Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, chaired the 7th meeting of the Island Development Agency (IDA) in New Delhi today. The meeting was attended by Admiral (Retd.) Shri D K Joshi, Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri Praful Patel, Administrator of Lakshadweep, Union Home Secretary Shri Govind Mohan and secretaries from various union ministries, along with other senior officials.
During the meeting, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah reviewed the progress of ongoing development initiatives in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration and Lakshadweep Administration made comprehensive presentation on various development projects, including enhancements in digital connectivity, air connectivity, and port development.
Union Home Minister underscored the importance of advancing solar and wind energy initiatives in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. He emphasized achieving the goal of 100% renewable energy generation through solar panels and windmills in these regions.
Shri Shah also directed the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to implement the 'PM Surya Ghar' scheme by installing solar panels in all households across both island groups. Shri Amit Shah said that even though these islands are far from Delhi, they are close to our hearts, development of infrastructure and increasing tourism facilities here is the priority of the government.
Modi government is preserving the culture and heritage of these islands and accelerating the development works. He emphasized the need for a holistic approach to infrastructure projects in both island groups and called on all concerned central ministries to collaborate on initiatives related to tourism, trade, and other key sectors. Shri Shah also issued clear directives to address pending issues and expedite the completion of ongoing projects.