Port Blai(Sri Vijaya Puram): A new chapter in the administration of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will unfold on September 15, with Dr. Dinesh Sharma set to be sworn in as the Union Territory’s 14th Lieutenant Governor. The Lt Governor-designate arrived in Sri Vijaya Puram from New Delhi on Sunday, accompanied by his spouse, Dr. (Smt.) Jai Lakshmi Sharma. He was received at Veer Savarkar International Airport by Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray, Chief Secretary Gyanesh Bharti, senior officers of the A&N Administration and others.
The swearing-in ceremony will be held at 11.30 am on September 15 at Lok Niwas, Sri Vijaya Puram. Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge, will administer the Oath of Office and Oath of Secrecy to Dr. Sharma. Chief Secretary Gyanesh Bharti will read out the Warrant of Appointment on the occasion.
Dr. Sharma brings considerable political and administrative experience to the island territory. A former Mayor of Lucknow, he served as Uttar Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister from 2017 to 2022, handling key portfolios including education, science and technology, and IT. Since entering the Rajya Sabha in 2023, he has also served on its Panel of Vice-Chairpersons.
Dr. Sharma’s assumption of office comes at a significant juncture for the strategically important island territory, with connectivity, civic infrastructure, tourism development and the aspirations of local islanders emerging as key priorities for the new administration.
With connectivity, civic infrastructure, tourism development and the aspirations of local islanders high on the agenda, the new Lt Governor will be expected to translate his political and administrative experience into responsive governance across the geographically dispersed and strategically important islands.
