The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh chaired the 11th Meeting of the Island Development Authority here today. In his remarks the Prime Minister said that the balanced development of Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands will be a focus area for the 11th Five Year Plan. The Union Cabinet Secretary has been asked to monitor all Inter-Ministerial issues on a quarterly basis to ensure that the Government of India is pro active in dealing with problems of infrastructure development, human development and disaster management in the islands. The Prime Minister expressed his concern at the slow progress of rehabilitation work, especially housing construction for the Tsunami affected households. He directed the Cabinet Secretary to pay urgent attention and ensure no further delay in Tsunami rehabilitation. The meeting took note of several issues of concern to the islands that were articulated by Shri Manoranjan Bhakta and Dr. P.P. Koya, Members of Parliament. He assured them that the Island Development Authority will meet on a regular basis to review infrastructure development in Lakshadweep Islands and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Prime Minister requested the Union Minister for Shipping Mr. T.R. Baalu to visit Port Blair and ensure early delivery of the required maritime infrastructure including ships.

The Prime Minister assured the people of the Islands that the Central Government will focus on their developmental needs mindful of their aspirations, and the concerns of ecological and environmental sustainability and protection as well as national security considerations.