Sri Vijaya Puram, May 12: The newly elected Adhyaksh of Zilla Parishad South Andaman, P. Ummer, and Up-Adhyaksh Asha Manja Halder formally met Chief Secretary Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar on Sunday to discuss developmental issues and ongoing works related to South Andaman district.
Former Adhyaksh Prakash Adhikari was also present during the meeting.
According to officials, various developmental matters concerning the functioning of the Zilla Parishad and implementation of ongoing projects and welfare schemes in South Andaman were discussed in detail during the interaction.
The Chief Secretary reportedly assured full support and cooperation from the Andaman and Nicobar Administration for speedy execution of developmental works and effective implementation of welfare initiatives in the district.
Officials stated that the meeting focused on strengthening coordination between the district-level rural local body and the Administration to ensure smooth implementation of development programmes across Panchayat areas.
The newly elected Zilla Parishad leadership assumed office following elections held earlier this month for the final-year tenure of the present Zilla Parishad body for the 2022-2027 term.
P. Ummer, representing the Mannarghat Constituency and affiliated with the Indian National Congress, was elected as the new Adhyaksh of Zilla Parishad South Andaman.
Asha Manja Halder, representing the Little Andaman Constituency and associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party, was elected as the new Up-Adhyaksh.
The election process was conducted during a special meeting of all elected members of the Zilla Parishad South Andaman held at the Conference Hall of the Zilla Parishad office.
The meeting was presided over by Purva Garg, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman.
According to officials, all 18 elected members of the Zilla Parishad participated in the voting process.
Following the election, certificates were handed over to the newly elected Adhyaksh and Up-Adhyaksh by the Deputy Commissioner.
Officials stated that the Zilla Parishad plays an important role in rural governance, local development planning and implementation of welfare schemes across various Panchayat regions in South Andaman district.
The newly elected leadership is expected to focus on developmental priorities, rural infrastructure, welfare initiatives and coordination with the Administration during the remaining tenure of the present Zilla Parishad body.
Authorities stated that cooperation between elected rural local bodies and the Administration remains essential for effective delivery of public services and implementation of government programmes at the grassroots level.
