Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 11 March 2023
Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS, Chief Secretary, Andaman and Nicobar Islands on 10th March 2023, visited Strait Island, an abode of Great Andamanese PVTGs. On arrival at Strait Island Jetty, he was accorded a warm welcome by Rani Surmae, Chief of Great Andamanese. A guard of honour was also presented by the Police contingent. The Chief Secretary was also given a traditional welcome by the tribes present at Strait Island.
He also visited the old settlement as well as new settlement homes of Great Andamanese. On the demand of the tribes, the Chief Secretary directed the APWD to take up basic repair of the houses without dismantling the original structure and replace the roof to prevent leakages. The renovation have to be carried out in such a way that the houses of the tribes should look elegant and vibrant, Chief Secretary said. He directed the APWD and AAJVS to optimally utilize the existing infrastructure created for the Great Andamanese in Strait Island.
The Chief Secretary also attended a function wherein he distributed Participation Certificates to the participants of a short term training course on handicraft making. He also handed over tool kits provided by AAJVS to enable them to carry on handicraft making activities. The training programme was conducted by the Industries Department at Strait Island from 8th February to 18th February in which 15 persons belonging to Andamanese PVTGs participated.
The Chief Secretary also handed over a Laptop provided by AAJVS to Great Andamanese girl Ms. Techa, a first year student of ANIIMS. He also inspected the Sub Center and enquired about general health issues faced by the tribes.
The ANM, Ms. Sharda Devi informed the Chief Secretary about the functioning of the Sub Centre and availability of medicines. While inspecting the Sub Centre, the Chief Secretary directed APWD to carry out necessary repair works of the Sub Centre.