Festive mood of Gangtok is going on

Gangtok, October 26, 2008 (IST 20:34): The festival of lights and crackers has arrived from Sunday, Kag Tihar. On the day people especially in villages worship crows. According to mythology they are the representatives of Yamraj. So in the day the crows are worshipped praying that they will not bring any more good news for them, said Pandit BishnuBhai Sastri, an astrologer of Gangtok.
Pandit Sastri also said in Nepali community crows are fed with Selroti and put Aachata, garlands of marigold flowers on Tapara, a dish made of leafs for crows. From the day the five day Tihar starts and ends in Bhaitika.
Similiarly, Pandit Surendra Prashad Sharma, a priest of the temple of Swastik , GREFF, on Tihar said from the day Teuhar started. Today, people worship of Dhanmantri, a manifestation of God Bishnu. On the day they also buy some home utensil of silver and bronze. There is the mythology when the day people buy these materials they will have the grace of god Laxmi. 
The next day of Kag Tihar, there will be Kukur Tihar, Gai Tihar( the day the cows are worshipped and in evening god laxmi) , Goru Tihar ( Oxen are worshipped) and at last Bhai Tika( Brothers are put tika).
In Gai Tihar, the girls play Bhailoni in evening going door to door of everybody's house blessing the prosperity of landlords. Likewise, in Goru Tihar, boys play Dewsi going to every household.

Sahara seeking land in the Gangtok outskirt for ‘ Sahara city'

Gangtok, October 26, 2008 (IST 20:34): Sahara India Pariwar, a non-banking national company, is desperately seeking 50 acres land in the outskirt of Gangtok city from a year for Sahara city home, a housing complex but has not been finding a suitable land for the purpose. Heera Lal Gupta, chief manager(field) of North Bengal and Gangtok circle, said Sahara wants to construct Sahara city home of the cost of Rs.100 crore but lack of real state our company can not be investing in the state. He also said his company already searched out the land in Ranka and Ronkey, especially company's preference area, but could not get such area of land for the company. He said Sahara being a national company is trying to invest in Sikkim for generating local employment.
Regarding the recent controversy of Sahara Company he said Reserve Bank of India had issued us noticed that we did not follow Know Your Customer (KYC) norms while collecting the money. However, that noticed was withdrawn by RBI after the verdict of Allahabad High Court on 6th June, 2008, he said. 

Former Sikkim CM sentenced to 6-mth jail in water scam case

New Delhi, October 26, 2008 (IST 20:34): Former Sikkim Chief Minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari was today convicted alongwith nine others, including an IAS officer, by a designated CBI court in Gangtok for bungling in the state water scam, leading to a loss of Rs four lakh to the state exchequer.
The court sentenced Bhandari and the then state Rural Development Secretary P K Pradhan to six-month imprisonment alongwith Rs 10,000 as fine.
Eight private contractors were also sentenced to five-month imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000 was slapped on them by the court.
The case was registered against the former chief minister and 15 others in 1984 and the chargesheet was filed in 1994. However, the trial could not begin as Bhandari and others filed several pleas in various courts including the Sikkim High Court.
They were charged by the CBI with criminal conspiracy, criminal misconduct and corruption. While two were acquitted, four contractors died during the trial period.
According to the CBI here, Pradhan, in connivance with Bhandari, had awarded the works of rural water supply scheme in Sikkim to contractors on exorbitant rates ignoring recommendations of engineers and the lowest rates of deserving contractors, causing loss to the state exchequer.
Eight of the accused had challenged the order of the Special Judge, Gangtok, for framing charges against them.
The State Government during 1983 had sanctioned 36 rural water supply schemes under the minimum needs programme, involving an expenditure of about Rs 1.62 crores.
Irregularities were found in 12 schemes. Bhandari and Pradhan alongwith contractors had entered into a criminal conspiracy abusing their official position as public servants and caused pecuniary advantage to the contractors by awarding the contracts on higher rates, the agency said.

NSS blood donation camp

Gangtok, October 25, 2008 (Late news): National Service Scheme (NSS) of Sports and youth affairs department organized a day long outdoor volunteer blood donation camp at Brihaspati Prasai Senior Secondary School , Ranipool, on Friday. The camp was sponsored by State Blood Transmission Council (SBTC), STNM Hospital .
Total 39 persons participated in the camp, informed by K.D. Lepcha, programme officer of NSS.

PNG selected for Regional Elimination Round of BCI debate comp

Gangtok, October 25, 2008 (Late news): The students of Paljor Namgyal Senior Secondary Girls School of Gangtok have been selected for Regional Elimination Round B, the next stage of Debating Matters India, a grand debate competition in national level organized by British Council India.
The Regional Elimination round will held on 8 November at Science City , Kolkota.
On the Elimination round the topic of PNG School is “ India 's rapidly expanding tourist industry poses an unacceptable threat to the country's heritage and environment.” The students of PNG are Arpana Gurung, Priyadarshini Pradhan, Jahanvi Sri Giri, Matrika Ghikmirey, Samarmit Lepcha and Swastika Pandey. The National Finals will be held on 15-17 January 2009, New Delhi . Total 36 schools from different states of the country had participated in the debate.

Goal.com praised the football passion of Sikkimese

Gangtok, October 24, 2008 (Late news): www. goal.com , a multinational football website magazine, with it's headquarter in Switzerland has praised the football passion of Sikkimese people. Kapil Chettri, born and brought in Shillong, is a Business Development Director of Goal.com, working in Singapore , said I am very much surprised and have never seen such frenzy crowd in Football match.
He also said he have seen many big matches but never came across of such crowds.
He showered the praise on Sikkim Football Association (SFA) and said they are really working at grass root level by heart to improve the football condition in the State. However, he regretted on the attitude of its parent body, All India Football Federation (AIFF), and said they do not try to improve India's football condition
Chettri also divulged that some talented football players of India are planning to take to Europe by Goal.com to expose their talent.

Governor and Chief Minister greets on Dipawali

Gangtok, October 24, 2008 (Late news): On the auspicious occasion of “DIWALI-LAXMI PUJA”, the Governor of Sikkim and first lady of state Karuna Singh extend their warm greetings and best wishes for joyous celebration of the festival.

In a message, the Governor has said, “Diwali, the festival of lights is a time for celebration when family and friends come together. Let this festival of lights inspire us to help those as yet untouched by the light of education, health and prosperity. He wishes for happiness and joy to every one in the state.

Similarly, the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling and Tika Maya Chamling, wife of chief minister also extends their warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Sikkim . In his message, the Chief Minister has wished everyone all around prosperity good health, peace and harmony. 

Delegation of ASGWCMRE Association meets Chairman of 4 th Pay Commission

Gangtok, October 23, 2008 (Late news): A delegation of All Sikkim Government Work charged & Muster Roll Employees Association met R.K.Patra, chairman of fourth pay commission on 23rd October and submitted a memorandum of their demands.
According to press release issued by publicity secretary of the association, Deepa Rai, the delegation apprised their problems like their salaries are not increased in comparison to regular employees and they demanded at least their daily wages should be Rs.300/- in view of high inflation. They also demanded the work charge employees should be promoted in every ten years and asked for life insurance for the employees who are mostly engaged in risky work like electricity connection.
She also informed the chairman patiently heard their grievances and assured them to look into the matter positively.

CM Sikkim congratulated the ISRO Chairman

Gangtok, October 22 (IST 18:18): The Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling has congratulated the ISRO's Chairman, G.Madhavan Nair and his colleagues on the successful launching of the Chandrayan, the first unmanned lunar mission of India early this morning. Terming the feat as memorable and historic, the Chief Minister said that he was confident that the Chandrayan mission will successfully complete its remaining journey and will be able to carry out its mapping operation and unravel the mystery of the moon.

Chandrayan 1 is beginning of a new frontier of cooperation

Washington , October 22 (IST 18:18 Source: PTI): The successful launch of the India 's maiden mission to moon Chandrayan 1 is "just the beginning" of the opening up of a new frontier of cooperation between the US and India on a wide range of sectors, the United States India Business Council (USIBC) said on Wednesday.

"It is an extraordinary moment in history. We have an India of 1.3 billion people looking to the heavens and now exploring the frontiers of Space," USIBC president Ron Somers told PTI upon the launch of Chandrayan 1.

The liftoff of Chandrayan 1 was lustily cheered at the US Chamber of Commerce where the USIBC had organised a live broadcast of the historic occasion that saw the participation of officials from the White House, the State Department, the NASA and senior officials of the Indian Embassy.

The USIBC event also saw the participation of the Indian American community who were clearly thrilled.

"It is a great day in our history. I think it will beckon a whole new era in technological cooperation between our countries," Somers said.

"In this Chandrayan 1 launch we have Raytheon Technology supported by NASA... This is just the beginning of opening up a new frontier together and exploring the main technological cooperation across a range of sectors," he said.

"American cooperation in India 's first unmanned lunar mission Chandrayan 1 marks the beginning of a new era or trust and partnership between the two countries in the field of space science," said Ambassador Arun Kumar Singh, the new Deputy Chief of the Indian Mission in Washington DC .

"The inclusion of two US instruments on this spacecraft has provided further fillip to Indo-US cooperation in the space arena that dates back to the very beginning of the Indian space programme. The very first sounding rocket, a Nike Apache was launched from Thumba on November 21, 1963," Singh added.

Governor Visited DHH

Gangtok, October 22 (IST 18:18): The Governor of Sikkim, Balmiki Prasad Singh along with the first lady Karuna Singh visited the Directorate of Handicraft and Handloom at Zero Point today.

He visited all the sections of DHH like Multi craft section, Embroidery, Handloom Section, Craft and Thanka painting Section, Design and research section, Carpet Section, Craft Museum , Stuffing Section, Training Centre and Showroom.

During the visit, he met employees of the Directorate and also interacts with them and shows his keen interest on different product. Accompanying the Governor were M.G Kiran, Commissioner - cum- Secretary, Industries, Namrata  Thapa, Director, DHH,  Special Secretary to the Governor, SDM Gangtok, Police Officials and Other official of DHH.

Sikkim poised to win gold medal for total sanitation coverage

Guwahati, October 21 (IST 15:10): The tiny Himalayan state of Sikkim is all poised to win the prestigious ‘gold medal' for being the first state in the country with total sanitation coverage.

~The state has already filed papers claiming the recognition and a formal declaration is likely during the third South Asian Conference on Sanitation (SACOSAN) in New Delhi in mid-November,~ Union Rural Development Minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh informed here on Saturday.

It would earn Sikkim the first Nirmal Rashtra Puraskar, with 99 Gram Panchayats that had not won the award at the Gram-level applying en-masse for the recognition.

As many as 27 Gram Panchayats had won the Nirmal Gram Puraskar in 2007, with 37 more winning this year, this year's awards being given away by President Pratibha Patil here today.

~The recognition could have come at today's function itself, but a delay in submitting the claim due to unavoidable circumstances deferred it,~ Anil Ganeriwala, secretary, rural management and Development Department , Sikkim , informed.

He added that the verification teams of the Union Ministry would visit Sikkim later this month and the formal award was expected during the SACOSAN.

~The state was almost ready to stake claim by mid-August, but incessant rain and landslides led to delay in completion of some projects,~ he said.

Pointing to the immense challenges that the topography of the hill state presented in reaching remote clusters nestled among hills, Ganeriwala said, ~The people and department is in a mission-mode of earning the distinction and we are confident of maintaining it.~

He especially mentioned about the initiatives of Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, who generated the political will and ensured that sanitation coverage was the priority issue with all Gram Panchayats.

~The state government pumped in double its share to achieve the target it has set for itself,~ the Secretary added.

India aims at achieving total sanitation by 2012, three years ahead of the United Nations Millennium Goal deadline fixed for nations of the world, with the Nirmal Gram Puraskar introduced in 2005 to encourage the states.

The number of Nirmal Gram Puraskar winners has gone up from 38 in 2005 to 760 in 2006 and 4945 in 2007, with 11,140 winners this year.

Kerela, Haryana and Gujarat are other three states that are targetting achieving complete sanitation coverage by 2010.

Capacity Building Training programme on Journalism

Yangang, October 21 (IST 15:10): A fter successful completion of Block Level Capacity Building Training programme on Journalism, Photography and Videography at BAC Khamdong, the IPR Department is now organizing similar training programme at Yangang BAC from today.

About 30 educated youth from in and around Yangang are taking part in the training programme. On the first day of the programme,  Mahesh Sharma, Block Development Officer, Yangang BAC, in his inaugural address, highlighted the importance of Capacity Building Training programme being implemented by the government in order to make the educated youth self reliant in their respective field of interest.

The  programme was also attended by the  officials  of  the Information and Public Relations Department and Yangang BAC.

The  IPR Department is also organizing Photo Exhibition on various developmental activities and other  subjects  at the BAC complex.

Commercial taxi enters in No Entry M G Road

Gangtok, October 20 (IST 18:10): A commercial taxi enters in M. G. Road here today which is declared as No entry Zone by the Sikkim Police. However the taxi enters to carry an old lady for her medical treatment. But the careless operation of a motor vehicle rule can leads to mishap.

When the vehicle enters in restricted zone, the area was full crowded. Authority should think especially in a crowded area where need precise control of vehicle to avoid accident.

~It is failure of traffic system to take vehicles through no entry and restricted roads. The concern department should manage trolley for emergency works~, a senior citizen told. Despite having a legitimate reason it is totally off beam for civilization.

Sikkim EC ready for upcoming Assembly

Gangtok, October 20 (IST 18:10): The election commission of India Sikkim branch is in full preparation for holding the upcoming Assembly and General election in the State. According to C.P.Dhakal, joint chief electoral officer of election commission of India , Sikkim , said the final voter lists have been published and accordingly the order of delimitation of assembly constituency have reached the office.
Regarding the number of voters he said total 3, 13,276 voters will cast their votes. ~Out of them 1, 61,730 are male voters and 1, 51,344 are female voters,~ he said.
He further said 94 % election photo identity card (EPIC) have been issued. The only work of the commission has remained is especial summary revision on 1st January 2009. Those who come of age of 18 years on this day there names will be registered in voter lists, he informed.
As to the date of upcoming Assembly election, he said the due date of Assembly election is May 2009. “But if government wants to hold the election before it, then we will hold it, he said. He also said this time Assembly and lok Sabha both elections will be held simultaneously like earlier.

SDF criticized BJP and congress

Gangtok, October 20 (IST 18:10): Sikkim Democratic Front has lashed out Sikkim Congress and Sikkim BJP for their comments on Burman commission report. In a press release issued by Kiran Chettri said they are anti-Sikkimese as they are indulged in destroying Sikkim rather than making the State. ~In fact these anti-people elements have not understood the importance of Burman committee report, the history of Sikkim and the initiative of Central government,~ the release said.
The release further said, soon after the merger of Sikkim with union India on 21 July, 1976 the then director general, home department (BCW), O.K.Murti had sent letter to T.S.Gyaltshen, the then chief secretary asking to send the name of the communities in a report to give them recognition of tribal communities. Thus, the central government wanted to make Sikkim Tribal state right at the time. But the then government did not respond on it and even did not make this in public so Nepali could not become Tribal.
Saying that when once Nepali are getting chances to be tribal through Burman commission, some anti-people elements are becoming active.
Reacting over the criticism of BJP and congress, the release said when the important figures of Congress and BJP P.Chidambaram and Lal Krishna Advani praised in the progress of Sikkim , Sikkim Congress and Sikkim BJP who do not have even two supporters say there are not any progresses in the State.

37 GPUs OF SIKKIM FOR NIRMAL GRAM PURASKAR 2008

Gangtok, October 20 (IST 18:10): Thirty seven Gram Panchayat Units of Sikkim have been selected for the Nirmal Gram Puraskar to be given by the President of India, Pratibha Devisingh Patil on 20-10-2008. The award distribution ceremony will take place at Guwahati, the eastern zone venue identified where 13 states from eastern India have congregated to receive the award. Previously 27 GPs from Sikkim had received the same award in New Delhi in 2007. The remaining GPs from all the four districts have also put forth their Nirmal Gram Puraskar claims in the 1st week of October 2008, which completes the whole State and puts Sikkim in readiness to claim for the status of NIRMAL RAJYA, thus being the 1st State in the country to claim this honour of being 100% sanitized.

At Guwahati the Gram Panchayats are being represented by their respective Panchayat Presidents amongst whom Rinzing Ongmu Lepcha, Panchayat President of Naitam-Nandok, East district shall receive the award from the President of India in a function being attended by Minister for Rural Development, Government of India, Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, Chief Minister of Assam, Tarun Gogoi, Minister of State for Rural Development, GOI, and senior officials of Dept. of Drinking Water Supply, Govt. of India and official from the 13 states.

Secretary, RMDD, Govt. of Sikkim, A.K. Ganeriwala is also attending the function as an invitee. The Sikkim contingent is being led by the Deputy Secretary, Sanitation who is the State Coordinator for the Total Sanitation Campaign and Deputy Secretary, Panchayat with three Panchayat Inspectors as Sub-Coordinators for the event.

E-mail ID of BJP has been hacked

Gangtok, October 19 (IST 19:04): E-mail ID of BJP president of Sikkim unit has been hacked by someone and Press Release has been issued in the name of BJP signed by C.B.Chettri, General Secretary of the party.
This was informed BJP president by some Press person who received the press release and informed him to confirm whether the email was sent by him or not.
~This is not the Press Release of the BJP. Neither the language nor the type of letter used is of the BJP,~ H R Pradhan, president BJP said.
Party will report the matter to the Police tomorrow for further investigation.

Unhappy with high security number plates

Gangtok, October 19 (IST 19:04): The drivers and vehicle owners of Sikkim are unhappy with the new system of vehicle number plate. Some week ago state motor vehicle department had issued press release that new high security number plate should stick on vehicle instead of steel number plate.
According to Dinesh Tamang, president of mainline taxi driver association, the new number plate will be cost around Rs. 2500/- which is six times high of steel number plate.
~It is too high to afford,~ he said.
He also said the government possesses also 10000 vehicles. Thus more than Rs. 2 crore from the government exchequer has to be given to Delhi based company which has got the contract for the purpose which is a huge of state exchequer, “he said.

Bhasa Sahitya released

Gangtok, October 19 (IST 19:04): Sahitya Sriajana Sahakari Samiti Ltd has published a book ~Bhasa Sahitya~ based on curriculam of college on its series of publication. The book was released by Sanu Lama, president of Sikkim Academy , on Saturday at a function held at Tadong College auditorium hall.
In the programme Secretary of Cooperation Deparmtnet Girmi Sherpa, Senior Journalist C.D.Rai and Prof. Dr. Mohan P. Kharel were also present.
The Samiti has undertaken the task to publish series of school and college text books.

 

State Secy studies functioning of Sikkim tourism
(Source: The Sangai Express / Manipur Info Centre of October 15 2008)

Gangtok, October 18 (IST 16:06): The Secretary (Tourism), Government of Manipur B.B. Sharma IAS with the senior officers of the State Directorate of Tourism namely L Chaoba Sharma, OSD (Tourism) and Meghachandra Kongbam, Joint Director in Charge of Manipur Tourism, New Delhi today visited the Sikkim Tourism Office at Panchsheel Marg here and observed the functioning of the Sikkim Tourism Office in the national capital, for making improvement of the tourism sector in the State of Manipur.
The Sikkim Tourism, Delhi manned by three officers with its subordinate staff had a Sikkim Restaurant in the Office and coordinated with the travel agencies in Delhi for making maximum flow of domestic and foreign tourists into the State of Sikkim.
Puneet Kanshal, IAS, Officer on Special Duty, Sikkim Tourism in Delhi said that the Ministry of Home Affairs had made some relaxations for Sikkim State in issuing Protected Area Permit for foreign tourists and authorized the officers of the Tourism Department to issue the permit to the foreign tourists.
Now, the foreign tourists visiting Sikkim had easily got the permit without taking much time.
Kanshal stated the Tourism and Power were two sectors in Sikkim , which played an important role in the State's economy as well as in providing employment.
As such, the State Government was giving top priority in tourism sector.
Shova Lama, Tourist Officer of Sikkim Tourism, Delhi said that the Sikkim Government had a struggle against the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to get the relaxation on issuing the Protected Area Permit to the foreign tourists visiting the State.
The recent announcement of the Central Government on LTC relaxation for Central Government employees allowing to travel by air in North Eastern States had been a great boon to Sikkim that many central government employees were rushing to the State as tourists, she added.
The Secretary (Tourism), B B Sharma, in his address in the Conference of North Eastern States-Investmart-2008 organised by the Ministry of DoNER with the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India at Hotel Sangrila yesterday said that Manipur was the best place for tourists, because of its scenic beauty and salubrious climate.
It was truly a paradise explored.
The Loktak lake, a Ramsar site and the Keibul Lamjao National Park needed more explored.
Moreh town on international border with Myanmar had been always an attraction for all visitors to Manipur.
Thirty three recognised tribal communities with their typical culture and lifestyle had made the state of Manipur more colourful.
The Secretary (Tourism), Manipur invited hospitality companies and entrepreneurs in the country to set up hotels and other tourist infrastructures in Manipur, for which the State Government was ready to extend all-out supports to them.

Lt. General Prakash meets Chamling

Gangtok, October 18 (IST 16:06): Lt. General Avadhesh Prakash, Military Secretary to the Ministry of Defence called on Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling at Mintokgang this evening.

Earlier, Lt. General Prakash had served as General Officer Commanding, 17 Mountain Division from 2000 to 2004. After his stint in Sikkim he served as chief of the Indian Military Training Team in Bhutan (IMTRAAT).

He was accompanied by GOC, 17 Mountain Division, Maj. General Sanjeev Chajra, to the meeting with the Chief Minister.

Capacity Building Training Programme on Journalism 

Gangtok, October 18 (IST 16:06): Five days long   Capacity Building Training Programme on Journalism, Videography and Photography organized by the Information and Public Relations Department, Government  of   Sikkim, concluded successfully with a valedictory function held at Block  Administrative Centre, Khamdong on October 18, 2008.

The training was attended around forty educated youths from various places of the State. During the function, the BDO, Khamdong, K.L. Lepcha, gave away certificates to the participants. In his valedictory address, Lepcha highlighted the importance of Capacity Building Programme of the government and asked the youth to avail of such facilities being provided by  government under the programme.   

Earlier, Keshap Chhetri, Photographer, IPR, delivered the welcome address and the Deputy Director and Nodal Officer, Capacity Building , IPR Department spoke about the programme, Edenla Bhutia, Yugal  Dhakal and   Devi Prasad Timsina  also shared their views about the  training programme. The IPR Department also screened a couple developmental films on the occasion.

The programme was attended by Vishal Khawas, officials of BAC, Khamdong, members of Panchayat and local gentry.

SU will give the student the sense of civilization and humanity

Gangtok, October 17 (IST 19:00): In present time most of the youths are deviated and have been indulged in terrorism and unsocial activities. Keeping this in mind, Sikkim University now should incorporate spiritual and moral value also in its curriculum. This will give the student the sense of civilization and humanity, Governor Balmiki Prasad Sing who is also the chief rector of the university said in a first plenary session of the first academic council of SU.
In his address, Governor further said the university should endeavor to make the university centre for scholars by imparting liberal education system to the students.
~A robust education system is the prime need in these days,~ Governor said.
Governor also suggested academic council of the university to focus on the glacial study of Sikkim and eastern Himalayas .
Suggesting of some academic programme of university to academic members of the university, Governor said a series of research programmes should be done by the university on merit basis.
Earlier Dr. Mahendra P.Lama, vice chancellor of the university, in his address, said after 16 month's continuous work only today the University has been able to reach in good position to impart good quality of education to students.
Dr. Lama informing that the university has introduced semester system in its educational system said 9 colleges of the State have been affiliated with this university.
He also informed that the university core focus is post graduate course and said the university has plan to recruit good number of fresh doctorates of abroad so that the national and international students could be attracted.
On the day Dr. Lama also informed that four master programmes under the university have been started from 17th October as experimental basis where 76% students are from Sikkim .
Further he said three interdisciplinary programmes traditional, non-traditional and policy studies have been introduced.
Informing that University Grant Commission administrative team from Delhi is visiting in next week for the university, he said the team will also finalize the XI year plan budget submitted by SU during the visit.
On the occasion Governor also inaugurated SU website www.sikkimuniversity.in by clicking the mouse of computer.
In the programme R.S.Shrivastava from Jawahralal Nehru University and Nalini Deshmukh of Nagpur University also spoke.

Construction of a Greenfield Airport at Pakyong , Sikkim

Gangtok, October 16 (IST 19:00): The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today gave its approval for construction of a Greenfield Airport at Pakyong, about 35 kms from the State capital (Gangtok). The new Greenfield airport at Pakyong with 1700 mtrs. long runway and with two parking bays will be operational for ATR 72 type of Aircraft operation in fair weather condition. The Terminal building would be able to handle 100 passengers (50 arriving and 50 departing) at a time.
Sikkim is a land locked State with connectivity only by road. It is also one of the two States in the country which has no civil airport. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra (Defence airport with Civil Enclave). Due to hilly terrain and weather related problems, the road connectivity to Sikkim is frequently interrupted. The State also shares long international borders with Nepal , Bhutan , and China . Further, Sikkim has substantial tourism potential due to its scenic and natural beauty. As such, direct air connectivity to Sikkim is essential from socio-economic and strategic considerations. Besides, direct air connectivity would also promote tourism and other economic activities in the State.

Post Offices Start Selling Gold Coins

New Delhi , October 16 (IST 19:00): Post Offices have started selling 24 carat gold coins from today. The sale will be available in over 100 India Post outlets in Delhi , Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Gujarat in the pilot phase. The gold coins are in the popular denomination of half gram, one gram, 5 grams and 8 grams. The prices of these coins will be competitive based on the prevailing prices of gold. Launching the service in Delhi , the Communications and IT Minister, Thiru A. Raja directed the Department of Post to take the gold coins to rural post offices so that the benefit goes to the common man. He announced that the sale will gradually extend based on public response. He said, during Phase-II of the project, Post Offices will be selling gold coins with India Post logo.
India Post has launched this pioneering venture in association with World Gold Council and Reliance Money. World Gold Council will help market the Swiss Medallions supplied by Reliance Money, making it available to Indian consumers through Post offices in a convenient and cost effective manner. The gold coins will be packed in a sealed cover with the certification from Valcambi , Switzerland . It has the benefits like internationally recognized certification, low risk of duplication, quality packaging, product standardization, numbering and assayer certificate.
Thiru A. Raja observed that the Post office, known for its trust and reliability, will serve as an ideal location for the people to buy quality gold coins. He said, India Post will continue to maximize the network, by making the post office a one stop shop for communication, distribution and retail solutions. Raja said, the time has come for India Post to boldly venture into new services that will make the Post office as the hub for various businesses.
Gold is the latest addition to a range of retail activity that India Post has already taken up. India Post has been selling various products under Retail Post category and there is sustained growth in the revenue from these activities. Post Office sells UPSC applications and university applications, it retails Darjeeling Tea in West Bengal, it markets Aloe Vera products in Gujarat and it takes orders for distribution of Prasadams of various temples in Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. Apart from enhancing the revenue of the Department, this will enable India Post to usher in a new image of India Post as a modern and relevant organization to the public in all areas of life.
The Minister of State for Communications & IT, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, who was the guest of honour at the launch ceremony, declared that this pilot project on the sale of gold coins would be a beginning of many more such retail services that India Post will undertake. He said, the venture reinforces India Post's dedicated service to the ordinary Indian.
Speaking on World Gold Council's association with India Post, Ajay Mitra, Managing Director of the Council, said, “Retailing gold through India Post is a ground-breaking initiative in the Indian investment sector and one of its kind in the world”. Sudip Bandyopadhyay, Director and CEO, Reliance Money, said, “We want to take the culture of structured investments in gold to the masses through India Post and provide gold at impeccable quality, quantity and price points”.

Value of the land of Ranka is jacking up

Gangtok, October 16 (IST 19:00): The farmers of Ranka are becoming richer day by day, due to the high value of their land property. According to a land seller San Bahadur Sunwar of Ranka, the value of the land of Ranka has gone up very high within a year. “Here, now per square feet land is sold at the rate of Rs.1000/-,”he said adding that three four year back the land of Ranka was just Rs.150 per square feet.
Harka Bahadur Rai of Raigaon, a farmer of the village also endorsed Mr. Sunwar's view. “Now the land of the Ranka has become gold. We have Bankjhankri falls, Khel gaon and many other important places that is why our land is becoming valuable,” he said.
Regarding the reason behind spiraling high in price of the land of Ranka, I.B.Rai, a resident of Ranka who is also a senior central committee leader of ruling SDF and presently confidential assistant of Chief minister Pawan Chamling said the development of Gangtok city has reached in saturation point. There are no places for infrastructure developments so ultimately Ranka has become the alternative for it.
He also said Ranka was at first proposed for Satellite Township under the sponsor of World Bank but the plan was cancelled because of the veto of US during Nuclear explosion at Pokharan. But the government has not lost its hope and proposing many developmental plans at Ranka.
“Tourism village, Multipurpose sports complex, Banjhankri falls and many other developmental activities are coming up at Ranka, that is why the value of the land of Ranka is jacking up and becoming like gold day by day  ,” he said.

SNPP seeks associate state status for Sikkim

Gangtok, October 15 (IST 17:00): In a new political development, the Sikkim National Peoples' Party (SNPP) was on Wednesday formally launched expressing its resolve to protect and promote the identity of the Sikkimese people by seeking restoration of the associate state status for the Himalayan state as was the case prior to its merger with India in 1975.
Addressing a press conference after the launch of the SNPP, its President Biraj Adhikari defended his party's stand for review of Sikkim 's merger on the ground that the grant of the associate state status was necessary for maintaining the distinct identity of the Himalayan state and its people.
He also sought to question the process of Sikkim 's merger before 1975.
Claiming that the Centre had failed to maintain the distinct identity of Sikkim or protect the interests of the people and the state, Adhikari cited the dilution of the Article 371(F) of the Indian constitution by the Central governments over the years.
Alleging the integration of Sikkim and its people with India has not been realised even 33 years after the Himalayan state's merger, he said it would be appropriate that the Centre should review the matter and grant Sikkim the status of an associate state.
Adhikari said that his party has launched a signature campaign from today itself for grant of the status of an associate state.
"We hope to get signatures of lakhs of people of Sikkim on the issue and the same would be forwarded to the Centre," he said.
The SNPP would also seek to make the associate state demand a key political issue in the coming assembly polls in the state early next year, he said.

First Meeting of the First Academic Council of Sikkim University

Gangtok, October 15 (IST 17:00): The First Plenary session of the First Academic Council of Sikkim University will be held on Friday at Chintan Bhawan at 10.00 am. The Governor of Sikkim and the Chief Rector of Sikkim University , BP Singh will be the Chief Guest of the occasion.

Academic Council is the highest and principal academic body of the University. It will co-ordinates and exercises general supervision over the academic policies of the University. It also provides directions regarding methods of instruction, co-ordination of teaching among the Colleges and the Institutions, evaluation of research and improvement of academic standards. It is mandated to bring about and promote inter-school co-ordination and establish or appoint such committees or boards as may be deemed necessary for the purpose.

This plenary session of the Academic Council is the first of its kind being held in Sikkim . The Academic Council has 21 eminent academics representing noted institutions spread all over India . All the members of the Academic Council are directly nominated by the President of India Pratibha Devi Singh Patil in her capacity as the Visitor of the University.

Prof. Y.D. Prasad, Former Director, A.N. Sinha Institute of Social Studies, and Former Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Patna University, Prof. R.P. Tiwari, Dean, School of Forestry & Earth Sciences, Mizoram University, Prof. A.R. Reddy, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Prof. Ravi Shankar Srivastava, Centre for Regional Development, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Prof. (Dr.) J.P. Sharma, In-charge, Department of Commerce, Delhi University South Campus, Prof. P.K. Banik, Director, NIT, Silchar, Prof. Suranjan Das, Vice-Chancellor, University of Calcutta and Former Member, UGC, Prof. V.S. Prasad, Former Director, NAAC, Bangalore, Prof. T. Karunakaran, Former Vice-Chancellor, Gandhigram Rural Institute, Gandhigram (Tamil Nadu), Shri Sanjoy Hazarika, Centre for North-East Studies & Policy Research, New Delhi, Prof. (Dr.) S.F. Patil, Former Dean of Science, University of Pune & Former Vice-Chancellor, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, Prof. Iftekhar Ahmed, Director, AJKMCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi, Dr. G.S. Yonzone, Former Principal, Kalimpong College, Darjeeling, Prof. Tanka B. Subba, Head, Anthropology Department, NEHU, Shillong, Prof. Atul Sharma, Former Vice-Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar , Dr. Neelima Deshmukh, Director, Centre for Women Studies & Development, Nagpur University, Nagpur, Prof. Tista Bagchi, Department of Linguistics, University of Delhi, Prof. Anjan Mukhurjee, Department of Mathematics, Tripura University, Prof. Manvendra Kishore Das, Dean, Faculty of Education, Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, Varanasi and Prof. Jose Verghese, Former Vice-Chancellor, Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur are the member of Academic Council and

Prof. Mahendra P Lama, Vice Chancellor , Sikkim University is the Ex-officio Chairman.

On the occasion of the first Academic Council meeting the Governor will also launch the first four Masters Programmes on Sociology (School of Social Science), International Politics/ Relations (School of Global Studies), Peace and Conflict Studies & Management (School of Peace, Conflict & Human Security Studies) and Microbiology (School of Life Sciences) introduced by Sikkim University and also the website of the Sikkim University.

Integrated Development of Four Mega Destinations/Circuits

Gangtok, October 15 (IST 17:00): During the second quarter of 2008-09 Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned integrated development of following four mega destinations/circuits in the country.
Hampi World Heritage Site, Karnataka, Heritage Tourist Circuit in Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh, Ganga Heritage River Cruise Circuit, West Bengal and Gangtok Mega Destination, Sikkim are the mega destinations.
One of the primary objectives of the Ministry is to project India as a country with different types of experiences. Hampi world heritage site has immense potential as a cultural destination. The project of Rs.3283.58 lakh sanctioned by the Ministry includes improvement of surroundings of the destination, illumination of historical buildings, sound & light show, solid waste management, creation of public conveniences, improvement of last mile connectivity, construction of rural haat and construction of stage/arena for cultural performances/music festivals.
Kadapa which has historical links with Hampi also has several historical and cultural sites. The project sanctioned for development of heritage tourist circuit in Kadapa district at a cost of Rs. 3692.89 lakh includes creation of tourist facilities around important temples, dams/reservoirs and forts.
India has very good potential for development of river cruise tourism. The Ganga Heritage Cruise circuit will offer experience of river cruise and visits to historical settlements along the banks of Ganga in West Bengal . This project of Rs.2042.35 lakh includes creation of jetties, beautification of river fronts, illumination of monuments, development of parking areas and construction of tourist reception centres at Belur, Barrackpore, Serampore, Chandannagar, Hooghly , Nabadwip, Mayapur, Plassey, Behrampur, Murshidabad-Lalbagh and Ajimganj-Baranagar.
Sikkim is coming up as a major tourist destination. The project of Rs.2390.70 lakh sanctioned for creation of tourist facilities at taxi stand, development of view point, beautification of ridge road, development of millennium park and construction of tourist facilitation centres at Gangtok will meet the growing demand for better tourist facilities in this hilly state.
These projects to be completed within 2 to 3 years will greatly enhance visitors' experience in the mega destinations and circuits.

Chamling meets Patil

Gangtok, October 14 (IST 08:00): Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has reiterated to the Union government for early resolution of several pending demands of the State during his recent New Delhi trip.
During a meeting with Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on October 6, the Chief Minister stressed on the need for early resolution of the issue of reservation of seats for Limboo and Tamang Communities in the State Legislative Assembly and expeditious decision for providing a new alternate National Highway connectivity to Sikkim along Indo- Bhutan border, informs a press release.
Mr. Chamling also reiterated the pending demand for declaration of the Lepchas as Primitive Tribe by the Central Government. He further requested inclusion of all the remaining ethnic communities of Sikkim in the list of Scheduled Tribes to ensure social, economic and political justice for all sections of the Sikkimese people.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted the necessity for leasing of a new twin engine 11 seater helicopter in view of frequent disruption of traffic on the NH 31A besides giving a thrust to tourism and development.
The Chief Minister apprised Patil of the developments in the matter and conveyed the approval of the State government to bear the requisite 25 percent share of the lease amount for the twin engine Daphuin-N 3 helicopter from the Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited and requested the Union Home Ministry to expeditiously agree to bear their share of 75 percent.
The Union Home Minister readily agreed to the proposal and assured Chamling that the proposal would be expeditiously cleared.
Patil also inquired about the progress of work at Solophuk where the unique cultural diversity of the nation. He also inquired about the tourist interest in the Guru Padmasambhava statue at Samdruptse in South Sikkim.

Supreme Court relief for Lachungpa

Gangtok, October 14 (IST 08:00): Former minister Thukchuk Lachungpa, who is the prime accused in the Chenzey bridge collapse, received a breather from Supreme Court who granted him a bail today.
Lachungpa was under judicial custody since last month after his bail plea had been rejected by a local court here. However, he was receiving medical treatment at STNM hospital and had been referred by doctors for specialized treatment outside the State.
A press release informs that he is presently receiving the required treatment.
It is further learned that he will preferably visit Delhi or Bangalore for further medical treatment.
It may be recalled that Lachunga, a first class government contractor had been accused of charges under section 304, 336, 337 of IPC for the under construction bridge collapse at Chezney near Ranka where four labourers died and scores including the contractor himself were injured.

Darjeeling to pay electricity bills

Darjeeling, October 14 (IST 08:00): Keeping in view of the upcoming November tripartite talks, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) today announced that people from Darjeeling hills will pay electricity bills for three months starting from October.
People from Darjeeling hills had stopped paying electricity bills from April as part of the GJM's non cooperation movement against the West Bengal government.
“We are heading for tripartite talks with Centre and West Bengal government in November. Keeping this in view, we appeal the people of Darjeeling to pay electricity bills for three months from October to December”, said Roshan Giri, GJM general secretary.
However, people from Darjeeling hills will continue not paying State taxes like land and vehicle taxes to the West Bengal government, Giri added.
The non cooperation movement had begun from April and GJM has announced that the movement will be spiked up from October 17 where all West Bengal government signboards in Darjeeling , Kalimpong and Kurseong subdivisions will be replaced with Gorkhaland boards.

139th Gandhi Jayanti Celebration observed

Gangtok, October 2 (IST 16:20): “The programme and policies of Sikkim Government is totally based on Gandhism. We have banned poaching in forest; we have banned bird killing and cutting trees; these are all the elements of Gandhinian philosophy,” said chief minister Pawan Chamling in 139th Gandhi Jayanti Celebration held at Chintan Bhavan today.
He also said Gandhiji has emphasized on the development of villages and accordingly the State government has decentralized the power through panchayati raj system by empowering every gram panchayat units of powers. The government has allocated large chunk of Budget share for village development and the programme and policies of the government is pro-people and pro-villages, chief minister mentioned.
Regarding the untouchability philosophy of Gandhism, he said unfortunately still there are untouchablility in the county but Sikkim in only one state that has almost not such discrimination feeling.
Gandhi said untouchability is the curse of our country and until and unless this discrimination sense of feeling do not abolish the country can not develop, he said.
Saying Gandhian philosophy is very powerful, he said Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa , could bring democracy in South Africa only with the inspiration of Gandhinian philosophy. So Nelson Mandela says Gandhi is a holy soldier in the World, he said.
Chief Minister, however, expressed dissatisfaction that the country where the great person like Gandhi had born is afflicted with terrorism. He also said the country not only affected with physical terrorism but mental terrorism as well. “And the very deadly terrorism is mental terrorism as that can not be removed from force and counter charges,” chief minister said.
After CM, Governor Balmiki Prasad Sing also spoke in the programme. Regarding Gandhi Jayanti he said Gandhi was a mass leader and always concern for the well being of his citizen fellows.
The governor also told the life of Gandhi and his role in freedom struggle.” He was never afraid of any danger. At Champaran movement he was with indigo farmers. When the British government asked him to leave the Champaran otherwise he will be prosecuted. He rather chose to be imprisoned and continued to support the movement,” Governor said.
Governor Sing also said Gandhi first felt of how Indian are brutally discriminated and suppressed by British when he was thrown out of Train he boarded. 
Earlier, Governor awarded Nirmaya Chettri of 4th Mile, East Sikkim , for best Angadwadi worker of 2007-08. The award was given from Social Welfare Department. She had motivated the maximum number of children for enrolling in her centre.
Governor also felicitated Viklang Sahayata Samity member and Safai Karmachari on the occasion. In the same programme, Akshay Sachdeva, DIG (Range) had talk on Gandhian philosophy.
Sikkim Legislative Assembly Speaker D.N.Thakarpa and Political Advisors to CM Sanchaman Limbu and B.B.Gooroong were also present on the occassion. ( Photo: B. P. Bajgain )

Gangtok, October 2 (IST 16:20): At the official function of 139th Gandhi Jayanti held at Chintan Bhavan, Governor Balmiki Prasad Sing released ~Discover Himalayas~, a video documentary today on natural beauty of Sikkim and its adjoining areas. The Video CD was produced by S K Audio Vision and directed by Rakesh Somani, proprietor of S K Audio Vision. Photo: B. P. Bajgain

 

Detonators found on North Sikkim

Gangtok, October 2 (IST 16:20): A total 24 detonators were seized from north Sikkim by police from the roadside between Toong and Reychu highway, police said on Thursday. The detonators were found by patrolling policemen on Monday, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Range, Akshaya Sachdeva said.
The seizure closely followed the recovery of a powerful improvised explosive device in south Sikkim .
Sachdeva said it was suspected that the detonators were thrown off a vehicle by its owner who might have become frightened with intensified patrolling on the highway, he said.
A case under the Explosive Substances Act has been registered in connection with the seizure of the detonators and an investigation launched to find out as to whom the haul of explosive materials belonged to, Sachdeva said.
Meanwhile, the security at public places and Durga puja pandals here and elsewhere in the state have been tightened and the local police directed to monitor day-to-day security measures in view of the growing incidents of subversive activities across the country, he said.

Co-operative movement to make better livelihood

Gangtok, October 2 (IST 16:20): The North-Eastern Multi State Insurance Co-operative Society Ltd. (NEMSIS) has started its training course for the share holders since August 2008. In this first phase 70 nos. of share holders from Siliguri and Sikkim covered up.

Two officers of NEMSIS are trained from IRDA (Training Institute of Pune (Mumbai). Besides, 17 nos. are taking training in Guwahati on rural Insurance. Others are taking training in Silchar, Guwahati and Siliguri.

It is worth mentioning here that NEMSIS has launched insurance for the rural people and their products for the benefit of the entire North Eastern states of the country. The NEMSIS has sole intention to make better life and their livelihood by making themselves fully capable through insurance of agricultural products in a skimpy premium which they can easily manage.

Regional Manager of NEMSIS Sikkim N.K. Das has said that target is based on self-sustaining economy, because it is a co-operative movement. In this present world co-operative movement is the only medium to make better livelihood of the people. NEMSIS program will boost the co-operative movement in this region, He said.

NEMSIS is going to constitute marketing societies having huge nos. of membership. Besides assisting farmers to get recent data on demand and price trends in distant markets and purchasing their produce, these societies will also distribute fertilizers, seeds, implements and other agriculture related goods.

Sikkim is one of the leading states in Co-operative movement of the N.E. region. Co-operative movement made revolutionary developments in various fields of the state.

The NEMSIS in Sikkim has gained steady momentum on co-operative movement during the last five years. With a view to building up a self-sustaining economy, the movements have entered the various sectors of the state's economy.

Agriculture credit societies are the kernel of the co-operative movement. Their main objective is to raise funds by deposits from members and thus encourage thrift and self-help among them. The scope of the movement has since been enlarged and there are not only multi-purpose co-operative societies but also co-operative unions of farmers, labourers, milkmen, artisans etc., Das has said.

High security registration plates from fourteen October

Gangtok, October 1 (IST 19:14): High Security Registration Plates to be introduced from 14th October. 2008 replacing the old system of number plate design and registration

This is for the information of all concerned that implementation of the High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) Scheme in the State in respect of the motor vehicles, will be made effective from 14th October. As such, all new motor vehicles registered after 14th October will be fitted with the High Security Registration Plates. In the case of those existing motor vehicles which are already registered and are plying, such vehicles are required to be fitted with High Security Registration Plates within a period of two years, in a phased manner, as per arrangement to be made by the Motor Vehicles Division of the Transport Department. All vehicle owners are, therefore, requested to contact the Registration Office of Motor Vehicles Division, Transport Department, Government of Sikkim for further guidelines before getting their vehicles fitted with new embossed Registration Plates in accordance with Rule 50 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 as amended from time to time.

Basically HSRP is being introduced to curb the growing menace of crime and terrorist activities using motor vehicles as tools. Instead of the old method of obtaining registration numbers from the RTO and getting the number plates made from the open market, a new system is being introduced which will regulate the issuance and fixing of the number plates. In this system, the manufacturing and affixing of the registration plates on the vehicles is highly technical and specialized job and leaves little room for misuse by terrorists or car thieves. Thus, this scheme once implemented will contribute towards strengthening national security and safely also. This is a national goal and all the States and Union territories are being pressurized to implement the scheme as early as possible to curb the menace of terrorism and vehicle theft.

Sikkim is one of the few States in the country already prepared to implement the scheme. The manufacture, supply and affixing of HSRP has been outsourced to M/s Tonnjes Eastern Security Technologies Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi . The company bagged the order after a proper and transparent tendering procedure. The State Government has approved the proposal to introduce the new system of HSRP to all new vehicles from 14th October with relaxation of two year period from the date of commencement, for the changeover in the case of the vehicles which are already registered and plying. To facilitate smooth transition, the department will be making arrangement to adopt a phased programme for such vehicles with a view to avoid last minute rush.

The main features of the high security registration plates as provided in Rule 50 and the Order are as follows:

1. It provides a solid aluminum plate.

2. The plate is suitable for hot stamping and would be a reflective sheet. This reflective sheet would be visible from a minimum distance of 200 meters.

3. The plate would bear the letters ' IND ' in blue colour. This is to secure national identity and standardization.

4. It will have a chromium-based hologram which will also be hot-stamped. This is to avoid counterfeiting.

5. There will be a third registration mark which will be self-reflective being a chromium-based hologram sticker and which will be affixed on the windshield of the vehicle. The sticker will have seven-digit laser code containing the engine number and the chassis number. This is designed to be self-destructive upon removal.

6. The plate on the rear will be fastened with non-removable/non-reusable snap lock fitting system. It will be made temper-proof so that attempt to remove the plate would break it.

With the introduction of the new number plates, it will be rather impossible to copy or misuse the number plates, making it very difficult for the anti-social elements and the terrorists to steal and misuse the motor vehicles.