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Benefits of MGNREGA scheme should percolate down to the needy and poor: Lt. Governor
Port Blair, Sept. 23: The 6th meeting of A&N Employment Guarantee Council of MGNREGA was held under the Chairmanship of the Lt Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) A K Singh, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, in the conference hall of Raj Niwas here today. Besides, reviewing the action taken report of the last meeting, new agenda points and important issues pertaining to effective implementation of the scheme in the Islands were discussed in detail.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor expressed satisfaction that MGNREGA, is being successfully implemented in the Islands. He observed that the benefit of the scheme, which ensures at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment to every rural household, must percolate down to the needy and poor. Directions were issued to the Deputy Commissioners of the three Districts to ensure that no individual applying for employment under MGNREGA should be denied the opportunity to work for 100 days. The Lt Governor further directed that besides the annual meeting under the Chairmanship of the Lt Governor, meetings should also be conducted once every six months at the level of the Deputy Commissioners with participation from Panchayat representatives and Tribal Council so that issues regarding implementation of the scheme can be sorted out. He also called upon the PRI members to come up with suggestions for inclusion of new community works under the scheme. The Lt Governor laid emphasis on the need for close coordination between the PRIs, District Administration and MGNREGA functionaries for effective implementation of the scheme across the Islands.
Chief Secretary, Shri Anand Prakash, Zilla Parishad Adhyakshas of South Andaman and N&M Andaman, Chairperson, Tribal Councils, senior officers of the Administration and representatives of Local Self-Government were also present in the meeting.
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Port Blair, Sept. 21: The Lt Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) A. K. Singh, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, today visited the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), Garacharma. He planted a sapling in the precincts of the complex and visited the Library to see the books and the exhibits there. Chief Secretary, Shri Anand Prakash, Secretary to LG, Secretary (Agri./Fisheries &AH) and officers of these Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Departments were also present.
A presentation on various activities carried out by CARI was made to the Hon’ble Lt Governor by the Director, CARI, Dr. S. Dam Roy. While complimenting CARI for taking up various research activities, he observed that the benefits of the research taken up by CARI should reach out to the farmers and fishermen. He also advised CARI to include processing and marketing in its activities. He further issued directions for conducting regular interaction between CARI and the Administration by holding meetings on quarterly, half yearly and annual basis under the Chairmanships of Secretary (Agri/Fisheries & AH), Chief Secretary and the Lt Governor respectively. He suggested that CARI should conduct an audit of the research activities to assess their effectiveness. He further suggested that CARI should shift its focus from the usage of chemical fertilizers pesticides to organic farming and if required, organize exposure trips for farmers. On the fisheries front, the Lt Governor stated that the major thrust of CARI should be towards exploiting the huge potential for the fisheries development in view of the vast marine resources available in the Territorial waters of the Islands. He laid emphasis on exploring the possibilities of creating canning and marketing facilities.
Thereafter, the Lt Governor visited the Poly House & Integrated Farming System model at the Garacharma Research Complex. Later, the Lt Governor visited World Coconut Germplasm Collection (WCGC) Farm at Sippighat Farm.
On the way, the Lt Governor stopped by the roadside at Bathubasti to listen to the grievances of the people about the poor road conditions. He gave necessary directions to the Panchayat Samiti to complete the work by 1st of November 2013 and include another stretch of new road in the next year’s plan.
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Port Blair, Sept. 20: The Lt Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) A. K. Singh, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, reviewed the functioning of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Departments yesterday. Chief Secretary, Shri Anand Prakash, Secretary (Fisheries/ AH & VS/Agri.), Secretary to LG and officers of these Departments were present.
Presentations were made to Hon’ble Lt Governor on the activities of the Departments. Directions were issued that steps are to be taken to increase the fish production from the Territorial Waters of Andaman and Nicobar Islands from 37% to 75% in the next five years. Appropriate subsidy schemes need to be worked out to empower the local fishermen to exploit the resources in the Territorial Waters by introducing intermediary fishing crafts in a phased manner. Directions were issued to Secretary (Fisheries) to work on an action plan on priority basis to develop skilled manpower so as to meet the specialized requirement in the fisheries sector. The Lt Governor further directed that a plan be prepared for the revival of M/s Andaman Fisheries Limited, a subsidiary of M/s ANIIDCO. Besides, setting of Modern Fish Markets in the Islands is also to be taken with assistance of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB). The Chief Secretary and Secretary (Fisheries) were asked to follow up on the proposal for establishing two Oceanariums, at Port Blair and Havelock. He also directed that the A&N Administration should explore the possibilities of having joint ventures for exploiting the Tuna fish potential including setting up of canning and marketing facilities.
On the Animal Husbandry sector, the Secretary (Animal Husbandry) apprised the Lt Governor about status of the departmental institutions and mobile veterinary dispensaries in different Islands besides the main activities of the department. The Lt Governor issued directions to Secretary and Director (AH&VS) as well to take up necessary steps to expedite the project of processing and transportation of milk from North & Middle Andaman to Port Blair.
On the Agriculture front, the Lt Governor issued directions for working on an action plan for reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and to enhance assistance for promotion of organic cultivation. Directions were issued to promote and publicize adoption of organic farming on a wider scale and provide assured market for the organic produce of the farmers. Incentives are to be prepared for the farmers to adopt organic cultivation. The Lt Governor issued directions to the Department to take up the issue of diversion of agricultural land with the concerned authorities so as to ensure that land is utilized for cultivation, failing which the concerned authorities should resume the land lying vacant as per legal provisions. He further instructed to the Agriculture Department to plan for self sufficiency in vegetable and tropical fruits production and target for export of surplus production.