Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 18: Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dinesh Sharma, in his first message to the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands after assuming office, has outlined a development vision centred on affordable air connectivity, improved shipping, high-level healthcare, better roads and bridges, stronger opportunities for fishermen and expanded educational facilities.
Addressing islanders, Sharma emphasised an inclusive approach to development, saying caste, religion and region should not create divisions among the people.
“There is no caste, no religion and no region. Everyone, with a sense of equality and togetherness, is working towards the all-round development of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed hope that the islands would become more developed while retaining their character and beauty, and called for the collective effort and support of the people.
Among the key issues highlighted by him was the need for affordable air travel. Sharma said he hoped that within the next few years, flights with lower fares would be available to the islands. He also spoke of the need to strengthen the shipping system, an important component of connectivity for the geographically dispersed islands.
He also identified the fisheries sector as an area requiring attention, saying better opportunities and facilities should be made available to fishermen.
Healthcare emerged as another major priority in his message. Sharma said the islands should have access to high-level medical facilities, including treatment for heart-related illnesses and mental health conditions.
“We want and resolve that all necessary facilities should be made available here as soon as possible,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also spoke about physical infrastructure, particularly roads and bridges. He said construction and improvement of roads should be accompanied by the development of bridges and other supporting infrastructure.
Calling for confidence in public institutions, Sharma said people should be able to trust elected representatives, administrators and officers to carry out development work honestly.
“We must be able to place our trust in our elected representatives, the administration and our officers, with the confidence that whatever work they undertake will be carried out honestly,” he said.
Sharma described the creation of a “constructive Andaman and Nicobar” as one of the biggest resolutions of the occasion. His remarks indicated an emphasis on bringing different areas of development together rather than addressing individual sectors in isolation.
Education also featured prominently in his vision. The Lieutenant Governor called for better educational opportunities for children and suggested that higher and professional courses should be expanded in the islands.
“I was saying that if there is a BBA, why should there not be an MBA?” he said, stressing the need for greater access to higher education within the islands.
The message also carried an appeal for collective confidence and effort. Quoting the familiar line, “We will succeed, and we will succeed one day,” Sharma said a time would come when islanders could proudly identify themselves as residents of the Andaman Islands.
The message comes shortly after Sharma assumed office as the 14th Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on September 15. His initial remarks have placed connectivity, healthcare, fisheries, infrastructure and education among the areas he intends to pursue during his tenure.
With the Lieutenant Governor indicating that he would approach Union ministries and concerned departments to seek support for island-specific requirements, his message also points towards a proactive engagement with the Centre on issues affecting everyday life and long-term development in the archipelago.
