Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 09 March 2024
On the 8th of March 2024, Mr. Keshav Chandra, the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, embarked on a significant visit to the Onge Settlement at Dungong Creek in Little Andaman. His visit was marked by the inauguration of a Medical Sub-Centre and the unveiling of six newly constructed houses for the Onge Tribes.
The Chief Secretary was joined by esteemed dignitaries including Mr. Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, the Director-General of Police for A&N Islands, Mr. Satyendra Singh Dursawat, IAS, the Secretary of Tribal Welfare, Mr. Harminder Singh, Director of Tribal Welfare, officials of the Administration, and the Onge Chief, Mr. Totoko, also known as Vicky, along with members of the Onge Tribes.
During the ceremony, Mr. Keshav Chandra addressed the gathering in the Onge language, eliciting jubilation from the Onge population. He reiterated the commitment of the Government of India and the A&N Administration towards the welfare of the Onge tribes. Highlighting recent initiatives, he mentioned the launch of various welfare schemes under the PM JANMAN mission, aimed at providing essential amenities such as housing, electricity, roads, drinking water, connectivity, and healthcare facilities to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like the Onge tribes.
Expressing his delight, the Chief Secretary emphasized the significance of the occasion, stating that the provision of accommodation facilities through the construction of six new houses marked a milestone in the development process. He commended the expertly designed houses, developed in consultation with the Onge Tribe. Additionally, he noted the functionality of the newly constructed Medical Sub-Centre, which will cater to the healthcare needs of the Onge tribes. The distribution of free LPG cylinders under the Ujjwala scheme to Onge women was also highlighted as a measure to improve their standard of living.
Looking towards the future, Mr. Keshav Chandra affirmed the continued commitment of the A&N Administration towards the overall development of the Tribal Community, citing the ongoing efforts under the PM JANMAN mission.
The ceremony witnessed the unveiling of a plaque and ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Chief Secretary, followed by the symbolic handing over of keys to the occupants of the new houses. He inspected the facilities and interacted with members of the Onge tribes, as well as the medical staff present at the Sub-Centre.
In his welcome address, Onge Chief Mr. Totoko alias Vicky expressed gratitude towards the UT Administration for addressing the long-standing demands of housing and healthcare facilities for the Onge tribal community. He thanked the Chief Secretary for his visit and for inaugurating the much-needed facilities.