Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 16 July 2025
In a landmark development for fire safety training in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lt. Governor of A&N Islands and Vice-Chairman of the Islands Development Agency, inaugurated the first batch of the Sub Officer Training Course at the State Training Centre (STC), Sri Vijaya Puram,on 15th July 2025.
The training centre recently earned official recognition from the National Fire Service College (NFSC), Nagpur—making it the 11th NFSC-recognized institution in the country. This accreditation marks a significant achievement for the Union Territory, enhancing its capabilities in professional fire service training and disaster preparedness.
Speaking at the event, the Hon’ble Lt. Governor commended the A&N Fire and Emergency Services for their dedication to excellence and preparedness. He highlighted that NFSC recognition reflects the department’s rising stature and its growing contribution to strengthening national fire safety standards.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by the presence of Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration; Mr. Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, IPS, Director General of Police, A&N Police; and other distinguished dignitaries.
Delivering the welcome address, Mr. Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal praised the department’s persistent efforts to raise the bar in fire safety training, stating that the new milestone will significantly enhance its profile at the national level.
The 54th External Sub Officer Course of the NFSC, now underway at the centre, is a rigorous 25-week residential training programme with an industrial attachment component. The course is designed to equip fire service personnel with advanced operational skills and leadership training to take on the crucial responsibilities of Station Officers.
The first batch includes 30 fire service officials from six organizations across India: Gujarat Fire Service, Bihar Fire Services, Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, Heavy Water Plant (Kota), and Heavy Water Board Facilities (Vadodara) under the Department of Atomic Energy.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Sindhu Pillai A, IPS, Inspector General of Police (Fire), who expressed gratitude to the chief guest, dignitaries, and participants for their support and encouragement. She also extended special appreciation to INS Utkrosh for its vital role in facilitating the centre’s recognition by NFSC. (Story Based on PR)
