80% slump in tourist arrivals this season

TOURISM TAKES A DIVE
ANAND OBEROI
GANGTOK, 03 Nov: A significant decline in tourist arrivals this season has led to lackluster growth of tourism statistics for 2011. With an estimated 80 percent slump in the service industry, the main cause is cited to be the 18 September, 6.9 magnitude earthquake which made media headlines, positioning Sikkim as an unsafe tourist destination to visit.
According to officials of the Tourism department, the service sector has been adversely affected because of the low turnout of tourists, foreign and domestic, this season.

Chief Minister's Relief Fund update

In continuation to the earlier releases on the fund received as contribution towards Chief Minister’s Relief Fund the following are the contributions received till 2nd November 2011.

Vegetable oil is the most exported item to Tibet

NATHULA BORDER TRADE ENTERS LAST MONTH OF 6th SEASON WITH SAME OLD LIST AND ZERO INPUTS
GANGTOK, 03 Nov: The Nathula border trade with China is now into its last month with the trade due to shut down for this season on 30 November and as has been the story of previous seasons the official balance of trade is heavily tilted in favour of the Indians.

9 youth sit on indefinite hunger strike

LABOUR DEPTT TO LAUNCH ENQUIRY; DC WEST CALLS FOR MEETING
GANGTOK, 03 Nov: Following reports appearing in NOW! over local youths going on hunger strike over non payment of their dues amount to nearly Rs. 5 lakhs for the construction of the BTS mobile tower at Lungchok, West Sikkim, 9 youths today sat on the indefinite hunger strike at the site where the mobile tower has been constructed.

Officials visit Namchi Prison to assess earthquake damage

NAMCHI, 03 Nov [IPR]: Addl Secretary, Home Department, CM Sharma along with Director Mines and Geology Department, BN Sharma, ADC South, SL Rai and officials from the Buildings department visited the District Prison Namchi, South Sikkim to inspect the extent of damage caused by the 18 September earthquake.

Minor from Singtam “kidnapped” to Assam

GANGTOK, 03 Nov: A 15 year old minor girl has been reportedly “kidnapped” from Singtam. The accused is reported to be one Bodhraj Basnnett of Assam.

Recently appointed Jr. Accounts Assistants ‘purely on temporary basis’ clarifies SBS

GANGTOK, 03 Nov: State Bank of Sikkim has clarified that five persons appointed as Jr. Accounts Assistant, mentioned in news items in local newspapers are purely on a temporary basis to meet the increased workload of the bank owing to the recent earthquake and also due to increased workload in view of the opening of 4 new branches in this financial year, according to a press release issued by the HO, State Bank of Sikkim, Gangtok.

Thousands receive Wang from Sakya Trizin

Thousands of devotees from across and outside the state gathered here at the Ngor Monastery premises on Wednesday to receive Wang from the supreme head of the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism, Sakya Trizin. Sakya Trizin has also given his teachings on the occasion.
There were also people from other countries come to receive the Wang from the spiritual leader. The Speaker Sikkim Legislative Assembly, KT Gyaltsen, Power Minister, SG Lepcha, and Gangtok MLA, Dorjee Namgyal, were also present among others to receive the Wang.

Nagarik Suraksha Sangh pursues IT exemption for Old Settlers

GANTOK, 03 Nov:Prem Goyal, President, Nagarik Suraksha Sangh has written to  the Chairman and all members of the committee formed to analyze and make reccomendations to the government for Income Tax Exemption.

A NEW VENTURE: first steps towards Livelihood through Poultry Farming

 First steps are always the toughest one. One needs to gather the courage, assemble all the resources and with sheer determination walk forward towards a new goal.

TAAS endorses Sikkim Paragliding Association

GANGTOK, 03 Nov: The freshly formed Sikkim Paragliding Association [SPA] has been assured full support from its chief architect, the Travel Agents Association of Sikkim [TAAS].

IRBn Sikkim conducts its largest recruiting drive in Sikkim

GANGTOK, 03 Nov: The India Reserve Battalion, Sikkim is in the process of recruiting five hundred jawans for its two newly raised Battalions.

Nathula trade

Letter:
It was  really  so  nice  to  read  the  headline on  your  paper  on  01 Nov;   you  had shown  all  the  problem  and  all  the  activity  going  on  in  border  trade via Nathula. I  have  been  writing  mails   to  many  organisations  and  the department  but  all  were  deaf.
It’s really  a  great  step  I appreciate  it.
Jai  hind  Jai  Sikkim.  I  will be forwarding all  the  mail  which  I sent  to  many  organistion  like  Anna and  Tehelka and  news  channels.  Once  again  thanks for  showing  the  true  picture  of  Nathula  trade and  all  the  illegal  activity  and  corruption  taking  place.
Name withheld on request
Received on email

Ging Gumpa in Darjeeling under Sikkim govt also damaged by the earthquake

GANGTOK, 03 Nov: Around 193 years old, the Sangchhen Thong Delling Gompa, also known as Ging gumpa  in Darjeeling has reportedly sustained damages due to the 18 September earthquake. However, the department of Ecclesiastical Affairs has not received any damage reports from the monastery management so far. 

IDFC Foundation to conduct Sensitization Programme for municipal representatives

GANGTOK, 03 Nov: As part of a national capacity building programme of the Ministry of Urban Development, IDFC Foundation is conducting a one-day sensitization programme for the elected municipal representatives of Sikkim in Gangtok, on 04 November, informs a press release.

JOURNEY OUT FROM DEATH

Yadav Krishna Sharma
I was watering the plants at the terrace of my house in a five storied building when it jolted. At first I thought it was a soft one but it didn’t stop. I could not think of anything except my wife and my child who were inside the house at the fourth floor. I just screamed “come out, come out” but later on I was told they didn’t hear anything except the cracking sound amidst the sound of heavy shake.

Animal Husbandry promotes livestock and poultry farming with training programme and Calf Rally

GANGTOK, 03 Nov: Farmers training on livestock & poultry management & production along with a calf rally was organized by AH,LF&VS Department West District. The objective behind the program was to raise awareness among the people on livestock wealth development in their own farms and at the village level and to espouse it as sustainable source of income.

Regu BAC conducts Workshop cum Coordination meeting for school head

RONGLI,03 Nov: HRDD/ Regu BAC organised a coordination meeting cum workshop for school heads on 25 October  at conference hall, Regu BAC. The meeting was attended by Dy. Director, DESME, Nima Tamang, Chief Account Officer, GPF and Pension, Meera Lama, Assistant Director, HRDD/ Regu BAC, Chador Bhutia, Principals, Headmaster and CRC Coordinators.

Bahai’s of Sikkim to present Sikkimese traditional dances at Silver Jubilee in New Delhi

GANGTOK, 03 Nov: Bahais of Sikkim are preparing to attend the Silver jublee celebration of Bahai temple (popularly known as Lotus Temple) situated at New Delhi with full of enthusiasm and zeal.

UID Sensitization workshop held at Pakyong

GANGTOK, 03 Nov: The Nodal Department (DESM&E) implementing the Unique Identification programme in Sikkim conducted a sensitization programme in Pakyong Block Administration Center on 02 Nov, informs a press release.

Youths decide on indefinite hunger strike

ALLEGED NON PAYMENT OF DUES FOR CONSTRUCTION OF BTS MOBILE TOWER
ANAND OBEROI
GANGTOK, 02 Nov: With unpaid bills of nearly Rs.5 lakhs pending for the past almost 2 years and after having made 36 trips to Siliguri in their attempts to collect their due amount from a private mobile tower company 8 local youth have now decided to sit on an indefinite hunger strike in protest against the attitude of the company.

Re-assessment team verifies complaints of Bara Samdong people as genuine

15 HOUSES RE-CLASSIFIED UNDER SEVERLY DAMAGED CATEGORY
GANGTOK, 02 Nov: Following news reports of lapses published in NOW!, on the part of the West district administration in the assessment of house damages and following complaints made by the public of Bara Samdong GPU in West district the district administration has acknowledged that there has been some discrepancy in assessing house damages and the subsequent disbursement of compensation amount to the public.

Singtam Nagar Panchayat distributes new and renewed business licenses

GANGTOK, 02 Nov: New and renewed business licenses were distributed to the businessmen of Singtam by the president, Singtam Nagar Panchayat, Sawan Kumar.

Sikkim needs to adhere to Copyright laws says Copyright Enforcement Wing

OFFICE TO BE SET UP HERE SOON FOR LICENSES
GANGTOK, 02 Nov: Representatives of Copyright Enforcement Wing of Public Performance License [PPL], authorized by Ministry of Human Resource Development, today met senior officials of the Sikkim government on processes involved with the Copyright Act 1957.

Puppet show on health education organised at Singtam

GANGTOK, 02 Nov: A public awareness programme on Health Mission jointly organized by the Dance and Drama Division under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the State National Rural Health Mission was inaugurated today here at Singtam, East Sikkim.

GSI submits Status Report to state government and EG report to GSI, Shillong on earthquake

AMEET OBEROIGANGTOK, 02 Nov: The Geological Survey of India [GSI], Sikkim Unit has submitted its status report on the 18 September earthquake to the Government of Sikkim while the full report will be submitted within this month as the Earthquake Geology [EG] report is still being interpreted informed the Director, GSI [Sikkim Unit], while speaking to NOW! today.

ASESE&UA starts is “Thank You” Mission

GANGTOK, 02 Nov: All Sikkim Educated Self-Employed & Unemployed Association [ASESE&UA] has started its ‘Thank You Mission’ to protest extension of service of retired government employees on extension on Wednesday. This comes as a follow-up to the earlier ‘Farewell Mission’ launched by the association a couple of years ago.

First batch of security guards pass out of SICB

GANGTOK, 02 Nov: State Institute of Capacity Building conducted a Security Guard training  programme at Bermiok under Gyalshing-Bermiok constituency, West Sikkim. 

For improved transportation in hilly regions

GANGTOK, 02 Nov: To deliberate on different issues related to urban transport in hill towns, a workshop on Mobility Issues of Hilly Towns began here today. The three-day workshop is being organised by the Institute of Urban Transport [IUT] and sponsored under the UNDP-GEF supported Sustainable Urban Transport Project.

NK Pradhan heads Ad-Hoc Committee for promotion of Volleyball

GANGTOK, 02 Nov: An ad-hoc committee of the Volleyball Association of Sikkim has been formed to revive volleyball in the state and to encourage youths towards the sport; the ad hoc committee will also attempt to promote talented players of the game in Sikkim.

Chhat Puja on the Teesta at Golitar

GANGTOK, 02 Nov: Chhat Puja was observed at Teesta River in Golitar, Singtam, with a large number of devotees taking a dip in the river and offering special prayers to the Sun God.

9th Workshop on Application of Plastic in Agriculture at CAEPHT, Ranipool

GANGTOK, 02 Nov: The three-day 9th workshop of All India Co-ordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Application of Plastic in Agriculture (APA) is being organised at College of Agricultural Engineering and Post Harvest Technology (CAEPHT),Central Agricultural University (CAU), Ranipool from 04-06 November, 2011.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on a 3-day visit to West Bengal

GANGTOK, 02, Nov: To build hope and encourage people to usher in a new dawn of social, economic and spiritual development, Art of Living founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will embark on a 3 day tour of West Bengal beginning November 4, 2011.

Yamuna Samaj celebrates its 15th Foundation Day

MANGAN, 01 Nov:  The Yamuna Samaj of Patuk Takjer under Tumin-Lingee Constituency celebrated its 15th Foundation Day on 31 October.

Rhenock SSS to organize Blood donation camp on 7 Nov

RHENOCK, 02 Nov: A coordination meeting among the Principal, Teaching and non-teaching staff, members of Red Ribbon club and NSS unit of Rhenock Sr. Sec. School, East Sikkim was held at the school today.

Toned down Chhat Puja this season

GANGTOK, 01 Nov: People from in and around Gangtok gathered here at Thakurbari premises to offer prayers on the occasion of Chhatt Puja today.

Rs. 3000 for totally damaged houses and double cheques, public of Bara Samdong allege lapses in relief disbursement

A house damaged by the18 Sept earthquake at Bara Samdong

GANGTOK, 01 Nov: Discrepancies in the relief disbursement process (of compensation to earthquake affected) and callousness on the part of officials dealing with the public at the ground level on this particular matter keeps coming to light in the form of complaints made by the affected public.

“Will write to PM to allow Karmapa to visit Sikkim” - CM

CHIEF MINISTER COMPLETES HIS 42 DAY VILLAGE TOUR AT KABI
WANGCHUK BHUTIA
PHODONG/KABI LUNGTSOK, 01 NOV:  The chief minister completed his 42 days village tour today with his last visit at Kabi-Tingda constituency where several demands placed by the public were approved and sanctioned by him on the spot.

Extortionist busted by Sadar police

GANGTOK, 01 Nov: Sadar Thana police busted a case of extortion within an hour of registering the case this morning and the culprit is now behind bars. Prashant Subba [25], was arrested by a police team for threatening and demanding Rs 2 lakhs from a businessman in Gangtok.

Affected Chungthang residents demand compensation from Teesta Urja for loss of life and property to the Earthquake

GANGTOK, 01 Nov: Now that much of the confusion, uncertainty and apprehension surrounding the earthquake, its damages and subsequent assessment have settled down and with things appearing to be returning to their normal course the focus of the people who faced the brunt and brute force of the 18 September earthquake, particularly in Chungthang, has turned towards its possible causes and their earlier ire against the 1200 MW Teesta Urja Hydel project being developed at Chungthang.

Fire burns down 2 houses in West

GANGTOK, 01 Nov: A fire in Kaluk, West Sikkim burnt two houses there. According to reports the fire burnt two ekra houses owned by Adup Lepcha at Bom Busty, West Sikkim on 31 October. The fire is reported to have erupted due to a short circuit. Adup had gone to Soreng for some work and his wife was also out in the fields when the fire erupted. Property worth Rs. 1 lakh is reported to have been destroyed in the fire.

Chhath Puja: Worshipping the Sun God, Surya

GANGTOK, 01 Nov: The Bihari community celebrated Chhath Puja today congregating at water bodies or gathering at neighbourhood temples where artificial pools were created to propitiate the Sun God.

AN INSPIRING STORY OF A WIDOW

While the old traditional two storied cottage of Ganga Devi Kami of Simphok Gumpadara under Maneybong Sopakha Gram Panchayat Unit in West Sikkim swayed for more than 30 seconds to withstand the 6.9 magnitude temblor of 18th September, 2011 she never thought that she would be alive to see the daylight again.

Vegetable prices soar in South Sikkim as festival season hits

NAMCHI, 01 Nov: The runway increase in the prices of vegetables during the festival season has put constraints on household budgets here in the South District headquarter, Namchi.

Singtam Pema Choleng Mahnipa Gumpa chief secretary resigns

GANGTOK, 01 Nov: The chief secretary of the Singtam Pema Choleng Mahnipa Gumpa and the Nyungney Puja Organizing Committee, NC Tamang submitted his resignation on 16 Oct, it is learnt.

NASBO urges centre to take up Rathongchu Hydel project concerns seriously

GANGTOK, 01 Nov: The National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation has expressed that all ongoing activities by executing agencies  at the hydel project sites be immediately stopped in view of the high powered committee constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs to assess the religious implications on the proposed three mega power projects over sacred Rathongchu River.

Pemayangste Monastery condoles the demise of Khangchendzonga Bongthing

GANGTOK, 01 Nov: The Dor-U-Cho Sum of Sangchen Pemayangtse Monastery, Pelling have condoled the passing away of Khangchendzonga Bongthing, Samdup Taso of Dzongu, in a press release issued by the Monastery today.

SDF dissolves South district committees

NEW BODIES TO INQUIRE INTO ALL DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS AND DEMANDSNAMCHI, 01 Nov: The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front Party, South District unit today dissolved the entire Ward Level, Block level and Constituency level committee till the formation of new committees.

Sakya Trinzin to leave for Darj on 4 Nov

GANGTOK, 01 Nov: Sakya Trizin, the Supreme Head of the Sakyapa Order of Tibetan Buddhism will be bestowing Tsewang to the public on Wednesday, 02 November.

Cheli Morcha thanks all involved at the 16th Tumin Lingzey relief camps

GANGTOK, 01 Nov: Seeking to provide comfort to the earthquake victims of 16th Tumin Lingzey, relief camps were set up in an initiative taken by the SDF Cheli Morcha, vice convener, Poonam Chamling. The camps which are being run since 20 Oct are providing accommodation to 52 affected families at present, informs a press release.

SIBLAC announces 7 day mourning in honour of late Samdup Taso

GANGTOK, 01 Nov: The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee today held a meeting to condole the sudden demise of Venerable Ajho Bongthing Samdub Taso on Sunday.

Workshop on Public Transport to be held from 2-4 November

GANGTOK, 01 Nov: Sikkim National Transport [SNT] Department, is organising a workshop on ‘Planning for Mobility for Hill towns in the context of Public Transport’  sponsored by the Institute of Urban Transport, Govt of India, from 2-4 Nov at the conference hall of Hotel Mist Tree Mountain, informs a press release from the Department.
Prominent national level resource persons will give presentations and field visits are scheduled for the afternoon, the release informs.
 

260 account holders provided biometric cards by RBI in Geyzing

GYALSHING, 01 Nov [DIO- West IPR]: The Reserve Bank of India organized day long Financial Outreach Programme at Darap,West Sikkim on 31 Oct. The programme was graced by Executive Director, RBI, G Gopalkrishna as the chief guest and Area MLA, PL Subba as the guest of honour.

TNA Alumni Association donates computers to affected schools in Chungthang

GANGTOK, 01 Nov: In support of the initiative to “Reconstruct and Rebuild lives” of 18th September 2011 Earth quake victims and also recognizing the need to restart the process of providing quality education to the quake hit children, The Tashi Namgyal Academy Alumni Association, donated one complete set of desk top computers each to two private schools of Chungthang informs a press release issued by Tseten Lepcha, founder membe, Tashi Namgyal Academy Alumni Association.

Siliguri Customs Office launches enquiry into allegations of ‘smuggled’ goods through Nathula

GANGTOK, 31 Oct: After 6 years of border trade with the Tibetan Autonomous Region, China and many heartburns over the obsolete list of items of trade which included a season of total boycott by traders a couple of years ago and lots of “rumours and allegations” about smuggled goods an enquiry has now been launched by central agencies over the escalating inflow of unlisted items and goods into the Sikkim and other parts of the region through the Nathula mountain pass.

Approaching ADB and World Bank is in Sikkim’s interest - CM

SAGAR CHHETRI
GANGTOK, 31 Oct: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today categorically stated that it was his government’s prerogative to approach World Bank and other International development agencies such as the Asian Development Bank for the rebuilding process of Sikkim post the 18 September earthquake.

Sadar police arrest one for stabbing

GANGTOK, 31 Oct: Sadar police has arrested one person for assaulting and stabbing another with a dagger on the night of Diwali.

Still Waters on making it to the finals of MTV’s Taking Pole Position

GANGTOK, 31 Oct: Still Waters is back in town after an exciting run on MTV’s Taking Pole Position competition where they lost out to Delhi band Guillotine for a chance to open for Metallica on 28 Oct at New Delhi.

Namchi police apprehend murder accused

NAMCHI, 31 Oct: South District Police achieved a breakthrough in the murder case of 53 years old Balbir Gurung of Lower Karek in South Sikkim with the arrest of the absconding culprit. SDPO Namchi, Gigee Norbu today informed that the alleged culprit, 17 years old Om Nath Chettri hailing from the same village had been absconding after he had murdered the aged man on 26 October 2011.

Namchi Sports Hostel : Making Sikkim Proud

Another NSH team for national tourney
PURAN TAMANG
NAMCHI, 31 Oct: A team of 17 players of Namchi Sport Hostel today left for the Under-14 Subroto Mukherjee Football Tournament 2011 scheduled to be held at Delhi from 5 November 2011. All 17 players are from Namchi Sports Hostel who will represent Sikkim in this tourney. The  team is being led by coach Suren Chettri and Manager Jigmee Bhutia.

ICICI bares its performance at Mumbai AGM

GANGTOK, 31 Oct: As per a press release issued by ICICI Bank Limited (NYSE: IBN) the bank held its annual performance review meeting which was chaired by the Board of Directors of the bank.

60th birthday celebrations of the 14th Gyalwang Shamarpa Mipham Chokyi Lodrue at Rumtek

GANGTOK, 31 Oct: The 60th birthday of the 14th Gyalwang Shamarpa Mipham Chokyi Lodrue was observed on 27 Oct in a solemn manner across Sikkim while the main function was held here at Zimchung in Rumtek, informs a press release.

SDPO Namchi ‘unaware’ of alleged assault on Namchi resident, assures thorough enquiry

PURAN TAMANGNAMCHI, 31 Oct: SDPO Namchi, Gegee Norbu, spoke to media persons today regarding the case of police brutality in Namchi involving Namchi Police Station 2nd OC, Tashi Chopel and one Ramesh Mangar on the night of 26 October.

NASBO condoles death of Samdup Taso

GANGTOK, 31 Oct: An emergency meeting of National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation was held today to condole the death of the Most Venerable Ajho Bongthing Samdub Taso, informs a press release issued by the organisation.

Rautey Durga Mandir Managing Committee contribute towards earthquake relief

GANGTOK, 31 Oct: Rautey Durga Mandir Managing Committee under Martam-Rumtek Constituency, East Sikkim and the locals together have contributed Rs. 11,956 towards the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, informs a press release issued by the general secretary (publicity), SDF, Prem Karki. 
The party has expressed its gratitude to the Mandir committee and the locals for showing their empathy towards the earthquake victims.

Series of wangs by senior Rinpoches at Ngor Gonpa

GANGTOK, 31 Oct: As part of the current visit of the Sakya Trizin, Supreme Head of the Sakyapa Order of Tibetan Buddhism at Gangtok, a series of initiations will be bestowed to the general public by senior Rinpoches of the Sa-Ngor Tsar Sum, informs a press release issued by the Sa-Ngor Chotsog Centre.

Sikkim Tamang Youth Society Condemns Singling Rape Case

Letter:
In response to the coverage of  story on Voice of Sikkim – Source- HD about rape on one of the 24 years old girl from Singling, Soreng, West Sikkim by the group of guys on the night of Bhai Tika,  Sikkim Tamang Youth Society are disgusted with this type of sexual violence by the gangs and couldn’t tolerate sexual harassment  and rape and domination to the women’s in the peaceful society of Sikkim.

Greentech award for AAI for greenfield airport in Sikkim

New Delhi, Oct 31 (PTI) The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has bagged the Greentech Corporate Social Responsibility Award for its greenfield airport at Pakyong in Sikkim. Greentech Foundation has selected AAI for Greentech CSR Award 2011 in Gold category in the aviation sector, a senior AAI official said.

Aashirvaad by Sri Sri Ravishankarji on 6 Nov

GANGTOK, 31 Oct: Art of Living Chapter, Siliguri Chapter is organising Aashirvaad, a mega event in the gracious presence of His Holiness, Sri Sri Ravishankarji on November 6th at the Kanchendzonga Stadium.

Eclectic Model Hunt 2011 on 26 Nov

GANGTOK, 31 Oct: Eclectic Model Hunt 2011, an annual beauty pageant, organized by Eclectic Publications, to encourage young women of the Northeast to showcase their hidden talents will be held on 26 November at the Pragjyoti, ITA Centre, Machkhowa, informs a press release.

The Khangchendzonga Bongthing

The Khangchendzonga Bongthing, Samdup Taso, at his home at Nung, Upper Dzonga, in the year 2005.

The Khangchendzonga Bongthing’s home - Rum Vik.

Samdup Taso passed away on 29 October, his death hastened by the series of tremors which coursed through the Lepcha reserve on the day. While every casualty is a big loss for Sikkim, in Samdup Taso’s passing away Sikkim could have lost the very lineage of the Khangchendzonga Bongthings of Dzongu. It is important that his significance to the worship of Sikkim’s Guardian Deity is remembered and recalled. Below is an extract from “Khangchendzonga: Sacred Summit” which details the story of Samdup Taso’s lineage among the Bongthings of Sikkim……

Health Minister inspects STNM Hospital

GANGTOK, 30 Oct: Health Minister, DN Thakarpa, accompanied by Principal Director, Dr. RL Sharma, and Director Health Services, Dr. Tshering Ethenpa, inspected STNM Hospital on 26 Oct, informs a press release issued by the Additional Medical Superintendent, STNM, Dr KB Gurung.

Namchi resident alleges police brutality

NAMCHI, 30 Oct: The residents of Namchi are up in arms against what they see as a disturbing display of high-handedness and police brutality. Their ire is directed against the 2nd Officer in Command, Namchi Police Station, accused of “brutally” assaulting one Ramesh Mangar while he was under police custody over what many see as a minor misdemeanor.

29 OCT TREMORS IN NORTH SIKKIM CLAIM TWO LIVES IN DZONGU

The Last Khnagchendzonga Bongthing among the casualties
GANGTOK, 30 Oct: A string of tremors early in the morning of 29 October rattled North Sikkim and its residents and claimed two lives bringing back apprehensions and spreading panic among the people. In fact, there was a series of about 12 minor tremors starting 5:30 a.m. and continuing up to 10 a.m. which brought residents together and outdoors especially in Lachen and at Lingthem-Lingdem [Upper Dzogu] where two people died.

CM directs permanent restoration works to begin within a week

CHIEF MINISTER’S NORTH SIKKIM TOUR
GANGTOK, 30 Oct: The CM during his tour of the affected areas of North Sikkim stated that permanent restoration works would soon begin in the area. So far temporary restoration works were only being undertaken but now with the situation returning to normal the restoration works would be permanent. He further expressed that such work should start within one week’s time. 

CM felicitates 4 in Dzongu for their contribution to earthquake relief

DZONGU REASSURED OF FULL SUPPORT IN REBUILDING EXERCISE
MANGAN, 30 Oct: The Chief Minister inaugurated a Block Administrative Centre at Passingdang in Upper Dzongu during his fifth day tour to North Sikkim.

CM sanctions people’s demands at Lachung, explains earthquake relief process

MANGAN, 30 Oct: The state is yet to receive the full amount of Rs. 1,000 crore promised by the Centre as earthquake relief, with only Rs. 50 crore received this far, the Chief Minister informed while addressing people during his stopover at Lachung as part of his North Sikkim tour, adding that the State has already spent Rs. 100 crore in relief compensation alone thus far.

Gangtok-bound vehicle falls into Teesta at Chitrey, driver killed

GANGTOK, 30 Oct: A driver was died on the spot when a vehicle met with an accident near Chitrey on NH 31A in West Bengal in the early hours this morning. The vehicle fell off around 100 feet down the road into the Teesta near Chitrey at around 2:30 AM, it is learnt. The vehicle, it is informed, was coming to Gangtok from Siliguri. It is further informed that the driver died on the spot and other passengers were evacuated to Kalimpong hospital.

Funds approved to promote Environment Consciousness

GANGTOK, 30 Oct: In accordance with the Chief Minister’s Forestry and Environment Mission Sikkim-2015, which envisages spreading environment awareness and education in schools and local community with a vision to achieve “100% Environment Conscious Citizens in Sikkim by 2015”, the Forest, Environment & Wildlife Management Department, will be implementing the National Environment Awareness Campaign on the theme ‘Forests for Sustainable Livelihood’ for the year 2011-12, informs an official communiqué from the Deptt.

15 SICB trainees placed with SEW Infrastructures

GANGTOK, 30 Oct: The State Institute of Capacity Building (SICB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SEW Infrastructures Ltd., Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh for skill development and placement facilitation of unemployed youth as per the Industry norms in the construction sector. 

Preetam Brothers lift Dikchu Dussehra Cricket Tournament

MANGAN, 28 Oct:  The final match of the 15th Dussehra Cricket Tournament was held at Dikchu Secondary School ground in East Sikkim on 23 October, informs a press release.

SU Assistant Prof selected as a Visiting Associate at IUCAA

GANGTOK, 30 Oct: Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Sciences, Sikkim University, Dr. Hemam Dinesh Singh, has been selected as a Visiting Associate of IUCAA (Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics), Pune, for a period of three years from 2011-14, informs a press release from the University.

Vajra Guru Kangshyak held at Silnon Monastery

GANGTOK, 30 Oct: A five-day Vajra Guru Kangshyak puja was organised by the Puja Committee of Silnon Monastery,Tashiding, West Sikkim from 22 to 26 October for those who lost their lives in the recent earthquake and for world peace, informs a press release.

UID sensitization workshop held in Parakha BAC

GANGTOK, 30 Oct: The Nodal Department (DESM&E) implementing the Unique Identification programme in Sikkim conducted a sensitization programme in Parakha Block Administration Center on 18 October, informs a press release.

Regu BAC conducts coordination meeting for school heads

GANGTOK, 25 Oct: HRDD/ Regu BAC organised a coordination meeting-cum-workshop for school heads today at the conference hall, Regu BAC, informs a press release.

EPCS wins Bible quiz competition

GANGTOK, 30 Oct: A quiz competition on the Bible was organized by Sanyukta Isai Sangati, Ranka, East Sikkim on 27 Oct, informs a press release.

Farewell for retired teacher and album release at Chujachen SSS

RONGLI, 30 Oct: Government Sr. Sec. School, Chujachen, East Sikkim organized a farewell ceremony for retired Primary Teacher, Parmeshwar Prasad yesterday.

Enumerators and Supervisors trained in preparation of SECC-2011

GANGTOK, 30 Oct [IPR]: The State Government notified the intent for conducting the nationwide Socio-Economic and Caste Census Survey 2011(SECC 2011) in Sikkim along with the appointment of Officers for the SECC 2011 vide Notification No.  216/RM&DD, Dated 16.7.2011 and 256/RM&DD, Dated: 1.8.2011 respectively.

‘Royenan Phulharu’, a collection of Nepali poems released

GANGTOK, 30 Oct: ‘Royenan Phulharu’, a collection of Nepali poems written by Nabin Manohar, a poet from Nepal was released at a simple function here today.

Chief Minister's Relief Fund

The following are the contributions received till today i.e 25th October 2011 for the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund:

CM announces ex-gratia for Bijanbari tragedy victims

GANGTOK, 30 Oct [IPR]: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has been deeply grieved by the loss of many lives in the recent tragedy that struck Bijenbari in the neighbouring Darjeeling District, West Bengal and has conveyed his deepest sympathies and condolences to the members of the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.

ATMA organizes exposure visit for farmers to ICAR Research Complex

GANGTOK, 30 Oct: Agriculture Technology Management Agency [ATMA], West Sikkim organized an exposure visit and training of 50 progressive farmers at ICAR research complex, Gangtok on 24 October, informs a press release.