Ms Patil, who is on a visit to the islands, said the network would provide connectivity between the various Government departments and be a platform for e-governance and other IT-enabled services. It would also serve as a communication channel for disaster management, in case such needs arise, she said.
"I hope that as the bandwidth is increased, internet facilities will be extended to the people for their business and personal use," she said.
The President dwelt at length on the pristine beauty of the islands and said they provided great potential for the growth of tourism. She, however, said this sector should be evolved as not just a revenue generator but undertaken in a manner that ensured that their ecological balance was maintained.
"The Lakshadweep Islands should be eco-friendly habitats, and in this context, eco-tourism as well as cruise tourism can be interesting options that can be explored," she said.
Ms Patil urged the administration to develop a people-friendly approach in their work, explaining that a responsive and accountable system of functioning was fundamental for achieving the goal of sustainable growth.
She said the development of island territories required a strategy that provides good connectivity between islands as also with the mainland. Ship, boat and air services are essential for connectivity and all efforts must be made to develop regular and effective transport linkages. However, in today's age, ICT is an effective tool of communication, she said.
Stressing the importance of science and technology and their practical applications, Ms Patil said desalination of water was one area where technical expertise was required. She said efforts must be made to encourage the use of solar energy, wind energy, bio-energy and other sources of renewable energy.
The President, who had earlier in the day, inaugurated an Intensive Care Unit at the Indira Gandhi Hospital in the islands, said health delivery and its improvement was a very important element of any administration's work. The new unit means that critically ill patients would no longer need to travel to the mainland in emergencies.
"I hope that there would be a continuous effort to improve the availability of health facilities from basic primary health care up to specialty hospitals. The medical community has a special role in ensuring the well being of the people. I would urge them, as I have on several occasions, to come forward to serve people in remote areas," she said.
She urged the island administration to focus on education and ensure that all young girls and boys attended school. She said vocational training centres should be set up to impart skills to the youth for making them employable.
"Being an island territory, I am sure that the people have a natural skill and competence for maritime related professions - shipping, upkeep of shipping vessels and fishery, among others. A strong focus could be given to facilities for value addition to the fish catch. More Self Help Groups and NGOs can be created and NGOs involved in the industry related to coconut production and its by-products. I am sure that co-operative societies would also be able to play a great role here," she said.
"We, as a nation, can be proud that we have achieved much since we became of a free nation. We are the world largest democracy, and one of the world's largest and fastest growing economies. The endeavour is to make every constituent of the Indian nation strong and to follow a strategy that allows the benefits of growth to reach all citizens. I can only assure the people of the Lakshadweep that your interest and welfare is important and would receive support from the Government of India," she added.
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Quelle/Source: NetIndian, 24.12.2009
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