati Port in Banda Aceh to Port Blair, with an Indonesian Ship 'KM Aceh Millennium' with goods/materials arrived Port Blair on Jan 04, 2019. This expedition could be possible as part of the bilateral trade relations between the countries, only after the official visit of the Prime Minster of India, Shri Narendra Modi to Indonesia and his meeting with President of Indonesia, wherein both the leaders underlined the importance of stronger connectivity, particularly on sea links, in order to facilitate economic co-operation and people to people contact between two maritime neighbors and comprehensive strategic partners.

A brief function was held at Passenger Terminal at Haddo Wharf this evening where the officials of Indonesian Embassy and expedition team members were heartily welcomed. The Secretary Industries, Shri Indu Shekhar Mishra was the chief guest of the function.

In his address, the Secretary Industries described the expedition as a very important step towards developing trade between Andaman and Indonesia, which he said has a bright future. It is right time that Indonesia has taken steps to start trade and A&N Islands will also be taking steps very soon to move forward in this direction, the Secretary added.

He further said that the Administration will hold a meeting with the ACCI and decide over the next step so that a very healthy and good business partnership with Indonesia is established. He also felicitated the officials of the expedition and all the crew members who arrived here by this Ship.

In her address, the Deputy Chief of Mission, Indonesia, FM Suebu expressed gratitude to the Govt. of India, A&N Administration and ACCI for the successful activity/expedition. This year, India and Indonesia commemorate 70th anniversary of full diplomatic relations. This pioneer trade expedition is good start to celebrate the year. As next step, Indonesia will continue its work to collaborate with India towards enhancing connectivity between the two Islands, opening up more opportunity for deeper co-operation, she said.

In his welcome address, the President ACCI, Shri Girish Arora said this expedition was possible due to the signing of MoU between ACCI & Aceh, Indonesia Chamber of Industry to promote development and bilateral economic relations by providing a platform for businessmen to meet, explore business opportunity in trade and investment transfer of technology.  The ship has brought 80 items including construction materials, like cement, wood, crushed stone, fruits, vegetables etc. Some of the materials will be exhibited for promotion of trade at the auditorium of Tagore College of Education, Middle Point on January 6 from 10 am onwards which will be inaugurated by Shri Sidharto R. Suriyadipuro, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia. He also urged all the traders/ businessmen, and general public to visit the venue and get acquainted with the items on display.