Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 14 January 2025
Mr. Abhay Kumar, the President of the NGO – Living on the Edge (LOTE), recently met with the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration to discuss pressing administrative issues aimed at enhancing education, healthcare, and public welfare across the islands. During the meeting, Mr. Kumar presented a detailed letter highlighting several proposals and requests for review.
– Proposed Collaboration to Improve Education:
Mr. Kumar suggested utilizing under-used government school buildings for collaboration with Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV) Schools. This initiative could enhance education by bringing VKV’s reputed programs to more remote areas, ensuring optimal use of resources.
– Strengthening Air Connectivity:
Highlighting the importance of connectivity, Mr. Kumar urged the administration to operationalize the airports at Shibpur, Car Nicobar, and Campbell Bay for civilian use. He also proposed the establishment of an administration-owned air fleet with 150+ passenger aircraft and smaller 50-seater planes to improve inter-island and mainland travel.
– Air Ambulance Services:
To address healthcare challenges in remote regions, Mr. Kumar advocated for a reliable air ambulance service to ensure timely medical evacuations for critically ill patients. This, he emphasized, could be a lifesaving initiative for the geographically isolated islands.
– Educational and Lifestyle Improvements:
Several suggestions were made to enhance the educational experience and community welfare:
– Reintroducing Gardening Classes: Mr. Kumar proposed reviving gardening classes in schools to promote environmental awareness and practical life skills among students.
– Revising Summer Vacations: He suggested splitting the summer vacation into two parts—June and December—considering the unique climatic conditions of the islands.
– Simplification of Administrative Processes:
Addressing public grievances, Mr. Kumar recommended streamlining the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NoC) for property sales and Non-Incumbency Certificates by the Tehsildar to reduce delays and improve administrative efficiency.
– Ensuring Stable Power Supply:
Recognizing the power crisis in South Andaman, Mr. Kumar called for uninterrupted 65 MW power supply to ensure uninterrupted services, particularly during board examinations. He also suggested exploring tidal, wind, and solar energy sources to enhance energy reliability.
– Water Scarcity Solutions:
To combat water shortages, Mr. Kumar proposed the establishment of seawater desalination plants using energy-efficient technologies. These plants, he noted, could alleviate water scarcity during peak tourist seasons and contribute to sustainable development.
– Pharmacist Recruitment at ANIIMS:
Mr. Kumar expressed concerns over the shortage of pharmacists at ANIIMS, with only two positions filled out of the 32 sanctioned posts. He requested urgent recruitment to address this gap in healthcare services.