Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday chaired meeting of Advisory Committee for Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar in New Delhi. The Union Territory was represented by Lieutenant Governor Dr. Jagdish Mukhi, Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray and other Members. <br/><br/>The members had suggested 60 agenda items relating to different fields of development and security in the Andaman and Nicobar. The status on risk and hardship allowance to Fire Service personnel, release of pending payment under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and constitution of committee on land matters were informed in the meeting. Development of tourist circuits and opening of more islands for tourism were also discussed. <br/><br/>The members raised the issues pertaining to construction of roads and bridges. It was informed by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) that in the last 6 months, projects worth 800 crore rupees approx have been sanctioned for development of National Highways in islands. Also construction of two bridges have been started. <br/><br/>In the shipping sector, the issues that were raised by the members included augmentation of shipping facilities and setting up of ship repairing yard, dockyard and ship wrecking yard. It was decided to strengthen the local shipyard, dockyard and improve the infrastructure facilities at port and harbour. 14 Ships has been ordered to augment the existing fleet of ships. <br/><br/>The issues related to Civil Aviation were also discussed in the meeting including introduction of flights on International route via Port Blair. It was informed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation that it is exploring the possibilities of starting international operations at Port Blair. Works have been started for development of existing airport as International airport which is likely to be completed by 2020. <br/><br/>Home Minister directed the MHA officers and UT administration to expedite the pending issues and also follow up the issues pending with other Ministries. He also said that the administration of Union Territory should take initiative in implementation of Government of India's flagship programmes.