The Cabinet has approved the proposal to setup Andaman and Nicobar Ports Trust with its headquarters at Port Blair. The Cabinet at its meeting in New Delhi yesterday also gave its nod for declaring the Andaman and Nicobar Ports as a major Port. The setting up of the Port Trust at Andaman and Nicobar Island will help in the development of the back ward areas of the island group by increasing commercial activities, encouraging tourism and attracting foreign direct investments. It will also help in supporting the rehabilitation programme for Tsunami affected. According to an official release, the strategic location of Andaman and Nicobar Island is potentially suitable for setting up major maritime infrastructure projects to service large volumes of cargo for the neighbouring Ports of ASEAN Countries. <br/><br/>In another decision the Cabinet has approved the setting up of Central Council for Research in Siddha. The Siddha system is one of the oldest medical systems in India. It is largely therapeutic in nature. Earlier, Siddha was covered under the Central Council Research in Ayurveda and Siddha. The setting up of of the separate Research Council on Siddha is aimed that given more attention to the development of this systems of medicine. The existing clinical research units in Siddha at Chennai, Puducherry, Palayam, Kottai, Thiruvananthapuram and the units at Mettur will be brought under the proposed Council.<br/>