The Annual Plan for Andaman & Nicobar Island for the
year 2006-07 was finalized, here yesterday evening, at
a meeting between Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission
Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Lt. Governor of A & N
Island Lt. Gen. (Retd.) M.M. Lakhera. The Plan size
was agreed at Rs.1120 crores. In addition, Rs.235
crores will be available to the Union Territory under
Rajiv Gandhi Rehabilitation Package.
Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Shri Montek
Singh Ahluwalia said that the relief and
rehabilitation programme for the Island after Tsunami
went well but the progress was not equally satisfying
in the reconstruction programme. He said there is need
to review the progress and remove critical problems
being faced in the reconstruction programme. Shri
Ahluwalia said that the Prime Minister has directed
Planning Commission to ensure that reconstruction of
the Islands is a model development effort. The Union
Territory Administration was asked to introduce
quarterly review of development programmes to ensure
timely removal of impediments.
He said the Planning Commission would give its
assessment on the progress of reconstruction programme
and problems needing immediate attention to the Prime
Minister and directed Member-Secretary, Planning
Commission, Shri Rajeeva Ratna Shah to take a meeting
of all Central Ministries involved in the
reconstruction programme to review the progress and
remove critical bottlenecks. Issues related to
telecommunication, air link, health facilities,
environmental clearance problem, tourism, drinking
water and identification of land for agriculture and
habitation would be taken up at the meeting.
Attention was drawn to adverse female sex ratio, high
drop out rates and gender differential in employment.
It was pointed out that the Human Development Report,
which is under preparation at present, would help in
evolving a long-term strategy for harmonious
development.
Briefing the Commission on post Tsunami efforts, Lt.
Gen. (Retd.) M.M. Lakhera said 207 relief camps have
been set up and nearly 46,000 people are living in
these camps. 9565 intermediate shelters have been
completed and Rs.120 crores distributed in
relief-exgratia. One daily-wage job per family for one
year is being assured. Schools have been reestablished
in temporary structures and reconstruction of 54
schools is underway. He said there is urgent need to
bridge the gap in drinking water availability and
improving telecommunication facility. The UT
Administration should have more say in the
implementation of plans and projects under
reconstruction programme.
He said assessment on permanent shelters has been
finalized. There is need for 9714 houses. Of them,
6924 will have to be built in Nicobars districts and
279 in Andamans districts. All houses would be
constructed by December 2007.
NNK : RK
(Release ID :16630)