The Lakshadweep Island Councils Regulation, 1988 and the Lakshadweep (Administration) Regulation, 1988 under which the Island Councils and Pradesh Councils were set up have been repealed under Section 88 of Lakshadweep Panchayat Regulation,1994 promulgated by the President of India on 23rd April,1994 consequent on the Constitution (73rd amendment) Act,1992. The Island Councils came to an end after the expiry of its terms on 5.4.95. According to the new Panchayati Regulation there will be two tire system of Panchayats in Lakshaweep. There will be Dweep Panchayat and a District Panchayat. There will be no intermidiary panchayat in this territory. Ten inhabited Islands have the 10 Dweep Panchayats. The District Panchayat will have its Headquarter at Kavaratti. There are 79 seats in the Dweep Panchayat; out of which 75 seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes candidates and 30 seats are reserved for women including women belonging to Scheduled Tribes. There will be a Chairperson and a Vice Chairperson in the Dweep Panchayat.

There will be 22 seats in the District Panchayats. Out of this 20 seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes including 7 seats reserved for women belonging to STs. There will be one President cum-Chief Counsellor and Two Vice Presidents-cum-Counsellors in the District Panchayats.

The members of the Dweep Panchayat and District Panchayats will be directly elected. The Chair person of the Dweep Panchayats will be memebrs of the District Panchayats by virtue of their position as Chair person.

The Panchayat will discharge their functions as provided in the Lakshadweep Panchayat Regulation 1994 and schedule III & IV of the said regulations.

So far the Dweep Panchayat and the District Panchayats have not been constituted in the U.T.of Lakshadweep.

The general administration of the islands was carried out under the customary laws prevailing in the islands till 1965. The criminal and civil justice in this Union Territory was carried out till then under the Laccadive islands & Minicoy Regulation, 1912. In the Amindivi Islands these criminal judicial powers were delegated to the Monegars (Tahsildar) by the Inspecting Officer. The 1912 Regulation continued till the promulgation of the Lakshadweep (Laws) Regulation 1965. The right of ownership was with Inspecting Officer. The right of owner ship was reckoned with the number of coconut trees only. Residents were ignorant of the extent of land owned, until 1959,when a survey was carried out under the Lakshadweep Survey and Boundaries Regulation, 1959 and the rules thereunder. The ignorance and innocence of the poor Islanders were exploited by a handful of wealthy families till then. The landlord-tenant relationship which was feudal in character was abolished with the enforcement of Lakshadweep Land Revenue and Tenancy Regulation,1965.

On abolition, three fourths of the land held by the Nadapu tenant with trees vests with him and the remaining one fourth of the land with trees thereon reverts to the Jenmi or cowledar. The settlement effected by mutual agreements between Nadappu tenants and the jenmis or cowledars is given a statutory recognition. The tenants other than Nadappu tenants were given fixity of tenure.

High Court of Kerala continued to exercise judicial supervision over the courts in this U.T. The Sub Court Cum Cheif Judicial Magistrate,Court,Kavaratti was upgraded as District and Sesessions Court,Lakshadweep,Kavaratti with effect from April 1997.The Judicial Majistrate first class,Andrott is holding charges of Chief Judicial Magistrate. The District Judge Kavaratti having jurisdiction over all the Islands. The Munsiff Andrott who has jurisdiction over the Islands of Andrott, Minicoy, Kalpeni, Kavaratti and Islands/Islets attached to these islands is also the Judicial Magistrate of Ist class in respect of these islands and Munsiff, Amini who has jurisdiction over the islands of Amini, Agatti, Kadmat, Kiltan, Chetlat, Bitra and islands/islets attached to these islands is also the Judicial Magistrate of Ist Class in respect of these latter islands.

Women enjoy a unique position. The Marumakkathayam system of inheritance, under which Tharwad property descends through the female line saves the women from proverbial economic dependence. Ancestral or Tarwad property is equally shared among the members of the joint family in Kavaratti and Agatti,whereas in Andrott the division is between the Thavazhi only. The Tharwad property is managed by the eldest male member of the family known as Karanavan. He has no right to alienate or sell any portion of the Tharwad property. The wife and children of the Karanavan are not entitled to any share from Tarwad. Thus the Tharwad property system has given economic freedom and independence to women in the social system of Lakshadweep. The husband is obliged to make an annual payment towards the maintenance of the wife which forms part of the marriage contract. The wife has full freedom to demand a divorce on grounds of non-payment of these customary dues. Divorce is not a disqualification for a woman to seek a fresh alliance. There is also no ban on the remarriage of a widow. The early history of Lakshadweep also reveals that "Hameedath Beebi" of Pantamveli at Amini was the first lady to accept the preaching of Saint Ubaidullha(r) amidst humiliation and threats. She became the wife of the Saint who went to Andrott and settled there.

The predominance of women folk in all walks of life is a peculiar feature of Minicoy. The husband takes the wife's family name after marriage. All family affairs are managed by the female of the house.

Most males being the bread-winners of the family serve in international ships as sea-men. The famous traveller Marco Polo (1254 - 1324) in his travelogue made a referance to Minicoy as the island of females. The Turkish travellor Ibnu Bathuta touched Minicoy while on his way to Maldives and married two women and stayed there for one month. In the village (Athiri) administration, the ladies have an important role. The female Chief (Boduthatha) is the head of the women's assembly who organizes Women"s labour for common purposes in the "Athiri".

The Islanders started deriving the benefits of Five Year Plans only when these Islands were declared a Union Territory in 1956. Attempts were made in the middle of the Second Five Year Plan to carry out an integrated short term plan in the islands with an outlay of Rs. 73.85 lakhs. This was the first Plan of the territory. An outlay of Rs. 98.38 lakhs was approved for accelerated development of various important sectors like transport and communication, Education and health during the third Plan. The actual expenditure was Rs. 108.51 lakhs. Much progress could not be made till the middle of the Fourth Plan owing to inadequate transport and communication facilities. The major portion of the approved outlay of Rs. 200 lakhs for the Fourth Plan was spent on Fisheries and Education besides improving transport and communication. The improvement of Transport and communication and the spread of education gave a new thrust to development during the Fifth Plan. The outlay was three times that of the fourth plan. Electrification of the Islands, opening more educational institutions, improvement of fishing etc. started during the Fifth Plan with a total outlay of Rs. 622.73 lakhs. When the fifth Plan ended in 1977-'78,the expenditure was Rs. 380.95 lakhs. The approved outlay during 1978-80 was Rs. 543.64 lakhs,against which the expenditure was Rs. 307.50 lakhs.

A stronger thrust was envisaged on improvement of transport, followed by education, electrification, agriculture, fisheries etc. during the Sixth and Seventh Five Year Plans. An outlay of Rs. 20.35 crores was approved during sixth plan. The expenditure during the Sixth Five Year plan was Rs. 28.14 crores. The Seventh Five Year Plan outlay was Rs. 43.90 crores,where as, the expenditure was Rs. 67.54 crores.

The VIII Five Year Plan outlay was Rs. 120 Crores and provisional expenditure is Rs. 148.72 crores.

All the inhabited Islands including Bangaram have been electrified by the end of Sixth Five Year Plan. The Electrification of the Island began in 1962. Minicoy was the first Island electrified in 1962. Though all the Islands except Bitra were electrified by end of the Fourth Five Year Plan,only limited hours of Power supply were provided. Uninterepted power supply had been provided round the clock through out Lakshadweep by the middle of the Sixth Five Year Plan.

The Power supply is mainly through diesel generating sets. During 1997-98 power generation has been reached the level of 18396089 KWH. Installed capacity has been increased from 5270 KW to 8120 KW.One 25 KWp and one 10 KWp solar power plant has been commissioned at Bitra and Bangaram. A 50 KWp solar power plant is under installation at Kadmat. One 100KW grid interactive SPV power plant will bw installed at Kiltan. 80 KW wind electric generater will be installed at Kavaratti and Agatti. One 200 KW capacity Biomas gasifier plant for generating elecricity has been proposed to be installed at Kavaratti Island. One each solar copra driers is also proposed to install at Kavaratti, Amini and Andrott Island.

Lakshadweep is a no-industry area. However,an Industrial potential survey conducted by the industrial Development Bank of India has revealed that the area has scope for Industrial development. On the request of the Administration Agencies like Small Industries Service Institute, Trichur, Regional Research Laboratory, Thiruvananthapuram, Industrial and Technical Consultency Organisation, Kochi etc have prepared detailed industrial potentiality reports for Lakshadweep and suggested various kinds of ventures having developmental potential based on resources available and demand for implementation. The expert group set up by the planning commission on prospects of small scale Industries in Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep group of Islands has also studied the problems of the Islands and mentioned certained suggestion and remedial measures in their report for the development of Small Scale Industries Sector.

Coconut husk is the main raw material available for the development of the cottage Industries in Lakshadweep. Considering the scope for coir and coir based industries,coir demonstration cum training centres were established during 1974-75 to train the local women folk in production of thinner variety coir yarn which has good market not only in Islands but also in mainland. Under the coir sector there are seven coir Fiber factories,six coir production-cum-demonstration centres and three fiber curling units functioning in different islands except Minicoy and Bitra Island with 316 workers. Amoung these seven coir Fiber factories, the department has introduced second shift of work in three factories at Kavaratti,Amini and Kadmath during the last plan period. The Second shift of work in the remaining of expansion work. The above coir units under the department has produced 380 MT coir fiber,67 MT curled rope and 42 MT coir yarn during 1997-98. In addition to the above unit the department has also established one coir spinners industrial copertive society at Amini during May 1997 under coir sector.

Out of the two Handicaraft Training Centres established at Kavaratti and Kalpeni in 1973 and 1979 respectively, one is continuing to impart training to local candidates in making seashell-toys, coconutshells-craft, wood carving etc. After training they are provided with tools and equipments on 50% subsidy to establish their own production units. The hosiery factory established in 1967 at Kalpeni produces vests,tee shirts,etc. Presently the factory provides regular employment to 17 persons and job work employment to 13 persons. During 1997-98 the factory has produced 11817 different size baniyans in addtion to allied products.

The Lakshadweep Khadi Village Industries Board was formed during 1991. The aim of the Board is to extent the activities of Khadi Village Industries Schemes to the people of Lakshadweep. The Khadi Commission Bombay has sanctioned an amount of Rs. 46.00 lakhs to LKVIB to implement the schemes during the financial year 1997-98.

When the Union Territory of Lakshadweep was constituted in 1956, there were nine primary schools in the Islands at the rate of one in each Island except Bitra. There were no suitable buildings for the schools and not even adequate,number of qualified teachers. The percentage of literacy according to 1951 Census was 15.23%. Educational facilities were not available for higher studies. During the last 40 years great developments have taken place in the field of Education in Lakshadweep. By stages, educational institutions were established in all the islands. Today there are nineteen JB Schools,four S.B.Schools,Nine High Schools,two Senior Secondary School and Junior Colleges. Every island except Bitra has a High school. The Junior Colleges are functioning in Kadmat and Andrott. The Senior Secondary Schools are functioning in Kavaratti and Minicoy Nearly 17559 pupil are attending various educational institutions in the islands. A Navodaya School has been functioning in

Minicoy since October,l988. High School at Kavaratti and Minicoy were upgraded to Senior Secondary Schools by introducing XI and XII classes under CBSE pattern during 1994-95.

Girls education also has made tremendous progress. Out of the total enrolment in the schools 46.04% are girls. Education is provided free at all level. Free mid-day meals are provided in Nursery and Primary Classes. Free boarding and lodging facilities are provided to Island students residing in Hostels. In the case of students studying in mainland the hostel expenses are met by the Government. Once a year students studying in places outside their native islands are given free conveyance facilities to go to their native islands. Students desirous of going for higher studies are sent to mainland for professional, technical and academic courses. The entire educational expenses are met by the Administration.

More trust and importance are given to vocational education. Vocation oriented education was introduced in all high schools by providing training in fishing and coir technology,these being almost the only indigenous resources available.

All the educational institutions have building furnitures and adequate number of qualified teachers. In the final year of the High School and courses in the islands the students are taken on educational tour to various places in the mainland. Owing to the various incentives education has made great strides in Lakshadweep. According to the Census figure the percentage of literacy has risen from 15.23 in 1951 to 81.78 1991(excluding children in the age group 0 to 6). and to 95(Excluding children below the age of seven). According to NSSE 3rd round.

All the inhabited islands are problem villages as far as drinking water supply is concerned. A central team consisting of Advisor(TM), Department of Rural Development along with experts from Central Ground Water Board, CSMCRI Bavanager, NEERI Nagpur, CESS Thiruvananthapuram after their visit to Lakshadweep came to the clonclusion that no single system or approach to provide water supply to Lakshadweep islands would be sufficient due to typical geological and

Hydrogeological nature of these islands. They suggested tapping of ground water to the extend of its sustainable yield and supplement it with additional activities such as installation of Desalination Plants, rain water harvesting etc. Accordingly the Water Supply scheme was modified to have a combination of ground water, Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plants and rain water harvesting. In all islands water supply system is in existence partially in quantity ranging from 15-20 litres to 30-35 litres only. Now more attention has given to construction of individual rain water harvesting stuctures, since the system is more adoptable to these area.

Till 1958-59,Odam (sailing vessel) was the only mode of surface communiction between the islands and Mainland. Each Odam made one or two voyages a year to the mainland with copra and coir and returned to the islands with rice, sugar, provisions etc. Till 1962-63, chartered ships were in service between the islands and between the mainland and islands. They could not operate during monsoon months(May to September). The Administration's own vessel,M.V. Laccadives,with a capacity of 49 passengers and 40 tonnes cargo began service in December,l966. The major breakthrough came in 1970 with the launching of an all-weather ship M.V.Amindivi and the dreadful isolation of the islands during the monsoon was broken. The vessel had facilities for 242 passengers in fair season and 202 in monsoon period and capacity to carry 800 tonnes cargo. With the increase of the developmental efforts of the Government and increase of population it was found that the two ships were inadequate to cope with the increased traffic. In 1982 owing to special interest shown by the Honb'le Prime Minister,another ship M.V.Bharathseema was acquired by the Administration and put in operation in July,l982. Inter island surface communication was also improved to a noticeable extent with the arrival of the new ship. A ferry vessel Viz. M.V.Deep Setu has been received by the Lakshadweep Administration for inter island trips and this has increased the carrying capacity of the ships plying in Lakshadweep waters by 150 passengers and the cargo capacity by 25 tonnes. Since the Ship Amindivi has completed its guarantee period, it is replaced by another ship Viz.M.V.Tippu Sultan with a passenger capacity of 658 which began service in

September,l988.

Two catamaran type high speed inter Island Ferry Vessels Khadeeja Beevi and Hameedath Beevi began its operation during January,1992 which helped to meterialise the long cherished need of the islanders in inter island traffic to a considerable extent and brought the islands closer. Out of the four bigger mechanised cargo vessels planned during the Eighth Five Year Plan, the following three barges have been commissioned and the fourth barge is likely to be commissioned during 1996.

Commissioned on

(a) M.V. Ubaidulla 03.05.1993

(b) M.V.Tinnakara 06.11.1993

(c) M.V.Laccadives 10.03.1995

(d) M.V.Cheriyam 24.05.1997

 

Although greater achievements were made in surface communication,the loading/unloading facilities from ship to shore and embarkation/disembarkation to and fro

the ship remain the same. These activities take place in the open sea. The risk involved is such that anything may happen at any time while loading/unloading

and embarkation/disembarkation.

Difficulties experienced at the time of emergencies like evacuation of serious cases to the mainland, import of life saving drugs etc.,particularly during monsoons, have eased when a Helicopter service between mainland and island and inter island was started on 31st January 1987. The Private Airlines has stoped its service and Indian Airlines have started operation from 4.7.97.

Port Control Tower at Kavaratti, Andrott,Minicoy and Kadmatt have already started functioning, on other islands construction work are on progress and likely to

be complete in coming year.

Computerised Railway ticket reservation has been installed at Kavaratti, Minicoy and Andrott and at Kavaratti it has been commissioned on 5th Dec. 1997 and in the remaining two islands it is yet to start functioning.

Low power T.V transmitters are working in all inhabited islands except Bitra. National programmes as well as Malayalam regional programmes are covered in all the islands. In addition , metro channel is covered in Kavaratti only.

Satellite Earth Stations have already been commissioned in Kavaratti, Minicoy, Agatti, Kiltan, Kalpeni and Andrott Islands which provide long distance communication circutes to all the Islands in Lakshadweep Via terrestrial Microwave links. All the Satellite stations are now working with Thaicom III Satellite. Kavaratti and Minicoy Stations have FM FDM systems providing sufficient trunk circutes for Kavaratti,Minicoy,Kadmath,Agatti and Amini Islands. Other Satellite stations have SCPC systems which will be replaced with the latest digital IDR equipments in the near future. Dedicated telegraph channels to telegraph offices, Railway reservation and Telex facilities are available in Kavaratti and Minicoy Islands. Naval Detachment unit at Kavaratti has a hot line to Kochi. Fax facilities available in all the islands and all islands enjoy the facilities of STD and Group Dialing system.

The National Informatic Centre is a Central Govt. Organisation under the Ministry of Information Technology, government of India. It has set up it's unit at Kavaratti during the Year 1988 and subsiquently the othe rtwo units at Minicoy and Lakshadweep Office,Kochi in the Year 1990 and 1991 respectively.

All the other Islands and Liaison Office,New Delhi except Bitra have been brought under the NICNET, the communication net work of NIC,in the Year 1995 as a paid project of the Administration of UT of Lakshadweep,since then the administration could

establish a stable,swift and accurate information transmission through computer communication link between its capital Island Kavaratti and all Central Ministries/Departments and its sbordinates Offices in all Islands and Liaison office, New Delhi.

By the Year 1997,all Departments of the Administration have been provided with Nicmail/E-mail facilities and thereby not only further accelerated the communication link but the Lakshadweep is also linked each other by this facility.

The GIST Booth is also functional with all latest information of direct relevence to the public pertaining to 17 diverse subject stored in the Super Computer at NIC(HQ),New Delhi.

Full fledged Internet is established at NIC,Kavaratti and it is being established in all school in the Island, this would definitly be a fascinating experiance for the people of Lakshadweep.

Since the Lakshadweep Times is transformed as a daily news paper,the news items of exotic nature are also being provided to the Department of information and Publicity by the NIC.

The NIC could cultivate computer culture amoung the Officers and Staff of the administration by giving them training as a regular feature and 324 officials are trained in the year under report.

An All India Radio station for Lakshadweep has been commissioned during 1993-94 as a medium of communication with the people.

Out of the total length of 253 km of rural roadincluding bicycle tracks, 124 Km. have been converted into cement concrete roads upto the end of 1997-98.

Integrated Rural Development Programme began its implementation in January 1983. In the bench mark survey, 3013 families (i.e. about 45%) were identified as living below the poverty line in Lakshadweep.

The plan was to cover all the 3000 families before the end of the second year of the Seventh Plan. The number of families assisted till 31st March,1996 since the implementation of the programme is 4018. The assistance provided include distribution of milch animals, goats, petty trades, fishing craft, power tiller, trollies, coir charkas etc.

Development of Women & children in Rural Areas (DWCRA), Training for Rural Youth for Self Employment (TRYSEM), Supply of Improved Tool Kits to the Rural Artisans are some of the sub scheme of the self employment programmes in Lakshadweep being implemented by the DRDA. 47 were units formed under DWCRA, 257 Rural Youths were trained under TRYSEM and 206 Rural Artisans were provided toll kits by the end of 1994-95.

National Rural Employment Programme started in November, 1982. As against the target of 0.50 lakh mandays fixed by the Planning Commission for 1984-85,1.49 lakh mandays of employment were provided. As against the target of 0.70 lakh mandays for Sixth Five Year Plan 3.87 lakhs mandays was achieved during the period. This scheme has subsequently been renamed by the Government of India as Jawahar Rozgar Yojana (JRY) and Nehru Rozgar Yojana (NRY) clubbing other schemes on similar lines. During 1994-95 2.37 lakhs mandays were created under NRY/JRY respectively. The wage employment programme was started during 1983 onwards and now two schemes such as Jawahar Rozgar Yojana (JRY) and Employment Assurance Scheme (EAS) are being implementing under the guidance of Village (Dweep) Panchayat. Construction of Roads, Rain Water storage tanks, public toilets, public tanks, compound walls, Anganwadi buildings, anti sea erosion structures, planting of social forestry plants etc. are the major activities under this programme.

Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) and Million Wells Scheme are the sub scheme of the JRY which have also been implemented in Lakshadweep and assistance was provided for construction of houses and drinking water wells under the above programme.

The medical infrastructure has been constantly expanded and strengthened. The curse of leprosy,small pox,filariasis etc. has been virtually contained. There are now two hospitals, one 50-Bedded at Kavaratti, with specialist services and used for referral purposes and the other 20-bedded at Minicoy. Three Primary Health Centres at Amini, Andrott and Agatti have been converted as Community Health Centres during 1994. Three Primary Health Centres with bed capacity of ten each are there in other inhabited islands. Forteen Sub centres are also functioning. In Bitra, a sub-centre has been opened in addition to the first aid centre. The islands which lost many lives in the past for want of medical and health facilities are now placed in a better position. The vital rates of the territory during 1994 are: Birth rate 22.31 death rate 5.14 and Infant Mortality rate 44.08.

The development of domestic as well as international tourism has immense potential. However, much could not be achieved till recently owing to inadequate transport arrangements. Now international as well as domestic tourism has received a remarkable boost. Numerous infrastructure facilities have been created including the opening of Vayudoot service between Mainland and Agatti in April,1988. Now NEPC, a

private airline is operating in place of Vayudoot service. But limits have been placed on the number of tourists to be admitted in order to prevent overcrowding and consequent environmental damage.

Since the literacy rate in the Union Territory is one of the highest in the country,the level of educated unemployed can be kept under control by developing this sector. Society for promotion of Recreational Tourism and Sports (SPORTS) is a society registered under the Societies Act,1860. The main aim of this organisation is to promote tourism and recreational activities in islands in collaboration with different departments of the Administration. During 1994-95 2962 Home tourists and 1059 foreign tourists arrived in Lakshadweep. It could provide employment to 69 educated unemployed in different islands. In addition the Bangaram Resort has been placed under professional management and employes 20 local boys. There is good potential for employment as tourism is sought to be promoted as an economic activity. Tourist huts and cottage are provided at Kavaratti,Kadmat,Bangaram, Kalpeni and Minicoy. Tourist huts ( 3 in Minicoy and four in Kalpeni) have been set up under Govt. assistance. Twenty bedded Tourist Home is also functioning at Agatti.

Government of India has agreed in principle to open three inhabited islands, Suheli Cheriyakara, Cheriyam and Tinnakara for foreign tourists. A full fledged water sport Institute established at Kadmat during 1992-93 provides facilities for different disciplins of water Sports like wind surfing, Kayaking, Canoeing, water skiing, Yatchting para sailing and Scubadiving etc. Tourist Cafeteria, Floating restaurant etc. are other attractions for tourists .

The Co-operative movement has established very strong roots in the territory since the late sixties and has succeeded in knocking out the middleman. Public distribution of every article is solely maintained through the co.operative societies in different islands. These cater to the needs of the entire population. More than half of the total population are members of Co.Operative Societies while all households have been covered by membership.

The Lakshadweep Co.Operative Marketing Federation is the approved wholesaler and primary Co.Operative Supply and Marketing Societies are the approved retailers for the distribution of all essential commodities under the Public Distribution System. The annual allotment of rice from the central pool is 6,300 MT. The monthly quota of levy sugar is 71 Mt. Rice and levy sugar are sold on ration cards. LPG installed during 1989-90 in Kavaratti and during 1991-92 in Minicoy. By the end of March 1995, 656 connections in Kavaratti and 703 connections in Minicoy were provided.

The lagoon, sand banks, open reefs and submerged banks forming part of the archipelago, are rich in marine life and mineral resources. They spread over an area of 4,200 Sq.Km. and have extended India's economic zone by about four lakh sq.Km. Till the begning of the IIIrd Plan, fishing was done with locally made wooden craft and traditional implements. With the emphasis on fisheries development during the IIIrd Plan and subsequent plan periods, the traditional and primitive methods of fishing which was laborious,time consuming and uneconomical have given way to modern mechanised fishing. In 1960, the total fishlanding a year was only about 600 tonnes. This has gradually gone up and in 1993-94 the fish landing was 9750 tonnes, a percapita fishlanding of 177 Kg.a year. The two boat building yards and eleven workshops in islands cater to the needs of fishermen. There are altogether 375 boats in operation in Lakshadweep. Tuna, the chicken of the sea is in plenty around Lakshadweep.

The fishermen largely go for tuna fishing (besides shark fishing). Fresh tuna caught is processed in the Canning Factory at Minicoy. Besides, the fishermen dry the tuna in the sun after cooking and smoking. The resultant product is known as 'Mas',which values on an average of Rs70 to 95 per Kg. Fish aggregating device known as 'Payaw" was introduced in Lakshadweep which increased the fish catch. Now the department is going

for larger vessels like 38 foot and 55 foot boats for large scale exploitation of Tuna and Shark.

The Marine Aquarium and Museum at Kavaratti is a centre of tourist attraction. Different varieties of marine organism are reared in the acquarium.

The experimental pearl culture scheme set up inthe uninhabited island of Bangaram has shown potential. This centre had already produced Pearls during the year 1984-85

A scheme for Community Latrines on the lines of Technology evolved by the KVIC has been drawn up and is being carried out.

Energy efficient smokeless chullah have proved popular. Similar Chullahs, on a larger scale have been specially developed for preparing "Mas" and field trials have proved successfull.

At the beginning of VIth Five Year Plan there were about 800 Government Quarters available in islands to accommodate the staff of this Administration as also the staff working in islands under other central Government Departments. As private houses are not available in plenty in the islands, the problem of accomodation for govt. servants had become very acute and hence the Administration started to construct more quarter. Now the Administration is having 1419 Nos different type of quarters at end of 1997-98.

In view of the environmental and ecological conditions in the islands, it has become difficult to get locally available construction materials like coral shingles, coral boulders from the islands. To overcome this problem the Administration proposes to set up Building Materials Development Board which will undertake procurement of building materials from mainland and transport to the islands for distribution to the locals people.

Administration has already established a printing press of its own at Kavaratti island to meet its various printing needs. It is equipped with offset machines,process camera,plate making equipments,well bound digital controlled hot melt binding machine etc for its modernisation. One Mini Press each at Andrott and Kadmat are also functioning under it. It also has a Mahl Printing unit set up in Minicoy island. In addition to this a number of presses have begun to emerge in the private sector.

Lakshadweep Development Corporation, a registered organisation under Companies Act 1956, has been set up under the auspices of the Island Development Authority for developing the economic and commercial activities of the islands. This has taken over the Tuna Canning Factory at Minicoy and augumented its installed capacity which is 3 lakh canns per annum. A Desiccated Coconut Powder unit has been started at Kadmat and Commercial production started from 1.4.93. The average annual production of Desiccated Coconut is 60 tonnes. The Corporation is also diversifying this unit to produce Coconut Oil also. Marketing of Coir products produced by the Department of Industries has been taken over by the Corporation and is now able to fetch better prices than earlier. Jaggery, Vinegar and Coconut nursery unit had been set up at Kalpeni and Andrott respectively. A Masmin and fish meal unit was established at Agatti to produce masmin and utilise the bye-product as fish meal for poultry consumption. The annual installed capacity is 100 tonnes of masmin and 30 tonnes of fish meal. The annual turn over is estimated to be Rs. 90.00 lakhs from Tuna Canning Factory, Rs. 93.00 lakhs from masmin and fish meal unit at Agatti and Rs.24.00 lakhs from Desicated Coconut Powder unit at Kadmat.

An expert committee constituted in 1986 to study the phenomenon of sea erosion has recommended that a total of 9600 metres sea shore is required to be protected immediately and suggested cost effective pilots schemes. The committee further identified in February 1989 that another 1800 metres sea shore was severely affected by wave action and recommended to the Administration to urgently take up measures to prevent further erosion. Erosion being a continuous phenomenon, further length of about 11400 metres have been identified after the committee's visit. Thus the total length of 21000 metres has been identified as affected by erosion. Upto 1991-92, Now again it is noticed that erosion is taking place in new area aslo every year. Thus and addtional leangth of 13 Km protected work in new area is anticipated. Out of the 35800 metre effected area 23217 metre was covered upto 1997-98.

A large number of programmes are implemented in this Union Territory by using the latest developments in Science and Technology. This includes introduction of fibre glass fishing boats. Distribution of science kits, audio visual equipments to create an awareness are regularly being arranged. Besides, studies like ornithological studies on Pitti, wave power potential in Lakshadweep, land use plan for Lakshadweep Training Needs, Sedimentation and seasonal sediment transport trends in Lakshadweep for bringing out the reasons for sea erosion were conducted. The department of Science & Technology is supplying the fishermen satellite data on potential fishing zones.

Agriculture : Agriculture in the territory is based almost entirely on coconut cultivation. There are about 660150 trees in all the islands. Owing to coverage in pest control,fertiliser application,the production of copra has increased to a considerable extent.

Animal Husbandry:-

In the Animal Husbandry Sector thefarmers enjoy largesse for cattle farming,poultry keeping and goat rearing. Cattle / Poultry feed are distributed on subsidy. The Regional Poultry Farm established in the VIth Five Year Plan cater to the needs of the people to a certain extent. There are two Dairy Farms and Seven Poultry Demonstration Units in the islands. One each hatchery unit is functioning at Kavaratti, Amini, Minicoy and Andrott. 601 deep litter units are available in various islands. 1000 Nos. good breedable goats, 20006 layer brids and 37000 broiler chicks were distributed among the interested farmers during 1994-95. Milk and egg production has reached the level of 760 MT and 47 lakhs numbers during 1994-95 respectively. This includes 18 MT milk and 2 lakh eggs produced in the private sector.

Social Welfare:-The Social Welfare Development Programme began with effect from 1977 aimed at bringing the people to the level of the neighbouring states with implementation of various central and social welfare programmes. There are 12 balwadies managed by the Sub-Committee with a financial assistance of State Social Welfare Advisory Board. Financial assistance to 390 destitutes was given till 31st December, l995.

ICDS Programme: In the Integrated Child Development Scheme there are 67 Anganwadies working to improve the nutritional status of the vulnerable group with implementation of non-formal education for pre-school children. There are 13 Mahilasmajams. One Central Library and nine Reading Room-Cum-Libraries are serving in the Territory.

Special Nutrition Programme: Under the special Nutrition Programme about 8692 children and 2615 mothers are getting benefits.

NAEP: Consequent on the adoption of total literacy campaign approach at the national scenario in the place of traditional centre based approach for the eradication of illiteracy, the implementation strategy is being changed. However, female centres with 952 learners have functioning under NAEP in 1994-95.

Consumer Protection Council: In order to promote and protect the interest of consumers, a Consumer Protection Council has been setup. State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission and District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum have been established for speedy and inexpensive redressal of consumer grievances. During 1994-95 no appeal/complaints were received by State Commission. The District Forum received four complaints and disposed three of them during 1994-95.

Ship Wrecks: Several ship wrecks were reported close to Minicoy, Shuheli, Kalpeni, Andrott, Kiltan and Kadmat Islands. To warn the ships sailing on the International routes Light houses have been constructed in all the above islands except Kadmat. Navigational aid and other facilities are provided by the Lakshadweep Harbour Works through their area plan.

Wireless stations and Post Offices are available in all the Islands. Nine Telelphone Exchanges and Six Satellite Earth Stations are existing in Lakshadweep.

Two meteorological observatories one each at Minicoy and Amini are functioning. They make observations of growth and intensity of storm in the south east Arabian sea. Important scientific Research Stations like Indian Council of Agricultural Research Complex established in 1975-'76 at Minicoy take up multi-discipline culture, manurial intercropping and germ plasm research programmes.

On the advice of the Minimum Wage Advisory Board constituted under Minimum Wages Act 1948, the existing minimum wage rate has been revised for the different categories of workers in the scheduled employment from time to time since 21st December,l983. The present minimum wage rate is Rs. 30 per day. However the Minimum Wage Advisory Board under the chairmanship of Shri M.P.Cheriya Koya has recommended to give the minimum wage plus variable Dearness Allowance based on Consumer Price Index number of Lakshadweep.

Labour and Employment: There were about 8682 persons the live register of the District Employment Exchange on 31st March,1995, which is now fully computerised. An Industrial Training Institute was established in 1989 at Kavaratti,which offers training on Stenography and cutting and tailoring for matriculates and carpentry for non matriculates. The course on cutting and tailoring is exclusively for girls.

Consumer price index number for the year 1995 of this U.T is 393 (Base 1975 = 100)

MPLAD SCHEME: An amount of Rs.255 lakhs have been released for implementation of programmes under MPLAD scheme in Lakshadweep during the period of 1993-96. Under the scheme, Citizen band radio to fishing boats and motorised sailing vessels have been issued to help them to call for help in times of distress. Mini computors are being provided to educational institutions to train the students in Computor Science under the scheme. There is already a proposal to construct multipurpose complexes in Andrott island to cater the needs of locals for marriage/ other functions etc.

Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi's visit to these islands in 1985 has given a new direction to development. The conventional pattern of Plan schemes that was followed hitherto was changed to suit the geographical, demographical and environmental conditions obtaining in the islands. An Island Development Authority under his Chairmanship with top experts on various subject was constituted.

In the meanwhile, the various study groups of experts constituted by the Island Development Authority(IDA) have already made indepth studies of various needs of the territory. A Masterplan for the transport system in Lakshadweep at a cost of Rs. 297.5 crores upto 2010, introduction of M.V. Tippusultan, Helicopter and Vayudoot services are only the first steps towards this goal. In the second stage, the three 300 tonne capacity cargo barges are also in operation. The fourth cargo barge is likely to be in operation soon. Two smaller ships of about 100-150 passenger capacity are also projected to be constructed. In addition, a Rs.42 crore fisheries masterplan has also been approved. The Energy plan is already under implementation, together with the Water Supply scheme based on hydrogeological studies commissioned by IDA.

To solve the unemployment problems of the territory , development of fisheries, Tourism, etc. have been programmed on large scale. Cheriyam, an uninhabited island attached to Kalpeni, is planned to be developed as an International Tourist Resort similar to the Banagaram resort and as a first step an Air Port is being built in Andrott, the neighbouring island of Kalpeni. Development of Small Scale Industrial units is being encouraged as means of Self-Employment by providing adequate subsidy through various schemes. Pre-recruitment programmes on a massive scale is another measure taken up for the better future of the islands. By the turn of the century, the islands are expected to develop a self sustaining Agriculture and Tourism.

Planning Commission approved an amount of Rs.120 crores for the Eighth Five Year Plan. The salient features of the Eighth Five Year (1992-97) is as under.

Increasing production and productivity of cash crops,intercropping of vegetable and fruits in coconut gardens with the use of biofertilizers and organic manures and intensive pest and disease control are envisaged. Social forestry for coverage of degraded non forest.

Plantation and sea shore protection.

Introduction of Mushroom growing and vanilla cultivation as new schemes for increasing income of people as well as export production.

Intensive cattle breeding in the private sector is not encouraged due to the fragile ecology of the islands and shortage of fodder. But small scale cattle rearing by progressive farmers is encouraged to harness milk requirements. Further shortage is to be met by direct import of fluid milk having long shelf life. Major thrust in live stock production programme is given to poultry development.

Maximum exploitation of hitherto unexploited sea around the islands by evolving and introducing new techniques so as to maximise the catch. Master Plan for Lakshadweep Islands for the development of fisheries will be implemented.

Marketing of agricultural produce of the islands like Copra, Coir and fishery products like Mas, sundried salted shark fish.

Strengthening of credit movement by involving Central Co.Op.Banks. Extension of Public distribution system and opening of a super bazar on the pattern of super markets in the metropolies.

Strengthening the newly established democratic institution of the island councils by providing financial assistance to various developmental schemes proposed and implemented by them.

Provide better transmission and distribution of electrical energy in all islands. Augmentation of generating capacity in islands to meet additional demand for power. The existing overhead lines of HT&LT will be converted into underground system to check frequent trippings due to very large number of coconut trees in the islands.

Installation of Solar Photo Voltaic power generating system,solar PV street lights, cookers,chullahs,battery powered vehicles and fuel briquetting plants. Utilisation of wind energy.

Expanding the capacity of Coir Fibre extraction units to fully utilise the coir husk available in the islands, so as to prevent its going waste,leading to degradation of environment and causing health hazards. Development of entrepreneurship and steps for consumer protection. Expanding capacity and modernising the existing hosiery unit.

Implementation of Master Plan for transportationsystem in the islands prepared by the expert committee set up by the Ministry of Surface Transport.Acquisition of medium capacity passenger ship, Cargo ships and providing Harbour facilities.

Popularisation of Science and Technology among inhabitants, protection of environment and Anti Sea Erosion measures for conservation of erosion affected islands.

Development of tourism while simultaneously maintaining and promoting the fragile eco-system of the islands.

Establishment of full fledged planning machinery supported inter alia by core statistical set up for drawing up schemes most suited to local conditions,their execution,supervision and monitoring.

Conversion of existing High School to plus two level education.

Strengthening of vocationalisation of education, promotion of adult education, expansion of Libraryservices.

Ensure primary health care, child health services, upgradation of PHC's to Community Health Centres and protected water supply system to cover all islands.

Establishment of Lakshadweep Building Materials Development Board and developing the Headquarter island into a small/medium town.

Modernisation of central press, starting of stationery manufacturing wing and opening Mini Presses.

Introducing fire protection and control units in all islands,for the first time.

As a preliminary to the preparation of IXth Plan the Planning Department is conducting Socio Economic Survey in Gandhi Block (Kiltan Block) and the same is extented to cover the remaining four blocks of the Union Territory. The IX Plan is likely to be projected based on the result of this survey and also the changes in the new economic policy of the Government of India.