Friday, December 9, 2011

Bhanu Jayanti Celebration Committee convenes meeting


GANGTOK, 08 Dec: A meeting of the 196th Bhanu Jayanti Celebration Committee was convened on 07 Dec at Nepali Sahithya Parisad Bhawan, chaired by the president, NSP, BK Roka. The meeting was attended by all the members of the committee, informs a press release issued by the publicity secretary, Hemant Giri.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

24 hours of disturbing spike in criminal transgressions


A VIOLENT HOUSE BREAK-IN, BURGLARY, FATAL ACCIDENT AND THE EXPECTED SADA BOOKING…
GANGTOK, 07 Dec: Criminal activity and transgressions showed none of the midweek lethargy one would expect on a Wednesday, but instead spiked with to a disturbing degree. Thefts, a violent burglary, a fatal road accident involving teenagers and a drug-bust rounded up a rather lawless 24 hours today. And these are only incidents which could be confirmed.

Governor presents first copy of ‘Sikkim’s Raj Bhavan’ to President of India


GANGTOK, 07 Dec: Governor BP Singh presented the first copy of the book, “Sikkim’s Raj Bhavan”. to the President of India, Pratibha Devisingh Patil, at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today, informs an official communiqué from the PRO to the Governor.

Golay holds meeting at Aho; tension brews as SDF and Golay supporters exchange slogans


GANGTOK, 07 Dec: Prem Singh Tamang [Goley], the dissident SDF MLA from Upper Burtuk constituency, began a tour of East Sikkim today with an indoor meeting at a private residence at Aho, under Ranipool police station jurisdiction, for which, it is informed, around 200 people, a sizeable number of whom, it is learnt, were from other parts of Sikkim, had gathered.

Sikkim paraglider wins fifth position in Spot Landing Competition


GANGTOK, 07 Dec: The Sikkim Paragliding Association [SPA] had sent two pilots to take part in the Open Spot Landing Competition held in Aizwal in Mizoram on 25 November. The competition which was held from 28 to 30 November was organized by Mizoram Tourism Department and 3 Dimension Adventure.

Sikkim Ornithological Society forms new executive body with Karma Takapa as prez

GANGTOK, 07 Dec: Sikkim Ornithological Society [SOS] dissolved its ad hoc body yesterday at a small function held at hotel Mt Simvo to form a new team, informs a press release.

2012 to begin with sports competitions for the differently-abled


GANGTOK, 07 Dec: Special Olympics Bharat [SOB], Sikkim Chapter, has been assigned as the nodal agency to conduct sports competitions for all disabilities in different disciplines in Sikkim by the PYKKA Mission Director, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Sikkim Police Band to participate in All-India Police Band Competition


GANGTOK, 07 Dec: A 33-member Sikkim Police Band will be participating in the 12th All-India Police Band Competition 2011 to be held at Gurgaon in Haryana from 12 to 16 December. The team left for Haryana on Wednesday. This is only the third time that the Sikkim Police Brass Band is participating in a national-level competition, which has participants from different State Police Forces and Central Armed Police Forces.

Red Fest concludes at PNGSSS


GANGTOK, 07 Dec: After travelling to ten other schools in East and West Districts, the Red Fest team of Sikkim State AIDS Control Society [SSACS] made its final stop at Palzor Namgyal Girls’ Senior Secondary School.

Kalzang Welfare Assoc seconds scrap hydel projects on Rathong Chu demand


GANGTOK, 07 Dec: The Kalzang Welfare Association of Tashiding in West Sikkim has also joined the ongoing debate over hydro-power projects on the Rathong Chu in West Sikkim. In a press release issued by its president today, the association has called upon the State Government “to kindly scrap all the anti-Buddhist Hydro electric project proposed over sacred Rathongchu River and declare the entire stretch of Yuksam-Tashiding-Pemayangtse, the interior Bayul Dremo Jong, as Project/Human activity free zone in ensuring preservation and protection of the sacredness of the same”.

Govt offices to remain open next two Sundays


GANGTOK, 07 Dec: This will probably be for the first time that all State government employees will have to attend offices on a Sunday, two Sundays in fact. As per a Circular issued by the Home Department Tuesday, the State government has decided to keep its offices open on 11 and 18 December, both Sundays.

Editorial



Petty Crimes, Bigger Worry
Today’s edition leads with a recap of some criminal transgressions reported over a period of 24 hours [Tuesday-Wednesday] in Sikkim. This is not a jab at spicing news up with some sensationalism, but a conscious effort to flag a development which should attract more attention and deeper introspection by all with a stake in Sikkim.

Free Diabetic Detection & Treatment Camp begins in Tadong


GANGTOK, 07 Dec: A two-day free Diabetic Detection and Treatment Camp started at Ayurveda Regional Research Institute, Tadong, on Wednesday. The camp has been organized by Divyatham Group of Multi-Specialties Ayurveda Hospital, Odisha, and sponsored by Amrutrasa, an Indigenous Device for Diabetic Care.  The camp has Dr Uma Kanta Patnaik and Dr Narmada Biswas as the resource persons for the camp. The camp aims at catering to around 1000 patients in the two days.

ATMA conducts review meeting of Farm Schools


GANGTOK, 07 Dec: Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) conducted a review meeting of Farm School at SAMETI Hall, Tadong today. A press release informs, the meeting was attended by around 40 farmers along with field functionaries of different farm schools and BTMs under ATMA East District, FS & ADD. The resource persons at the meeting were Dy. Director ATMA, East District, Asha Lama, ADO, Sushma Pradhan, Dy Director, Karma Doma Bhutia.

Baijuraj Sangh forms Pani House branch


GANGTOK, 06 Dec: Sri Krishna Pranami Dharma Sewa Samiti, Pani House, Gangtok, celebrated “Prabartak Sadguru Sri Dewchanhra Ji and Mahamati Sri Pran Nath Ji Milap Diwas” on 04 Dec with Reverend Bhima highlighting the significance of the event, informs a press release.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

NEMSICS muddle refuses to clear up


NO OFFICIAL COMPLAINT, HENCE NO FORMAL ENQUIRY EITHER; MEANWHILE THERE IS NO NEMSICS OFFICE IN SIKKIM ANY MORE EITHER
GANGTOK, 06 Dec: When NOW! first raised concerns over the operations of NEMSICS there was not much reaction either from the public or the authorities, namely the police. At that time, back in 2006-07, about 30 youth from all over the State had deposited between Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000 each with the company in return for jobs, which they had been promised. They never got the jobs and most never got their money back either.

Muharram celebrated in Gangtok


GANGTOK, 06 Dec: The Muslim community of the capital observed Muharram today with a procession which started from the Anjuman Islamiya [Jama Masjid] mosque passing through Deorali going on to the Indira Bye-Pass and then returning to the mosque. This was also the reason behind the heavy traffic jam on this route in the evening.

Semi-High Tech Nursery for fruit-bearing trees coming up at Pangthang


GANGTOK, 06 Dec: Work on setting up a “Semi-High Tech Propagation Nursery” of local fruit-bearing tree species under the JICA-assisted Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project [SBFP] is being undertaken on a war-footing at Pangthang above Gangtok here.

Editorial


Unacceptable
Anyone who has been online at any time in the past 48 hours would know of the latest stunt being attempted by the Government of India – intimidating cyberspace into being more respectful of the powers-that-be. The Union Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Kapil Sibal, has been on the case for the past month and a half and has met top officials from the India offices of Google, Microsoft, Yahoo and Facebook desiring that internet companies monitor and screen every single tweet, video, photo, blog-post and all other forms of user-generated content before it is published online.

State-level PYKKA games to begin 15 Dec


GANGTOK, 06 Dec: Sports and Youth Affairs Department is organizing the state-level Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan [PYKKA] Competition from 15 to 23 Dec at venues around Gangtok.
Department officials are working round-the-clock to organize the games in ten disciplines spread across venues at Paljor Stadium complex, Guards Ground and Tashi Namgyal Academy ground.

TMI organizes workshops and community consultations to improve local governance along Singalila


GANGTOK, 06 Dec: In early 2010, The Mountain Institute-India [TMI] initiated a case study on “Governance mechanisms to control illegal trade of wildlife & NTFPs in the Singalila range of the Khangchendzonga Landscape”.

NASSS sees Lindong dacoity as ‘total failure’ of State administration


GANGTOK, 06 Dec:  The Nagarik Adhikar Suraksha Sangathan, Sikkim [NASSS] has condemned the Sunday night dacoity in the house of one Sonam Pinsto Bhutia, also known as Maila Mahajan of Simik Lingzey [Lingdong] as a “total failure of the State administration”, in a press release issued by the organization today.

Monks welcome Joint Action against hydel projects on Rathong Chu, confident CM will scrap projects


GANGTOK, 06 Dec: All the Sikkimese monks and monasteries have welcomed the Joint Action launched by eight organizations to protect and preserve the sacred Rathong Chu, conveys a press release issued by the general secretary, Enchey Monastery, Lopen Tshering Norbu Lama.

ADC leads inspection of developmental works under Temi Tarku block


GANGTOK, 06 Dec: The Additional District Collector (Dev.), South District, along with BDO Temi and other officials inspected various works being under taken under Temi Tarku block on 05 Nov, informs a press release.

Grand Muharram at Namchi


NAMCHI, 06 Dec: Muharram, celebrating the life and martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (Radiallahuanhu), was observed in grand fashion by the Muslim community of South district here at Bhanu Path today.

NCSO observes International Volunteer Day


MANGAN, 06 Dec: The Nature Conservation Social Organization (NCSO), a Kabi-Lungtsok based NGO observed the International Volunteer Day yesterday here at Tingda Primary School under Kabi-Tingda GPU in North Sikkim.  

NASSS executive body discusses future course of action


GANGTOK, 06 Dec: The executive body meeting of the Nagarik Adhikar Suraksha Sangathan, Sikkim [NASSS] was held on 05 Dec to discuss the organisation’s future course of action, informs a press release issued by its president, TN Dhakal.

Sports meet held at Namthang Livelihood School


GANGTOK, 06 Dec: With a view to highlight the importance of team work and improve leadership qualities among its students, the Namthang Livelihood School organized a sports meet from 01 to 03 Dec, informs a press release.

West Sikkim NGOs contribute Rs 3,51,010 to the CM’s Relief Fund


GANGTOK, 06 Dec: Hee-Bermiok Tourism Development and Heritage Conservation Society have presented details of the contributions made by various NGOs of West Sikkim towards the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund in support of earthquake victims, in a press release issued its president, TN Sharma.

SU students to participate in SAARC program


GANGTOK, 06 Dec: Four students from Sikkim University have been selected to participate in ‘The Peacebuilding Training and Education Program for SAARC Emerging Leaders’, which is one of the programs under the Conflict Transformation across Cultures –CONTACT.

Power Grid holds free health camp


GANGTOK, 06 Dec: As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility for the year 2011-12, the Power Grid Corporation of India organised a free health check-up camp on 04 Dec at its 32/55 KV Gangtok Sub-station site, near Ranipool.

Rhenock Pratibha Manch organises its annual programme


RHENOCK, 06 Dec: Rhenock Pratibha Manch organised its annual programme at Rhenock Block Administrative Center Ground on 04 Dec.The programme was chaired by Zilla Panchayat Upadyaksha, Asha Bhusal while Chujachen MLA, Puran Gurung was present as the chief guest.

PLEASE DON’T MODIFY PHYSICAL EFFICIENCY TEST CRITERIA


Letter:
I would like to bring to the notice of the concerned authorities and the Department, my humble requests, appreciations and facts with regard to the following matter. Sikkim Public Service Commission (SPSC) has been conducting various competitive examinations via written examinations, viva-voce and physical efficiency tests. Recently, the written examination for the posts of Sub-Inspector under Sikkim Police Department was held and was conducted by the SPSC.

ASSA organises drug awareness prog in Namchi


NAMCHI, 06 Dec: All Sikkim Students Association’s South district branch organised a drug awareness programme here at the Indoor Stadium today. The programme started with a rally, joined by students from schools in and around Namchi, from the Community Hall through Central Park and back.

Bhaichung ropes in Ronaldo, Cafu and Ruud Gullit to play exhibition match for Sikkim


GANGTOK, 05 Dec: Bhaichung Bhutia, still recovering from an injury, may be staying off competitive football for the time being, but has been keeping extremely busy. The task of nurturing a club he now co-owns, the demands of a newborn he was recently blessed with, the two football academy projects he is spearheading, and then his sense of responsibility towards Sikkim, a calling which has grown urgent because of the 18 September Earthquake.

High Court finds 4 South officials in ‘clear and serious’ contempt, chastises them


GANGTOK, 05 Dec: The Sikkim High Court has disposed contempt proceedings initiated against four officials of the South District – the DM, SDM [Namchi], SDPO [Jorethang] and OC Melli Police Station - in the case concerning the sealing of the house of Nuk Tshering Bhutia, also known as “Melli Sonam”. The proceedings were disposed of after the DM [South] opened the sealed property. The Court did however note that a “clear and serious” case of contempt had been committed by the officials.

AKRS begins preparations for R-Day Rai tableau


ORGANISATION UPSET WITH CULTURE DEPTT’S IRRESPONSIBILITY
NAMCHI, 05 Dec: A meeting of the Akhil Kirat Rai Sangh [AKRS], Sikkim, held  in Namchi, chaired by Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, KN Rai, on Sunday, the Association lashed out against the Cultural Affairs and Heritage Department for what the association sees as “carelessness in the preparation of the design of the Rai tableau to be showcased in New Delhi on the Republic Day, 2012 celebrations, informs an AKRS press release.

Low numbers drive up HSRP price in Sikkim, MV officials explain


GANGTOK, 05 Dec: There have been numerous complaints over the High Security Registration Plates being too expensive in Sikkim. HSRP is a new regulation which has to be universally complied with all vehicle owners in Sikkim as well as in the country eventually. There was even a petition filed in the High Court of Sikkim challenging the high pricing.

Joint Action against hydel projects on Rathong Chu submits memorandum to CM


GANGTOK, 05 Dec: The eight organizations which have come together for Joint Action against Hydro Electric Power Projects in West Sikkim today submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister with the demand to stop Ting-Ting, Tashiding and Lethang Hydro Power Projects.

On spotting a ‘Kaala’ in town…


USHA LACHUNGPA

Everyone was looking upwards as we drove by the STNM Hospital Dara at around 9.30 a.m. on 18 Nov, 2011. We stopped to investigate. A clearly visible, large male ‘KAALA’, the Himalayan Palm Civet, was climbing up the lone Cupressus funebris at the taxi stop as more people gathered under it to gawk.

Melli Sonam challenges eviction in High Court


GANGTOK, 05 Dec: Even as the dust has barely settled over the proven illegal action and subsequent contempt of court by the four officials of South District, including the DM, in sealing Nuk Tshering Bhutia’s house in Melli, Mr. Bhutia has already approached the High Court of Sikkim with a petition challenging the eviction order issued by the DM South on 11 October, 2011. By this order, “Melli Sonam”, as Mr. Bhutia is more popularly known, had been directed to evict his residential building on the Melli-Jorethang road at Melli as it was claimed by the authorities to have been constructed on Forest land.

Auditions for Sikkim contingent for National Youth Festival completed


MANGAN, 05 Dec: Auditions for the state contingent for the 17th National Youth Festival to be held from 12 to 19 January 2012 were completed yesterday for all four districts of Sikkim, informs a press release issued by president, Tumin Lingee Youth Association, Lall Bahadur Pandey.

SSACS takes ‘Positive Intervention’ to schools in West Sikkim


GANGTOK, 05 Dec: ‘Positive Intervention’, an initiative of Sikkim State AIDS Control Society [SSACS], was organized at Yuksom Secondary School and Lingchom Secondary School, both in West Sikkim, on 01 and 02 Dec, respectively, informs a press release.

SIBLAC mourns Dev Anand’s passing away


GANGTOK, 05 Dec: Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committe [SIBLAC] has expressed its extreme sadness on the passing away of Bollywood actor, Dev Anand.

Ward level SDF meeting discusses membership and cooperative movement


GANGTOK, 05 Dec: Seeking to bring awareness on the importance of public participation in the government initiated cooperative movement, a ward level meeting of SDF party was convened on 03 Dec at 24-Aho Yangtam GPU under Namcheybong Constituency, informs a press release issued by the publicity secretary, Amber Rai.

National Integration Camp concludes in Singtam


GANGTOK, 05 Dec: The State Level National Integration Camp which began on 28 Nov concluded on Sunday at Bihari Dharamsala, Singtam, informs a press release. Zonal Director, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sanghathan, Sikkim, Sukhdev Singh, present on the occasion as the chief guest, addressed the participants and also gave away certificates, mementos and awards.

Namchi college observes AIDS Day


NAMCHI, 05 Dec: Marking the World AIDS Day, posters and charts displaying messages on HIV/ AIDS and blood donation were put up by the Namchi Government College from 28 Nov to 01 Dec.In a programme held on the occasion, the Principal, Dr. MP Thapa, briefed students on the alarming threat of HIV AIDS to contemporary society and urged students to come together to combat this global disease.

Singtam couple arrested for drug peddling


GANGTOK, 05 Dec: A couple from Singtam, Sameer Gurung (35) and Aarti Gurung (32), were arrested yesterday after being found in possession of contraband substances. The arrest was made at around 12.30 pm when the Singtam PI, Chundi Chopel Bhutia accompanied by two other witnesses conducted a raid at their residence in Dara Gaon (Sungurey Busty).

RBI organises awareness programme on MSME Schemes for young entrepreneurs


GANGTOK, 05 Dec: Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Gangtok Office organised a sensitisation cum awareness programme on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Schemes for the young entrepreneurs of Sikkim on 02 Dec at the Zilla Panchayat Bhawan, Gangtok.

Golitar being developed for eco-tourism



GANGTOK, 05 Dec: Development of Eco-Tourism at Golitar in Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary, a project to develop the area as the best eco-tourism destination near the State capital has been initiated by the East Wildlife Division, Department of Forest, Environment & Wildlife Management.

Editorial


Remember Ayodhya, Learn From Sikkim
Today, 06 December, marks the 19th anniversary of that ignominious winter day in Ayodhya when an unresolved issue, older than Independent India, snowballed into the tragic demolition of Babri Masjid and pulled the entire nation into a vortex of communal violence. The downward spiral continues and throws up no victors, leaving behind only victims.

Deepen Pradhan bags bronze at SINE 2011


SINGTAM, 05 Dec: Deepen Pradhan from Rhenock won a bronze medal in the Stamps of India National Exhibition 2011 held at New Delhi from 03-06 Nov. Deepen had mounted a collection of stamps on the theme ‘Pre-Independence Indian Stamps’.

ASESE&UA to ‘thank’ West DC for taking extension


GANGTOK, 05 Dec: All Sikkim Educated Self-Employed & Unemployed Association [ASESE&UA] has decided to “thank” the District Collector [West], Santa Pradhan, by meeting him at his office very soon for taking service extension under its ongoing ‘Thank You’ programme to protest the extension.

Air Force team undergoes paragliding camp in Sikkim

GANGTOK, 05 Dec: A 12-member team from the Adventure Node of India Air Force was in Sikkim from 01 - 02 Dec for a paragliding camp with ‘Sikkim Paragliding Adventure Sports Cooperative Society Ltd’, informs a press release.

Site allotments on hold till proper regulations framed


GANGTOK, 04 Dec: The Supreme Court has directed that the allotment of housing sites and additional sites in the State of Sikkim be stopped till the fulfillment of certain conditions by the state government. The apex court has intervened in this regard as it was ascertained by the court that the state government had not yet framed any rules or regulations for allotment of sites under Section 3 of the Sikkim Allotment of Housing Sites and Construction of Building (Regulation and Control) Act, 1985.

Organisations launch Joint Action against hydel projects in West Sikkim


JOINT MEMORANDUM TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE CM 

GANGTOK, 04 Dec: A group of organizations have come together to launch a “Joint Action” against Ting-Ting, Tashiding and Lethang Hydro-Electric Projects and announced their common intent at a jointly-convened press meet here yesterday.

NGO organizes fund-raising raffle to construct Home for children in need


GANGTOK, 04 Dec: Subha Laxmi Social Organization [SLSO], a Gangtok-based NGO, plans to construct a home for orphans and children in need here. In order to raise funds for the same, the organisation has announced a raffle draw.

Write ‘Gorkha’ as caste and ‘Nepali’ as language in the SEC Census, BGP appeals


GANGTOK, 04 Dec: With the aim of recording the correct number of Gorkhas in India, the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh [BGP], Sikkim Unit, has appealed to all Gorkhas residing in Sikkim to write ‘Gorkha’ as their caste and ‘Nepali’ as their language. This, BGP highlights, comes in the light of the government’s plan of conducting census on the basis of caste across the country, informs a press release.

DIL - a 24X7 Telephonic Information Service on disability - launched


GANGTOK, 04 Dec: Disability Information Line [DIL], a 24X7 Telephonic Information Service on disability, was launched by the Speaker, KT Gyaltsen, at the District Disability Rehabilitation Centre at STNM Hospital on the occasion of the World Disability Day on Saturday.

Editorial


Too Many Suicides, Too Little Concern
A death affects everyone. The trauma travels through family members, friends, colleagues/ classmates, neighbours. The loss is permanent, and hence the grieving is long. When a death is by suicide, confusion and guilt, even among those who knew the victim only at a very casual level, are added to the already difficult emotion of grief.

30 SC women complete training program in knitting


GANGTOK, 04 Dec: The valedictory function of a three-month long knitting program for Scheduled Caste (SC) beneficiaries, sponsored by the Welfare Department, was held today by Eswarmma Social Welfare Association (ESWA) of Lower Arithang.

Mangan Nagar Panchayat convenes first area Sabha


RESIDENTS ENDORSE ALTERNATE HIGHWAY PLAN FOR MANGAN BAZAAR-DAC ROUTE

WANGCHUK BHUTIA
MANGAN, 04 Dec: The first Area Sabha for the Mangan Nagar Panchayat [MNP] was held here at its office at Pentok in Mangan, North Sikkim, on Saturday presided over by the MNP president, Karma Jigdel Bhutia. The Sabha was also attended by the DC North, TN Kazi, all Mangan Councilors, representatives of line departments and the general public.

South Sikkim observes World Disability Day


NAMCHI, 04 Dec: The World Disability Day was celebrated yesterday at Namchi Block Administrative Centre (BAC) auditorium hall with a special function organized by the Inclusive Education Cell Sarva Siksha Abhiyan under HRDD South.

NHPC contributes Rs 7 crore towards CM’s Relief Fund


GANGTOK, 04 Dec: Chairman and Managing Director, NHPC Limited, ABL Srivastava, called on Chief Minister Pawan Chamling on 02 Dec and presented a cheque of Rs. 7 crore as a contribution towards the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, informs a press release.

SDF meeting at Ranipool discusses cooperative movement in Sikkim


GANGTOK, 04 Dec: A meeting of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front was convened on 02 Dec at the party office in Ranipool under Namcheybong constituency, chaired by the area MLA BB Rai, informs a press release issued by the party publicity secretary, Amber Rai.

North students make World Disability Day special


MANGAN, 04 Dec: The District Project Office, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, HRDD/ North, observed World Disability Day at Singhik Secondary School on 03 Dec with the the District Magistrate, North, TN Kazi as the chief guest.

Child Rights Commission visits STNM Hospital


GANGTOK, 04 Dec: Chairperson, Manita Pradhan, along with members Yangchen Ladingpa and Nimchoki Bhutia of Sikkim Commission for Protection of Child Rights visited the children’s ward of STNM Hospital on 02 Dec and interacted with parents of the recuperating children in the age group of 2 months to 9 years admitted in the hospital, informs a press release.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

SICB trained beauticians and therapists find job placements


GANGTOK, 04 Dec: Forty trainees from across the state had undergone nine months Beautician/Spa training at the State Institute of Capacity Building [SICB], Karfectar under the supervision of trained Master Trainer and Assistant Trainers with specialization in diversified sectors of this course.

Gangtok observes World Disability Day

GANGTOK, 04 Dec: World Disability Day was observed across the State on 03 December with a series of special programmes. In Gangtok, the Human Resource Development Department, under its Sarva Siksha Abhiyan [SSA], organized a rally by school children starting from Hotel Hungry Jack and ending at the Sir Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School [TNSSS] playground.

Sikkim briefs TTFI gen secy on preparations to host National Veteran’s TT Championship


GANGTOK, 04 Nov: An informal meeting of the Sikkim Table Tennis Association [STTA] and the Sikkim Veteran’s Table Tennis Association [SVTTA] was held today and a brief report on the upcoming National Veteran’s Table Tennis Championship [to be held in Sikkim in February, 2012] was also presented to the Secretary General, Table Tennis Federation of India, DR Chowdhary, who was on a one-day visit to the State.

Bhaichung brings Belgian coach Phillippe De Ridder to groom USFC for greater glory


FOOTBALL ACADEMY WILL COME UP IN SIKKIM, BHAICHUNG CLARIFIES
GANGTOK, 02 Dec: Coach Phillippe De Ridder from Belgium has been appointed as the new Chief Coach of the United Sikkim Football Club [USFC]. This was announced by the co-owner and CEO of the club, Bhaichung Bhutia, at a press conference here today.

Editorial


Enough About Hows
It is frustrating to still sit through AIDS awareness sessions and hear ‘experts’ delve on how HIV can spread, what kinds of contacts are safe, who is at risk… In fact, more than frustrating, it is disturbing. This, for two reasons – one, the possibility that despite more than a decade of living with HIV in the State and the years of heightened international coverage about the virus in all forms of media, there continues to be the need for talks on how the virus spreads to be the mainstay of awareness initiatives across the State.

Helping Hands applauds all who assisted earthquake relief work



AMEET OBEROI
GANGTOK, 02 Dec: A valedictory function to felicitate individuals and Non Governmental Organisations who made a “tremendous and selfless impact” in helping Sikkim recover from the 18 September Earthquake was organized by Helping Hands, Sikkim, at Hotel Rendezvous here today. Helping Hands, it may be recalled, was an umbrella organization of Sikkim-based NGOs formed in the aftermath of the earthquake to coordinate efforts at organizing and directing relief and rescue operations across the State.

32 No. residents accuse pharma company of dumping untreated effluents into Rani Khola


GANGTOK, 02 Dec: A section of the people from 32 Mile between Ranipool and Singtam along NH 31A, have alleged that Torrent Pharmaceutical Company based in their area has been dumping untreated waste chemicals into Rani Khola. This, they contend, the company was doing in secrecy at night. Claiming that they have videographed evidence of this unauthorized dumping, they also alleged that despite having brought the issue to the notice of the State Pollution Control Board, Sikkim, some months back, they are yet to see any action being taken or corrective measure adopted.

22 of 47 trainees at Barfung Livelihood School earn placements ahead of course completion


GANGTOK, 02 Dec: A total of 47 participants are undergoing training on trade at the Barfung Livelihood School for Hospitality Management running under the aegis of State Institute of Capacity Building (SICB).
The training will conclude in December, and already 9 of them have been placed at Shiv Vilash Resort, and 13 at Hotel Gold Palace, Jaipur where they will be undergoing Industrial Training for a period of six months, informs a press release issued by SICB, Deputy Director, Dr IBS Yadav.

…another teen suicide


GANGTOK, 02 Dec: A 13-year old is reported to have committed suicide at Budang near Sang Khola between Ranipool and Singtam. It is informed that the victim, a class VIII student at a Gangtok school, and a resident of 6th Mile, Tadong, committed suicide at her uncle’s residence at Budang on 30 Nov when she was alone at home.  

Teen suicide


GANGTOK, 02 Dec: An 18-year-old girl, who had been missing since 28 October, was found dead in the forest near her home at Bhotay Gaon, Luing, near Gangtok. She had committed suicide by hanging.

Local Taxi Drivers and Owners Assoc prepare memorandum of demands for CM


GANGTOK, 02 Dec: The Central Joint Action Committee of Local Taxi Drivers and Owners Association has decided to submit a nine-point memorandum to the Chief Minister soon through the Chairman, All Sikkim Truck and Taxi Jeep Owner’s cum Drivers Joint Action Committee, TT Bhutia.

SDF reorganises ward and block committees under Namchi-Singithang


NAMCHI, 02 Dec: The reformation of Ward Level and Block Level Committees of ruling Sikkim Democratic Front Party under Namchi-Singithang constituency in South Sikkim is now complete with the final reformation meeting held at Mickhola Gram Prasashan Kendra on 30 Nov.

6-member archery team readied to represent State at Junior Nationals


GANGTOK, 02 Dec: A six-member team of the Sikkim Archery Association [SAA] will be representing the State at the 34th edition of Junior National Archery Championship [Recurve, Compound & Indian Round] scheduled to be held from 04-09 December at the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex, Shillong.

Yakha refuses to ‘divulge stand’ before Patra Commission


GANGTOK, 02 Dec: All India Congress Committee [AICC] member from Sikkim, Avinash Yakha, one of the petitioners seeking investigation into disproportionate assets of Ministers, CB Karki, NK Pradhan and two others was summoned by the Justice RK Patra Commission of Inquiry on 21 Nov.

Training on bee farming at West Pendam


GANGTOK, 02 Dec: With the objective of increasing honey production and encouraging bee farming, the Agricultural Technology Management Agency, East District, of the Agriculture Department conducted a training-cum-demonstration programme on bee keeping at West Pendam Farm School on 26 Nov.

Friends Assc tours North Sikkim on earthquake relief


GANGTOK, 02 Dec: Members of Friends Association visited North Sikkim on 26 Nov on a two-day relief initiative for earthquake victims. The visit was made with funds gathered by the association along with contributions from friends and family, informs a press release. The association had also received relief materials from the NGO ‘Americares’.

2 booked under SAD Act in Rangpo


GANGTOK, 02 Dec: Two persons were booked under section 9/14 of the Sikkim Anti-Drugs Act at the Rangpo Police Station on 01 December when they were found in possession of controlled substances.

Tingchim-Mangshila convenes Gram Sabha


MANGAN, 02 Dec:  Tingchim-Mangshila GPU of North Sikkim today convened a Gram Sabha at the Gram Prashasan Kendra, Mangshila.  The Gram Sabha was presided over by Panchayat President, Padam Singh Limbu, and was also attended by BDO [Mangan], ST Tamang, Zilla member Zomin Limboo, Panchayats of the various wards, Field Facilitator, vigilance committee, ward level and block level committee members, Headmaster of feeder schools, ASHA and Aganwadi workers, Panchayat Education Assistants (PEA), representatives of line department and the general public.

Sensitization programme on Saakshar Bharat Mission held in Mangan


MANGAN, 02 Dec: A training, orientation cum sensitization programme for AD's, AEO's, coordinators, Preraks, PEA's & VT's and  panchayats of Chungthang, Mangan, Passingdang and Kabi BAC along with district level officers was organized by the State Literacy Mission Authority (SLMA) and State Resource Centre, West Bengal at Mangan Zilla Bhawan on 01 Dec.

Animal Husbandry Dept conducts coordination meeting


GANGTOK, 02 Dec [IPR]: The Coordination Meeting of the Department of Animal Husbandry, Livestock & Veterinary Services was held on 01 Dec at the Krishi Bhawan conference hall here under the chairmanship of Minister AH, LF&VS Department, Dawcho Lepcha.

Uniforms distributed to ICDS centre children at Rongli


RONGLI, 02 Dec: The distribution of uniforms to children at ICDS centres has begun from the Rongli ICDS Project in East Sikkim.The distribution programme was organised by the Rongli Rural Project ICDS, Rongli Sub-division at Regu Block Administrative Centre yestrday. Chujachen MLA, Puran Kumar Gurung, was present as the chief guest.

Milch cows distributed to beneficiaries from Lachen-Mangan


MANGAN, 02 Dec: The AH, LF & VS Department, North Sikkim, organized a milch cow distribution programme for 27 beneficiaries of Lachen-Mangan constituency on 29 Nov at the Chaadey Livestock Farm complex in Mangan.