Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 23 November 2023
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development & Panchayati Raj is set to commence a comprehensive 3-day visit to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, commencing today, November 23rd. The Committee aims to delve into the region’s rural development initiatives and engage with local stakeholders.
Upon arrival, the Committee will swiftly proceed to Swaraj Dweep, where they are scheduled to engage in interactive sessions with members of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI), Self Help Groups, and beneficiaries associated with diverse schemes under the Ministry of Rural Development.
The agenda for November 24th outlines a field visit across Swaraj Dweep, focusing on evaluating the effective implementation of various programs and schemes administered by the Ministry of Rural Development and Ministry of Panchayati Raj. This will involve on-site discussions with pertinent officials and beneficiaries, seeking firsthand insights and assessments.
November 25th marks an important day for the Committee’s exploration as they plan to conduct informal discussions with officials from different departments of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration. Additionally, they will engage with the State Bank of India, acting as the SLBC Convener, to deliberate on the implementation status of various programs championed by the Ministries of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.
In the afternoon session, the Committee is slated to visit the historic National Memorial Cellular Jail and Flag Point, culminating in witnessing the revered Light & Sound Show at Cellular Jail—an endeavour aimed at acquainting themselves with the region’s historical significance.
As the visit draws to a close, the Committee is scheduled to depart for the mainland on November 26th, 2023.
This comprehensive visit underscores the Committee’s commitment to assessing and understanding the ground-level execution of rural development initiatives in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, ensuring a holistic perspective in shaping future policies for the region’s sustainable growth and progress.