Mayabunder, June 22: A comprehensive three-day meeting of the District Planning Committee for North and Middle Andaman concluded with key inputs and strategic proposals for the 2025-26 Annual Action Plan. Held at the Zilla Parishad Conference Hall from June 17 to 19, the meeting aimed at integrating the district’s development goals with state and national planning frameworks through coordinated deliberations among elected representatives and administrative heads.
The meeting was chaired by Shribas Ch. Das, Adhyaksh of the Zilla Parishad, and attended by Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray, Deputy Commissioner Nandini Maharaj, and senior officials from a broad range of departments. These included Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Education, Transport, Civil Aviation, Tourism, Social Welfare, Public Works, and others. Each department was tasked with presenting updates, challenges, and forward-looking strategies pertaining to their sectors.
The discussions were structured around refining the seven-year strategy document for the district and finalizing immediate priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. Multiple key issues were discussed, including gaps in infrastructure, resource utilization, and delivery of welfare schemes. Specific attention was paid to cross-departmental integration and convergence of schemes to maximize impact.
Representatives deliberated on the need to streamline project implementation, ensure timely fund allocation, and address logistical bottlenecks. The deliberations were aimed at developing an action plan that is both realistic and aligned with ground realities. Department heads shared insights into program performance and implementation roadmaps, while the DPC members suggested actionable measures and modifications to existing proposals.
The importance of feedback from local communities and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) was emphasized, ensuring that the final plan reflects on-ground needs and aspirations. The inclusion of representatives from various planning implementing bodies was seen as a critical step towards a more integrated and decentralized planning approach.
The meeting also served as a review mechanism, assessing the progress made under previous plans and identifying areas needing urgent attention. After three days of discussions and plan revisions, the meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Ashish Joon, CEO of Zilla Parishad and Ex-officio Secretary, DPC. He appreciated the collaborative spirit of the meeting and expressed confidence in the timely execution of the 2025-26 Annual Action Plan.
With the plan set to be finalized based on these deliberations, the district administration aims to present a development roadmap that is both strategic and inclusive, reinforcing North and Middle Andaman’s long-term vision.
