Narendra Modi Andaman visit: Check out PM's New Year gift for islanders

Speaking after inaugurating an industrial training institute at Arong, Modi remarked: "Today in Car Nicobar, we inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several development works. These projects, relating to education, healthcare, skill development, transportation, energy and sports, will go a long way in developing the sectors."

Modi interacted with tribal chiefs and eminent sportspersons from the islands and said that "the upcoming ITI will greatly benefit youngsters, The government is building sporting facilities, which will further popularize sports in the union territory and boost fitness levels."

In the march towards development, Modi said the work for the sea wall, once completed, will help protect the island of Car Nicobar. The Prime Minister said that the government is working for improving the standard of living of the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He also spoke of the expansion of healthcare facilities on the islands. He said that the effort is to undertake development work while preserving the environment and local culture.

In the agricultural sector, the Prime Minister spoke of the increase in support price of copra. He said the government is working towards empowering those engaged in the fisheries sector as well. Modi said, "A sum of Rs. 7,000 crore has recently been approved for making the fisheries sector in the country more profitable." 

 "The areas of the country that are near the sea, can become centres of our blue revolution," he said. Also, seaweed farming is being encouraged, and fishermen are getting financial assistance for procuring modern boats. 

The Prime Minister said, "India is making concerted efforts to harness solar energy, Areas contiguous to the sea have tremendous potential for renewable energy generation", and mentioned efforts being made in Car Nicobar, in this direction. 

The Prime Minister said this entire region of the Nicobar Islands, and the nearby Malacca Strait, is important from the point of view of both resources and security. Also, suitable transportation infrastructure is being developed, keeping this in mind.