Sri Vijaya Puram, Sep 17: Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dinesh Sharma on this morning called for collective efforts towards the development of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, stressing that caste, region, community and religion should not become barriers to governance, with “nationalism” as the common guiding principle.
Addressing a cleanliness programme, Sharma said the administration would work with the cooperation of officers, employees and citizens to take forward development initiatives in the islands.
“We will work together. With me, there will be no boundary of caste, no boundary of region, and no boundary of community or religion. We have only one religion, that is patriotism towards the nation,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said he had already held meetings on various works and undertaken a review of individual departments. He said the exercise had also helped identify shortcomings that needed to be addressed.
Sharma indicated that he would personally approach different ministries and departments to seek support for improving facilities in the islands. Referring to healthcare, he said he would approach the Union Health Ministry for better equipment and to ensure that necessary medical facilities were available locally in hospitals.
He also spoke about improving passenger facilities and connectivity within the islands, saying he would approach the concerned authorities wherever necessary to facilitate movement of people.
Highlighting the concerns of the fishing community, Sharma said he would approach the Fisheries Department to explore ways of strengthening commercial opportunities for fishermen and improving facilities associated with their work.
He said the development agenda would involve bringing together efforts across different sectors and departments rather than treating individual issues in isolation.
The Lieutenant Governor also linked development with cleanliness, calling for cleanliness not only of cities but also of the mind and thoughts.
“Cleanliness of our cities, cleanliness of our minds and cleanliness of our thoughts,” he said, while urging people to avoid hatred, misbehaviour, propaganda and unethical discourse.
Sharma called for constructive public discussion and comprehensive development carried out at a faster pace. He said the administration’s doors should remain open for discussion with people and urged citizens and intellectuals to stay away from negative discussions.
He also indicated that he would regularly travel to meet Union ministers and pursue issues concerning the islands at the central level.
“I am not someone who will run away; I am someone who will bow down and work,” Sharma said, underlining his stated approach of personally pursuing matters concerning the islands.
The Lieutenant Governor also expressed his gratitude for the welcome he received in the islands and said he was deeply moved to be on the “sacred land” of the Andaman Islands.
His remarks came amid his first days in office as the new Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with the administration undertaking reviews of departments and identifying areas requiring attention.
