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Expedite infrastructural projects, Rajnath orders at IDA meet
New Delhi, April 24 (IANS) Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh ordered the expeditious implementation of key infrastructure projects in Lakshadweep, and the Andaman and Nicobar islands to ensure maximum benefits to the local populace.
The Minister’s order came during the third meeting of Island Development Agency (IDA) at his North Block office here.
The Home Minister was particularly focussed on improving air, road and web connectivity, providing good quality drinking water and power supply to residents of the islands, a Home Ministry statement said.
He reviewed concept development plans and detailed master plans for holistic development of nine islands, four in Andaman and Nicobar (Smith, Ross, Long and Avis) and five in Lakshadweep (Minicoy, Bangaram, Thinnakara, Cheriyam and Suheli).
The Minister was told that final site suitability reports have been prepared, carrying capacity determined and environmental zoning carried out to ensure sustainable development for these Islands.
Additional islands, 12 in Andaman and Nicobar (North Passage, Cinque, Inglis, Viper, Neil, Ramnagar Beach, Karmatang Beach, Dhaninallah Beach, Kalipur Beach, Rutland, North Bay and Great Nicobar-B Quarry) and five in Lakshadweep (Kalpeni, Kadmat, Agatti, Chetlat and Bitra) have been identified by NITI Aayog in consultation with the Union Territory administrations for planning of suitable projects aimed at creation of more jobs for the Islanders.
“Community-based tourism would be promoted benefiting the Islanders,” the statement said.
The meeting was told that key projects such as creation of jetties, roll-on and roll-off ships, bridges on Andaman trunk road, upgradation of Diglipur Airport, construction of Minicoy Airport, modernization of existing jetty at Kavarati, augmentation of satellite bandwidth from 1.118 Gbps to 2.118 Gbps in Andaman and Nicobar, augmentation of helicopter services for Islanders and tourists are being accorded priority
With better communication services, Information Technology based and other Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises would be promoted in the islands, Rajnath was told.
The Minister got to know that 18 projects, both in Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep, have been identified for implementation, out of which seven projects are ready for launch.
“Three such projects in Andaman and Nicobar (one each in Long, Smith and Ayes Island) and three in Lakshadweep (one each in Suheli, Minicoy and Kadamat) are ready to be launched.
“After implementation of these projects, investment of about Rs 650 crore is expected from the private sector. Preference would be given to the local people for employment,” the statement said citing the findings of the meeting.
The meeting participants were told that an investors’ conference would be held in May 2018.
Rajnath Singh expressed satisfaction at the progress made since its last meeting held on November 8, 2017 when directions were given to identify additional Islands for sustainable development and also accord priority to key infrastructure projects.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.