Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 15 November 2023
The Hon’ble Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, commenced the nationwide ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ and inaugurated the Pradhan Mantri Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups Development Mission today from the Khunti District in Jharkhand. The launch coincided with the celebrations of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, 2023. The event, streamed live across the nation, was witnessed by the Honb’ble Lt. Governor at a programme organised by Andaman and Nicobar Administration at Community Hall, Campbell Bay.
As part of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands and Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency, Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.) today flagged off Information, Education, and Communication Vans from Campbell Bay. The Lt. Governor also paid floral tributes to the portrait of Bagwan Birsa Munda on the occasion.
The primary focus of the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ lies in creating awareness and extending the benefits of various welfare schemes to the masses. These schemes encompass essentials like sanitation facilities, financial services, electricity connections, LPG cylinders, housing for the underprivileged, food security, healthcare, clean water, and more.
The gathering, attended by dignitaries including the Chief Secretary of A&N Administration, Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS, and the Deputy Commissioner of Nicobars, Ms. Jyoti Kumari, emphasised the significance of public participation in realising the objectives of these welfare programs.
Addressing the audience, the Lt. Governor expressed delight in participating in the Yatra, emphasising its role in creating awareness about government schemes and programs. The Lt. Governor highlighted the Yatra’s commencement on the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, lauding the initiative’s launch from Great Nicobar, a significant tribal-dominated district.
The Lt. Governor outlined the extensive outreach plans, mentioning the Yatra’s expansion to North & Middle Andaman and South Andaman Districts in the coming weeks. He underscored the Island’s development under the guidance of the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Island Development Agency, with substantial investments in infrastructure projects like the International Container Transhipment Terminal and Green-Field Airport.
Additionally, the Lt. Governor lauded the Island’s achievements, including national awards in cleanliness and digital initiatives, as well as efforts toward environmental sustainability through solar energy and eco-friendly transportation.
The Lt. Governor reiterated the commitment to make the Islands ‘Unemployment free-UT’, showcasing efforts in recruitment drives and urged Islanders to actively engage in government welfare schemes for collective progress.
The event witnessed the flagging off of a mobile Demo Van-cum-ATM funded by NABARD, alongside cultural presentations, beneficiary testimonials, and theatrical representations showcasing the impact of various schemes.
The Yatra’s mission involves not only disseminating information but also collecting feedback from the populace, enabling on-the-spot services, health camps, skill enrolments, and agricultural demonstrations, fostering a participatory approach in nation-building.
In conclusion, the Lt. Governor assured continued commitment towards the Islands’ holistic development, aligning with the vision of a developed India under the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
The ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ sets forth on a journey to empower communities, foster development, and strengthen the fabric of the nation through inclusive initiatives and public engagement.