The Mini India

TMI Bureau Port Blair, Aug 14: Since gaining independence in 1947, India has undergone remarkable transformations, but the journey toward complete freedom remains ongoing for its people. Economic inequality is a major challenge, with significant portions of the population still living in poverty despite India's economic growth. The wealth gap has widened, and there is a need for more inclusive development to ensure that prosperity reaches all levels of society. Corruption continues to plague public institutions, eroding trust in governance and slowing down progress. Despite various anti-corruption measures, it remains a systemic issue that affects the delivery of public services and the equitable distribution of resources. Social injustice, particularly caste-based discrimination, gender inequality, and religious intolerance, also persists. These deep-rooted issues continue to divide communities and hinder social harmony, preventing true social equity. Environmental degradati...

TMI Correspondent Port Blair, Aug. 14: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a chain of over 500 islands located in the Bay of Bengal, hold immense strategic importance for India. Positioned at the juncture of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, these islands are critical for India's maritime security and its influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The islands are situated close to the Malacca Strait, one of the busiest maritime trade routes globally, making them a strategic outpost for monitoring and safeguarding maritime traffic. The islands also serve as a crucial base for the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force, enhancing India's ability to project power in the region and respond to any threats. However, the very qualities that make the Andaman and Nicobar Islands strategically significant also make them vulnerable to security threats. The islands' remote location and the vastness of the surrounding sea make it challenging to secure the entire territory against unautho...

  TMI Correspondent While the Andaman and Nicobar Police are often seen issuing challans and collecting fines from traffic violators, there appears to be a lack of effective education and deterrence for young drivers. The recent incident involving Smti. Leela, a Home Guard posted under PS Chatham, highlights this issue tragically. On July 31, 2024, while on duty at Seashore Road, Haddo, Smti. Leela attempted to stop a moped driven by minors. The juveniles initially ignored her attempt to halt them. When they later returned, she made another effort to stop them. However, instead of complying, the juveniles deliberately struck Smti. Leela with their moped. The impact caused her to fall to the ground. She was immediately rushed to GB Pant Hospital, where she was admitted to the ICU due to the severity of her injuries. Despite the medical team's efforts, Smti. Leela succumbed to her injuries on August 6, 2024. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated wi...

Port Blair, Aug. 07: Residents of Delanipur have raised serious concerns regarding the conduct of a pharmacist attached to the Urban Health Center (UHC) in Delanipur, Port Blair. According to complaints, the pharmacist has been neglecting their duties and displaying inappropriate behavior towards patients. Recently, it was reported that a patient visiting the UHC encountered rude and unprofessional behavior from the pharmacist. The pharmacist allegedly acted arrogantly and failed to respond to the patient's needs properly, giving the impression that the medications were being provided at the pharmacist's personal expense. There have also been complaints that the pharmacist has refused to dispense essential medications, such as insulin, despite doctors' prescriptions. Moreover, it has been observed that the pharmacist often delegates the task of distributing medicines to a ward attendant, rather than performing this duty personally. This ward attendant is reportedly know...

TMI Bureau Port Blair, July 31: Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, has raised several concerns regarding the alleged irresponsible approach of Lieutenant Governor Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi towards the development, maintenance, and repair of shipping ports in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Ray highlighted the non-existence of proper tug boats and cranes at wharfs as a significant issue. Furthermore, many areas in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands continue to face electricity and water supply crises, which Ray claims are being neglected by the Lieutenant Governor. Of the 2024-25 budget allocation of approximately Rs.5866 crores sanctioned by the Government of India for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Rs.5399 crores are reportedly planned to be spent on salaries, leaving only Rs.467 crores for overall infrastructure development. This includes roads, footpaths, and expenses for various departments such as health, fisheries, and agriculture. Ray suggests that this long-stan...