Port Blair, Oct. 3: The Hon’ble Lt Governor, Lt General (Retd) A.K. Singh, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, yesterday paid a visit to the newly setup Andaman Nicobar Tribal Research and Training Institute (ANTRI) housed in a renovated old heritage building at H97, Main Road Haddo. The ANTRI commenced operations on 2nd October 2013, keeping to their commitment which was announced by the Hon’ble Lt Governor in his Independence Day speech on 15th August 2013. The formal inauguration is expected by the President of India during his proposed visit to the Islands during January 2014.
On the occasion the members of indigenous tribal communities and representatives of tribal Councils of Nicobar District welcomed the Lt Governor on his arrival at the Institute. Shri B. P. Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Chief Secretary, Shri Anand Prakash, senior officers of the Administration were present on the occasion.
A presentation on the aims and objectives of ANTRI was made before the Lt Governor by Prof. Vishvajit Pandya, Member, Research Advisory Board. The Lt Governor interacted with the newly recruited Research staff of ANTRI and AAJVS and members of Research Advisory Board, ANTRI.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor described the commencement of functioning of ANTRI as a step towards developing research driven policy for the Administration towards the indigenous communities. He visualized that in the days to come ANTRI would become one of the most prestigious Tribal Research Institute in the world. He reiterated the Administration’s commitment to carry out the overall development of the Islands keeping the ecological and tribal concerns to the fore. He also reiterated that we are fully responsible and accountable to ensure the well being of our tribal population. This is a solemn commitment.
The Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Shri B. P. Ray also spoke on the occasion and highlighted various issues.
The Chief Secretary, Shri Anand Prakash complimented the Tribal Welfare Department and AAJVS for the momentous step to make the ANTRI functional. He requested the Research Advisory Board to guide ANTRI to charter its course in meeting its objectives. The Chief Engineer and the officers of APWD were appreciated for the timely completion of the renovation work of the heritage building of ANTRI. Secretary (Tribal Welfare) Shri G. Theva Neethi Dhas proposed a vote of thanks.