Inflation rises to 11.98 per cen
New Delhi, July 31 (21:10 IST): Inflation rose to 11.98 per cent for the week ended July 19, as some food and manufactured products turned dearer.
The moderation in inflation a week earlier to 11.89 per cent turned out to be an aberration as the rate of price rise is now a just a tad below the crucial 12 per cent. It has been rising unabatedly since petrol prices were increased by the Government on June 5.
Prices of pulses, fruits and spices went up as did the rates some manufactured products items.
Inflation stood at 4.65 per cent in the corresponding week a year ago.
This is the first official data on inflation after the Reserve Bank increased the short-term lending (repo) rate by 50 basis points to 9 per cent and also raised the mandatory deposits (CRR) that banks have to park with it by 25 basis points to cool down the rate of price rise.
However, the exact effect of these measures will be known after some time only as official data is released with a two week lag and hike in CRR would come into effect only after August 30.
Announcing the first quarterly review of the credit policy RBI Governor Y V Reddy had said that the main thrust of the policy would be to bring down inflation to 7 per cent by March, 2009.
Earlier, the apex bank had set the attempt to bring down inflation close to 5 per cent by end of this fiscal and lower it further to 4-4.5 per cent with a medium-term objective of 3 per cent.
Workshop on breast feeding week
Gangtok, July 31 (21:00 IST): Food & Nutrition Board, CFNEU, Government of India and SJEW Department, Government of Sikkim has arranged one day workshop on 1st August at STNM Hospital. This is to begin the celebration of the World Breast Feeding Week from 1-7th August, 2008.
Besides, programmes will be arranged at different places during the week which will include exhibition, quiz competition, discussion, demonstration on health and nutrition related topics. This is to bring awareness among people about the importance of breast feeding and nutrition to health.
An reptile caecilians discovered in Makaibari Tea Estate
Kurseong, July 31 (16:00 IST): A rare reptile Caecilian has been found on the Makaibari Tea Estate near Kurseong. This is the first time that the reptile-like creature has been spotted for almost 150 years. Caecilians were last seen at Rangliot Valley in Sikkim in 1881.
Experts and students from Delhi University are now visiting the hills to learn more about the creature. Researchers believe the species is common in the country's Darjeeling-Sikkim region.
"This is endemic to this Sikkim-Darjeeling area and then since this animal is found in this locality. We can say that the ecosystem here is very much preserved for this animal," said Robin Siyush, the student from Delhi University .He plans to gather more samples and information to study the animals. He wishes to take up further studies on the caecilians.
Anti Gorkhaland force demonstrate against Ghising's stay
Siliguri, Jul 31 (15:45 IST): Forced to leave the Darjeeling Hills by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), GNLF leader Subash Ghising who is holed up at a government bungalow here under security cover, faced demonstrations from anti-Gorkhaland activists who want him to be sent back to Darjeeling.
Taking the security staff by surprise, the activists under the banner of Bangla O Bangla Bhasha Bachao Committee gathered in front of the Teesta project bungalow at Tinbati More, where the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) leader was staying, and shouted slogans demanding that Ghising be sent back to Darjeeling .
The protestors, who were advancing towards the bungalow, were stopped by the police. Eight activists were arrested but later released yesterday.
According to Inspector General of Police ( North Bengal ) K.L. Tamta, security was further tightened at the bungalow.
The central committee president of the Bachaon Committee Mukunda Mazumder told a national news agency today that it would continue its protest against Ghising's stay in Siliguri or any other place in the state except Darjeeling Hills till he formally opposed the demand for a separate Gorkhaland.
Ghising came down to the plains with his wife and son after violence gripped Darjeeling on July 25. The GJM activists had damaged his house by pelting stones and set on fire a few houses of GNLF leaders.
West Bengal government is keeping silent on GJM's dictatorial work
Siliguri, July 30 (09:45 IST): The building of GNLF supreme Subash Ghising at Manju tea estate in Kurseong sub-division near Mirik was taken over by the activists of Gorkha Janamukti Morch (GJM) to convert it into party office, police source said.
Activists of GJM local unit occupied the building on July 28, unit president Roshan Thapa said.
"It was built with public money and we have returned the money to them by taking it over," Roshan Thapa, local unit president of GJM said, adding the cost of Rs 50 lakh needed to build the house in 1999 was not earned by Ghising.
Ghising who has been living in a Teesta Project guest house here after he was driven out of Darjeeling hills on July 25 declined to comment on the capture of the house named "White House".
West Bengal 's Urban Development Minister, Asok Bhattacharya described the incident as "an example of fascism".
The police said 35-40 youths coming in vehicles and motor cycles raided the house of Ghising's brother-in-law K P Alley and demanded the key of the house on July 28 morning.
Alley handed over the key. His wife told reporters "no option was left with us other than handing over the key".
Some socio-political observers blamed west Bengal government to not to take serious action using police force on this illegal captured. “Why state government is keeping silent on GJM's dictatorial work?” he questioned with doubt. If Ghising's hand is coloured by corruption, than anybody can knock the door of judiciary, but capturing house is direct violation of the human rights, he added.
Prachanda discusses govt formation with President
Kathmandu, July 30 (09:00 IST): As wrangling among key parties left Nepal without a formal administration over three months after the polls, Maoist chief Prachanda today met President Ram Baran Yadav to discuss issues relating to government formation and building consensus among all political groups.
Prachanda called on Yadav at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here, a day after his party, which emerged the largest group in the landmark April 10 Constituent Assembly polls, was invited by the Indian-origin President to form a government within seven days by forging national consensus.
During the meeting, issues relating to government formation and building consensus among all political parties came up, sources at the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.
Prachanda has intensified consultations with smaller parties on ways to form the next government as Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala's resignation has already been accepted by the President.
"We have been trying to reach a consensus among 25 political parties to form the next government," senior Maoist leader C P Gajurel said. "We will make our claim to the President only after forging a consensus among all the political parties having representation in the Constituent Assembly." "We are also holding discussions with the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML for their inclusion in the government," he said. However, these two parties have not yet presented their clear view on whether they want to join the government or not, he added.
The matter relating to power-sharing has not yet come up, he said, adding "first of all we will finalise the common minimum programme before forming the government and discuss the matter with other parties."
Opposition MLA searches democracy with torchlight in Assembly
Gangtok, July 29 (21:00 IST): Lone Opposition member Acharya Tshering Lama today staged a walkout from the Sikkim Legislative Assembly after being denied permission to speak during the Zero hour of the second and final day of the Assembly session proceedings.
Lama, a Sangha MLA, who belongs to the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee, had tried to speak during the Zero hour on the Prof B K Roy Burman Committee report.
But the Opposition MLA was cut short by Speaker D N Tarkapa who pointed out that the Assembly had already debated the Burman Committee report during its earlier sitting on June 10 and the Sangha MLA was absent on the day when the Assembly adopted the recommendations of the Burman Committee report.
When the Speaker denied permission to Acharya Lama to continue further, the Opposition MLA shouted that there is no democracy in Sikkim and waved a large black cloth and moved around the House with a torch light.
'' I am searching for democracy in the House with a torch light,'' shouted Acharya Lama before storming out of the House in protest.
Later speaking to reporters, Acharya Lama said his protest in the House was prompted after being denied permission to raise several 'pertinent' issues in the House during the Zero hour.
'' Why a report discussed earlier cannot be raised again in the House? This proves that there is undeclared emergency in Sikkim . I tried to find democracy in the House with torchlight,'' he said.
The incident today was reminiscent of a similar episode in the Assembly on September 1992 when Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, who was a just a MLA at that time had tried to search democracy in the House with a candlelight. (Photo: B. P. Bajgain)
Home Ministry issues advisories to states and UTs
New Delhi, July 29 (05:45 IST): In the aftermath of serial blasts in two cities, the Union Home Ministry has advised all the states and Union Territories (UTs) to beef up ground level vigilance, particularly in crowded areas and sensitive locations.
The Ministry has also advised states and UTs to increase policing at ground level and ensure adequate measures for maintaining law and order, a Home Ministry spokesman said.
The advisories have come in the wake of serial bomb blasts that claimed nearly 50 lives in Bangalore and Ahmedabad last week.
Meanwhile, the proposed meeting of the state chief secretaries and directors general of police would be held next month followed by a meeting of chief ministers to review the security scenario and discuss measures to tackle terrorism.
SIMFED opened a Shop to control price hike
Gangtok, July 28 (17:00 IST): The State government decided to intervene in the market to control the prices of a range of grocery items to rein in inflation. The Sikkim State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation Ltd. (SIMFED) opened a Shop to control price hike here in front of Denzong cinema hall where prices of grocery items are cheaper than present market rate today. When landslides occurred in life-line of Sikkim or bandh happned at neighboring state, the blocked of the Natinal highway, Sikkim always suffers from the lack of essential commodities including food items which has also caused a price hike in these areas.
Shop of SIMFED will help to product cum price awareness amongst the consumer, said S K Pradhan, Managing Director of the Federation.
The rate of growth we needed to maintain wasn't going to be possible without having own shop to show the differences, said Jeevan Sharma, Assistant Manager of the SIMFED.
The idea to open shop designed by Jeevan Sharma and open by SIMFED as per direction of the State government.
Deadlock Darjeeling : Ghising left hill on security ground, Pranab will updates Home Ministry
Kolkata/Siliguri, July 28 (08:00 IST): Centre would continue its support to the state government for a peaceful resolution of the Gorkhaland issue as well as to ensure the realization of development projects in the state. This assurance was given by external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee to chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on Sunday.
He will update the home ministry on the turmoil on the Gorkhaland issue in West Bengal's hill district Darjeeling . “We all know about the Gorkhaland agitation continuing in Darjeeling . I have discussed the issue in a meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee,” Mukherjee told reporters here Sunday after meeting with Buddhadeb.
Hill again flared up Friday after a Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) member was killed by a shot allegedly fired from the house of Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) leader Dipak Gurung at Darjeeling .
Following the violence, Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) chief Subhas Ghising has been shifted from his residence in Darjeeling to Siliguri on security grounds.
“I will give the updates to the home ministry once I reach Delhi ,” Mukherjee said after Bhattacharjee called on him.
SLA : Bill for s upplementary demands for grants in the financial business introduced
Gangtok, July 28: A Bill seeking s upplementary demands for grants in the financial business today introduced in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly by chief minister Pawan Chamling. He presented the first supplementary demand of Rs 123 cores and Rs 5 lakhs in the summer session of the Sikkim State Legislative Assembly. The supplementary demands included in this batch covers 31-grants/appropriations and involve a gross expenditure of Rs 12305.56 lakhs composing of Rs 6510.29 lakhs on revenue account and Rs 5795.27lakhs on capital account for the current financial year 2008-2009.
In addition, Chamling placed excess demands for grants for the year 2003-2004.
F or the period of 2003-04, there was an overall excess of Rs 1, 21, 06, 481 and the committee has recommended for regularization of Rs. 1, 07, 57, 830 on revenue account and Rs 13,48,651 on capital.
Other Bills introduced in Assembly are The Sikkim Forests, Watercourses and road reserve (preservation and protection bill) amendment bill placed by SB Subedi, the Minister for the State Forest and Wildlife Management Department, Sikkim Irrigation Water tax (amendment bill) and Sikkim Urban and Regional Planning and Development amendment bill placed by DD Bhutia, the Minister for Irrigation and Flood Control Department, The Sikkim Nationalized Transport bill (prevention of ticketless travel and miscellaneous provisions) amendment bill placed by the concerned Minister, Menlom Lepcha, Registration of companies amendment bill and Sikkim Regulation of societies, associations and other voluntary organizations amendment bill placed by RB Subba, the Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs.
Week long training on Journalism concluded
Gangtok, July 27(10:25 IST): Under the skill Development and Capacity Building programme of the Government, Department of Information and Public Relations (IPR) Department organized second phase of week long training on Journalism, Photography and Videography for unemployed educated youths.
The training programme which was held at Accounts and Administrative Training Institute (A.A.T.I) capital came to an end on Saturday. About 50 educated unemployed youth from across the state participated in it and were given theoretical as well as practical classes on the said subjects.
The valedictory function of the same which was organized at the conference hall of AATI saw Commissioner cum Secretary IPR Department, M.G Kiran gracing the occasion as the chief guest. Kiran who was very pleased with the turnout of the participants gave away the certificates to them.
While addressing the participants the Secretary also informed that the department plans to take these sorts of training programmes to the Sub Divisions and to Block Levels in the near future, and said that these kind of training programmes are been given by the government to give a direction to the youths of Sikkim and make them skilled and capable. Further, he added that the trainees who participated in these training programmes will be given full co-operation by the department if they need any.
The resource persons who were involved in this capacity building training programmes were Assistant Director (Photo / Films) Bishal Khawas, Photographer Keshav Chettri and Subash Sharma for Photography and Videography and Chewan Dhakal for Journalism.
It may be mentioned here that the department has already trained about 200 educated unemployed youths in these disciplines in the first phase.
Officers Services of Sikkim felicitated Chamling.
Gangtok, July 26 (16:00 IST): The Officers Services of the Government of Sikkim is felicitated the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling for securing Direct Income Tax exemption of Central Income Tax 1961 today at Gymnasium Hall, Gangtok.
The strategy adopted by Chief Minister to exempt IT for Sikkimese original is the reason to felicitate him, said T.T. Dorjee, Additional Chief Secretary.
Today's function is not particularly to felicitate Chief Minister only but to show solidarity of Officers towards government policy is also the agenda, said N.D. Chingapa Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim.
Chief Minister Chamling requested to respond good and bad both and react for the people of Sikkim addressing the officers gathering. He claims promoting good governance with future infrastructure in his regime and urged to support his long term planning for the state.
Commenting on opposition political leaders of Sikkim , satiristically he termed them Democratic Virus. (Photo: Pravin Khaling, 09:00 IST)
BJP accused SDF on defacement of the state
Gangtok, July 25 (11:00 IST): The president of Bharatiya Janata Party, Sikkim state H R Pradhan has accused the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) that the State has been defaced with the flag and banners of the Party violating Sikkim Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1988.
In this regard he complained Director General of Police hare today stating "whole of Sikkim has been defaced with the Flag and Banners of SDF party, it is not possible to register complain of defacement in each and every Police Stations against this defacement of public/Government properties including private properties without the consent of the person to whom the property belongs. This may, therefore, kindly be treated as First Information Report for kind onward instruction to all the Police station to register a case of Defacement under the Sikkim Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1988."
Pradhan has further requested the DGP for removal of the defacement as per the provision of section 3 of the Act.
Chamling directed to systemize educational loan
Gangtok, July 25: A meeting was held in the chamber of the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling at the Tashiling Secretariat to streamline and systemize the educational loans being disbursed by the Department of Capacity Building, SIDICO and SABBCO. The meeting chaired by the Chief Minister was attended by the Chief Secretary, N. D. Chingapa, Special Secretary, Department of Personnel, Managing Director of SIDICO and SABBCO and Director of capacity Building Department.
At the outset the Chief Minister asked the officers to keep in mind that the main objective of disbursing these educational loans is to help those students whose parents cannot afford to send their children for further education. Secondly, with this financial assistance, the Government also plans to build requisite human resources and create opportunities and self employment. Stress was also laid by the Chief Minister to fix up criteria for disbursement of such educational loans which should be given to only those who deserve and not to those whose family's annual income exceeds Rs. 5.00 lakhs. Only one member of a family should be entitled to such loan and no diversion and misuse of loan amount be allowed. In fact, it was decided in the meeting to constitute a committee consisting of concerned officers to look into the criteria for disbursement of such loans. The Chief Minister has also directed the concerned departments to look into the timely
Sikkim Chess Association landed today
Gangtok, July 24: The Sikkim Chess Association is formed today with the aim of developing chess talent in the state of Sikkim and giving the top talent in the state a chance to improve and compete at a national and international level.
Mahendra Dhakal, General Secretary of newly formed association had indicated his desire to take Chess in Sikkim to a new higher level. Our mission is to bring Sikkim youths, he said.
Dhakal, a Sikkimese by birth is a Nepal based coach of Nepal Chess Association (NCS) and the man behind the success of Sikkim to form Sikkim Chess Association (SCA) here today.
Income Tax Act awareness workshop
Gangtok, July 24: ''The Income Tax office will be set up by August 6 in Sikkim ,'' said Finance Secretary T T Dorjee here today. Three decades after Sikkim merged with India ; the Central Income Tax office will be set up in the state by August 6. Income Tax Act 1961implemented in Sikkim this year, repealing the Sikkim Income Tax manual-1948.
To make public awareness on direct taxes state government organized a workshop and seminar at Chintan Bhawan in Gangtok today.
People of Sikkimese origin having Sikkim subjects or Domicile Certificate have been exempted from Direct Taxes as per the 26AA clause paving way for the Act to be enforced in the state. (Photo: Pravin Khaling)
Bhandari carried Gorkhaland unconditionally
Gangtok, July 23: Nar Bahadur Bhandari, former chief minister of Sikkim and president, Congress Party has unconditionally carried the demand of a separate Gorkhaland state today.
Bhandari dreams for Separate State for Gorkhas since he was the student of Darjeeling Government College and was General Secretary of the then tarun sangha.
Trust vote boosts US backers of N-deal
New Delhi , July 24: Prime minister, Manmohan Singh, scored biggest triumph of his political career when he won a critical confidence vote in parliament Tuesday. The win will allow Mr. Singh to steam ahead with a groundbreaking but long-delayed nuclear deal with the United States upon which he has repeatedly staked his legacy and his government. It will also allow him to pass urgently needed economic reforms and rein in inflation, currently running at nearly 12 percent.
The vote was sparked when the UPA's Communist allies withdrew their support from the government over the Indo-US nuclear deal, arguing that it would make India a stooge of the US .
NOTICE: Sorry for not updating last two days…
Haalkhabar office, July 23: My team has been trying to update this site as frequently as possible. But for last 2 days we couldn't. This site's network setting transferred to another setting. Well now everything is the way it should be so we are here updating this site again.
NYK meet for action plan
Gangtok, July 23: The Nehru Kendra, Gangtok held its first quarterly meeting of the District Advisory Committee on Youth Programme on Tuesday at the District Administration Centre Gangtok. The meeting chaired by S.D.M. Gangtok, A.B. Karki and co-ordinated by the District youth co-ordinater, Puran Chettri, discussed in detail various agendas including the future action plan, annual report 2007-08 and other matters relating to NYK's activities in the state.
During the meeting, the District Youth Coordinator, Puran Chettri highlighted important issues relating to the youths and youth clubs. Incentives and Awards for the youth's clubs for their contribution at the state and national level were also mentioned.
NYK, Gangtok was set up in the year 1976, since then, it has been organizing various programmes like regular programmes, special programmes and co-ordinate programmes for motivation of the youths in Sikkim .
Nehru Yuva Kendras are centers to motivate and guide the youths and the people towards progressive development, leadership qualities, personality skill, capacity development etc. NYKs under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, not only function as a motivator and guide to the youths but also co-ordinates in implementing various youth centric developmental activities initiated both by state and the central governments. NYK normally functions in-coordination with District Administration and other line departments in organizing their various programmes for the benefit of out youths and society.
The meeting was attended by officials from Line Departments, NYK Gangtok, and representatives from financial institutions.
Sikkim University has completed one year in office
Gangtok, July 22: The Sikkim University (SU) has completed one year in office and although it is unfair to rate performance for a new born university. However one can see the majors taking by authorities of university to build a complete structure including educational systems and rules. Thanks to some good development undertaken by first vice chancellor of SU Professor Mahendra P. Lama, the university had something to build upon particularly in educational systems and has already started collaborative programmes with national and international institutions.
The State Government has been very generous in providing all the basic facilities that are required for initiating this ambitious task of building a University of international standard.
SU will have three distinct yet interdisciplinary academic programmes consisting of Traditional Programmes, Non-traditional Programmes and Policy Studies Programmes.
The University has three major activities at this stage. To draft all the rules, regulations, ordinances and statutes is its first duty. Secondly, to design the academic programmes, admission policy and recruitment of faculty and other administrative staff and last but important is to build and develop physical infrastructure.
There are lots of challenges for University Authorities particularly for the Prof. Lama. Building a dream in reality is not an easy task within a specific time-frame. (Photo: Pravin Khaling)
OS Sikkim are felicitating Chief Minister Pawan Chamling
Gangtok, July 22 (updated on July 23): The Officers' Services of the Government of Sikkim are felicitating Pawan Chamling the Chief Minister of Sikkim , for securing exemption of Central Income Tax. The programme will be held at the Indoor Gymnasium Hall at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok on 26th July 2008 at 10 am, as per information received from the Convenor, Officers Services of Government of Sikkim.
Training programme for scribes in Gangtok
Gangtok, July 22 (updated on July 23): The state Information and Public Relations (I & PR) department is organizing a weeklong training programme on Journalism as part of the ‘Skill Development and Capacity Building Programme', in Gangtok from today.
The training programme includes short term courses on Journalism, Videography and Photography for the educated unemployed youth in Gangtok.
“About fifty participants from different parts of the state have enrolled for the programme in the first day itself” said Subash Sharma one of the resource person from the department. “The training also includes theoretical as well as practical classes dealing with the ethics of journalism to providing the right information” he added.
It may be recalled that during the last financial year, the department had conducted a similar training programme in all the four districts of the state and results were positive and encouraging.
The department has also proposed to organize such training in future with additional subjects. Apart from Sharma the faculty included CK Dahal, Vishal Khawas, Keshav Chhetri.
GOS will extend every possible help to Kyabji Dodrupchen Rinpoche
Gangtok, July 22 (updating on July 23): The Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling , paid a visit to Deorali Chorten Monastery Saturday to enquire about the health condition of the Kyabji Dodrupchen Rinpoche who has been not feeling well and is in critical condition and directed the Ecclesiastical Affairs Department to extend every possible help to the Rinpoche.
The Department in turn discussed the matter with Dr.R.L.Sharma, Principal Director, Health and Family Welfare Department on Monday and a medical team as under has been formed to see and take care of health condition of Rinpoche. The medical team consist Dr. I L.Sharma, Medical Suptd. Chairman, Dr. B.N.Sharma, Physician Member, Dr. Yogesh Verma, Pathologist Member and Dr. Passang Phempo, Surgeon Member.
One Medical Officer from STNM Hospital will see his condition every day and report to the Committee. The above team of medical experts will visit the Rinpoche every alternative day and look after his health. If required, one nurse and a ward attendant will be posted to Deorali Chorten on shift basis.
Training on Journalism
Gangtok, July 21 (updating on July 23): Under the Skill Development and Capacity Building Programme of the Government, the Department of Information and Public Relations is organizing week long training on Journalism, Videography and Photography for the educated unemployed youth in Gangtok from today.
The resources persons are C.K.Dahal, Vishal Khawas, Keshav Chhetri and Subash Sharma. It may be mentioned here that during the last financial year, the department conducted similar training in all the four district headquarters and the number of participants were very encouraging.
The department has also proposed to organize such training under Skill Development and Capacity Development Programmes at sub-division level in near future with additional subjects of teaching.
Tourism ministry plans to promote Sikkim as yoga hub
New Delhi , July 20: The ministry plans to promote institutes to develop skills in yoga and traditional systems of medicine to position India as the global destination for wellness.
The first institute of this kind will come up in Sikkim . The institution is a partnership between the state government, ministry of tourism and the ministry of health.
“We are in dialogue with the department of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (Ayush) to draw up plans to produce the content for trainers,” a senior official of the ministry said .
“ Sikkim has taken the lead, but we hope more such institutes will come up in the future.” He said.
Press Club Anguish over MLA, demands clear statement from Police Authority
Gangtok, July 20: The Press Club of Sikkim (PCS) today demand an explanation from A S Baraily, MLA of Rateypani constituency of South Sikkim who made an allegation against media personals of Gangtok in public at Chiuribotey on Friday and said ‘journalist of Gangtok are used to demand money to write reports.'
PCS also demands a clear statement from Police Authority on media assault case of 4 July 2008. The Chief Minister assured the local journalists that the state government had asked the Police department to take strict action against the accused in the crime. But till yet the Investigation level is in same position as before when made a complaint against the incident.
Alternative highway for Sikkim may align via Bhutan
Gangtok, July 19: Surface transport ministry secretary Brahm Dutt said that the ministry is concerned on state's problem of frequent closer of National Highway 31-A. The need for an independent alternative highway is a necessity, he said.
Pawan Chamling, the Chief Minister also suggested the possibility of an alternative highway bordering either Nepal or Bhutan .
Union Secretary, who arrived in the capital today called on the Chief Minister at his official residence, Mintokgang.
Dutta accompanied by Kamlesh Kumar, Chief Engineer, Ministry of Surface Transport discussed important issues pertaining to the construction of an alternative highway for the state of Sikkim .
Road connectivity is essential for promoting tourism industry. Sikkim does not have an Airfield as of now and supply of essential commodities gets affected very badly due to its frequent closure.
The Union Secretary during the meeting assured to find a solution to the highway problem. He also suggested a team to be set up comprising of officials from the PWD, BRO and officials from the Ministry of Surface Transport, Government of India to work out the modalities for the new alignment of an alternative highway from eastern Sikkim via Bhutan .
Nepal Assembly fails to elect Prez, Madhesi leader is new VP
Kathmandu, July 19: In an anti-climax, Nepal's Constituent Assembly today failed to elect the country's first president despite a last-minute political maneuvering which saw the country's three main groups joining hands to sideline the Maoists, intensifying the three-month long deadlock.
However, Madhesi People's Rights Forum leader Parmanand Jha was elected the country's first Vice President after he bagged 312 votes in the 594-member House, a partial victory for the Nepali Congress of Premier G P Koirala and Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist Leninist), the second and third largest parties respectively after the Maoists.
Today's vote saw a vertical split in the House with the Nepali Congress candidate Ram Baran Yadav getting 294 votes, just four short of the magic figure of 298. Only 578 members caste their votes while 16 remained absent.
Maoist candidate for the President's post Ramrajraja Prasad Singh, 74, of Nava Janawadi Morcha was close behind with 282 votes, state-run Nepal Television reported.
He was expected to win the election after Madhesi parties which have 86 votes had promised to back him until this morning when Nepali Congress (110), CPN-UML (103)and MPRF reached a formal alliance for the three key posts.
Today's election which saw a straight contest between the two candidates after CPN-UML's Ram Prit Paswan withdrew his candidature in the eleventh hour was expected to end the deadlock since the April 10 election and pave the way for a government led by Maoist chief Prachanda.
However, with the three parties joining hands, analysts are not ruling out the possibility of their forming a government sidelining the Maoists.
The Assembly is yet to decide the date of the repoll for electing the president who will take over most of the ceremonial duties earlier performed by ousted king Gyanendra.
Sikkim snippets 11 hydel projects amongst 27 proposed projects
Gangtok, July 18: The Sikkim government has scrapped 11 of the proposed 27 hydro power projects in the state citing inordinate delay in starting work by developers, setting off a blame game between the two parties.
Power and Energy Department Secretary Pema Wangchen said, the developers had made inordinate delay in starting work for which contracts were awarded years ago.
Wangchen added, the developers whose contracts had been cancelled did not even submit the detailed project report, not to speak of other unfulfilled obligations.
On the other hand, private developer Madhya Bharat Power Corporation had filed a writ petition first week of this month in the Sikkim High Court challenging the cancellation of the project at Rongnichu (96 MW) stating that the required land for the project had not been made available.
Wangchen said the hydro power projects like Sada-Mangder (71 mw), Rongnichu (96 mw), Bhasmey (51 mw), Rolep 36 mw), Chakungchu (50 mw), Ting Ting (90 MW), Rateychu-Bakchachu (40 MW), Tashiding (88 MW) and Ralong (40 MW) had been scrapped due to delay by developers to execute the projects.
Two other hydel projects - Rangyong (117 MW) and Lingza (99 MW), both in north Sikkim were scrapped in view of the agitation by a social organisation, while two other projects Ringi (90 MW) and Rukel 33 (MW) were not put for bidding as the site for the two projects were situated in a protected area under the Kanchenjunga Park in the Himalayas, he said.
Foundation day of Press Club of Sikkim observed
Gangtok, July 17: Subhash Deepak, senior journalist from the State, was conferred with the 4 th Khangchendzonga Kalam Puraskar for his contributions towards the journalism on the occasion of the 6th anniversary of the Press Club of Sikkim (PCS) held here today.
On this occasion, the PCS felicitated two other journalists also. A prominent journalist from Darjeeling , Sanjay Pradhan and Rangpo based freelancer Sanjay Agarwal were felicitated for their contributions towards journalism.
Addressing the media fraternity, the Chief Guest, RB Subba, Minister, govt. of Sikkim said that the press had a responsibility towards accurate and unbiased reporting.
The duties and the responsibilities obligatory on a reporter makes it necessary for them to adopt a non partisan and non committal analysis of the events and affairs so that it reflects proper understanding and reality, he said.
Others to address the gathering were the M G Kiran, Secretary IPR, CD Rai, President, PCS, Hemanta Giri (editor Naya Kanchanjunga), Sanjay Pradhan and Sanjay Agarwal. In this occasion senior journalist B P Bajgain recited his new poem on recent press assault case of Gangtok. (Photo: IPR)
Nari Tshering sworned as the State Chief Information Commissioner of Sikkim
Gangtok July 16: Nari Tshering, former Secretary to the Government of Sikkim was sworn in as the second State Chief Information Commissioner of Sikkim . He succeded D.K.Gajmer. In a function organized at Ashirwad Bhawan, in the premises of Raj Bhawan. Governor of Sikkim , Balmiki Prasad Singh administered the oath and affirmation of office to Nari Tshering. Earlier, Chief Secretary , N.D. Chingapa read out the notification of his appointment.
First Lady, Mrs. Singh, Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling, Mrs. Tika Maya Chamling, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Chairpersons, DGP, HODs of various government departments and people from press and media attended the swearing in ceremony.
Tshering joined the Government Service in 1973 and served as Tourist - cum - Reception officer, OSD -cum - US, Tourist Officer, Development Department, DDO - cum- PO, East from 1973-1976. He was appointed to State Civil Service in the year 1976 and served in various capacities as DDO, South( 1977), DC cum DM (1980), Resident Commissioner, Sikkim House, New Delhi in 1983, M.D., Sikkim Milk Union in 1995 etc. He was inducted to IAS - 1991 batch in the year 1999. Thereafter, he served as Secretary and Commissioner - cum - Secretary of various departments including DOPART in 2006. He took voluntary retirement on 11.06.08. (Photo: IPR)
Radio Misty 94.3 FM to launch in Sikkim in August
HK Desk, July 16: The first FM station of North Bengal, Radio Misty 94.3 FM will be on air at Sikkim in the month of August this year.Radio Misty chief executive officer Nishant Mittal told that a state of art studio is been made at Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim . True to its motto, "Local people - Local voice, Local station - Local choice", Radio Misty 94.3 FM will connect the local people via interactive and innovative shows, focusing on local culture and heritage.
Its programmes are designed to cater for people from all lifestyles and ages. Mittal said that a survey for music has been done by a reputed research agency. Based on its findings music will be played according to taste of local people.
The next Janata Mela will be held in the month of September
Gangtok 16: The next Janata Mela will be held in the month of September this year to directly reach benefits to the deserving people. An exercise in direct contact, the Janata Mela is a forum for the chief minister to engage the people of Sikkim on government policies, encourage them to become self-reliant and empower them to ask for responsibility in governance by emphasising that it is the people's money that the government spends. It is only the poor and needy who are eligible to get the benefits. This is announced by the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling according to a Sikkim Democratic Front press release issued on July 15 by the SDF General Secretary (Publicity), Bhim Dahal.The benefits for the deserving beneficiaries would include house building plans for below poverty line people, corrugated sheets for house roofs, cash amount under Chief Minister Awas Yojana, and Indira Awas Yojana, cooking gas cylinder, solar lantern and old age pensions. Besides, land will be given to landless Sikkimese people, along with distribution of milch cows, materials for green houses, seeds for flowers and vegetables and scholarships for other back ward class, most backward class, scheduled tribe and scheduled caste, the release said.
Journalist assault case: bailed out the arrested five
Gangtok, July 15: All five persons arrested in connection with the 4th July media attack incident at the Hamro Prajashakti office have been granted bail by the Lower Court here yesterday.
Those five persons are as Suraj Gurung (29), Ashish Subba (24), Milan Rai (27), Roshan Gurung (23) and Rupesh Gurung (23), who were arrested on July 7 from Syari in the Capital. Another accused, Dawa Tshering Bhutia was arrested later.
However, these five were rearrested today in another case. They have been arrested under the Arms Act and the Sikkim Anti Drugs Act, based on the evidences recovered from the room in Syari at the time of their arrests on July 7.
Bhanu Jayanti celebration observed
Gangtok, 13th July: State level 194th birth anniversary of Aadi Kavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya was celebrated here today. The ceremony featured an interactive debate competition on the topic ‘does right to information act bring transparency in government functions?' between Tashi Namgyal Academy and Deorali Girls Senior Secondary School . An inter school Ramayana and poetry competition was also held during the celebration.
Later, the CM felicitated the CBSE toppers of class X and XII, Ashish Bhandari and Tashi Yangzom Bhutia.
The birth anniversary of the great Nepali poet was also celebrated with equal zeal and fervour in North and South Sikkim .
SDF to vote in favour of UPA govt on nuke deal
Gangtok July 13: The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) today decided to support the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal. The SDF Party will vote in favour of the UPA when Prime Minister seeks a confidence vote in Parliament.
"We fully stand by the prime minister and the nuclear deal and would accordingly support the confidence vote to be moved by the prime minister in the Lok Sabha whenever he decides to seek it," Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling said here.
The lone SDF representative in the Lok Sabha would back the trust vote to be moved by the UPA government whenever it decides to do so, he said.
Endorsing the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal, Chamling said "the agreement will enable our country to generate nuclear energy in the years to come."
Death of Tafazul and question on GFCI
Gangtok, July 11: Tafazul Ali's death occurred after leakage of electric current on Thursday in East Sikkim .
Tafazul (21), son of Hofur Ali was the permanent resident of Assam . As per police report, one concreting pump machine was uproot due to blockage in the machine in pipeline inside the tunnel. The deceased Tafazul and five others engaged in the cleaning of blockage concrete pump. Accidentally, electric current was leakage from the concrete pump and shocked the deceased person. Tafazul was evacuated to the hospital for first aid but on the way he died. Deadbody forwarded to the District Hospital , Singtam for post mortem. The case is under investigation.
One of the most important safety devices in a simple electrical device called a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). Estimates indicate that the installation of GFCIs have saved hundreds of lives and prevented thousands of injuries practiced over the past 30 years in the world. GFCIs are designed to provide protection against electrical shock from ground faults, or leakage currents, which occur when the electrical current flows outside of the circuit conductors.
Question on GFCI in this type of accident in Sikkim may stir up in future but installation of this device will lead us to accident free environment.
Sikkim lift ban on poultry trade
Gangtok, July 11: The Sikkim government has decided to lift the state's ban on the import and trade of poultry after six months following an outbreak of avian influenza in West Bengal .
The dealers have agreed with the government's decision to lift the ban because no fresh report of avian influenza was reported from West Bengal , recently.
Suspects arrested by Sikkim Police are the main culprits: DIG Range
Gangtok, July 10: A further arrest suspect behind the attack at the Hamro Prajashakti office was nabbed yesterday by the Sikkim Police.
Dawa Tshering Bhutia, 39, residence of Lachen, North Sikkim , who was involved in some extortion and assault cases in previous record, was arrested from Deorali, Gangtok.
Bhutia has been booked under section 307/147/148/149 of the IPC and was sent for five days Police remand for further interrogation, said DIG Range , Akshay Sachdeva.
Police has doubt on Bhutia on an arson case at Pabi Publications at Ranipool, Printer of Hamro Prajashakti, Sachdeva informed.
He was first arrested in 2006 in the case of extortion and assaulting a contractor.
One of the suspects, Tingku Prasad has got bail from the court today while five other suspects, arrested on July 8 will be remanded by police for further investigation, the DIG Range informed.
We are 100 per cent sure that the suspects arrested by Sikkim Police are the main culprits though some doubts are still investigated. We have other names of the suspects as well and they will be soon arrested, Mr Sachdeva said.
Phase-wise programmes of Bhanu Jayanti underway
Gangtok, July 10: Bhanu Jayanti celebrations scheduled for July 13, other scheduled programmes are being held in Gangtok by the celebration committees.
The schedule for Thursday was Ramayan Path and Recitation of Poems by school children. At Nepali Sahitya Bhawan in Gangtok, inter-school competitions were held on both the items. Ramayan Path was in the first session.
Deorali Girls School became first with West Point Sr. Secondary School second, Tadong Sr. Secondary School third and PNG Sr. Secondary School fourth.
In poetry recitation in the second session, first was Deorali school, second Tadong school and third PNG.
SHRP protest against assault on seven journalists
Gangtok, July 10: Hundreds of Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad Party (SHRP) members today held a rally in the heart of Gangtok to denounce the attack on six journalists and a office worker of ‘Hamro Prajashakti', a vernacular Nepali Daily by unknown mask men and urged the authorities to speedily arrest the culprits. The protesters gathered at Tadong and marched up to Zero Point and shouted slogans condemning state government.
“All what we want from the government and the authorities is that they take all possible steps to stop attacks, harassment and threats against journalists and stop the prevailing culture of impunity,” said Tara Shrestha of SHRP party. (Photo: Pravin Khaling)
Four more arrest on ‘Himalayan Herbal Viagra' case in Sikkim
Gangtok, July 10: Four persons have been arrested in Sikkim in connection with the smuggling of Yarsagumba (Cordyceps. sinensis) , a high-altitude fungus also called “Himalayan Herbal Viagra”.
Officials of the Sikkim forest and environment department, who made the arrests yesterday, said that case was still under investigation.
Three of those held are known only by their first names — Narayan, Arjun and Deepak. The fourth has been identified as Darsang Bhutia. All are Sikkim residents, police said.
The four were picked up yesterday after a raid here last week that led to the arrest of Dharkey Gurung alias Rapgay, a Nepali citizen, and Urken Thakuri, from Nagaland, Lachungpa said.
Yarsagumba with its Latin name cordyceps sinesis literally means summer plant and winter insect in Tibetan. Before the rainy season begins, spores of the cordyceps mushroom settle on the heads of caterpillars' that lives underground. The fungus gets so much into the body of the caterpillars' that it grows out through its head and drains all the energy from the insect and ultimately it dies. It is generally found in the protected forest areas of north, east and west Sikkim , at altitudes of 3000 to 5000 meters above the sea level.
Demand for unbiased police investigation on press assault case
Gangtok, July 10: The father of Rupesh Gurung, one of the suspects arrested by Sikkim Police in connection with the recent attack on media persons condemned the State Police authorities for not producing the suspects along with the real weapons of offence before the Press on Wednesday.
Father KS Gurung, a resident of Daragaon, Tadong questioned as to why the same Police team, who often highlighted even petty cases related to drug peddling and drug abuse through the Press and media were slack and incapable now.
Puzzled and concerned, Gurung further questioned the source from where the Police had unearthed the rubber masks in red and green colours, which were exhibited before the Press on Tuesday.
The injured journalists had earlier revealed to the Press that the attackers had worn monkey caps and had covered their faces with scarves. There was no mention of colourful rubber masks.
The parents of the five suspects have also demanded that there should be a fair and unbiased police investigation so as to bring the real culprits to book.
Blockade of National highway 31-A: it must convert as history only- Governor
Gangtok, July 09: In a simple function held at Raj Bhavan, Balmiki Prasad Singh has been sworn in as the 15th Governor of Sikkim by Hon'ble Shri Justice A.P Subba, Acting Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court on 9th July, 2008 at 1100 hrs. The ceremony was attended by the Hon'ble Chief Minister, Hon'ble Speaker and Dy Speaker, former Chief Minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari, BJP President H. R Pradhan, Members of Council of Ministers, Members of Legislative Assembly Senior officers of the State and Central Government Local gentries and Medias.
The Governor, Balmiki Prasad Singh is a distinguished scholar and civil servant who has served in the North East and as Union Home Secretary, Government of India. A former Executive Director of the World Bank and author of several books, he is the recipient of several top honours including Nehru Fellowship, Queen Elizabeth Fellowship and Gulzarilal Nanda Award for outstanding public service. He has served as Chancellor of the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath and Chief Editor of the South Asia series on 'Perspectives on Economic, Technology and Governance' of Oxford University Press, New York . Until recently, Shri Singh was Mahatma Gandhi National Fellow. His latest work is enlisted Bahudha and the post 9/11 world published this year by Oxford University Press. His first visit in Sikkim before this was in 1970 when he was a joint Secretary (Political) of the then Government of Assam.
After swearing in ceremony some media persons are meet with him. As per him, he will emphasize for Children's development for educational, social and health priorities in Sikkim . On the question of blockade of National highway 31-A, he says it must convert as history only. (Photo: Pravin Khaling)
The Sikkim Government will sign in a MOU for Express Highway
Gangtok, July 09: The Sikkim Government will sign in a MOU on 14 th July 2008 with American Company for tunneling an Express Highway of amount approx. Rs 4,000 crore dollar from Nathu La to Siliguri, said Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister of Sikkim at Mintokgang, official resident of CM, Sikkim. Express highway proposal from Star Universal Resource Company, an American company that aims to cover the present 114 km from Gangtok to Siliguri in 40 minutes. The New York-based company specializes in making express high ways, tunnels and airports. The proposed underground expressway will start from eastern portion of Coronation Bridge at Sevoke in West Bengal and will directly connect to Gangtok.
There is another proposal to construct a set of tunnels and bridges from Gangtok to Nathula. It is proposed that two pairs of tunnels of about 100 square meters area each will be constructed. One pair will be for road connectivity and the other pair of tunnel will carry one standard broad gauge railway track in each tunnel. The project has already been approved in principle by the ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
The project is to be undertaken on BOT basis for construction and maintenance of the expressway, for a period of 45 years from the date of signing of agreement.
Meanwhile, in local English daily, someone with Sikkimese origins now based in the USA , questioned on Star Universal Resource Company. As per the report, Jigme of Texas, USA did not find any mention of the Star Universal Resource Company Inc in the Internet. ‘There was no website of the company, or any listing in the Yellow Pages. A thorough search on Google did not produce even a single mention of the company or its operations,' he said on report.
In this day and age, a company who claims to have been working in seventeen countries and claims have a worldwide network, it is strange that it does not even have a website of its own! I am sure that the officials in the Government of Sikkim did a thorough research on the company before accepting their partnership deal. But was amazes me is the fact that the company does not seem to exist at all! The only mention of the company on the Internet is on May 13, 2008 and on July 7, 2008 relating to the MoU being signed with the Sikkim Government.
The Sikkim Government must carry out a thorough background check on this company before it is too late, he suggested.
Rescue operations by ITBP troops
Gangtok, July 09: As per press cominique, DGP of Sikkim Police C M Ravindran mentioned that on 07.07.08 a rescue ops was conducted by ITBP personnel saving precious human life and showing exceptional bravery and courage. The incident involved an accident, which took place near 16th mile. A Mahindra Max Taxi bearing registration no SK-04-6392 while being reversed by its driver fell in to deep gorge along with its driver. 13 ITBP troops who were returning from Sherathang were first stopped and informed about the accident by some civilians. In the meantime Sh. Ranbir Singh, Sec-in-Command of 13 ITBP also reached the spot and took control of the rescue Ops. At the accident site the vehicle was stuck in a defaced shape at a depth of about 400 meters from the road however, the driver was lying at a depth of about 250 meters and was in a very serious condition. After relentless and courageous efforts of the ITBP personnel the driver was rescued from a gradient of about 70 degree. After first aid at the site, injured was rushed to the STNM hospital by ITBP vehicle. The brave, bold and prompt action taken by ITBP troops saved a precious life.
BK Singh to take charge as Sikkim Governor today
Gangtok, July 09: The Governor-designate of Sikkim Balmiki Prasad Singh would take charge of his office today.
He arrived here on Tuesday and would be sworn in as the 13th governor of Sikkim today at a formal function at Raj Bhawan, sources told here.
Singh, a former Union Home secretary and an expert of the north-east affairs, replaces the incumbent governor Sudarshan Agrawal, they said.
Six arrested for attack on journalists in Gangtok
Gangtok, July 08: In a major breakthrough in the brutal attack on a group of journalists on Friday last, the Sikkim police today arrested six persons, including the prime suspected Tinku Prasad.
Prasad was nabbed from a hideout at Siliguri in West Bengal, while other five - Suraj Gurung (29) of tadong, Ashish Subba (24) of Sombarey, Milan Rai (27) of Melli), Roshan Gurung (23) of Sonada and Rupesh Gurung (22) of Tadong were nabbed from Syari, DIG Akshaya Sachdeva told reporters here. The arrested persons are booked under section 147/148/149/307 and 326 of IPC.
The police team recovered a khukri, two daggers, five masks, four cell phones, gloves, iron chain, a haul of drugs and 500 gms. Marijuana from their possession, Sachdeva said.
Following the arrest, the agitating media persons withdraw their protest, particularly their decision to boycott news coverage of government functions, including tomorrow's swearing-in ceremony of the new Governor B P Singh, General Secretary of the Press Club of Sikkim Bhim Rawat said.
However, they will continue with their symbolic protest on the issue.
The media persons demanded compensation and medical expense from the state government for the injured journalists. (Photo: Pravin Khaling)
High level meeting on storage capacity of essential commodities
Gangtok, July 08: A high level meeting was held this morning at Mintokgang under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling to discuss the augmentation of the storage capacity of essential commodities like, rice, sugar and petrol and other lubricants to cater to the needs of the ever growing population including tourism industries and numerous projects. The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary, DGP, Development Commissioner, Home Secretary, Transport Secretary, Law Secretary, Controller of Finance, Additional Secretary, Food & Civil Supplies and Principal Secretary and Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister.
It was decided in the meeting in principle to acquire a large area at Rangpo (preferably Mandi) and at Melli to construct large Godowns for buffer stock of essential commodities with Weigh Bridge facilities, Food and Transport Departments have been directed to initiate action on this line at the soonest possible.
The Chief Minister said that the concerned departments should not worry about the additional supplies of these essential commodities as he had already discussed the matter with Central authorities who have assured any amount of supplies of these commodities for Sikkim . He has however asked the Food Department to provide qualitative service and ensure proper storage of food commodities and protect them from water leakages and other damaging element.
The Chief Minister has also asked the Transport Department to increase the fleet of their trucks and requisition latest Buses as per the changing needs of time and demand of people with disposable income.
The Chief Minister said that the Government formulates policies and programmes as per the needs, interests and demands of the public and it behoves on the Heads of the departments to ensure that these policies and programmes are implemented to the letter on priority basis. He also said that while projecting the growth rate of the State they should take into account the growth rate of masses, specially the working classes and labourers, and educationally backward sections, as the Chief Minister added that the purchasing power of this group is not upto our expectations. HODs should, instead of confining themselves in urban areas, focus their attention more in remote areas of the State inhabited by poor and unprivileged sections of the society, he added.
Sikkim scribes to continue boycott of news coverage
Gangtok, July 7 – The agitating mediapersons here today refused to budge from their stand to boycott news coverage till the assailants involved in the physical attack on seven of their colleagues on Friday night were brought to book.
The mediapersons brushed aside the belated condemnation by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling of the attack on the journalists and decided to boycott news coverage of government functions, including the swearing-in of the Governor-designate BP Singh scheduled for July 9.
They slammed the State Government for not coming forth with assistance and relief measures for the injured journalists for three days after the incident and lodged their strong protest in this regard when Chamling's Political Secretary KT Gyaltshen and the Social Welfare Minister Hishey Lachungpa visited the press club office.
The media fraternity told the Chief Minister's representatives that the agitation by the journalists would continue till the case was worked out to their satisfaction and the State Government gave an undertaking the freedom of the press and the security of the working journalists would be protected in Sikkim .
Earlier, separate delegations of the mediapersons met Home Secretary Jasbir Singh and Director General of Police (DGP) RM Raveendran and submitted a memorandum giving an ultimatum that the culprits be arrested by 10 pm tomorrow else the mediapersons would boycott news coverage of government events.
Meanwhile, journalists have also decided to lodge complaints with the Press Council of India and the National Human Rights Commission seeking investigation into the attack on their colleagues last week.
It may be recalled that unidentified masked assailants had attacked a group of journalists gathered at the office of the vernacular daily Hamro Prajashakti at Tadong on Friday night injuring seven journalists.
CM shows concern on 3 rd day, directed the Police to arrest the culprits at the earliest
Gangtok July 7: The Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling, has expressed his deep anguish and concern over the gruesome attack on seven members of the fourth estate on the night of July 5, at Tadong.
The Chief Minister, who was in New Delhi , immediately after his arrival in the State capital yesterday, convened a meeting with the DGP and other senior Police Officers. At the· meeting, which lasted two hours, the Chief Minister directed the Police to make all possible efforts to arrest the culprits at the earliest.
The Chief Minister said that during the fourteen years of his Government there is total Freedom of Press and the Rule of Law has always been upheld. There is no single instance where the Press has been interfered in their day to day functioning. In fact, the Chief Minister and his Government has always appreciated the role being played by the media as the voice of the people.
The State Government has initiated a number of schemes for the welfare and overall development of media in the State, like setting up of Press Club, institution of Media Development Fund, grant of State Award for Media persons, etc. to make the fourth estate more vibrant and responsible.
In the meantime, the Chief Minister has appealed to the members of the Press and Media to cooperate with the Government in nabbing the culprits as well as expose the conspiracy being hatched by some anti-people and anti-Government elements who are trying to tarnish the image of the Government in order to achieve their vested interests.
Protest dharna by media persons at Gangtok.
Gangtok, July 06: A protest dharna was organised by media persons at Titanic park of Gangtok here today to voice their concern over attacked on seven journalists on last Friday evening. ‘Who will guard the guards', ‘Stop targeting journalist' and ‘We want freedom of Press' are mentioned in their placard.
Newspapers and all agencies in Gangtok will boycott all government functions
Gangtok, July 06: A meeting of Press Club of Sikkim along with the working journalists, editors and publishers of all the local dailies as well as the regional newspapers representatives was held today at Press Club. The Club unanimously decided to submit a letter of intimation to the Director General of Police and the Home Secretary on 7 th July demanding that the suspected accused involved in the Friday night attack at ‘Hamro Prajashakti' office whose name has been given by the Hamro Prajashakti management should be detained for interrogation by the investigating team of Sikkim Police within twenty fours hours of submitting the letter.
The Club has also resolved that should the arrest not be affected by the said time, the newspapers and all agencies will boycott all government functions and ignore all the government press release until the case is solved.
Attack on journalist's resident at Darjeeling condemned
Gangtok, July 06: Press Club of Sikkim and all working journalist condemned the act of throwing stone at the resident of Hindustan Times Correspondent, Amitava Banerjee, near Big Bazaar, Darjeeling .
This "cowardly act" only reiterated the increasing intolerance towards the media's role as a watchdog. The club called upon the authorities concerned to take immediate steps to apprehend the culprits and ensure that such acts of "uncivilised barbarism" do not recur and journalists and their families are provided protection.
Journalists Beaten, Rallies with slogans
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Gangtok, July 06: Members of Press Club of Sikkim, Sikkim Mahila Patrakar Sangh, Weekly Editor's Forum and Pragatisil Nari Patrakar Sangh on Saturday organized a protest rally and condemned an assault on seven journalists and demanded that the attackers be brought to justice.
The mediapersons wore black armbands and carried banners and hoardings condemning the attack and seeking an assurance from the state government that the right of expression of the media would be protected.
Unruly activists had beaten journalists in Gangtok yesterday while working in office of Hamro Prajashakti where Shekhar Khawas, reporter of Himalaya Darpan and Vijay Gurung, reporter of UNI was severely injured. In this incident Anjan Upadhyaya, Editor of two local dailies suffered serious injuries. Other injured journalists are Pabitra Bhandari, Anup Rai, Thakur Subedi.
The journalists also submitted a memorandum to the Director General of Police (DGP) R M Raveendran and Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), range, Akshaya Sachdeva seeking immediate arrest of the culprits.
Police officials assured the journalists that the assailants would be arrested soon. (Photo: Pravin Khaling)
Sikkim scraps three more hydel projects
Gangtok, July 06: Sikkim government has scrapped three more projects in the state because of the delay in execution of the contracts by the private developers after discarding four hydel projects in March.
The three hydel projects include Sada-Mangder in West and South districts, Bhasmey in East district and Rongnichu in East district
According to source, the Sada-Mangder and Bhasmey hydel projects were awarded to Gati Investments in November 2003, while the Rongnichu hydel project was awarded to Madhya Bharat Power Corporation in March 2006.
Sikkim government had earlier scrapped four other hydel projects in North Sikkim considering the sentiments of the indigenous Lepcha tribe living in the area who were launching agitations led by the affected citizens of Teesta.
Seven journalist severely attacked on newspaper office in Sikkim
Gangtok, July 05: Hours after the editor of two dailies vernacular daily ‘Hamro Prajashakti' and English daily ‘Himalayan Mirror' moved the High Court against the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) government; the newspaper office was attacked by masked men who injured seven journalists, including editor Anjan Upadhya.
The journalists of various newspapers and agency who gathered at the office at Tadong, about 3 km from here, sufferred fractures and severe head injuries when it was attacked with hammer and rods.
The injured scribes were Anjan Upadhyaya, Shekhar Khawas (of Himalaya Darpan), D B Rai, Pabitra Bhandari, Bijay Gurung (of UNI), Thakur Subedi and Raj Kumar, an office attendant.
Upadhaya, also a member of the CPI(M), alleged that the attack was the handiwork of the ruling dispensation as the SDF was not happy with him as his paper criticised the policies of the ruling government.
Earlier in the day, Upadhyaya filed a petition in the High Court alleging pressure tactics of the government to prevent the media from criticising its functioning.
This is the third time Hamro Prajashakti office was attacked in three months. In May, the office was ransacked and set on fire and its circulation was also prevented by ruling, the editor alleged. The government also stopped giving advertisements to the paper against which he had moved the Press Council of India.
Congress leader and former chief minister Narbahadur Bhandari condemned the incident and alleged that the state was under an "undeclared emergency" under the Chamling rule.
The Press Club of Sikkim has strongly condemned this lethal attack on local media. Bhim Rawat, general secretary of the Press Club said that the incident was a big blow to democracy in the State. “Today is indeed a sad day for journalism in Sikkim . This cowardly act has totally crushed the freedom of Press in the State,” he said.
All working journalists of the State have demanded the immediate arrest of the assailants.
East district Superintendent of Police M S Tuli said a team has been formed to investigate the incident. (Photo: Pravin Khaling)
Detecting illicit collection of valuable medicinal plants Yarchagumba
Gangtok, July 05: The Forest, Environment & Wildlife Management Department had intensified field patrolling and surveillance for detecting illicit collection of highly valuable medicinal plants Yarchagumba or Caterpillar fungus (Cordyceps sinensis), known as Himalayan Viagra during the last one year. Assistance of various agencies and individuals had been sought and tapped, as a result of which a gang indulging in this illegal trade was apprehended and arrested by the Forest Officials with the assistance of Sardar Thana Police personnel at Gangtok on 2/7/2008, according to a press release received from Forest Environment & Wildlife Management Department. During the raid two persons namely Dharkey Gurung alias Rapgay r/o Nepal and one Urken Thakuri r/o Nagaland were arrested and on interrogation revealed that the master mind of the entire operation was one Ganesh Thapa who had already escaped. Subsequently Ganesh Thapa was arrested by Police at Singtam on 3/7/2008 and from his possession wet and partly dry Yarchagumba in pillow covers grossly weighing 14.84 kgs was recovered. Yarchagumba are generally found in the Wildlife Protected Areas of North, East and West Sikkim between 3000-5000 mts. It is also found in the Tibetan Plateau and Himalayan belt. The value of dried Yarchagumba as per international market ranges between US $ 3000 to 15000. This produce is reported to be used in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicinal system as respiratory tonic, improve kidney function, strengthen immune system, as aphrodisiac, treating liver cirrhosis, fatigue, building bone marrow, reducing LDL and increasing HDL cholesterol in people of all ages. The Department has constituted a team of officials for further investigation and subsequent prosecution in the court of law.
Gangtok, July 05: An Agreement in the form of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed on 15th July 2008 at Gangtok between the Government of Sikkim and the Star Universal Resource Company for construction of underground Expressway. This follows the meeting of the Chief Minister, Mr.Pawan Chamling with the Union Minister of DoNER, Mr.Mani Shankar Aiyar at his residence in New Delhi on July 4, 2008. The MOU will be signed in the presence of the Union Minister of DoNER, Government of India and the Chief Minister of Sikkim .
The proposed underground Expressway from eastern portion of Coronation Bridge (Bag Pul) at Sevoke in West Bengal connecting it directly to Gangtok, a distance of 53 kms by tunnels and bridge, will be the first of its kind in the region. There is another proposal to construct a set of tunnels and bridges from Gangtok to Nathula, a distance of 35 kms.
It is proposed that two pairs of tunnels of about 100 sq.mtr. area each, will be constructed. One pair will be for road connectivity and the other pair of tunnel will carry one standard broad gauge railway track in each tunnel. The project is to be undertaken on the BOT basis for construction and maintenance of the Expressway for a period of 45 years from the date of signing of Agreement. Under the standard PPP program, the project has already been approved in principle by the Ministry of DoNER, Government of India.
The Expressway, once operational, will prove a great boon for the people of Sikkim . The 31A National Highway is often at the mercy of natural calamities and other disturbances along the border creating untold suffering for the people of Sikkim , both in the transportation of essential goods and also for normal movement of people.
The construction company ‘Star Universal Resource Company' is a leading international engineering, financing, construction and service conglomerate well positioned in the fast-growing segment of the third world economies. Presently working in seventeen countries in North and South America, Europe, Middle East , South Korea , Thailand , Iraq , Afghanistan and other South Asian Countries.
The State Government under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Pawan Chamling has created durable public facilities in the State. The Expressway will also boost the tourism industry in the State to a great extent, as per a press release received from Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister, Camp, New Delhi.
BK Singh to take charge as Governor of Sikkim on July nineGangtok, July 04: The Governor-designate of Sikkim Balmiki Prasad Singh would take charge of his office on July nine next, Raj Bhawan sources said Thursday.
He would arrive here on July eight next and would be sworn in as the 13th governor of Sikkim on the next day at a formal function at Raj Bhawan, sources told here.
Singh, a former Union Home secretary and an expert of the north-east affairs, replaces the incumbent governor Sudarshan Agrawal, they said.
New Delhi , July 04: The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the Central, the West Bengal and the Sikkim governments to ensure smooth flow of traffic on NH-31A, the sole road link to Sikkim . The apex court also rapped the West Bengal government for not clearing the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha blockade of the highway.
Ever since pro-Gorkhaland protests spearheaded by the GJM began last month, the NH-31A has faced blockades severely affecting the supply of essential commodities to Sikkim .
The SC order came after a petition by Sikkim resident O.P. Bhandari seeking directions to governments to ensure safe transportation of essential commodities to the state.
A bench headed by Justice Altamas Kabir also ordered the pro- and anti-Gorkhaland outfits not to block traffic or inconvenience people on the highway that is Sikkim 's lifeline.
The petitioner pleaded that frequent bandhs and strikes had badly affected normal life of people of the state and its economy.
The Bench also directed the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, the Jan Jagran Manch (pro-Gorkhaland groups), Amra Bengal and Jan Chetna (anti-Gorkhaland) to ensure that there is no blockade of traffic movement or people on NH 31A.
The Court took on record the statement of the Centre that it will respond to any requisition for assistance by either by West Bengal or Sikkim .
Sikkim Development Report released by Dr. AhluwaliaNew Delhi, July 03: The Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia formally released the Sikkim Development Report at Yojana Bhawan in New Delhi in the presence of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling on Wednesday. The Report was prepared by a panel of experts and professionals under the guidance of National Institute of Public Finances and Policy, New Delhi .
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the release of Sikkim Development Report is yet another milestone in the development saga which has already embarked upon the road for accelerated holistic development in a planned and scientific manner. Reminding the gathering that the State Government prepared comprehensive ‘Sikkim Human Development Report' and ‘ Sikkim : The People's Vision' way back in 2001, said that the exercise was first of its kind in the entire North East and third in the Country.
Earlier on, the Deputy Chairman voiced his opinion that a time line should be set for implementation of all projects submitted by the State Governments and expressed his concern that projects lying with different Ministries for clearance in the Central Government can not be shelved indefinitely. He further opined that pending projects including the proposed Greenfield airport at Pakyong should be expedited without further ado.
Director of the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, New Delhi , Dr. Govinda Rao, highlighted the contents of the Report and categorically said that Sikkim has been able to enrich its State exchequer through fiscal means including enhanced collection of Sales Tax and effective implementation of Value Added tax. Doing very well in cutting in the deficit, Dr. Rao suggested that the ICAR located the State should be actively involved in improving Agricultural output in the State.
Release function of the 'North-Eastern Region Vision 2020'Gangtok, July 03: Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister of Sikkim attended the ceremonial release function of the 'North-Eastern Region Vision 2020' by Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, in the august presence of the Governors and Chief Ministers of the North Eastern states and the members of the Union Council of Ministers amidst thousands of youth representatives from all the eight N.E. States, in a high profile glittering function organized at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on 2nd July.
The function assumed greater importance as the Vision document was the culmination of the aspirations of the people and N.E. State Governments which was finalized after a series of concerted interactive consultations and public hearings covering almost every class of stakeholders from the region.
The genesis of this mammoth exercise lay in the policy initiative enunciated by the Prime Minister in the 50th North Eastern Council Meeting on 12.4.2005 underlining the urgent need to address the so called sense of 'alienation' and 'neglect' dovetailed by the slower pace of development perceived by the people of the North Eastern region through appropriate policy interventions adopting holistic approach.
Taking the first step forward to fulfill the policy directive by the Prime Minister, the Ministry of DoNER went ahead for the formulation of a comprehensive action plan. Three years of intensive exercise by the professional of national repute and sincere association of all the eight N.E. states bore fruits and the first ever comprehensive action plan in the form of 'North Eastern Region Vision 2020' was released. The uniqueness of this vision document lies in the fact that unlike most of such documents this is a 'peoples document' and not simply thrust upon them as the responses received from about 35000 respondents to the questionnaire circulated by the Ministry of DoNER have been duly considered and appropriately integrated. This Vision document is a holistic, self contained, analytical and most comprehensive document on the N.E. region covering series of broad sectoral strategies encompassing the aspects pertaining to the poverty eradication, agriculture, horticulture, infrastructure development, cyber connectivity duly suggesting practical ways to address them.
The occasion also provided an excellent opportunity to Chief Minister to meet with the entire North Eastern leadership and the Union Ministers in person at one place.
The gathering was also addressed by all the participating Governors and Chief Ministers of the North Eastern States besides the members of the Union Council of Ministers, according to a communique received from the Resident Commissioner, Sikkim House, New Delhi through IPR.
Five-star hotel-cum-casino to come up in SikkimGangtok, July 03: Sikkim has become the second state after Goa to allow operation of casino in the country. The state government has given nod to Park Sarovar Plaza Group of Hotels to set up a five-star hotel-cum-casino in Gangtok.
"The state government has given nod to Park Sarovar Plaza Group of Hotels to set up a five-star hotel-cum-casino in Gangtok. The project is likely to be completed in this year only," says G P Upadhyaya, commissioner-cum-secretary of the department of tourism, Sikkim .
In a major boost to state tourism, the Sikkim government passed the Sikkim Casino Games Act in 2004 and the rules regulating their operation were framed last year through the Sikkim Casino Games (Control and Tax) Rules, 2007 paving a way to set up casinos in the state. The Act has created ripples in the state's hospitality industry.
PM Releases North Eastern Region Vision 2020 Document Gangtok, July 02: The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, released the North Eastern Region Vision 2020 Document at a function in New Delhi today.
The Government has made connectivity and infrastructure development the corner-stone of regional development in the North –East. At the same time central emphasized the importance of institution building and of strengthening local democracy.
Another hallmark of the Vision is its stress on inclusiveness. Growth and equity must converge in the path of development and special efforts must be made to address the concerns of the underprivileged and the marginalized sections of the population.
“We are also committed to the all round development of the North Eastern region as a topmost national priority. I greatly appreciate that poverty alleviation in all its dimensions is highlighted as the greatest priority for the region in this Vision document and that is as it should be”, PM said.