The Hon’ble Lt Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) Bhopinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM, today handed over the symbolic key to signify the handing over of 302 dwelling units constructed by CPWD in coordination with A&N Administration for the tsunami affected people of Perka, Kakana, Malacca and Kimious villages to the Chief Captain of Car Nicobar, Shri Aberdeen Blair at a function organized at Kakana village . The Lt Governor and the First Lady of the Islands Smt. Bhawanee Singh who accompanied him on the visit handed over keys of permanent shelters along with allotment orders to five beneficiaries each on the occasion. 

        Expressing his happiness for handing over the permanent shelters to the tsunami affected persons, the Lt Governor said, 7001 permanent shelters will be constructed in Nicobar district, out of which 3941 will be made in Car Nicobar. He also expressed the hope that by the end of March, 2009 all the permanent shelters to be constructed will be completed and handed over to the beneficiaries.

       The Lt Governor appreciated the efforts being put forth by CPWD in the construction of permanent shelters and its timely completion inspite of difficulties faced by them. He also lauded the cooperation being extended by the Tribal Council, Car Nicobar to the Administration in respect of tsunami rehabilitation programme.

        Dwelling on the schemes and financial assistance being offered by various departments to the affected families, the Lt Governor said, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, APWD, Fisheries and Social Welfare Sectors are providing financial assistance under different schemes. He also mentioned that the National Rural Health Mission is being effectively implemented in Nicobar district by State Health Society in coordination with Administration.

        In his welcome address, the Deputy Commissioner, Nicobar District, Shri T. Sreekanth informed the beneficiaries that they can collect their allotment orders along with the keys from the representative of Deputy Commissioner Office in the presence of village captains. He also informed the gathering that in the month of August another 300 shelters will be ready to be handed over to the beneficiaries.

        The school children on the occasion presented a welcome song. The function came to a close with the vote of thanks proposed by Shri Cephas Jack, Dy. Vice Chief Captain, Tribal Council, Car Nicobar.

        The Chief Secretary (i/c), Shri Arvind Ray, Comm-cum-Secy (R&R), Shri Tapan Mandal and Project Manager, CPWD accompanied the Lt Governor on his visit to Car Nicobar.

        Earlier, on arrival the Lt Governor was received at the Car Nicobar IAF Air Base by the Comm-cum-Secy (R&R), Deputy Commissioner, Nicobar District, Superintendent of Police, Nicobar District and Vice Chief Captain, Tribal Council.

       The 302 permanent shelters have been constructed for 84 families of Kakana, 140 of Perka, 34 of Kimious and 44 families of Malacca villages.

       Immediately after the function, the Lt Governor held a meeting with the Tribal Council in the presence of senior officers of the Administration. In the meeting, the Lt Governor deliberated on various issues pertaining to the development of the area. On the issue of vacancies reserved for STs under various categories in different departments, the Lt Governor assured the tribal leaders that the posts meant for STs will not be diverted to others. The LG also urged the members of Tribal Council to motivate the people of the region to come forward for availing the benefits exclusively reserved for them.