Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 04 January 2025
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Mr. Amit Shah, chaired the 7th meeting of the Island Development Agency (IDA) in New Delhi on 3rd January 2025, emphasizing accelerated development and sustainable growth in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including Admiral (Retd.) D. K. Joshi, Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Praful Patel, Administrator of Lakshadweep, Union Home Secretary Mr. Govind Mohan, secretaries from various Union ministries, and other senior officials.
During the session, Mr. Shah reviewed progress on critical development initiatives across the island territories. Presentations from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, and the Lakshadweep Administration highlighted projects in digital connectivity, air connectivity, and port development.
A significant focus was placed on renewable energy, with the Union Minister urging efforts to achieve 100% renewable energy generation in both island groups. Mr. Shah directed the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to implement the ‘PM Surya Ghar’ scheme, aiming to install solar panels in all households in both Union Territories. He emphasised leveraging solar and wind energy to reduce dependence on conventional power sources.
Even though these islands are far from Delhi, they are close to our hearts, Mr. Shah said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and boosting tourism facilities. He added that the Modi government is preserving the islands’ rich cultural heritage while fast-tracking development projects.
The minister called for a holistic approach to infrastructure projects, urging collaboration between central ministries to advance initiatives in tourism, trade, and other vital sectors. Mr. Shah also issued directives to resolve pending issues and expedite ongoing projects to ensure timely completion.
The government’s push for renewable energy and infrastructure development is expected to bolster economic growth, attract tourism, and improve the quality of life for residents in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. (Based on a PR by PIB)