Citizens’ Corner 12/11/2020

*Despite of eviction order issued by Tehsildar, Port Blair, it is not possible to evict the same, because sometimes which is possible in papers are impossible in practically, DC(SA) has told to the villagers of Buniyadabad.

* ANIIDCO Wine shop timing need to be extended for the benefit of its consumers, because our duty time ends at 5 pm and the outlet is closing at 5 pm, so it is becoming difficult for us and forced to go an unprotected BARs opened upto 10 pm to have pegs. The extension of time will be beneficial in many ways, as rush at wine shops will be reduced, bootlegging and gumti businesses will be minimized.

* The sudden blackouts is started in South Andaman as festival of sunny days again. Despite installing new and sufficient Diesel and Solar machineries to fulfill the demand of power in South Andaman, the untimely blackouts is remain there unchanged. Is Islanders born to suffer?

* The internet speed is increased a little but, the voice calls are affected badly. while conversation, forced to hear broken voice, unexpected call disconnection, and routine tone 'the customer you are calling is either switched off or not reachable' is still remain a common response while calling to anyone. Is this called 'Digital India', but mission incomplete.

* The financial conditions of people are coming down to dearth of money in the Islands since COVID-cum-Lockdown affected. Consequently, inflation is touching sky high, even facing difficulties to meet the essential needs as vegetable and ration items, and only high scale government servants 'the God's men and women' are standing at the safer side till now, despite in this economically crises time for the entire country.

One sentenced for 25 years rigorous imprisonment under POCSO Act

Port Blair, Nov 11: On Friday, 06th November, 2020, the Hon'ble Special Judge (POCSO) Shri Raju Mukherjee has convicted one accused person namely Ram Sevak Lohar, resident of Ongi Tirkey, Hut Bay, Little Andaman under POCSO Act for committing sexual assault against his stepdaughter then aged about 15 years. The Hon'ble Court after conducting trial found him guilty and sentenced him to suffer 25 years of rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs. 1,00,000/- in default of payment of such fine further one year of imprisonment.

The case was initiated by the victim girl aged about 15 years it was averred that she and her younger sister used to reside with her mother and in the year 2010, her father expired. The mother of the victim remarried to the accused person in the year 2016 and he used to reside with them in the same house. During the absence of the victim's mother and younger sister, her stepfather used to sexually assault her on several occasions. Due to such sexual assault, she conceived and delivered a baby. The said incident was disclosed to concerned Police Station and on the basis of the complaint, a charge sheet was filed against the said accused. The prosecution examined vital witnesses and after conclusion of trial, the Hon'ble Court found the accused guilty of the offence.

The Hon'ble Court also awarded compensation for rehabilitation of the victim girl to the tune of Rs. 8,00,000/- (Rupees Eight Lakhs only) in terms of Section 7(4) & 7 (5) of POCSO Rules, 2012 and further advised the A&N Administration to release the compensation within 30 days. The trial was conducted by Ms. A.S.Zinu, Special Public Prosecutor on behalf of the State.

This is the first time in the history of A&N Islands, an accused person was convicted for 25 years of imprisonment in a sexual assault case. The landmark judgment will be set fear among the culprits, which would curb the sexual assault against minor children.

Citizens’ Corner 05/11/2020

* It is becoming difficult for Fire Fighters to reach the exact place of fire accident often due to traffic congestion and reckless parking even that accidents take place at roadside areas. Then, what about the narrow path dense colonies in suburbs of the city? Will the compensation, rehabilitation or ex-gratia to the victim provided aftermath by the District Administration is enough to solve the problem at root level?

* DC (SA) has hints that, a path way, used to meet even around 60 individual revenue houses, can be occupied by a supposed old encroacher. Villagers of Buniyadabad are praising painfully, "What a Rule? What a Justice?" says, lets' start paths occupancy whatsoever with the blessings of DC.

* Our judiciary system is slow; even call it fast track or super fast track, but the speed will remain there. Actually, the punishments need to make tougher, so that the guilty could not dare to commit it again. But, after some petty cases, many in city brave to become friendly of "court-kacheri-police thana" and do the same thing again with extra dose.

* It is heard that, under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, which intends to provide housing for all in urban areas by year 2022, now some in the islands are started to getting houses, don't know to whom the govt. is providing shelters in these islands without inviting claims and objection by the citizens of the islands. I have searched the entire online world of A&N Administration, but didn't see any such list of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana allotments detail.

* Citizens need to be very careful while using smart phones, especially when its internet is ON. Many unwanted stuff are suddenly appears in your screen and a single touch can share your information with unknown digital player. Aftermath nothing you can get.

Citizens’ Corner 29/10/2020

* DC(SA) has hints that, a path way, used to meet even around 60 individual revenue houses, can be occupied by a supposed old encroacher. Villagers of Buniyadabad are praising painfully, “What a Rule? What a Justice?” says, lets’ start paths occupancy.

* The financial conditions of people are coming down to dearth of money in the Islands since COVID-cum-Lockdown affected. Consequently, inflation is touching sky high, even facing difficulties to meet the essential needs as vegetable and ration items, and only high scale government servants 'the God's men and women' are standing at the safer side till now, despite in this economically crises time for the entire country.

* It is, good that, the Govt. is spending thousands of crores under Ayushman Bharat Scheme, which provides health care of upto Rs.5,00,000/- for each vulnerable citizen. Apart from that, the govt. should also need to make it in a transparent manner, so that patients can also understand what is happening with them. Some islander patients referred to Mainland under Ayushman Bharat Scheme, alleges that, "We are unable to understand what is going on, but tests are carrying out every day to find out what? Sometimes, I feel myself an alien product, that's why the doctors did not convey anything just to find out what?

* Citizens need be careful while dealing with online purchases or other dealings, because the frauds are eagerly engaged under work from home now-a-days. Trust is your choice, be careful while trusting the invisible digital people. Aftermath nothing you can get.

Fire fighting awareness programme and plantation drive organized by A&N Police Fire Service, Armed Police and Home Guard organization

Port Blair, Oct 28: As part of Police Flag Day commemorative events, a lecture and  demonstration on First-Aid, firefighting and disaster prepredness was organized by A&N Police Fire Service on 26.10.2020 at Tiranga Park, Aberdeen Bazar, Port Blair. Handouts/leaflets on various fire safety precautionary measures were also provided to the general public who witnessed the programme. 

On 28th October, 2020, A&N Fire Service and Police Brass & Pipe Band of Andaman & Nicobar Police organized awareness programmes at Carbyn's Cove. Patriotic melodies were pledged by Police Brass Band and Pipe Band in the memory of Police martyrs. A live demonstration of various firefighting hose fittings/branches was performed by the staff of Fire Service followed by water curtain show to generate awareness among general public on domestic fire threats. The public were also briefed on COVID-19 precautions of sanitization, 'Do Gaj Ki Doori', mask wearing etc. All protocols related to prevention and containment of spread of COVID-19 were observed during the events.

Besides, 'Tree Plantation' drive was also conducted by A&N Police Fire Service and Home Guard Organization on 27.10.2020 at their respective office premises. The entire events were held under the overall supervision of Ms. Amrutha Guguloth, IPS, Superintendent of Police (AP/SAP/Fire) & Commandant (HG) assisted by Shri Manoj Kumar Meena, DySP (AP/SAP), Shri S.K. Meena, DySP (Fire) and Shri Syed Abdul Rashid, AC (HG), a press release said.    

Traffic Unit of A&N Police is now equipped with rash driving detector to curb the menace in city

Port Blair, Oct 28: To check the danger of rash driving in city roads, the A&N Police has further strengthened its Traffic unit with high tech speed laser gun which will detect over speeding of the vehicles. The much needed Speed laser gun was launched by the DGP (I/c), Mr. Madhup K. Tewari, IPS at Girls School traffic point at Mahavir Singh road yesterday in the presence of Mr. Sanjay Kumar, IPS, IGP (Intl/ACU) and Mr. Manoj C. IPS Superintendent of Police (Traffic) and other senior officials.

The DGP (I/c) expressed happiness that Traffic Unit of A&N Police has been further strengthened and equipped with 3 high tech speed laser guns to curb the menace of rash driving.

Majority of fatal accidents are due to rash driving in road accidents, and these speed laser guns will be used in accident prone areas and penalty / challan will be imposed upon over speeding vehicles. The A&N Police will be procuring more laser guns and it will be used in interior areas as well as outer islands to curb the menace of over speeding.

It is brought to the notice of the general public that Traffic Police about to launch massive drive to check the violation of over speeding in the city.

Hence, it is requested to the general public as well as driver/rider of the vehicles not to drive their vehicles beyond the speed limits. If anyone found violating the above said norms necessary action will be taken against them as per section of law. All the norms and guidelines / directions issued by MHA and A&N Administration related to prevention and containment of spread of COVID-19 was followed during the programme.

Strict action against illegally stone mining and earth cutting agencies taken; DC has warned to the rests

 

Port Blair, Oct 28: As part of its bid to stop illegal activities in South Andaman District, a surprise field visit was carried out by the Deputy Commissioner (SA), Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS alongwith SDM (SA). During the inspection, it was found that seven persons were illegally mining stones at Bimblitan village using excavator. DC(SA) directed to take strict action against the violator and the excavator was seized on the spot.

Further as part of initiating strict actions against the violators who were involved in various cases of illegal mining in South Andaman District, during the lockdown period, fine amounting to the tune of Rs.15,90,000/- has been imposed against various violators.

Similarly, according to a press release on Oct 23, 2020, a surprise filed visit was carried out by the Deputy Commissioner (SA), Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS alongwith SDM (SA). During the inspection, it was found that one person was illegally mining stones at Bimblitan village using excavator. DC(SA) directed to take strict action against the violator and the excavator was seized on the spot. Further, the keys of the same were handed over to Control Room and also a fine of Rs.2,40,000/- has been imposed against the said violator.

Further as part of initiating strict actions against the violators who were involved in various cases of illegal earth cutting in South Andaman District, during the lockdown period, fine amounting to the tune of Rs.25,20,000/- has been imposed against various violators.

 The District Administration is taking all possible steps to curb the menace of such illegal activities and strict actions will be initiated against such violators.

The DC(SA) has appealed to the general public to refrain from such illegal activities and also keep an eye on such illegal activities happening around them and inform about the same to the District Control Room on 1070, the Deputy Commissioner (SA) said through press releases.

Citizens’ Corner 22/10/2020

* Narrow paths in city are the curse for Smart City projects in India. In our islands, there are many existing colonies in Port Blair city having narrow paths, some are revenue and some are so called old encroachment structures, which occupies the path way. But, when it comes to path way for about 50 individual houses, it has to be vacated and allotted for path way. But, local administration here is dreaming for Smart City and ignoring the Smart deeds.

* Citizens need be careful while dealing with online purchases or other dealings, because the frauds are eagerly engaged under work from home now-a-days. Trust is your choice, be careful while trusting the invisible digital people.

* Islands' Ration Rasheed (Mr. Abdul Rasheed) apart from Ration Items, he now donates 250 pairs of hand gloves to Sanitation Workers of PBMC. There are still good people in society, cares for others who are in need.

* I have enrolled to get financial relief from Labour Commissioner Office and followed all the formalities like photos, xerox copies of required documents etc. are submitted to Labour Commissioner three months ago. But nothing I get till now from the respective Office assigned for the welfare of Labours in A&N Islands. Now, the COVID-19 situation is slight fine in A&N Islands. However, many manages their problems now during unlocks. So, my suggestion to Labour Commissioner is to keep the fund with Himself or let spend it in his own way.

Citizens’ Corner 15/10/2020

* PBMC says there is shortage of manpower in its department, however there are about 1500-2000 sanitary staffs were working in the department. However, not only sanitary workers, but some other regular workers also as part time, working in various private sectors. Moreover, many mazdoors are forced and engaged to work at officers' premises for sake of saving their jobs. Misusing of mazdoors happens in Andamans only, I guess!

* It is good that PBMC is now going to impose challans on who, who are providing un-segregated garbage to the PBMC. On the other hand, they must provide comfortable safety equipments to make ease the sanitary workers. Anyhow, as per new segregated waste, it is now divided into three categories, 1) Wet waste: Kitchen waste only, 2) Dry Waste: as cloths, papers, rubber, plastic and reusable glasses, etc. 3) Hazardous waste: as broken glasses, sanitary pads and others.

* Narrow paths in city are the curse for Smart City project of Govt. of India. In our islands, there are many existing colonies in Port Blair city having narrow paths, some are revenue and some are so called old encroachment structures, which occupies the path way. But, when it comes to path way for about 50 individual houses, it has to be vacated and allotted for path way. But, local administration here is dreaming for Smart City and ignoring the Smart deeds.

* Citizens need be careful while dealing with online purchases or other dealings, because the frauds are eagerly engaged under work from home now-a-days. Trust is your choice, be careful while trusting the invisible digital people.

Civic Body organizes awareness campaign cum implementation workshop for sanitary workers

Port Blair, Oct 14: The Port Blair Municipal Council organised awareness campaign cum-implementation workshop for Sanitary workers to achieve source segregation of the garbage at household level. They were sensitized about encouraging, canvassing & exhorting the general public to handover only the segregated waste and contribute over maintaining clean & hygienic city.

In pursuance to the month long scheduled Swachhata activities for the commemoration of Gandhi Jayanthi, PBMC Plans to cover all Sanitary workers in four phases to be individually sensitized about the need & the way to achieve waste segregation at source. The first phase was inaugurated on 10.10.2020, to make the learning effective & simple a street play was organised to present the need challenges & the way forward to achieve waste segregation at source, and awareness campaign will be continued on weekly basis till the month end to cover all 24 wards under PBMC.

Shri. Abhishek Dev, IAS, Secretary (Urban Development), Smti. Anjali Sehrawat, IAS, Secretary (PBMC) & Padma Shri Awaredee, Shri Naresh Chandra Lall, along with Officials of PBMC were present to motivate the sanitary workers & appreciated their contribution especially during COVID-19.

General public is requested to cooperate with the Sanitary workers for making the source segregation initiative successful. It is also informed that, in case of non-adherence, the penalty as per the PBMC-Solid Waste (Handling & Management) Bye Laws, 2017 will be imposed to force compliance.