Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth ₹373 crore ($41.3m) by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration in Sri Vijaya Puram (Ministry of Home Affairs).
The announced investments include an Integrated Command and Control Centre costing ₹229 crore ($25.3m), the inauguration of Phase-I of the district hospital at ₹33 crore ($3.6m), a Forensic Science Laboratory and six other schemes at ₹50 crore ($5.5m).
In his address, Shah stated that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are becoming a centre of “sovereignty, maritime power and economic activities,” and highlighted plans for the Great Nicobar project to develop the island as a global cargo hub and tourism centre. He also said steps are being taken to upgrade the islands to ISO standards for scuba diving and adventure water sports.
The minister noted the collection of waste from 98 % of houses by the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council and inaugurated an exhibition based on three new criminal laws.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is the central government department charged with internal security, administration of Union Territories and related policy implementation. The ministry oversees federal infrastructure initiatives and supports coordination among central and local agencies.