The Mini India

TMI Bureau Port Blair, Jan 03: OBC, which stands for Other Backward Classes, is a collective term used to refer to socially and educationally disadvantaged groups in the country. The classification of communities as OBC is based on the recommendations of the Mandal Commission, which was set up in the late 1970s to identify and address the issues faced by socially and educationally backward classes. The Mandal Commission recommended that a certain percentage of seats in educational institutions and government jobs be reserved for OBC candidates to ensure their representation and upliftment. Now, more than 50 years have passed, and significant changes have occurred in the socio-economic status of the concerned communities. The benefits of the OBC classification have been availed by generations, sparking debates and discussions. Proponents argue about potential drawbacks, including reverse discrimination and the impact on merit-based selection. To resolve the issue, the census is an e

TMI Correspondent Port Blair, Dec 27: The Honorable Lt. Governor of A&N Islands and Vice Chairman of the Islands Development Agency, Admiral D.K. Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), inaugurated the annual cultural extravaganza, the Island Tourism Festival - 2023, as the chief guest amidst fanfare at ITF Ground this evening. The inaugural function was graced by the Member of Parliament for A&N Islands, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma; Chief Secretary (I/C) of A&N Administration, Shri Nikhil Kumar, IAS; DGP, Shri Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS; PCCF, Dr. T.S. Ashok Kumar, IFS; Adhyaksh, ZPSA, Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh; Chairperson, PBMC, Smt. S. Selvi, senior officers of Administration, PRI members, and the general public. This spectacular festival is organized by the Tourism Department with the support of the Department of Art & Culture, A&N Administration. Addressing the gathering without mentioning the media, the Lt. Governor mentioned that the analysis indicates tha

Port Blair, Dec 27: PC/1116 C. Alok Ram of the A&N Police has been recognized for his significant contribution in the implementation of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) & Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS). On 22/12/2023, he received an award in the individual officer's category in category 'C' of States/UTs having less than 50 Police Stations by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) during the 5th Conference on Good Practices in CCTNS/ICJS held at NCRB, New Delhi. C. Alok Ram began his service as a Police Constable on 24/09/2012. In 2016, he was posted to the CCTNS Cell and dedicated nearly seven years to the project. He was entrusted with the technical tasks of the CCTNS project, specifically addressing network connectivity issues across all Police Stations in the A&N Islands. His diligent efforts and co-ordination with the line departments, ensured stable network connectivity at all Police Stations, facilitating the

TMI Bureau Port Blair, Dec 20: Despite the Central Government's commitment and efforts towards the development of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the situation remains far from satisfactory for the general public in terms of basic infrastructure since the regime of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Political party leaders in the A&N Islands pray every day as they write letters to the Heads of the A&N Administration, hoping for the rectification of the situation. Air Transport: In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of the A&N Administration, Mr. Bhasker recently stated that the seating capacity available in the helicopters operated by Pawan Hans in the A&N Islands is very low. Most of the time, seats are occupied by government servants/civil servants, causing hardships for the general public, even in emergency situations. As everyone is aware, medical patients in places like Campbell Bay, Katchal, Kamorta, Car Nicobar, Diglipur, Mayabunder, and Rang

  TMI Correspondent Port Blair, Dec. 20: Param Poojya Swami Abhedananda Saraswati, a serving Acharya of Chinmaya Mission, South Africa, in Durban, is delivering pravachan as part of the Annual Geeta Gyana Yagna from Dec. 18 to 24, 2023, in Port Blair. His vibrant and dynamic personality, along with his oratorical skills in Hindi and English, appeals to people from all walks of life in India and abroad. On December 18, 2023, Shri Devesh Chandra Srivastava (IPS), Director General of Police, A&N Police, inaugurated the auspicious program as the chief guest by lighting the traditional lamp. Shri Devendra Yadav, Director, Airport Authority of India, Port Blair, was the guest of honour and presided over the occasion. The chief guest spoke about the significance of the Bhagavad Gita in his life. Poojya Swami Suddhananda Saraswati of Chinmaya Mission, Port Blair, mentioned, "For the past 22 years, the Annual Geeta Gyana Yagna (Pravachan) has been organized here to educate people

Port Blair, Dec. 13: Members of the Tourist Fibre Boat Association, along with workers and residents of Baratang, expressed heartfelt condolences for the untimely demise of Late G. Rajesh Rao. They organized a solemn candlelight march from Nilambur Jetty to PS Baratang this evening. G. Rajesh Rao, a 29-year-old aspirant of Forest Mazdoor Post under Middle Andaman Forest Division, Rangat, fell during the Physical Endurance Test of a 10 km race on the morning of 09/12/2023. He was subsequently brought to GB Pant Hospital by a medical team through HN-4 road, and on the morning of 10/12/2023, he was declared dead. Members of the Fibre Boat Association expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate incident. In a humble plea, they urged higher authorities to conduct a fair and impartial inquiry. Additionally, they emphasized the necessity of forming a medical board to ensure justice for Late G. Rajesh Rao and his grieving family. The demise of Mr. G. Madhav Rao, a young islander, has spar

Swaraj Dweep, Dec. 13: The Centre and Administration have consistently shown interest in the development of Havelock Island, now known as Swaraj Dweep. Efforts have been made to promote tourism, improve infrastructure, and foster overall development in the region. However, the reality differs as residents of Swaraj Dweep, including hoteliers, tour operators, and others, have been staging dharnas near the jetty area for the past few days. They are demanding better basic facilities on Swaraj Dweep. According to reports, Swaraj Dweep, once considered an island paradise for globetrotters, is grappling with several problems, including frequent power cuts, poor road conditions, inadequate health facilities, and concerns over the Ice Plant for the last couple of months. These issues have reportedly adversely affected the tourism sector of the island. Tourism is at stake due to prolonged power outages, while residents are troubled by poor road conditions and inadequate health facilities.

TMI Correspondent Port Blair, Nov 29: 'Tourism is a journey,' says Mr. M. Krishnamachari, who pioneered tourism operations in the Andaman Islands since 1987 under the name and style 'Sagar Tours & Travels'. During his 36 years devoted service in the tourism sector, he gained valuable experiences not only in Andaman but also from tourism destinations worldwide, within his possible limits. He maintained a distinction of zero complaints from guests in 36 years and recipient of 25 awards and rewards including the one 'pioneer of tourism award by Andaman Chamber of Commerce and Industries presented to him on Oct. 03, 2023 in connection with WTD celebration. Keeping in mind the anticipated demand for professionals for tourism sector, with the support of Trade Wings Institute of Management, Mumbai Mr. Chari has trained approximately 3450 students as the Director of the Islands Institute of Skill Development (IISD) in the fields of Aviation, Travel, Tourism, Hospita

Port Blair, Nov 29: A Central Team comprising of Central Nodal Officer, Shri Vikas Anand, IAS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, GoI and Technical Officer, Smt. Rachna Bhatti, Scientist- 'D', Central Ground Water Board, Ministry of Jal Shakti, GoI are on a three-day  tour to Andaman & Nicobar Islands to review the progress of Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) - Catch the Rain - 2023 Campaign under National Water Mission. Team has earlier inspected progress of various work under JSA during May, 2023 as part of pre monsoon inspection and reviewed the progress of Amrit Sarovar work in North and Middle Andaman. The current visit is part of 2nd stage post monsoon inspection of progress of various work in North & Middle Andaman District to ensure sustainable water supply in the district. JSA-CTR 2023 with the theme 'Source Sustainability for Drinking Water' has been launched to promote water conservation and preservation of water sources through Rainwater Harvesti

Mayabunder, Nov. 29: A case of misappropriation of Government funds amounting to Rs.56,88,395/- at the ANIDCO Wine Shop, Rangat was registered at PS Rangat under relevant sections of the law on 25/10/2023. Two of the accused persons were arrested on the same day and sent to judicial custody after thorough interrogation. However, a widespread search of prime accused namely G. Vinod Kumar, Manager of ANIDCO Wine Shopwas underwayas he was missing from these islands. In response, a dedicated team was immediately formed, and an extensive search of the accused was carried out throughout these islands and mainland as well. Despite the accused's diligent pursuit of anticipatory bail at both the Sessions Court and High Court, the bail was rejected due to the exceptional presentation by the police. On 23.11.23 the accused was trapped in the web of North & Middle Andaman District Police and successfully apprehended while attempting to change his hideout. The accused is currently in po