Reporte – JOHN WILBERT , Port Blair, Andaman Nicobar , July 3, 2024::
Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, recently met with Nirmala Sitharaman, the Hon’ble Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, at the Parliament House in Delhi. During the meeting, Ray submitted a formal letter outlining the grievances and developmental needs of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, requesting financial assistance to address various critical sectors.
Ray highlighted the following key issues:
1. Power Shortage: The acute power shortage in the islands hinders economic development and the welfare of the residents.
2. Blue Economy: The potential for fisheries, aquaculture, and seaweed farming remains untapped due to the lack of modern infrastructure.
3. Tourism Infrastructure: Despite being a major tourist destination, the islands lack the necessary infrastructure and facilities to attract a higher number of tourists.
4. Tribal Welfare: The islands are home to some of the most primitive tribes in the world, who require special care through various development programs.
5. Strategic Importance: The islands play a crucial role in India’s Act-East Policy and its strategic cooperation with East Asian countries. Given their location, there is a need for holistic development to strengthen India’s ties with the Indo-Pacific region.
Ray proposed the following developmental activities to be prioritized:
1. Nuclear Power Plants: A 200 MW nuclear power plant under the Department of Atomic Energy.
2. Educational Institutes: Establishment of AIIMS, IIT, and NIT/IISER under the Department of Higher Education.
3. Skill Development: Setting up central institutes like NSTI/NSTI(W), a Skill Development University, and initiatives like Skill Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
4. Cultural Development: Implementation of the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASAD Scheme), and the establishment of Food Craft Institutes (FCI) and Institutes of Hotel Management (IHM) under the Ministry of Culture.
5. Water Conservation: Initiatives for water conservation and rainwater harvesting, and ensuring water supply sources (Air Water Generator) for every household under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
6. Tribal Welfare: Development of Tribal Model Villages (Aadarsh Gram) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Ray requested the inclusion of the necessary funds for these projects in the 2024-25 budget. He also urged the deputation of a team of officers to visit the islands and expedite the implementation of these projects.
