Pedestrian flyovers to keep walking safe

SUBASH RAI
GANGTOK, 15 April: The Urban Development & Housing Department has begun initiatives to avert accidents involving pedestrians along the National Highway, especially at junctions approaching schools areas.
Work on the long pending demand for a flyover at Deorali has begun; the project pegged at an estimated Rs. 6 crores.
“We are hopeful that this four-way pedestrian flyover will be ready for public use by August this year,” the UD&HD Minister, DB Thapa, informs.
He further informed that two more flyovers, one each at the Tashi Namgyal Academy gate and Tadong Senior Secondary School, will be initiated within this financial year itself.

DB Subba Memorial TT tourney gets underway with more than 200 paddlers

GANGTOK, 15 April: More than 200 participants have signed up for in the fourth edition of Late DB Subba Memorial Inter-School Table Tennis Championship started here at Paljor Stadium indoor gymnasium on Friday.
The three-day tournament was inaugurated by the STTA president, CK Basnet, and has been organized by the Sikkim Table Tennis Academy, Tadong, under the aegis of the STTA.

USFC returns to train for final challenge en route to main I-League

TEAM ACCORDED WARM WELCOME BY FANS AT RANGPO
SAGAR CHHETRI
RANGPO: The United Sikkim Football Club [USFC] was accorded a grand welcome at Rangpo today. The team is returning to Sikkim after having topped its pool in the qualifying round of the second division I-League. They will now be playing in a final pool of eight qualifying teams, the top-2 of which will make it through to the main I-League this season itself.
The USFC played six qualifying matches in its pool and won 4 matches, lost one and drew another which was enough for the team to top the pool and qualify for the final round of the second division.
The reception at Rangpo was organized by members of USFC Fans Club and Rangpo-based organizations and the team was escorted to Gangtok in a convoy lead by motorcycles.

TAAS welcomes declaration of Tourism as “Infrastructure Industry”

GANGTOK, 15 April: A Notification issued by the Home Department [No. 28/Home/2011 dated 29 March 2011] records that the tourism sector has helped tremendously in economic development and employment generation in the state of Sikkim. A number of financial incentives become available under Infrastructure Industry if Tourism is declared an Infrastructure Industry, the notification explains. “Hence, in order to achieve the above objective, the state government has declared and notified ‘Tourism’ as Infrastructure Industry in the state of Sikkim with immediate effect,” the Notification announces, informs an IPR press release.
The Travel Agents Association o f Sikkim [TAAS] president, Lukendra Rasaily, expressed “great happiness” on behalf of his organization and tourism stakeholders over the notification of Tourism as an Infrastructure Industry

SSACS presents best display of AIDS awareness literature at national workshop

SIKKIM FOLK PERFORMERS COME IN THIRD IN ‘FOLK MEDIA’ COMPETITION
GANGTOK, 15 April: A four-day national workshop of state folk artists for “Standardizing Scripts, Folk Performances and Developing State/ Regional Resources” at the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare (NIHFW), New Delhi was organized by National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) in association with Family Health International and AIDS Prevention and Control Project from 05 to 08 April. Sikkim secured the 1st position in the “Display of HIV/AIDS IEC materials & photograph exhibition” competition and 3rd in the ‘Folk media’ competition, informs a press release.
The Sikkim troupe performed a fusion of Lok Dohori and drama in the ‘Folk Media’ category which was much appreciated by authorities from NACO, UN AIDS and APAC, the release informs. Sikkim was represented by a team comprising of AD/ Doc & Pub, Lubhana Rai, Consultant Youth Affairs SSACS, Chung Chungla Bhutia, Norden Lepcha and Gayatri Rai from the Song & Drama Unit [Culture Department], and artists, Uttam Rai, Pirtha Rai, Chandra Chettri, Ranjana Manger and Anita Manger [Kala Kunj Natya Sadan, Sakyong, West Sikkim].

Rotary sponsors Science Centre excursion for Bojoghari Secondary School students

GANGTOK: The Rotary Club of Gangtok, in association with the Sikkim State Council of Science & Technology, organized a daylong visit to the Sikkim Science Centre at Marchak for class IX and X students of the Bojogari Secondary School on Thursday on the occasion of National Science Day.
The idea behind organizing such a programme was to encourage students to take up science in their higher studies and also to explain to them the various concepts of science through the over-100 exhibits at the science centre, a press release informs.

DoNER Minister urges Delhi Police to nab culprits behind assault on Manipuri sigblings

GANGTOK, 15 April: The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has urged the Delhi Police to take “urgent steps” to nab the culprits involved in the assault on a Manipuri brother-sister duo on the night of 12 April in the Munirka area of South Delhi.
A DoNER press release conveys the condemnation of the assault by the Minister for DoNER, Bijoy Krishna Handique, who said, “It is a matter of grave concern that the culprits are yet to be arrested after three days of the incident. However, we have full confidence on the Police and we have asked them to hasten the process of locating and arresting the accused immediately. The use of spy cameras in the rented buildings also needs a proper investigation. Our Ministry officials are closely following up with the concerned authorities and also taking measures on the recovery of the sibling who is recuperating at the hospital.”

EMRS girls win, again

GANGTOK: The girl’s basketball team of Eklavya Model Residential School [EMRS], Gyangyap, has once again impressed with its outstanding performance. This time by lifting the Xavierian Cup played on 14 and 15 April at St Xavier’s School, Pakyong.
EMRS lifted the cup thrashing another good girl’s basketball team of St Philomena School, Kalimpong, 50-21.
It had already defeated St Philomena School in its first round 42-24, with whom they met again in the finals. St George School, Pedong, was humbled 48-02 in the semi-final by EMRS.
The team captain, Nim Doma Bhutia, along with her mates, Rinchen Doma Bhutia, Pem Choden Lepcha, Diki Doma Bhutia and Tshering Eden Bhutia, impressed the spectators with their game and skills.
The team was escorted by the EMRS Principal cum coach, Siddharth Yonzon, and Chewang Kidan as manager.

Sneha Kinetic agrees to demands, affected people withdraw protest

WANGCHUK BHUTIA
MANGAN: The affected people of the 96 MW Dikchu hydel project withdrew their protest Friday, following a meeting at Sneha Kinetic Power Project Ltd. [SKPPL] office at Dikchu. A letter of understanding was signed between the affected people and SKPPL, leading to a resolution of the protest which had come to a head yesterday with the affected people gheraoing the project developer, Sneha Kinetic’s office and bringing all work to a halt at the project site.
The meeting was held between the affected people and the project developer and was also attended by ASDLF general secretary, Norjang Lepcha, ward panchayat Tanek Block, Kado Lepcha and representatives of SKPPL headed by General Manager AK Dutta including representatives from Drillcon Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd headed by its Project Coordinator, Ram Babu Gupta.

First batch of 15 beauty therapists call on CM

GANGTOK, 15 April [IPR]: Fifteen beauty therapists who were trained at Ananda Spa Institute in Hyderabad under the Skills Development Scheme of the Directorate of Capacity Building called on Chief Minister Pawan Chamling at his official residence Mintogang today.
All the trainees hail from rural backgrounds and thanked the Chief Minister, the State government and the Directorate of Capacity Building for providing them an opportunity to shape their careers. The 2010-11 batch of 15 youth trained in the same trade and institute has been placed in renowned, popular and big brand-name spa centers across the country like Oberoi Hotel & Spas, Mumbai/ Kolkata/ Shimla; Westin Resort & Spas, Sohna/ Gurgaon; Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai; Moksha Spa, Himachal Pradesh and May Fair Hotels and Spas, Gangtok.

At 74, Prem Dhoj Pradhan can still sing up a storm!

GANGTOK: When renowned Nepal-born singer, 74-year-old, Prem Dhoj Pradhan, sang ‘Goreto Gaonko…’ , a song recorded in 1962 in a studio in Kolkata, the jam-packed Sikkim Government College Auditorium, including the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling burst out in a rapturous applause on Friday evening.
Sikkim was treated to this rare experience this evening on the concluding day of the two-day Baisakhi Parva 2068 organized by the Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim here at Sikkim Government College auditorium.
The concluding day’s celebration was dedicated as a musical nite-cum-felicitation programme for the veteran singer Mr. Pradhan, whose songs include Ghumtima na aoun hai, Hasiney rahar haru…etc., which have remained evergreen till date.

Now Showing at Star Cinema Hall- Projecting Gangtok

SIKKIM PROJECTED, NOW FOR THE FEEDBACK
TSHERING EDEN
GANGTOK: ‘Projecting Gangtok’, an exhibition on proposed public infrastructure projects being developed in and around Gangtok opened to Gangtokians Friday at the Star Cinema hall. “...a healthy dialogue is necessary in a robust democratic society between the people and the decision makers,” reads a flyer which underlines what the exhibition is essentially about.
Addressing media persons today, Kailash Pradhan, a member of Architects of Sikkim [AS], the curators for this exhibition, explained that  they seek to create an open platform for the public to articulate their feelings about the proposed projects thereby involving them in the decision-making process. Visitors can do so by filling up a questionnaire, writing in a register, or on posting sticky-notes on the project details displayed at the exhibition. The feedback will then be forwarded to the concerned authorities.

Tourism declared “Infrastructure Industry” in Sikkim

GANGTOK, 15 April [IPR]: A Notification issued by the Home Department [No. 28/Home/2011 dated 29 March 2011] records that the tourism sector has helped tremendously in economic development and employment generation in the state of Sikkim. A number of financial incentives become available under Infrastructure Industry provided Tourism is declared an Infrastructure Industry. “Hence, in order to achieve the above objective, the state government has declared and notified ‘Tourism’ as Infrastructure Industry in the state of Sikkim with immediate effect,” the Notification announces.

USFC qualifies for final round of Second Division I-League

GANGTOK, 14 April: United Sikkim Football Club [USFC] topped its pool after thrashing Golden Thread [Kerala] in its last qualifying match of the second division I-League today.

After completion of the qualifying round, the USFC and Southern Samity both stand with 13 points each, but on the basis of goals average, USFC leads +7 while Southern Samity has +5 against its name. Both clubs are however through to the final rounds of the second division I-League scheduled to start on 25 April in Shillong. 

In its last qualifying match played today in Guwahati, a hattrick by Bhudiram Tudu helped the USFC win its last qualifying match 4-1. Bhudiram has also become the Highest Scorer in his pool with 07 goals. 

Continuing his attacking scoring game, Bhudiram scored his first goal in the 32nd minute and with goals in 54th and 59th minutes, completed his hattrick.

By taking an advantage of a penalty, Sajith MP of Golden Thread scored a goal for his team in 70th minute and a goal by India International, Bijen Singh, in the 81st minute from a long range outside the D-box sealed the victory of the USFC. 

Speaking over the phone from Guwahati, the Senior Manger USFC, Arjun Rai, expressed his happiness over the team is performance and send that the squad was now looking forward to the final round.

He mentioned that Nim Tshering Lepcha and Tenzing Tshepel also played the last match. 

“As the weather climate in Shillong is similar to Gangtok, the team has decided to hold a week-long practice session in Gangtok before leaving for the final round”, Mr Rai inform.

The team is arriving in the capital on Friday.

Pooja Pariyar is Miss Lampokhari 2011

DALAPCHEN, 14 April: The second day of the Lampokhari Paryatan Mahotsav saw Pooja Pariyar win the Miss Lamphokari beauty pageant while singer Prakash Sundas, an Indian Idol aspirant and winner of Namchi Mahotsav 2010, entertained the over 2,000-strong audience in a highly-anticipated late evening show yesterday. The show included a fashion show by models from Kolkata.
Area MLA Puran Gurung was present for the function accompanied by Dhiraj Pradhan, BDO Rongli, Tenzing T Kaleon, SDM Rongli, KB Chamling, SDF vice-president, Bimal Dawari, East Zilla Adhakshya, and members of the Lampokhari Paryatan 2011 Festival.
Chunki Bhutia and Preeti Tamang were the first and second runners-up respectively in the beauty pageant judged by PK Subba, Deputy Director [Agriculture], Passang Tamang of SSACS and Sonam Tshring Bhutia, DE Power.
The evening’s entertainment belonged to Prakash Sundas, a member of Singtam-based Spark NGO, who sang over a dozen popular Hindi and Nepali songs.
Meanwhile, Aarju Pariyar, representing Singtam’s ‘Basibiyalo Singtam’, performed a dance number which was followed by a performance by Modern Dance Academy, Rongli, choreographed and performed by Sajan Basnet and his young group.
[from SHITAL PRADHAN]

Sapta Mahapuran For World Peace concludes in Namchi

NAMCHI, 14 April: The “Sapta Mahapuran for World Peace” organised by the Namchi Puja Committee at the Parking Plaza premises here concluded Thursday. The prayers had begun on 09 April and enjoys the active support of 12 local NGOs. The programme was inaugurated by the Namchi-Singithang MLA, Binod Rai.
The prayers were conducted under the guidance of Rohit Raj Maharaj of Mangal Dham, Kalimpong, assisted by Premananda Shastri. The Sangitik Toli assisting them comprised of Shyam Dumi, Bishal Pranami, Braj Kishoreji and Shrawan Ghimirey.

Ambedkar Jayanti celebrated in Namchi

NAMCHI: The 120th birth anniversary of Dr. BR Ambedkar was observed here at the District Administrative Center conference hall with a special function organized by the Anusuchit Jati Kalyan Sangh, Namchi.
Namchi-Singithang MLA, Binod Rai, was present as the chief guest accompanied by Namchi Municipal Council vice-chairman, NH Aasari, social worker TM Bardewa, AJKS chairman Dushant Pariyar and officers from the various departments.
Social worker TM Bardewa, who has recently been conferred with a national award, was felicitated by the AJKS for her selfless work towards the society today.

Hanuman Tok gears up for Hanuman Jayanti

GANGTOK: The annual general meeting of the Hanumantok Committee was held today and resolved to continue the tradition of a grand Hanuman Jayanti Puja at the Hanumantok Mandir Dham. The holy day fall on 18 April this year, next Monday, and this time, the prayers will be performed over two days, it is informed.
The Hanuman Tok  Maha-avishek will be performed on Sunday at 4 p.m. and the temple opened for public darshan the next day at 6 in the morning. Prasad and Langar will start at 7 a.m. and the AGM decided to invite the Governor and Chief Minister to perform the main Aarati.
The GOC, 17 Mountain Division, Maj. Gen. SL Narasimhan, who is also the chairman of the committee will perform the Havan, a press release informs.

Start Firming Up For the Monsoons Ahead

editorial:

Sections of the still-being-widened highway in North Sikkim are already turning into bogs with the pre-monsoon showers. The unusually consistent [and abundant] evening showers, even as they are unhealthy for the fields, should get everyone involved in any aspect of disaster mitigation concerned about what the later months, when the monsoons open up, hold for Sikkim. While road-connectivity problems are expected during monsoons, Gangtok should also consider shoring up the protective works installed for the pipelines carrying water to the Selep reservoir. These have collapsed in the past, and if the present weather is any indication, will be put under tremendous stress very soon. The weather pattern suggests that 2011 will record at least an above-normal monsoon and the crumbling tendency of recently constructed infrastructure [roads still in excavation stage for widening] should have everyone worried. Both, the highway expansion and the Ratey Chu supply line repairs, are less than season-old efforts and have a history of unnerving collapses behind them.

Forest-fire awareness at Samardung

RANGPO: The South district Forest Division organised a daylong awareness programme on forest fires here at Samardung on Thursday. The programme, supported by Lanco hydel project, was  attended by DFO (T), South, Monalisha Dash, Range Officer BS Tamang, Block Officer Bal Krishna Dahal along with several other forest official and staff, Panchayat members of the area, local residents, representatives from Lanco and Hindustan Construction Company, senior citizen TP Kharel.

Baisakhi Utsav dazzles despite drizzle

ANAND OBEROI
GANGTOK: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling flagged off the two-day Baisakhi Utsav organised by the Nepali Sahitya Parishad here at MG Marg on Thursday. A heavy downpour, notwithstanding, the inaugural events cultural programme kept the spirits high in town this afternoon.
The numerous cultural dance and song performances by school children, representatives of social organisations and artists from outside the state are the highlights of this year’s celebrations.
The Chief Minister, who kept his inaugural address brief in light of the inclement weather, before leaving the podium today, commented, “The rains won’t allow me to speak long and I know everyone here wants to enjoy the gala cultural programme instead of listening to my speech, so let’s enjoy the programme together”.

Affected people gherao Dikchu HEP site; Will not allow work to begin without clear commitments from project developer

WANGCHUK BHUTIA
MANGAN, 14 April: The affected people of the 96 MW Dikchu Hydel Power Project staged a protest against the project-developer, Sneha Kinetic Power Project Ltd., accusing it of not having entertained the affected people while awarding various project-related works despite a standing commitment to do so.
The affected youth, including All Sikkim Demcratic Labour Front executive members from its branch office at Dikchu headed by their president, Ezekiel Lepcha, gheraoed the power house site on Thursday and stopped work at the project office in Dikchu.

Stand up against disparity of all kinds to pay true homage to Ambedkar: CM

Taekwondo star Sabina Sundas being felicitated.

Felicitation for social worker Maya Sherpa

SAGAR CHHETRI
GANGTOK, 14 April: The Chief Minister today stressed that people should work collectively for the betterment of the suppressed sections of the society if they wish to extend real homage to Dr. Ambedkar. Taking inspiration from his life and ideals is the only genuine tribute, not just gathering and offering garlands to his statues, he said, while reiterating that the people should collaborate efforts to end disparity of all kinds from the society.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the 120th birth anniversary celebrations of Dr Bhimji Rao Ambedkar at the Sikkim Legislative Assembly complex today.
While on the theme, the CM highlighted that some sections were still trying to suppress the people in the name of religion and on communal grounds. On the same, he urged the people at large to stand up to such conspiracies by following the true principles of Dr. Ambedkar.

Architects of Sikkim initiate dialogue for Gangtok

GANGTOK: “Architects of Sikkim”, a body of concerned architects, has announced plans to organise an exhibition, “Projecting Gangtok – Dialogues for an Emerging City”, showcasing public projects in Gangtok and collecting public opinion on the Gangtok of the future. Opening its doors to public footfalls after decades of having remained shut will be the Star Cinema Hall at MG Marg where the exhibition will be hosted from 15 to 30 April.
“The purpose of the exhibition is to bridge the gap between decision makers in the urban bodies and the aspirations of the people who live here,” the AoS explains in a press release.
“Urban growth is a global phenomenon and Gangtok straddles a critical juncture between a large town and a nascent city. Some cities just about cope with the problems that accompany this growth, others are stretched and some take the situation as an opportunity to transform their cities into something better. The direction Gangtok takes is dependent on the decisions we make today as citizens, planners and policy makers,” the release states.

Ray’s Sikkim to screen every evening for a week at Vajra

Satyajit Ray’s documentary film, “Sikkim”, which had its world premiere on 06 April to a select audience in Gangtok will now open for regular screenings from Friday onwards at Vajra cinema hall here.
The Art & Culture Trust of Sikkim, which was instrumental in restoring this lost film made in 1971, in a press release issued today, announced that the movie will screen for one show [5:30 p.m.] every day from 15 to 21 April.
“We were overwhelmed by the response of the audience at the World Premiere on the 6th of April 2011. There has been a constant demand for a regular theater release ever since the premiere. We understand that there is a huge audience waiting and wanting to see the film. We are also aware that the purpose of the restoration of this very rare film carried out by the Art & Culture Trust of Sikkim was to reach out to the maximum Sikkimese people,” the ACT of Sikkim secretary, Atul Kaura explains while announcing the screening schedule.
The film, commissioned by Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal, and completed in 1971, was never formally released until last week, its prints lost and then painstakingly restored.

ICAR sets up State’s first poultry seed unit

DEMAND FOR DAY-OLD CHICKS COULD NOW BE MET LOCALLY
GANGTOK: A poultry seed-unit has been established at the Indian Council Agricultural Research, Sikkim centre. The institute has started a poultry hatchery unit along with maintenance of parent stock for backyard poultry in collaboration with Project Directorate on Poultry, Hyderabad, an ICAR press release informs.
The unit was inaugurated by Minister of Food Security and Agricultural Development, DN Takarpa, on Wednesday.
The Minister welcomed the ICAR initiative to meet the demand of day-old chicks in the state. The project will help meet the requirement of poultry farmers and open up new avenues for entrepreneurship development, he said.
An ICAR release highlights that there is a “great disparity” in egg consumption among urban and rural areas due to non-availability of eggs and chicken which are produced mainly in urban areas. The rural areas are rich in natural food base that can be brought back into human food chain by converting them into nutritionally balanced egg and chicken meat by adopting backyard poultry farming, the release adds.

Kewzing entrepreneurs bag Best Stall award at NE Festival

Two youth, NT Luksom and Chewang Rinzing, both entrepreneurs from Kewzing in South Sikkim represented the State at the 2nd North East Festival held in Shillong from 07 to 09 April 2011 and put up a stall displaying handicrafts and handloom products from Sikkim. They won the “best exhibition stall” prize at the festival.
Dr. Mukul Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, not only handed over the award to the duo but also bought many of the exhibits put on display by Mr. Luksom assisted by Mr. Rinzing, which was an even bigger promotion.
The products, Mr. Luksom shares were a big hit with all the exhibits selling out in record time.
“Even the Meghalaya chief minister came and appreciated the products personally. He directed that similar training should be incorporated in his state too so that his youth can also take example from the state of Sikkim which is doing so well in the handicrafts and handlooms scenario,” Mr. Luksom shares.

Kickboxers return from national championships with 11-medal haul

GANGTOK: The Sikkim Association of Kickboxing Organizations [SAKO] team returned Wednesday, loaded with a rich haul of 11 medals from the 16th Junior & 17th Senior National Kickboxing Championship held at Angul Stadium in Orissa from 07 to 10 April.
The state team has bagged eight medals in junior nationals and three medals in the senior nationals.
Passang Putit, Deeki Palmu, Mandira Karki, Lhamit Lepcha and Shezey Lepcha bagged gold medals in junior catgory, while Phur Chuki Lepcha and Joshan Lepcha won silver medals and Lakden Lepcha won bronze medals in the junior nationals.
In senior nationals, Susmita Rai and Bimla Tamang bagged gold medals and Dojree Pintso Lepcha won a bronze medal for the state.
The 14-member SAKO team was led by Navin Rai as coach and Tempa Gyatso Lepcha as manager.
The Additional Director, Sports & Youth Affairs Department, RK Rai, handed over the medals and certificates to the state team members today at a special function held here at Paljor Stadium.

CM renames Singtam's Manpari Basti as “Aadarsh Basti”

SINGTAM, 13 April: South Sikkim’s Manpari Basti near Singtam has been renamed, “Adarsh Basti”. Chief Minister Pawan Chamling announced this during his visit to the village on Tuesday to attend the Srimad Bhagawat Mahapuran organized there coinciding with Ram Nawami by a local NGO, Kalyan Samaj.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also announced a Rs. 15 lakh contribution towards the expansion of the present infrastructure of Siddhidevi Temple in the village.
While expressing happiness over the organizing of religious functions regularly at the temple premises, Mr. Chamling also handed over Rs. 1 lakh to the organizing committee as assistance towards organizing such functions in the future.

PHE Secy leads trek to scout water sources to augment supply for Namchi

NAMCHI: Secretary Water Security and Public Health Engineering Department, TB Rajalim, led a two-day trek into the mountains above Ravangla to seek out new sources and inspect the existing water tapping infrastructure there to figure out ways and means to augment the water supply situation for Namchi.
The Secretary was accompanied on the inspection by Additional CE, TT Bhutia, SE (S/W) BP Kharel, DE, DC Khatiwara, DE (South) Rajdeep Rai, AE (Ravangla) Saurav Lepcha and JE (Ravangla) Sunil Rai.
The trek first headed for the Bermeley source where water is currently being tapped for supply to Namchi.
The tour started on 08 April at 8:30 a.m. from Ravangla and reached Bermeley after four hours of trekking the team. Bermeley is situated at 8,300 ft.

Minister visits Zusing Druga Mandir damahed by PMGSY road project

MANGAN, 13 April: Power Minister, Sonam Gyatso Lepcha, who also happens to be the concerned area MLA, visited the Durga Mandir here at Zusing basti in Mangshila yesterday in follow-up to public complaints regarding the damage caused to the temple by the recently constructed PMGSY road there.
The temple is located right below the PMGSY road and has been damaged by debris from the excavation carried out for road construction. The roof and some portion of the structure have been damaged.

Seek Out the Stories that Census Figures Tell

editorial:

The Provisional Population Totals of Census 2011 have been released. Sikkim’s population as of March 2011 has been counted at 6,07,688 people, recording a 12.36% growth since 2001. Since 1911, when the first proper Census operation was undertaken in Sikkim, only three decades, the last being 1941-51, have population growths lower than this. With the release of more detailed Census 2011 findings in the days to come, the reasons why growth has been so slim in the last decade will be better understood from the clearer demographic patterns which subsequent Census data will illustrate. While one waits for these details to emerge and explain the present better, it would be worthwhile to go over the data thrown up by Census operations in Sikkim thus far. The first Census of Sikkim was conducted in 1891 by the Political Officer. A decade later, in 1901 the West Bengal Census authorities of British India were deputed to carry out the task and it was probably only in 1911 that the Directorate of Census Operations brought the detailed methodology by which India does a head-count of all its people. In the decade of 1901-11, Sikkim’s population grew by 48.98%, the second-largest population spurt of the century. In the next decade, 1911-21, the population fell by 7.05%, the only time it has done so since Census operations were initiated in Sikkim. Population growth in Sikkim has shown marked variations, growing by little over 34% in the decade of 1931-41 and then almost grinding to replacement fertility-rate figure of 10.67% in 1931-41, creeping only slightly higher to 13.34% in 1941-51 and reaching 17.76% in 1951-61.

Nabbed second time on extortion charges, youth now also faces SADA booking

GANGTOK, 13 April: 22-year-old Dipesh Trikhatri, a resident of Thakurbari in Kalimpong, arrested by the Sadar Police here on charges of extortion on 10 April is under police custody till the 14th and is now staring at additional charges framed under the Sikkim Anti-Drugs Act. This is the second time that the youth has been taken into custody inside a month on charges of attempting to extort money in Sikkim in the name of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha.
Out on bail at present, the accused, it appears, returned to the same trick when he allegedly started making threatening calls to the Marketing Manager of Rising Sun Cooperative Society and demanding Rs. One lakh to ensure his personal safety and that of the trade fair that the group is currently organising at Lall Bazaar.
Sadar Thana OC, PI Tshering Sherpa, informs that the accused was harassing the complainant with threatening calls claiming to be the GJM chief, Bimal Gurung.

Upper Sichey works out its garbage collection woes

GANGTOK: The residents of Upper Sichey convened a meeting on Tuesday to discuss out-sourcing of garbage collection in the area.
The meeting decided that United Upper Sichey Educated Unemployed Co-operative Society would take over as the garbage collection agency working in the area. Services of the Golden Circle which was previously in-charge of garbage collection have been discontinued ‘as a result of certain circumstances’, informs a press release issued by the Society.
The Gangtok Municipal Corporation has provided a vehicle for garbage collection, which will visit the area on alternate days starting this Thursday, the release informs.  The areas to be covered by the service are Upper Sichey, Ward No 3 under executive councillor, NB Chhetri, and Lower Sichey, Ward no 2 under councillor, Ariti Giri, and Burtuk, Ward no 1, up to Jhakri falls.
The release further appeals to the residents to “act responsibly” and informs that offenders, who continue to dump garbage in the area will be fined and suitable action taken against them.

ASGEA celebrates 34th foundation day

NAMCHI, 14 April: The 34th foundation day of the All Sikkim Government Employees Association (ASGEA) was celebrated here at Namchi on Wednesday. The Namchi branch of the association observed the day here at the ASGEA office. According to a press release issued by the association, the president of the Namchi branch, Gajendra Subba, while speaking on the occasion, urged employees falling under the C and D groups of South Sikkim to become alert and responsible employees. He also urged all members to come forward and work sincerely to make the association even stronger in the days to come.

Sikkim Red Cross Society condoles passing away NB Tiwari

GANGTOK: The Managing Committee of Indian Red Cross Society, Sikkim Branch, met on 07 April to condole the demise of NB Tiwari who passed away on 03 April, a press release informs. Mr. Tiwari was one of the founding members of the branch and an advisor to it.
Vice President, SK Dewan, General Secretary, BK Roka, and Joint Secretary, KN Sharma, spoke at the condolence meeting  remembering the immense contributions made by Mr Tiwari till the time of his sudden demise, informs the release.
The speakers highlighted the important role played by Mr Tiwari as a member of the branch in its rescue and rehabilitation work during natural disasters in the state in 1997. They also said that he would always be fondly remembered by all members of the branch and his physical absence would always be felt in all activities of the branch for years to come.
As a mark of respect for the departed colleague, the meeting observed a two-minute silence.

Chujachen-Marking felicitates senior teacher on Chaitey Dasain

Indira Pradhan, a retired teacher of Chujachen Senior Secondary School, and currently teaching at Bal Bikash, Chujachen unit, was felicitated during the Rannawami [Chaitey Dasain] celebrations organized by New Diamond Club of Chujachen-Marking under Rongli Sub-Division in East Sikkim yesterday.
Speaking from the chair, national awardee and Principal of Chujachen SSS, TT Bhutia appraised the gathering about the contribution made by Ms. Pradhan towards the society and hoped that she will continue working for the people in future as well.

Anusuchit Jati Kalyan Sangh alleges derogatory reference to Nepali SCs n Darj textbook

GANGTOK, 13 April: The Anusuchit Jati Kalyan Sangh, Namchi, has issued a strong condemnation of a book, Sahitya Udbhodan-III, by PK Chettri of Saint Robert’s School, Darjeeling, for students of class VII. This book, published by Gama Prakashan, the AJKS complains, on the pretext of translating some English proverbs into Nepali has used derogatory references against the Nepali Scheduled Caste community.
Nepali equivalents of two English proverbs, have been rather tastelessly included  in the book, prompting the AJKS to wonder why, “in this era of techno-friendly world of 21st Century, a renowned teacher has used such words which is against the Nepali SC community”.
The release highlights that the Nepali proverbs offered as equivalents in the book carry a very different meaning from the English proverbs and hence their inclusion is even more mischievous.

AHLF&VS revises poultry rates for North Sikkim

MANGAN: A meeting to discuss revision of retail rates for poultry was held at the Department of AHLF&VS, Mangan, here on 11 April. The meeting was also attended by the Mangan Nagar Panchayat president, KJ Bhutia, Joint Director, AHLF&VS, poultry farmers and businessmen of the town.
The meeting was necessitated in light of the fact that while the ANLF&VS Department had fixed poultry rates in March and extended it to Mangan as well, this had not taken into consideration the transportation costs for North Sikkim.
The Joint Director briefed the meeting that he called on the Secretary with this point as well.
Taking the points raised by the poultry farmers and vendors into consideration, a resolution was passed at the meeting and the price of live chicken “at farm gate” was fixed at Rs. 110 per kg and farmers agreed to sell at this price on the condition that their poultry growers society would receive assistance from the Department in the form of subsidies on feed, chicks etc.
The retail rate for chicken in North Sikkim has been fixed at Rs. 125 per kg and rate for dressed chicken at Rs. 135 per kg. During the meeting, it was also ascertained that the daily demand for chicken in Mangan is around 400 kg per day.
[WANGCHUK BHUTIA]

Telugu felicitation in Puducherry for Sikkim's class-X topper

PURAN TAMANG

NAMCHI, 12 April: Puja Pal topped the class X board exams from Sikkim last year, and while the achievement went largely unreported, nearly a year later, recognition has come her way from a distant land. The Madras Telugu Academy felicitated Puja with the Ugadi Puraskar on 04 April at an official function held at Yanam in the Union Territory of Puducherry. The special function was part of the “Ugadi” [the Telugu New Year] celebrations in Puducherry.
Puja topped the State in the class X 2009-10 board exams. She took the exams from the Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Namchi, and received the Ugadi Puruskar Ghazal maestro Gazal Srinivasan.
15-year-old Puja is the daughter of Jyotsna and Prasanta Pal and presently studying in Class XI (Science) at Namchi Senior Secondary School. She had studied at the Government Girls SSS here from 2006 to 2010 and had secured an overall 9.6 out of 10 in the Class X Board Examinations 2009-10 with 100% in Mathematics, Science and English and 99% in Social Science and Hindi!

USFC thrashes Guwahati Town Club 4-1

GANGTOK, 12 April: United Sikkim Football Club [USFC] thrashed Guwahati Town Club 4 goals to one in its second-last match of the qualifiers today at Jawaharlall Nehru Stadium, Guwahati, in ongoing second division I-League.
Budhiram Tudu scored his second brace of the tournament in the 18th and 43rd minutes, while two more goals were contributed by John Meyongar in the 57th minute and Joseph Laripa in the 81st minute. Budhiram, it may be recalled, had scored a brace in the Club’s last match as well against Simla Young’s [Delhi] which USFC had won 2-0.
USFC’s last match is scheduled against Golden Threads on 14 April.

Vajrakilaya Chaam at Ralong today

GANGTOK: Palchencholing Monastery at Ralong in South Sikkim is hosting the Vajrakilaya ritual monk dance (Zabdun Phurdrub Garchen Chaam) on 13 April. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 4 a.m. on Wednesday with empowerment of assuming the Vajrakilaya Siddhi and long life. Distribution of dharma nectar medicine is also included in the morning ritual. The organisers at the monastery inform that the mask dance depicting Black Hat Dance (Zhanag Chaam), animal-masked dance etc, will start at 7:30 a.m. and continue through the day.

‘Sikkim Youth’ convenes North district coordination meeting

MANGAN, 12 April: The “Sikkim Youth”, introducing itself as a non-political organization formed to check corruption in the State, organized a district-level coordination meeting at a hotel here today.
The meeting was addressed by Sikkim Youth representatives Karma Chewang Bhutia, Sonam Gyatso Sherpa and Birendra Dhakal of South and East districts and attended by around 20 youth from North Sikkim.
In open discussion, the “Sikkim Youth” representatives reiterated their apolitical credentials and informed that they have come together to collaborate in efforts to lay the ground-work for constructive initiatives in the interest of future generations and to curb rising corruption and crime in Sikkim.

Ram Nawami at Upper Zusing

MANGAN, 12 April: Ram Nawami was observed here at the Durga Mandir in Zusing basti, Upper Mangshilla in North Sikkim today with special prayers organized by the Mandir Committee, which has Jangabir Biswakarma as president, Sadev Biswakarma as vice-president and Hem Kumar Biswakarma and Tilchand Biswakarma as members, in collaboration with the general public of the area.
The ceremony had Minister for Power & Energy, Sonam Gyatso Lepcha, who is also the area MLA, as chief guest accompanied him by Zilla member Zomin Limboo.
The Minister offered aarti at the temple while Pandit Gambir Das delivered a sermon highlighting the importance of Ram Nawami.
The function was also attended by Panchayat president, Padam Singh Limboo, ward Panchayat, Kamala Biswakarma, Panchayat Secretary, Sarki Bhutia, senior citizens and the general public and concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Naku Pariyar (president, SC Association, North District).

Sichey NGO organizes ‘Mix Reality Fashion Show’

GANGTOK, 12 April: A total of 22 participants have been shortlisted for the final round of the ‘Mixed Reality Fashion Show’ scheduled to be held on 16 April at Mayfair Resort here.
The audition was held at Smile-Land, Ranipool, on 10 April, and the event is being organized by United Sichey Social Organisation [USSO] of Prashanti Gaon, Sichey.
The organizers have selected four men and 18 women for the final round.
An USSO press release informs that participants came in from Kalimpong and Assam along with all four districts of Sikkim.
The top three winners of the show will be awarded with cash prizes of Rs 50,000, Rs 30,000 and Rs 14,000.

GMC at work to crack capital’s garbage disposal challenge

Despite all the talk of deploying hi-tech gadgetry to check uncivil dumping, concern for the general health of the garbage collectors remains offensively uncivilised. They handle Gangtok's waste with literally no protective gear. And no one seems to be looking out for them or demanding better.

TRADE LICENCE RENEWALS IN 5-YEAR BLOCKS TO BEGIN APRIL 15
GANGTOK, 12 April: Garbage disposal has become one of the biggest problems facing Sikkim, and finding out means and measures to curb uncivil disposal has now become a priority for all the Urban Local Bodies [ULBs] which have now been entrusted this responsibility earlier held by the UD&HD.
The Gangtok Municipal Corporation [GMC] is approaching the problem with a combination of improved collection services and the threat of fines and penalties. Even as it presses more garbage collection vehicles on the roads, it has collected a whopping Rs. 3.18 lakh in the past seven months from fines and penalties imposed against improper garbage waste disposal in and around town. The fines have been collected from the 15 wards that fall under the GMC. Violation of rules in place against irresponsible dumping is punishable with fines of upto Rs.20,000 along with imprisonment.

Loyola College: An Appraisal

SANDHYA RAI, an Assistant Professor at the Loyola College of Education, Namchi, presents an introduction to the institution as it prepares for a peer-team visit by the National Assesment and Accreditation Council…

Loyola College of Education, a Catholic Minority Private Institution situated at Namchi, South Sikkim, awaits a momentous occasion as the Peer Team Visit by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has been scheduled for 14 and 15 April. The staff and students have worked hard on preparations for the visit. Loyola College of Education is the first institution to be assessed and accredited by NAAC in the state of Sikkim.
The College was started in response to the request of the Government of Sikkim and is named after St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Founder of the Society of Jesus. The Society of Jesus was founded in 1540 by St. Ignatius of Loyola and its members are popularly known as the Jesuits. It is an international Catholic Religious Order with its members engaged in activities such as education, social action, legal aid, communication, pastoral works, adult and rural literacy programmes, environmental studies etc.

Sikkim Lions attend district conference in Lataguri

Sixteen members representing the three branches of Lions Club in Sikkim participated in a two-day 11th District Conference of the Club held in Lataguri under Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal on 09 and 10 April. The Sikkim contingent included six members from the Lions Club of Rangpo led by their president Sanjay Agarwal. Six others were from the Singtam branch and four members from Ranipool. The Sikkim delegates joined the parade and banner presentation event of the programme attired in traditional costumes and carrying placards announcing Sikkim’s peace, unity and tourism successes. [from SANJAY AGARWAL]

Syari’s teen footballers feted

GANGTOK, 12 April: Suman Rai and Ramesh Chettri of Rongneck, the teenage footballers selected to play for India, were felicitated as a mark of encouragement by the Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, KT Gyaltsen, yesterday at a function held here at Saramsa.
He expressed his happiness on the achievement of the two youth from his constituency who will now represent the country and get to train with the best squads in the world.
Suman is among one of two under-14 players from Sikkim selected for a month-long coaching camp with the Bayern Munich Club in Germany. The other player is Ram Chettri.
Likewise, Ramesh Chhetri has been selected along with Dawa Lhendup from Sikkim in the India U-13 team finalized for the AFC U-13 Boys Football Festival to be held in Iran from 10 to 23 May 2011.
While conveying his best wishes, the area MLA mentioned that to get selected among the best footballers to represent the country was a huge achievement secured by the young talent.
“These kids are examples of the pursuit of excellence and the commitment to achieve big even though hailing from a small corner of the constituency and others should take inspiration from these lads to excel in their respective pursuits,” Mr Gyaltsen said.
He mentioned that the Chief Minister was also very happy with these teens and that he will be taking them to call on the Chief Minister soon.

Psstt...

editorial:
Most people who are reading this in Sikkim would have received phone calls from friends and family to check whether there was indeed another bandh in the offing. This rumour has gained so much currency that when the initial date [of the rumoured bandh] passed, the rumour immediately started whispering a new date. There are as many speculations on who is calling the bandh as there are schedules and timings being projected. Social scientists have an interesting observation on rumours which fits the Sikkim scenario perfectly. It goes like this, “Rumours do not seek truth by themselves; the people who tell and the people who interpret rumours do. There is no single correct interpretation of any single rumour; there are interpretations and contextualizations instead”. The conviction with which some carriers insist on convincing an audience on the veracity of a particular rumour [the supposed bandh in the present context] bears testimony to how interpretations are deployed and contextualizations added to make a rumour more convincing.
A rumour, because it is tom-tommed to the beat of surmise, conjecture and even jealousy, automatically has a limited shelf-life. It cannot obviously be sustained for too long because the recipients do wizen up to the con when the predictions don’t materialise. In the present case, although a new strand of the rumour is foisting new dates, even those shall pass and the rumour will end with it. Since a rumour has a limited lifespan, is it better to ignore it?

50 from Lachen-Mangan to receive model houses under CMRHM

MANGAN, 11 April: Fifty beneficiaries from the BPL category and hailing from Lachen-Mangan constituency will be covered in the Chief Minister’s Rural Housing Mission and a model house constructed for them, informed the area MLA, TW Lepcha, at a meeting held here at Singhik Panchayat Ghar today. The meeting was attended by Zilla members, Panchayats and the 50 beneficiaries selected from different wards of Lachen-Mangan constituency.
The meeting was specifically held to announce the sanction accorded by the Chief Minister to extending model houses for the said beneficiaries. This is part of Sikkim's announced mission to become a kutcha-house free state.
The beneficiaries, it was informed, were selected after a survey carried out by the MLA and Panchayats of the constituency and today the CMRHM estimates were handed over to all the beneficiaries and they were directed to monitor the model house construction themselves. They were informed to prepare a 40ft x 40ft plot so that the construction works could be started.
Each model house construction has been sanctioned for Rs. 4,39,700 and two BPL beneficiaries selected from each GPU. The construction is being financed by Teesta Urja in the first phase of implementation.

[WANGCHUK BHUTIA]

SJS, Rhenock, felicitates Principal on silver jubilee of Sacerdotal Priesthood

RHENOCK, 12 April: The staff and students of St. Joseph’s School, Kingston, Rhenock, today felicitated their Principal, Fr. Paul D’Souza, on the silver jubilee of his Sacerdotal Priesthood. The school family was joined by SDPO [Rongli], C. Chopel Bhutia, AE [Power], A. Pradhan, teachers of Namchi Public School, Loyola College of Education [Namchi] and guardians.
The programme started with the lighting of the Jubilee Lamp by Fr. D’Souza and guests, followed by a cultural performance by the students. The vice-principal introduced Fr. D’Souza’s educational achievements, while Dhurba Vasista, representing the parents, conveyed the gratitude of the parents for the strong strides taken forward by the school under Fr. D’Souza’s stewardship.
[from B. RAJ THAPA 'NEERO']

Bhaichung’s USFC outplays Simla Youngs, rises to second position in pool ranking

GANGTOK, 10 April: United Sikkim Football Club [USFC] is now on the second place in its pool with a victory over Simla Youngs, Delhi, today in the second division of I-League.
A brace by Buddhiram Tudu in the 63rd and 71st minutes helped USFC win its fourth match to climb to the second position in the pool.

SIBLAC and allied organisations petition Governor demanding proportionate increase in BL seats if Assembly strength expanded

GANGTOK, 10 April: A six-member delegation of different organisations led by the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee [SIBLAC] Convenor, Tseten Tashi Bhutia called on the Governor and discussed various aspects pertaining to the social-political rights of the Sikkimese people on Saturday at Raj Bhawan, informs a SIBLAC press release.
SIBLAC’s spokesperson Tenzing C’wang briefed the Governor on the issues being raised by SIBLAC and the delegation submitted a memorandum to the Governor on behalf of SIBLAC, National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation-Article 371F (NASBO-371F), Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim (CLOS), Denzong Chyarig Tsogpo (DCT) and Monks of Sikkim, the release adds.

Dhiraj and Sonam secure 2nd positions at NE Youth Festival

SINGTAM, 10 April: The Sikkim contingent for the 2nd North East Youth Festival held at Shillong bagged two second prizes – in the Solo Instrumental Competition and in Painting Competition, while they also secured third prize at the One Act Play competition.
According to the information received from Praveen Pradhan, the team-leader of the Sikkim contingent, Dhiraj Pradhan from Rhenock stood second in the painting competition while Sonam Waiba from Gangtok bagged a second prize with his guitar skills in the Solo Instrumental competition.
A Nine member troupe finished third in the One-Act Play competition, informed Pradhan.
The 2nd NE Youth Festival was held from 07 to 09 April at the Shillong Polo Ground. All the eight northeastern states participated.  The events included Folk Song, Folk Dance, One Act Play, Photography, Painting, Rock Band Music and Solo Instrumental.
Speaking from Shillong, Praveen Pradhan informed that a 47-member team from Sikkim had participated in six events. [from SHITAL PRADHAN]

Ram Nawami Mahotsav gets underway at Temi

TEMI, 10 April: Tourism Minister, Bhim Dhungel, called upon the youth to take full advantage of the State’s tourism potential to become self reliant by using and maintaining of the existing tourism infrastructure.
He mentioned that the state government is committed to tourism development and creating more tourism infrastructure in the State but there was need of equal participation from the people for sustainable tourism in the state.
The Minister was speaking at the inaugural function of the three-day long Ram Nawami Mahotsav-cum-Tourism Festival organised by the Temi-Namphing Tourism Development Committee [TTDC] here at Temi Bazaar.

Namchi begins monsoon preparedness with extensive cleanliness drive

NAMCHI, 10 April: The Namchi Municipal Council [NMC] began a cleanliness drive across town on Friday. The initiative is to continue till 15 April. This cleanliness drive is also a preparedness drive for the coming monsoon, and if required, will be extended further depending on the progress of the work and condition of the area, informed Deputy Municipal Officer, Dushyant Pariyar.
Areas under the jurisdiction of NMC are being cleaned, specially the blocked jhoras and drains so that the rainwater does not cause any harm to residential areas and roads. At the same time, this would also help pre-empt any untoward incidents during the monsoon season resulting from spill-over from these storm water drains.

Maniram Village Festival showcases village’s touristic appeal

NAMCHI, 10 April: The 2-day Maniram Village Festival 2011, organized on the theme ‘Explore Rural Tourism’ by the South Sikkim Tourism Development Society (SSTDS), Maniram Branch, concluded today at Maniram Village Tourism Society premises.
The festival was inaugurated yesterday by Chairman, Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation, NK Subba.
The programme began with the inauguration of a traditional gate leading to the Maniram Village Tourism Society complex followed by the inauguration of two new Chortens at the complex.

HSRP deadline pushed back to 31 May

GANGTOK: The Motor Vehicles Division of the Transport Department has extended the deadline for vehicle owners to affix High Security Registration Plates (HSRP). They are now required to do so by 31 May 2011.
The Department, through Notification No. 151/MV/T dated 31 March, has requested all vehicles owners/ Government vehicles to affix the HRSP “positively” by 31 May 2011.
The Notification reads, “No registration documents will be issued to new vehicles unless fitted with HSRP. In case of already registered vehicles the renewal of tax will be entertained on affixation of HSRP only. All vehicle owners are requested to cooperate with the Motor Vehicle Division, Transport Department to avoid contempt of the Hon’ble Supreme Court order failing which Motor Vehicle Division, Transport Department will be compelled to seek the assistance of Police for its effective implementation.”

Sikkim’s Rahul Rathi bags NBU Gold Medal as top law graduate

GANGTOK, 10 April: Rahul Rathi, son of Pramod Rathi of Deorali, Gangtok, was conferred with a gold medal and three other awards at the 43rd Annual Convocation of the University of North Bengal held yesterday.
The convocation had Chairman, University Grants Commission, Prof. Ved Prakash as the chief guest and was also attended by the Governor, West Bengal.

Sundergaon collaborates to escape ugly garbage woes

GANGTOK, 10 April: Residents of Sundergaon and its surrounding areas, situated below Daragaon-Tadong, have worked out a solution to rid themselves of the problems related to garbage disposal, which they have been suffering for the past month.
A meeting of the residents held yesterday with the Gangtok Mayor, KN Topgay, accompanied by Deputy Mayor, Shakti Singh, area Councilor, Bhaskar Basnet, Syari Councilor, Laki Bhutia and ex-panchayat, Manoj Pradhan resolved that a vehicle and two labourers will be provided by the GMC. To reach the collected garbage to the vehicle will be the responsibility of the residents.

Teach Students about The Little Sister

editorial:
La-Nina, The Little Sister, the global weather system due to which the woollens have still not been packed away in Sikkim despite Holi already past and April into its middle, is still a phenomenon which students are unfamiliar with. They might be able to prepare essays on La Nina [“The Little Sister”] and its equally unruly sibling El Nino, but they continue to do from a distance, not able to link it back to conditions in Sikkim. This remoteness in understanding, which continues despite these phenomenon having touched Sikkim strongly, is unfortunate, because unless the young realise that they are experiencing a global phenomenon even in their remote locations, they will not find the resolve to collaborate in the global campaign to mitigate or prepare for climate change. La Nina had a strong impact on Sikkim. Met authorities inform of how La Nina intensified towards the end of last monsoon over India. At a national level, the increased moisture in the air sent down enough rain to stabilise the monsoon data to reflect a healthy season last year. Sikkim, it may be recalled, was struck by a series devastating landslides in South Sikkim towards the close of the monsoons. The year 2009, it may be recalled was unusually dry and that was El Nino impacting the south-west monsoon. The mainstream media attention on these weather systems focussed on the floods in Australia, Brazil and Sri Lanka, but it should have been the responsibility of weather specialists in Sikkim and officials at the Department of Science & Technology which is now “Department of Science & Technology and Climate Change” to have brought home the impact of these global conditions to things they see around them.

Teesta Urja sponsors science lab for school and meditation cabins for monastery at Chungthang

MANGAN, 10 April: The Bhavishya Bharat Foundation of Teesta Urja Ltd handed over 10 meditation cabins [for monks] and a Science Laboratory to Tasha Tangay Secondary School at Chungthang in North Sikkim. The inauguration programme had the North Zilla Adhakshya Khamsoom Lepcha, as chief guest and was also attended by the Chungthang SDM, Tashi Chopel, SDPO, Medical Officer,  CDPO, Panchayat President and Panchayat members of Chungthang ward, Headmaster and staff of the school, General Manager Dam Site (TUL), Manager from SEW & NEC. The Chief Guest inaugurated and handed over the official papers to the School Managing Committee, Headmaster and the Gumpa Committee. The chief guest and the Gumpa Committee thanked the BBF for constructing the two facilities.

CM’s Archery Gold Cup begins

GANGTOK, 10 April: The twelfth edition of the Chief Minister’s Gold Cup Archery Tournament was inaugurated by the Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, KT Gyaltsen, on Saturday at Sikkim Archery Association archery field, Tathangchen. The inaugural match was played between Sichey and Navey, which the former won 56-30.
The spectators were expecting Sichey to finish the game before lunch break, given their good start, but a good came back by Navey’s archers breathed life into the contest even though the eventually lost.
The inaugural match was also attended by the PHE Minister, TT Bhutia, who is also the SAA president, and former MLA, Kunga Zangpo Bhutia among others.

No new bandh call, ASDLF clarifies

GANGTOK, 10 April: The All Sikkim Democratic Labour Front has clarified that talk of another round of bandhs was a ‘hoax’ being circulated by a group “without any public support” but “motivated by an intent to confuse and mislead the people” away from the achievements won by the Front through its two-day Sikkim Bandh.
The Front, through a press release issued yesterday, has claimed that the two-day bandh was a “major success” as a direct result of which negotiations have begun afresh between managements of various institutions and industrial units to meet the 27-point labour-related demands raised by the ASDLF during the bandh.
The release further informs that the Front will continue its “struggle” until all its demands are fulfilled.
While condemning the rumours, the Front has appealed to the general public not to be misled by such canards.

4 youth arrested and released for bandh violence in North Sikkim

MANGAN, 10 April: Four youth were taken into custody and released on bail the same day, i.e 08 April, Friday, by the Mangan Police in connection with the trouble in the area during the Sikkim Bandh of 04 and 05 April by the All Sikkim Democratic Labour Front (ASDLF).
The four youth, hailing from Toong-Naga GPU, Ringhem-Nampatam GPU and Singhik were arrested following police complaints lodged by Coastal Company, Senior General Manager, R Ravindranan and staff that these youth entered the Coastal Company office at Ringang, misbehaved with staff and damaged office property on 05 April, the second day of the bandh.
Speaking to the media, the arrested youth and SDF supporters informed that on the day of the bandh, the office of the Coastal Company was kept open and that the incident transpired when the staff there refused to shut down the office.

4 youth arrested and released for bandh violence in North Sikkim

MANGAN, 10 April: Four youth were taken into custody and released on bail the same day, i.e 08 April, Friday, by the Mangan Police in connection with the trouble in the area during the Sikkim Bandh of 04 and 05 April by the All Sikkim Democratic Labour Front (ASDLF).
The four youth, hailing from Toong-Naga GPU, Ringhem-Nampatam GPU and Singhik were arrested following police complaints lodged by Coastal Company, Senior General Manager, R Ravindranan and staff that these youth entered the Coastal Company office at Ringang, misbehaved with staff and damaged office property on 05 April, the second day of the bandh.
Speaking to the media, the arrested youth and SDF supporters informed that on the day of the bandh, the office of the Coastal Company was kept open and that the incident transpired when the staff there refused to shut down the office.