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The history of Planning in the U.T. of Lakshadweep can be
traced to the Middle of the Second Five Year Plan when for
the first time an integrated short-term Plan was
implemented. All through the Five Year plans, major thrust
was given to build transport and communication facilities,
health and education, co-operative movement to eliminate
middlemen exploiting the locals, supply of electricity,
fisheries and to create infrastructure for sustained
economic development and generate employment opportunities
for the locals in the various sectors of development.
The focus of the Lakshadweep Administration in the Xth Five
Year Plan is to reduce poverty, provide gainful employment
to educated unemployed, achieve 100% literacy, create
awareness for adoption of family planning measures, achieve
100% immunization, provide potable drinking water to all,
strengthening and improvement of infrastructural facilities,
reduction of subsidy on a tapering basis.
During the different Plan periods, infrastructure facilities
have been developed for promotion of tourism in Lakshadweep.
A full-fledged water sports institute at Kadmat Island,
tourist cafeteria, glass bottom boats to view marine life,
scuba dive centers and facilities for other water sports
like snorkeling, kayaking, etc. has already been set up.
Bangaram Island is a well-known international tourist resort
close to the airport at Agatti.
The Society for Promotion of Recreational tourism and Sports
(SPORTS), an autonomous society, is operating tourist
packages. Considering the smallness and the ecological
fragility of the islands, the objective is to promote low
volume but high quality tourism.
Lakshadweep has the distinctions of being the first in the
country to achieve 100% coverage in the universal
immunization programmes. Two Hospitals, three Community
Health Centres, four Primary Health Centres, 14 Sub Centers
and a First Aid Center are meeting the prime health needs of
the people.
Unemployment is increasing in the islands. There are
opportunities for self- employment in the islands and
therefore, the emphasis in the Tenth Plan has been on making
use of human resource available in the islands by providing
adequate training and also creating an awareness among the
educated unemployed to form co-operatives or to join the
private sector.
STATEMENT OF SHRI. PARIMAL RAI, IAS
HON’BLE ADMINISTRATOR, UT OF LAKSHADWEEP
27th - 28th June, 2005
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