Friday, December 16, 2011

Tourist vehicle mishap claims seven at Lower Mangshila, 4 injured



MANGAN, 14 Dec: A fatal accident in North Sikkim has claimed seven lives leaving four others grievously injured. The tragic accident occurred here at 5th Mile Lower Mangshila on the Mangan-Dikchu road in North Sikkim, 6 kms short of Rang-Rang towards Dikchu, last evening at around 8.30 p.m. The Mahindra (Bolero Plus) bearing registration [SK-04-2943] owned by a resident of Lachung, which was plying tourists from Lachung to Gangtok careened off the road around 1,500 feet into the ravine.

Goley “anti-social element” alleges SDF


GANGTOK, 14 Dec: The ruling SDF party has condemned, what it calls, the “motorcade stunt” pulled off by supporters of party dissident, Upper Burtuk MLA, PS Tamang, at Khola Ghari, Assam Lingzey under Namcheybong constituency on the night of 13 Dec.

Complaints lodged against BB Rai; PS Tamang at Ranipool police station


GOLEY-SDF CONFRONTATION AT KHOLA GHARI
GANGTOK, 14 Dec: Following the tense situation which developed at Khola Gari [Assam Lingzey], where SDF supporters and supporters of dissident Upper Burtuk MLA, PS Tamang, had an eyeball to eyeball confrontation with some serious damage to vehicles on both sides, police cases have been registered at the Ranipool thana by both groups. Interestingly, both sides have filed FIRs against each other and as sources inform both PS Tamang and Beg Bahadur Rai have been named in the FIRs.

Documentation and assessment of local health traditions of Sikkim initiated


TRAINING FOR FIELD INVESTIGATORS AND FOLK HEALERS FROM ALL FOUR DISTRICTS BEGINS

GANGTOK, 14 Dec: Ayurveda Regional Research Institute [ARRI], Tadong, has decided to document and assess local health traditions of Sikkim in collaboration with North Eastern Institute of Folk Medicine [NEIFM], Pashighat, Arunachal Pradesh.

Rs. 50 lakh Nishani Devi Kali Bhawani project cleared for Pendam Gadi


GANGTOK, 14 Dec: The State government has approved the construction of Nishani Devi Kali Bhawani at Pendam Gadi in Central Pendam, East Sikkim. The Cultural Affairs & Heritage Department will be undertaking this project sanctioned for Rs. 50 lakh.

EMRS Girls sail into pre-quarters at CBSE Nationals tourney


GANGTOK, 14 Dec: Continuing their victorious run at the CBSE Nationals, Eklavya Model Residential School [EMRS] of Gangyap in West Sikkim girl’s basketball team has entered the pre-quarters in the Championship going on at the Vellamai International School, Chennai.

Editorial


A Temblor Ignored
A tremor rolled through Gangtok at around seven on Tuesday morning. It was not intense enough to cause any major damage, but rattled strong enough to wake people up from their sleep and leave those already awake, slightly out of breath. It was not long enough to trigger any panic, but the continuing lack of information [or information sharing] is worrying. At the official level, it was almost as if the earthquake had not occurred at all.

Rajya Sabha MP places demand of Rs 7000 crore as financial assistance from the Centre


GANGTOK, 14 Dec: Rajya Sabha MP, OT Lepcha, placed the demand for financial assistance of Rs 7000 crore from the Centre in the rebuilding of Sikkim post the 18 Sept earthquake today in the Parliament.
Making a ‘Special Mention’ [Notice under Rule 180 [A] for mentioning a matter of urgent public importance in the House], the MP stated that the earthquake has put the state 5 years behind and a rough estimate of the total loss to the state is around Rs 10,000 crore.

SLSA to conduct sensitization on Juvenile Justice Act


GANGTOK, 14 Dec: Sikkim State Legal Services Authority [SSLSA] is organizing a sensitizing programme on ‘The Juvenile Justice [Care and Protection of Children] Act, 2000’ on 16 and 17 December at Chintan Bhawan.
The programme is scheduled to be inaugurated by the Chief Justice, High Court of Sikkim, Justice Permod Kohli, who is also the Patron-in-Chief of SSLSA, and will be attended by High Court Judge SP Wangdi, who is also the Executive Chairman of SSLSA.

SDF convenes meeting at Daramdin


GANGTOK, 14 Dec: A meeting of the SDF party was convened at Buriakhop Gram Prasashan Kendra complex under Daramdin constituency to discuss the reconstitution of the block and constituency level committee, informs a press release issued by the general secretary, TN Sharma.
The meeting convened under the chairmanship of Minister Roads and Bridges, RB Subba was attended by the area MLA, Tenzi Sherpa, all levels of party workers and the general public, the release adds.

Intl Conference on Globalisation and Mountain Culture closes with ‘Gangtok Declaration’ seeking Right Policies and Institutional Reforms


ANUSHA GURUNG
GANGTOK, 14 Dec:  The 10th International Conference on ‘Globalisation and Cultural Practices in Mountain Areas: Dynamics, Dimensions and Implications’ organized by the Sikkim University in collaboration with the Japan Foundation concluded today with the adoption of “Gangtok Declaration” encapsulating the endorsement the academia on issues related to Globalisation and Mountain Culture.

CM greetings on Barahimizong


GANGTOK, 14 Dec [IPR]: On the auspicious occasion of Barahimizong, the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling and Mrs Tika Maya Chamling have extended their warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Sikkim.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Coordination committee formed after Power Minister meets Tashiding HEP affected


NO PROTEST FROM AFFECTED LAND OWNERS, INSISTS PANCHAYAT PRESIDENT
GANGTOK, 13 Dec: Coordination committees were formed today to take up matters of general public interest and for the proper implementation of the Tashiding Hydroelectric Project, West Sikkim. The Power Minister, Sonam Gyatso Lepcha, along with the area MLA, Yuksom-Tashiding constituency, Dawcho Lepcha, are reported to have toured the area and met with the affected people there today.

PS Tamang continues East tour; Situation gets tense in Assam Lingzey


GOLAY MOTORCADE MEETS BARRICADE AT ASSAM-LINGZEY ‘ZERO’, MOVES THROUGH AFTER MINOR CONFRONTATION; S.A.P. DESPATCHED 
GANGTOK, 13 Dec: Continuing his East Sikkim tour “on the people’s request”, Upper Burtuk MLA, PS Tamang, toured different places of Khamdong-Singtam, West Pendam and Namcheybong constituencies on Tuesday, inform a press release issued by Jacob Khaling.

International Conference on Globalization and Cultural Practices in Mountain Areas begins at Chintan Bhawan


GANGTOK, 13 Dec: The 10th International Conference on “Globalization and Cultural Practices in Mountain Areas: Dynamic, Dimensions and Implications”, organized by Sikkim University in collaboration with the Japan Foundation, began today at Chintan Bhawan.

Nepal national caught in Delhi for trafficking Sikkim woman Nepal national caught in Delhi for trafficking Sikkim woman


GANGTOK, 13 Dec: Delhi police have arrested Narain Thapa, a resident of Satasi Dham village in Jhapa district of Nepal, for allegedly running a trafficking racket. Cops have also rescued a 29-year-old lady from the accused person’s wrongful confinement, states a press release issued by Delhi police here today.

Nuance Globalisation With Judicious Choices


INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF GOVERNOR, BP SINGH, FOR THE 10TH INTL CONFERENCE ON “GLOBALIZATION CULTURAL PRACTICES IN MOUNTAIN AREAS”, GANGTOK, 13 DEC 2011
Thank you, Mr. Vice Chancellor for inviting me to inaugurate this International meet on the subject of Globalization and Cultural Practices in Mountain Areas: Dynamics, Dimensions and Implications. I feel honoured for this is an area which is both relevant and important to our society, economy, polity and culture. I am also happy that this conclave is taking place in Gangtok – a familiar hill centre on the global map.
Broadly speaking, ‘globalization’ denotes integration of economies and societies through cross border flows of information, ideas, technologies, goods, services, capital, finance and people.

Minor tremors felt in Gangtok


GANGTOK, 13 Dec: The capital was shaken awake by an earthquake this morning. The reasonably strong, but extremely short, temblor was felt at around 8 this morning. There no updates available on earthquake monitoring agencies on the Sikkim temblor till the time of going to print. Another minor quake was also felt around 12:30 in the afternoon here in Gangtok. No details are available on this one either.

2 hostels sanctioned for Govt college, Tadong


GANGTOK, 13 Dec: The Human Resource Development Department is constructing student hostels at the Sikkim Government College, Tadong. The estimated cost of construction of two hostels at the government college has been pegged at Rs. 70 lakhs. It is informed that the hostels to be constructed will be catering to students belonging to the Scheduled Tribe community.

New Raj Bhawan to now cost Rs. 39 crore


GANGTOK, 13 Dec: It is informed that the State government has approved of the enhanced projections for construction of a new Raj Bhawan in Gangtok. For this purpose, an amount of Rs. 39 crore has been sanctioned by the government to the Buildings & Housing Department which is undertaking the construction of the new structure. It is informed that the earlier estimate for the construction was Rs. 15 crore.

Zilla Panchayats allocated funds under District Innovation Fund


GANGTOK, 13 Dec: The State government has sanctioned a total of Rs. 184.50 lakhs to the four Zilla Panchayats under the District Innovation Fund. This amount has been disbursed through the Rural Management and Development Department as grant-in-aid under the 13th Finance Commission grants. While the East District Zilla Panchayat has been allocated Rs. 49.50 lakh, the Zilla Panchayats of the other three districts have been allocated Rs. 45 lakh each.

Peddler uses 12 year old to mule drugs


GANGTOK, 13 Dec: A new aspect of the villainy of those dealing in the already immoral peddling of substance of abuse came to light yesterday when a drug bust at Melli check-post revealed that peddlers were no using minors as ‘mules’ to smuggle contraband into Sikkim.

Suicide in Pakyong


GANGTOK, 13 Dec: Another suicide has been reported, this time from Pakyong, where a 36 year old woman is reported to have committed suicide by hanging in the wee hours of 12 December. A resident of Karthok, East Sikkim, the deceased is reported to have committed suicide in the jungles by hanging herself from a tree with her chunni.

Editorial


Young and Vulnerable
A 12-year-old was intercepted at the Melli Check-Post with a consignment of prescription drugs of abuse on Monday night. The volume of ‘drugs’ was substantial, not something that could be explained away to a prescription. The pre-teen was obviously being used as a ‘mule’ because his age would not rouse suspicion among the personnel manning the check-posts who have become rather effective interceptors of substances of abuse.

Sikkim to host 5th North East FIDE Rating Chess Tournament in Jan 2012


GANGTOK, 13 Dec: Sikkim Chess Association [SCA] is organizing the 5th edition of North East FIDE Rating Chess Tournament- 2012 from 04 to 10 January here at the Paljor Stadium gymnasium hall.
SCA has received this golden opportunity to host this tournament for the first time after the association was formed in 2009 and affiliated with the All India Chess Federation [AICF] in 2010. The prize money of Rs 1 Lakh in the tournament is being sponsored by AICF.

Rakdong Tintek holds Gram Sabha


RENEWAL AND ISSUE OF TRADE LICENSES TO BEGIN 19 DEC
LOWER RAKDONG, 13 Dec: The renewal and issue of new trade licenses for rural areas under Rakdong-Tintek GPU will start from 19 December from the Gram Prashasan Kendra at Lower Rakdong as per the new notification of the government.

Sikkim Karatekas to participate in Senior Nationals


GANGTOK, 13 Dec: A ten-member team of the Sikkim State Karate Do Association, accompanied by coach Bidhan Bhallav Subba and team manager, Hiyahang Subba, will be leaving on 16 Dec for the 24th National Senior Karate Championship 2011 to be held at Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi from 20 to 21 December, informs a press release.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

CM congratulates people, expresses satisfaction with achievements recorded thus far


SDF GOVT COMPLETE 17 YEARS IN OFFICE
GANGTOK, 12 Dec: The Sikkim Democratic Front Government completed 17 years in office today. Addressing a function held here at Chintan Bhawan to celebrate the government formation anniversary, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling shared his satisfaction with the scale and nature of development achieved in Sikkim under his watch over the past 17 years.
On the occasion, he also released an illustrative book published by the IPR Department on the 18 September Earthquake and a Report by the Labour Department on the activities of Capacity Building and Livelihood Schools.

‘Common Platform’ against hydel projects condemns arrest of faith healers in Tashiding


…REITERATES CALL FOR THE CM’S PERSONAL INTERVENTION TO RESOLVE HYDEL DILEMMA
GANGTOK, 12 Dec: Responding to the Sunday incident in which 7 faith healers were arrested by the West Sikkim police from the Tashiding hydel project site, the Common Platform against Hydel Power Projects today requested the Chief Minister to personally intervene on the West Sikkim hydel projects issue.

Justice Kohli takes oath of office as Chief Justice


GANGTOK, 12 Dec [IPR]: Justice Permod Kohli was formally sworn in as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim today. The Oath of Office was administered by Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh at Ashirwad Hall, Raj Bhawan, Gangtok. The Oath Ceremony was also attended by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling along with a host of other dignitaries.

Cops evict faith-healers from Tashiding HEP tunnel site


FIRST ARRESTS IN RATHONG CHU HYDEL PROTEST
GYALSHING, 12 Dec: West District police on Sunday made the first set of arrests in connection with the protest against hydel projects on the Rathong Chu. Seven faith-healers – jhankris and matas – were picked up and placed under custody last evening on charges of creating public nuisance and disrupting work on the Tashiding hydroelectric project site. All seven were released on bail today, sources inform.

SDF celebrates 17 years in power


GANGTOK, 12 Dec: On the occasion of completing 17 years in office the ruling SDF party convened a meeting at its party office chaired by the party vice-president, KB Chamling, informs a press release issued by the publicity secretary, Prem Karki.

EMRS Girls begin CBSE Nationals on triumphant note, dunk Haryana 37-12


GANGTOK, 12 Dec:  The girls from Eklavya Model Residential School of Gangyap in West Sikkim began their CBSE nationals campaign on a triumphant note today, humbling basketball giants, Haryana, 37-12 in the tournament opener.

Sikkim artist lines up solo exhibition in Mumbai


DOMA LHAMU GYALTSEN TO UNVEIL ‘TRANSIENCE’ AT “THE ARTIST’S CENTRE” NEXT MONDAY
GANGTOK, 12 Dec: Gangtok’s Doma Lhamu Gyaltsen is striding strong in her creative pursuits and will flaunt her individuality at a solo exhibition of her ceramic sculptures at Mumbai’s prestigious “The Artist’s Centre” next week. “Transience”, an exhibition of 14 artworks crafted by Doma over three years scheduled to begin its weeklong solo run at The Artist’s Centre on 19 December, in the artist’s own words “revolves around ideas germinating from globalisation, the creation of a united atmosphere for mankind which I realised during my metamorphosis of inner self.”

Girish ’n the Chronicles dazzle at Hornbill Rock, sweep individual prizes and come in 2nd runners up


Left to right: Yogesh (Guitars), Nagen (Drums),  Suraz (Guitars), Abhishek (Vocals), Lokesh (Bass)

GANGTOK, 12 Dec: Missing their frontman, lead vocalist Girish Pradhan, away on a Hong Kong gig, Girish ‘n the Chornicles, still pulled off an impressive debut at one the country’s biggest rock competitions, “Hornbill Rock” in Nagaland recently. Apart from securing the second runners-up position, two significant individual achievements also came the band’s way when Suraj Karki won the Best Guitarist award and Abhishek Gurung, originally of “Cynical Recess” and with the band for Hornbill Rock, lifted the Best Vocalist honours.

Editorial


Forgotten Worries
Another year is drawing to a close and in a year where much happened by way of natural calamities and political rumblings, it is still social concerns that underline the problem areas for Sikkim. As one looks back at the year past, one cannot but replay the misgivings which had come visiting during a recap this time last year – of the society at large and the government in power not having done enough to address social challenges which amplified through 2011.

Child Rights Commission tours West Sikkim


GANGTOK, 11 Dec: A team of Sikkim Commission for Protection of Child Rights headed by the chairperson, Manita Pradhan toured West District from 05-07 Dec. Ms. Pradhan was accompanied by Yangchen Ladingpa, Nimchoki Bhutia and other staffs, informs a press release.

2 suicides


GANGTOK, 12 Dec: Two suicides have been reported in the past two days. At Lower Baluthang in West Sikkim, a 36-year-old is reported to have committed suicide by hanging herself at home on the evening of 09 December. The other suicide has been reported from Jorethang where an 18 year old boy committed suicide, also by hanging. The victim was a resident of Darap Salghari and had gone out to collect fodder at 7 a.m. on 10 December. However, when he did not return, a search party found him hanging from a tree at around 4 p.m. the same day.

Minor raped in Rongli, accused absconds


GANGTOK, 12 Dec: The rape of a minor has been reported from Rongli in East Sikkim. According to reports, the acused, Bimal Pradhan, is absconding. The incident took place on 10 December at around 11 a.m. when the girl was alone at her residence at Lingtam, East Sikkim under Rongli police jurisdiction. The accused, Bimal, also of the same area, is reported to have entered her house and sexually assaulted her. It was in the evening that the girl reported the incident to her mother.

Handloom Development Scheme launched in Central Pendam


GANGTOK, 11 Dec: A two-month long Integrated Handloom Development Scheme organized by the Sikkim Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation was inaugurated at Chewribotey in Central Pendam, East Sikkim by the Ward Panchayat, Lachi Maya Chettri on 10 Dec.

Annual Fest at St. Mary’s School Kitam


NAMCHI, 12 Dec: St. Mary’s School at Kitam celebrated its Annual Festival in grand manner on Sunday. The programme was chaired by Melli MLA, Tulsi Devi Rai, as chief guest accompanied by Bidhan Rai, Panchayat member of Mickhola Kitam GPU as guest of honour, inform a press communiqué received from the principal, Suresh K Subba.

Milch cows distributed in West Sikkim


GANGTOK, 11 Dec: The Animal Husbandry Livestock and Veterinary Department, West District, on on 08 Dec distributed milching cows to beneficiaries selected from Maneybong-Dentam and Yuksom-Tashiding constituencies at a special function organized at the Kyongsa Veterinary Complex. The beneficiaries were selected on need and capacity basis, informs an official press release.

Sikkim pays Rs. 4 crore more per month to stave off national power crisis from reaching here


GANGTOK, 11 Dec: The power crisis which has gripped the country has had a tremendous impact in almost all the states and Sikkim too has not remained untouched. However, with the State government willing to go the extra mile to ensure that the end consumers are not affected by the national supply crises, the people here have remained largely unaffected. The question now is for how long the government can go on cushioning the impact of the crises? It is already costing the government an extra Rs. 4 crore a month to ensure that power cuts are staved off.

USFC and Sikkim Express reach earthquake relief to Dzongu


MANGAN, 11 Dec: United Sikkim Football Club (USFC) and local English daily, Sikkim Express, in a joint-effort towards earthquake relief, distributed 300 Raymond blankets to earthquake affected people of Dzongu in a programme held at the Passingdang BAC on 08 December.

Groups protesting HEPs on Rathong Chu consider mounting larger agitation


GANGTOK, 11 Dec: The “Common Platform” against Hydel Power Projects, a coming together of various organizations to protest hydel projects on the Rathong Chu, has threatened to graduate from writing petitions and issuing press statements to launching an agitation soon if the State government does not take up their protest seriously and review the hydel projects in question in the earnest.

Mangshila hosts grand Teyongsi Sirijunga Sawan Tongnam celebrations


MANGSHILA, 11 Dec:  The 307th birth anniversary of Teyongsi Sirijunga was celebrated here at Sirijunga Mangkhim, the first Limboo place of worship constructed in Sikkim, at Mangshila in North Sikkim yesterday.

Karmapa’s Office of Administration reassures devotees


GANGTOK, 11 Dec: Following recent news reports of criminal charges filed against the 17th Karmapa, Ugyen Trinley Dorje, in connection with more than $1 million discovered from his office in Dharamshala earlier this year, the Karmapa’s Office of Administration has issued a statement informing devotees that no court orders have been received by the office so far.

Sikkim snow fest 2012


Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) requests & invites individuals, group of individuals, clubs, society, tourism development committees, self help groups, women’s groups, hotels, and tour operators engaged in tourism activities to support the SIKKIM SNOW FEST 2012.

Tashiding youth extend support towards Common Platform against HEPs


GANGTOK, 11 Dec: Tashya Tsogpo, a youth organisation of Tashiding, West Sikkim has also extended full support towards the recently formed Common Platform of different organisations against the hydel projects in West Sikkim.

5 SPA paragliders trained on first aid


GANGTOK, 11 Dec: With ‘safe flight’ as their primary motto, the Sikkim Paragliding Association [SPA] taking a conscious step towards providing their clients with all safety measures had 5 pilots of the Association go through basic training on First Aid on 07 Dec at STNM hospital, informs a press release.

SATA begins special Taekwondo camp at White Hall


GANGTOK, 11 Dec: Sikkim Amateur Taekwondo Association (SATA) started a coaching camp for beginners and senior members at MCM Dojang, White Hall complex from 09 Dec. Students can learn self defence techniques, kicking, sparring, Poomsae techniques and aerobics from 6th Dan, Trilok Subba, Asstt. Chief Coach 4th Dan, Rajen Subba, and 3rd Dan, Ugen Gurung, informs a SATA release.

HIV/AIDS awareness for tour operators


GANGTOK, 11 Dec: An HIV/AIDS Awareness Programme for young tour operators of Sikkim and other North Eastern states was organized by an NGO, Serenity Home in association with Sikkim State AIDS Control Society [SSACS] and Travel Agent Association of Sikkim (TAAS) on 10 Dec at TAAS Office, DPH.

Milching cows distributed at Martam-Rumtek

GANGTOK, 11 Dec: Total 10 beneficiaries under Martam-Rumtek constituency received milching cows from the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Dept. yesterday at a special function held at Sang Bazaar, informs a press release. The cows were handed over by the chief guest, Chairman, Sikkim Poultry Development Board, PK Pradhan.    

International Kagyu Monlam at Bodhgaya from 14 to 20 Dec


GANGTOK, 11 Dec: International Kagyu Monlam, a mass prayer ceremony held every year in Bodh Gaya at the Mahabodhi tree is scheduled to begin on 14 Dec and conclude on 20 Dec with Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje presiding over the week-long prayer ceremony, informs a press release.
The 14th Gyalwang Shamarpa Mipham Chokyi Lodrue will also be present during the prayer ceremony, the release informs. This year, thousands of devotees, both monk and nuns, lay devotees, including a large number from Sikkim, Bhutan and Nepal are expected to attend this mega-annual Kagyu ceremony, the release adds.

Editorial


Complete 17 With Honest Appraisal
The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front Government turns seventeen today. The observance of the anniversary can be expected to be more muted than the celebrations of the past years, coming as it does in the wake of an unprecedented earthquake, the healing and repairs for which are far from over. Irrespective of the scale of celebrations, to be fair to the party, it deserves to congratulate itself. Seventeen years of peaceful reign is something that not even the monarchy enjoyed in Sikkim.

BGP, Sikkim Unit to create ‘Youth Cell’


GANGTOK, 11 Dec: A meeting of West District sub-committees of Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh [BGP], Sikkim Unit and the members of the BGP State Working Committee was convened today under the chairmanship of the president, BGP West District Committee, HB Pradhan, informs a press release.

Srijunga Teyongsi celebrations at Martam


GYALSHING, 11Dec: The 307th birth anniversary of Srijunga Teyongsi was celebrated at the Mangkhim at Martam here on Saturday with Deputy Speaker, MB Dahal, as the chief guest accompanied by STDC Chairman, NK Subba and Addl. Director, MK Subba.

SDF sponsors three patients for further treatment


GANGTOK, 11 Dec: The SDF party high command sent three patients of Khamdong-Singtam constituency suffering from acute medical complications to the country’s best hospitals for further treatment on 09 Dec.

Journos let their hair down with ‘Vichar-Kala Sangam’


GANGTOK, 11 Dec: ‘Vichar-Kala Sangam’, a monthly soiree organized by the Press Club of Sikkim for journalists allowing them the space and opportunity to let their hair down and flash talents other than those of the pen, began on an entertaining note here at the PCS hall on Saturday. The ‘Sangam’ will now be held every second Saturday with the stage left open for journalists to sing, dance, recite poems and present other performances.

Rural Sikkim begins appraising Poverty Pathways Approach towards prosperity


GANGTOK, 11 Dec [IPR]: The National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) is a program of the Ministry of Rural Development implemented by the State Rural Development Agency (SRDA), RM&DD. The program envisages reducing poverty by building “strong grassroots institutions of the poor” so that the underprivileged households have access to gainful self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities. It aims to provide meaningful livelihood opportunities so that a woman of every such household earns a minimum of Rs. 50,000 a year which will be a step towards realisation of the vision of a Poverty Free Sikkim.

South youth undertake basic training on videography


NAMCHI, 11 Dec: The South Sikkim Tourism Development Society (SSTDS) organized a weeklong basic training on videography and photography for unemployed youth here. The training, sponsored from the CRFP Fund under Tourism department, was offered to youth engaged in rural home-stay ventures and various sub-branches of the SSTDS from across the district.

12,000 farmers receive C1 Certificates attesting their produce as Organic


ORGANIC MISSION COMPLETES PHASE-1 TARGET
GANGTOK, 09 Dec: The State Government has been working on a war-footing to achieve the target of making 50,000 hectares of cultivable land fully organic in order to make Sikkim an Organic State by 2015. The State Organic Mission was officially launched by the Chief Minister on 15 August 2010.
Addressing a press conference at Chintan Bhawan today, Agriculture and Horticulture Secretary, Vishal Chauhan, informed that this week was an important milestone for the State towards achieving this target as 18,000 hectares taken up in the first phase received the C1 certificate.

Employees with 15 years of service can now withdraw up to 90% of their GPF


GANGTOK, 09 Dec: Some significant changes have been effected to the General Provident Fund (Sikkim Service) Rules 1984 recently by the State government. Those officials who have been accorded extension of service and those who have been re-employed are not eligible to subscribe to the fund as per the latest changes made to the GPF rules.

A week out of jail, ex-convict goes ransacking again


GANGTOK, 09 Dec: The Sadar police, in a particularly swift response, apprehended a culprit accused of breaking into and ransacking three shops, within hours of the incident. The accused, 27-year-old Jeeten Mangar, is an ex-convict, having been released from the State Jail, where he was lodged for the past year on similar charges, only on 02 December.

South officials discuss regulations for use of govt land as public event venues


VENUES TO BE EARMARKED FOR POLITICAL MEETINGS AND OTHER PUBLIC EVENTS
NAMCHI, 09 Dec: Following guidelines issued by the State government, the South District Administration convened a meeting at the DAC conference hall here on regulations for the use of government land as venues for different events.

Old Age Pension and other allowances enhanced


GANGTOK, 09 Dec: The existing rate of pensions offered under various schemes as well as the age criteria to qualify for these have been enhanced and revised respectively. The schemes for which the pension rate has been enhanced include the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, Subsistence Allowance Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme and Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme in the State.

Badhte Kadam marches to smart conclusion



9-year-old Vikram Bhattarai, felicitated along with Manish Dhakal and Bhupen Gurgain at the concluding function of the Badhte Kadam Campaign in Gangtok today, enjoys and photographs a cultural presentation by fellow differently-abled persons at MG Marg on Friday. Vikram won the National Child award for exceptional achievement on Children's Day earlier this year.

GANGTOK, 09 Dec: The flag-in ceremony of the Badhte Kadam 2011 campaign was held this afternoon at MG Marg. The campaign was organized by the Spastics Society of Sikkim in collaboration with the Sikkim Viklang Sahayata Samiti and National Association for the Blind, Sikkim unit, and was supported by Social Justice, Empowerment and Welfare Department and District Collectorates.

Justice Kohli to be sworn in Sikkim CJ on Monday


GANGTOK, 09 Dec: The Chief Justice designate for the Sikkim High Court, Justice Permod Kohli, is tentatively scheduled to be sworn in on 12 December, 2011, Monday.

Student drowns in Rohtak


GANGTOK, 09 Dec: A 15-year-old student of JNV Rothak drowned in Rangit at Rothak in West Sikkim. The deceased was reportedly missing from the school since 02 December and on 08 December his dead body was recovered from the river.

Lady sets herself on fire, succumbs to burn injuries at STNM


GANGTOK, 09 Dec: A 21-year-old lady succumbed to burn injuries at the STNM Hospital on Thursday. It is informed that the deceased was brought to the hospital with 65% burn injuries on 29 November.

Editorial


Tourism Needs Professional Promotion
Tourism is all about promotion, which in today’s information-age translates as advertisements. Without promotion in the right places, conveying the right message, tourism potential will remain but a tantalising prospect of the boom that could have been. Of course word of mouth plays a role in promoting a destination and flawless services go a long way in establishing tourism credentials, but for these factors to kick in, one needs the right promotion. More tourists land in Malaysia than the flights bring into India.

EMRS girls leave for CBSE National Basketball Championship


GANGTOK, 09 Dec: A 12-member basketball team of Eklavya Model Residential School, Gangyap, in West Sikkim, has left for Tamil Nadu to participate in the CBSE Basketball National Championship to be held from 12 to 17 December on Friday.

Rongong Youth Club welcomes joint front against hydel projects on Rathong Chu, wants Dikchu HEP to be scrapped as well


GANGTOK, 09 Dec: Rongong Youth Club of Rongong-Phodong, North Sikkim, has welcomed and extended full support to the common platform of different organisations in protest of the hydel projects on the Rathong Chu in West Sikkim, in a press release issued today by its Chief Patron, Gay Tshering Bhutia, conveys.

Transport officials and JAC of driver asscs meet to discuss fares and HSRP price



GANGTOK, 09 Dec: A meeting was held between the Transport Department represented by its Minister, TT Bhutia, Secretary, Tsegyal Tashi, officials of the Department and representatives of the Joint Action Committee [JAC] of various drivers associations of the capital yesterday to discuss issues and problems faced by the drivers and also to discuss the high prices of High Security Registration Plates [HSRP] and hike in taxi fares.

NO TOXIC DUMPING BY TORRENT PHARMA, SPCB CLARIFIES


Letter:
The State Pollution Control Board- Sikkim (SPCB-Sikkim) has been working as a Regulatory Body in preventing any form of environmental pollution in the State of Sikkim since its inception. There have been cases of closing down of some of the units which have violated the norms prescribed by SPCB-Sikkim.

Skill up-gradation training at Sikip


NAMCHI, 09 Dec: A floriculture and soft-toy training programme on long-term skill up-gradation was conducted under the leadership of Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK) volunteer, Randeep Rai of Sikip block. The training is being organized by Jharna Club of Omchu at the club house situated at Sikip block and is sponsored by Nehru Yuva Kendra, Namchi.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Facilities readied for Right to Education


5 RESIDENTIAL CENTRES OPENED TO PROVIDE SPECIAL TRAINING TO PREPARE OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN FOR ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
GANGTOK, 08 Dec: The HRD Department has established five residential centres in the state for providing special training to out-of-school children in order to prepare them for their age appropriate class.
The RTE Act has specific provision for such special training for those children who never enrolled in any school or dropped out before completing elementary education so that these children after completing this special course can join the mainstream schooling system at their age appropriate class, informs a press release issued by the State Project Director, SSA.

Govt constitutes R&R Committee for Rangit Stage-II


GANGTOK, 08 Dec: The State government has constituted a Resettlement & Rehabilitation Committee for the project-affected of the Rangit Hydro Electric Project Stage-II. This committee has been constituted as per directions contained in the Environment Clearance issued by the Ministry of Environment & Forest, Government of India in August, 2006.

Assistance from Down Under for students from the Roof of the World


AUSTRALIAN TEAM HELPS OUT THUMBI SAMBHOTA TIBETAN SCHOOL WITH INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND TEACHING AIDS
GANGTOK, 08 Dec: A 13-member Australian team comprising of 9 students and 3 teachers from Ormiston College and one member of Antipodean, an NGO, helped build a stairway leading to the Thumbi Sambhota Tibetan School at Sichey here and donated a swing for the playground, a fan, an almirah, medicines for the dispensary, school bags and 1,000 exercise books for the children. They were felicitated for their support by members of the Tibetan Youth Club [TYC] at the school premises today.

Govt amends Pension Rules


GANGTOK, 08 Dec: The State government has amended the Sikkim Government Servant (New Contributory Pension) Rules, 2006. As per the amendment, any government servant retired on invalidation shall be entitled to pension as per Rule 27 of the Sikkim Services (Pension) Rules, 1990.

Youth pays Rs. 2.9 lakh for placement in Afghanistan only to be left stranded in Delhi


FAMILY FILES F.I.R AGAINST SILIGURI-BASED COMPANY, BUT UNCONVINCED THAT ANY ACTION WILL BE TAKEN
GANGTOK, 08 Dec: A case under section 406/ 402 of the Indian Penal Code has been registered at the Pradhan Nagar Police Thana of Siliguri against a Siliguri-based company, Zingtang Consultancy and Services Pvt Ltd, by Rinchen Bhutia of Lingdum, East Sikkim.

New Search for More Bhaichungs to begin 24 Dec


GANGTOK, 08 Dec: The Department of Sports & Youth Affairs has announced the selection trials under the ‘Search for More Bhaichungs’ scheme to seek out talented footballers for admission to the Namchi Sports Hostel and Sikkim Sports Academy, Gangtok.

PS Tamang tours Gnathang-Machong and Rhenock constituencies


GANGTOK, 08 Dec: Continuing his East Sikkim tour, the disgruntled SDF MLA from Upper Burtuk, PS Tamang [Golay], met and interacted with the people of Machong under Gnathang-Machong constituency and at Mamring, Phadamchey and Bhasmey under Rhenock constituency today.

Editorial


More Awareness Required on Job Placements Abroad 
In these times of scarce jobs and the temptation of supposedly lucrative openings abroad, it pays to seek professional counsel and get informed better before paying up in advance and regretting later. Employment is an easy con to peddle. It has played out often in Sikkim and jogged warning bells recently with the arrest of one such dream merchant who fenced false promises of jobs in West and South Sikkim and then there is the continuing confusion of NEMSICS who took in deposits with promises of employment only to leave many savings severely compromised.

RC Poudyal wants CM and Bhandari to ensure proper earthquake rehabilitation within one month


…THREATENS TO FILE WRIT PETITION IF HE DOES NOT SEE EFFECTIVE DELIVERY
GANGTOK, 08 Dec: Rising Sun Party president, RC Poudyal, today announced the one month period he has given to Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee president, Nar Bahadur Bhandari, to “work for the welfare and proper rehabilitation of the 18 September earthquake affected people around the state.”

Carpeting of Sang-Dipu Dara road finally begins


DEPARTMENTAL SUPPLIES STILL SHORT THOUGH
GANGTOK, 08 Dec: The carpeting work along the Sang-Dipu Dara road which was sanctioned in July 2009 has finally started, providing relief to the locals here. The work had not begun till now due to the delay in the supply of bitumen by the PWD.
Magical health tips! Magician Ashok Biswas and a troupe of the Song and Drama Division, Kolkata perform at an awareness programme on National Rural Health Mission at Namchi District Hospital. The programme began on 05 Dec and will continue till 16 Dec 2011.

MEDIA SHOULD REPORT, NOT EXAGGERATE: SDF youth from Namchyebong reiterate


Letter:
We condemn news-item published in some local dailies which have projected a false impression regarding the tension that broke out yesterday while the SDF party dissident, PS Golay and the SDF party were addressing the public simultaneously at different venues under 22 Namcheybong constituency in east Sikkim.