Imports ‘nil’, but Chinese goods still flood local markets though Nathula

CUSTOMS OFFICIALS UNDERTAKE ENQUIRY INTO IRREGULARITES, REPORT COULD END UP WITH THE CVC

GANGTOK, 30 Nov: Nathula, which was once more popular as a tourist destination and later as a symbol of the beginnings of Sino-Indian bonhomie marking the official recognition of Sikkim as part of the Indian Union by China, is, among the common folk, becoming less known for the above.
Nathula has today gained a degree of notoriety as an entry point of “Chinese goods” which officials deny and official statistics do not reflect. The import figures, not only for this year, but for the past 6 years has stood at an astounding Zero, while (Chinese) goods from across the border make their way right down to Gangtok bazaar and even on to Siliguri. The Central government is largely to blame for this with its adamant refusal to change the list of trade-able items. Blame also lies with the Central government agencies.
NOW! had earlier reported of an enquiry initiated by the Customs Office, Siliguri, over the flow of ‘smuggled’ items and allegations of money changing hands. Apart from inflow of unlisted items, traders from here are also alleged to have exported large quantities of sugar, an unlisted item.
The other disturbing aspect of the trade is that it has also become a forum for unsolicited and vulgar amounts of foreign exchange, especially trade in dollars.
Speaking to NOW!, the SP Customs, PW Yolmo, once more confirmed the enquiry initiated by Customs office, Siliguri, over allegations of irregularities in the trade. In fact, officials from the Siliguri office have already visited the trade mart twice as part of their enquiries and interacted with traders, officials and other stakeholders.
Mr. Yolmo informs that a report will be put up to the Deputy Commissioner, then forwarded to the Commissioner and finally to the Central Vigilance Commission.
The SP Customs also confirmed the export of Sugar, saying that there was much controversy in the initial months of trade this year with regard to the export of sugar. However, he denied that this trade in sugar was still continuing. In fact, one of the fallouts of sugar export is the increase in prices of the commodity in Gangtok and other parts of the state. As for the immediate reason for the launch of the enquiry, it was the seizure of a truckload of goods, mostly readymade garments from China, at Kalimpong, which officials suspected to have made its way through Nathula.
When contacted, Customs officials at Siliguri confirmed this, stating that an enquiry was underway to ascertain from where such goods had come. Following the launch of the enquiry the then SP Customs had also been transferred.
Sources also inform on the trade in foreign exchange, especially dollars. With the increase in the exchange-rate of the dollar in India, it is informed, that people here buy dollars at a lower rate at the border and sell it at a higher rate in Gangtok.
While Customs officials stated that dollars was the official currency of trade, and that officially, trade cannot be conducted in local currencies, it was seen, and has been seen all along the years, that most trade is done in rupees. Interestingly, this time, many traders were also found to be carrying Yuan, the Chinese currency.
Not to say that such activities and practices are hurting anybody but if gone unchecked such unscrupulous practices could burgeon with Nathula and Sherathang eventually becoming a hub for the wrong reasons.
With such kinds of reports coming in, the Customs Office finally decided to initiate an enquiry into the allegations to ascertain the truth and to know “what exactly is going on” in the words of Customs official in charge of Sikkim, Munindra Lama, as was reported earlier.
Madhya Bharat Power Corp convenes public meeting at Nimtar
GANGTOK, 30 Nov: Madhya Bharat Power Corporation Limited convened a public meeting on 24 November at the Energy & Power Department Guest House at Nimtar, near 32 No. on NH 31A, which was presided over by the area MLA, BB Rai, informs an MBPCL press release.
Deputy Manager (Co-ord) of the Company, PP Adhikari conducted the meeting. Opening the discussion, Advisor, Project Development of the Company, RK Pradhan apprised the gathering on the minor changes made in the project components, the release informs.
He also clarified that the project public hearing has already been conducted and on the report of the same, project work has been started. This meeting was initiated to apprise the district authority, MLAs and Panchayats and the public of the area about the present status of the project.
He also thanked the people and the state administration for all the cooperation extended to the company in execution of this project. Speaking on the occasion Deputy General Manager (Civil), Hari Thapa gave a detailed technical report about the project on all the components.
Then the house was opened for discussion wherein 5 public representatives expressed their opinions. During their address most of the speakers talked about employment of local people, awarding of minor contract works to the local people, maintenance of water supply to the area and protection of religious places in-and -around the locality, the release mentions.
The company did not feel it necessary to submit the reply as the same has already been agreed to during the public hearing of the project. Speaking on the occasion SDM (East), Dr AB Karki explained that Hydro Electric Projects are being initiated in the entire country as per the instructions of the Government of India.
He also said that the investigation on this project was carried out by Central Water Commission (CWC) of Government of India in the initial stage. He advised the people present to take advantage from the execution of the project and refrain from taking action individually against the law.
Stating that as representative of the office of the District Collector of the District he is responsible for the protection of the interest of the public, he conveyed that MBPCL is committed to help the local people as he has seen that most of the employees including high office bearers are locals, the release adds.
The Zilla Panchayat, Karma Chimi Bhutia said that the project authority should protect the interest of the local people and added that employment and contract work should be given to locals.
Finally, the chief guest, in his address urged the people to take advantage of the project in the village. He assured the people that all employment and small contract work would be given to the local people, according to the release.
Advising people not to take law into their own hands, he urged them to take help from the district and local authorities to resolve issues. He also stated that he is committed to support and resolve all the issues amicably.
The meeting was attended by the Zilla Panchayat, Panchayat Members, former Zilla Panchayat, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (East), Dr. AB Karki, Divisional Engineer from Energy and Power Department and the public of both Upper and Lower Sumin, Mangthang and Nimtar.