Sri Vijaya Puram, October 9: Fourteen Gram Panchayats in South Andaman have been recognised for achieving TB Mukt status, as the district joined the national launch of JOSH (Joint Squad for Health), a youth-led initiative aimed at strengthening community participation in public health programmes under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
The recognition ceremony and district-level launch were held at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in South Andaman. Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray attended as chief guest, while Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council Chairperson M. Vasantha was the special guest.
The programme included virtual participation in the national launch of the first phase of JOSH, jointly launched by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J. P. Nadda, Union Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth.
JOSH seeks to bring youth volunteers and community stakeholders together to increase health awareness, promote preventive practices and support public health programmes at the grassroots level.
The district programme also focused on community action against tuberculosis, including early identification, timely diagnosis and treatment, nutritional support and wider participation in efforts to achieve a TB-free India.
Among the 14 Panchayats recognised, Collinpur received the Silver Statue of Mahatma Gandhi for consistently achieving TB Mukt status in 2024 and 2025.
Thirteen other Panchayats received the Bronze Statue of Mahatma Gandhi after achieving TB Mukt status in the bronze category for the first time in 2025. They are Beodnabad, Stewartgunj, Chouldari, Tushnabad, Mithakhari, Wimberlygunj, Ferrargunj, Guptapara, Bambooflat-II, Shoal Bay, Netaji Nagar, Vivekanandapur and Rabindra Nagar.
AThe awards recognised local efforts in mobilising communities, raising awareness about tuberculosis, supporting screening and treatment, and encouraging participation in TB elimination activities.
The programme was attended by Additional District Magistrate Priyanka Kumari; Joint Secretary (National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme) P. Lal; Assistant Commissioner (Headquarters) and TB Mukt Bharat officer Joseph; District Youth Officer Deepak Kumar; Pradhans of TB Mukt Panchayats; urban ward councillors; MY Bharat volunteers; and officials and staff of the District Health Society, South Andaman.
The launch brought together the District Administration, health officials, Panchayati Raj institutions, urban local bodies and youth volunteers, with an emphasis on public participation in health programmes and community-level action towards a TB-free South Andaman.
