Hut Bay, Dec. 24: The first ever Bharat Nirman Public Information Campaign in Little Andaman concluded today at Hut Bay.  Addressing the Valedictory function held at Government Model senior secondary school ground at  Hut Bay, the Chairperson of Andaman and Nicobar State Social Welfare Board, Ratna Kannan lauded the initiatives taken by the Press Information Bureau in organizing such a mega information campaign in  the remote island, Little Andaman. 

Complimenting the efforts taken by  various departments to put up their stalls, she said she visited all  the stalls at the venue and was much impressed by the exhibits put up  to educate the people at grass-root level on different welfare schemes  of the government.  She also stressed the need to organize such exhibitions in the remote and far-flung areas for a longer period instead of mere five days.  She is hopeful that such campaigns will be of immense helpful to the people to get the benefits under various welfare programmes meant for them.

Briefing on various welfare programmes being implemented through the Social welfare Board, she called upon the people to approach the Social welfare board to avail the benefits under such programmes.

The Panchayat Samiti Pramuk, Smt Namita Mistry was the guest of honour on the occasion.  Panchayat Samiti Up –Pramuk, Jogga Rao, the Deputy Chief Engineer, ALHW, T N Krishnamurthy, Executive Engineer, U K Singh  and the Tehsildar, Jivraj Kissan, besides Panchayat Pradhans of Hut  Bay and Netahi Nagar participated in the programme.

During the five day long campaign, various contests, Bharat Nirman Marathon, Bicycle races for men and women, awareness rally, rural sports etc. were held to enlighten the people on the Bharat Nirman Progamme.

Later the Chief Guest, Ratna Kannan presented the trophies to the winners of Bharat Nirman Marathon held today, besides the trophies to the winners of Bicycle race in men and women categories a number of prizes to the winners of various inter –school contests in senior secondary, secondary and elementary school levels.  She also presented the mementos to the PRI members, officials of various government departments, Central media units in recognition of their role in making the campaign a success.

Speaking on the occasion, the Nodal officer (PIC), Dhanasekaran informed that the Public information Campaign has been organized in  association with the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and Central Media Units to inform and educate the people at grass root level and thereby empowering them with the required information on the  government programmes and welfare schemes.

The valedictory function concluded with the colourful cultural programmes presented by the school students depicting the themes of national integration and rural development.