Rangang-Yangang bye-poll attracts the most number of candidates this election

Pictures & Profile of Candidates filing their Nominations for bye-elections of 15-Rangang Yangang Assembly Constituency on 27^th August, 2014 in the ROs (South) office, Namchi

NAMCHI, 27 Aug: Seven candidates have filed their nominations for the bye-elections of the Rangang-Yangang assembly constituency in South Sikkim. If there are no withdrawals this will be the highest number of candidates to contest from a constituency this election. Upper Burtuk had the maximum - six candidates - in the elections held in April. All seven nominations were filed Wednesday, the last day to be able to do so. While there are three candidates representing political parties, four are Independents. Sikkim Krantikari Morcha is not contesting the bye-election and is supporting the BJP.
Interestingly, this will also be a contest among reasonably young candidates with independent candidate Rup Narayan Chamling, at 46, checking in as the oldest among the seven candidates. BJP’s Bikash Basnet, at 26 is the youngest, while SDF’s Kumari Mangar aged 32 years.
In the first hour of the final day for filing nominations today, SDF candidate Kumari Mangar submitted her nomination papers to the Returning Officer, District Collector [South] Prabhakar Verma.
Next, later in the afternoon, the second nomination was filed by BJP candidate Bikash Basnett who had contested the elections from Rangang-Yangang on an SKM ticket in April earlier this year. It may also be mentioned that BJP did not field any candidate from this constituency in the elections held in April; and this time, SKM is stepping down. Mr. Basnet had resigned from SKM last Friday and his name as the BJP candidate was announced yesterday, Tuesday.
Bishnu Prasad Adhikari of Congress and four Independent candidates, Rup Narayan Chamling, Dipak Kumar Chettri, Sancha Raj Limboo and Gauri Prasad Chettri also filed their nominations today.
The candidates took an oath in the presence of RO (South), Mr Verma, ARO/ADC (South) Kapil Meena, ARO/ ADC (Dev) Benu Gurung and their nominations will be accepted by the RO only after formal scrutiny of all the documents. The scrutiny of the documents will start on Thursday at the RO Office 11 a.m. onwards. Meanwhile, the last date for submitting Form 12 for postal ballot is 28 August at the RO Office.
The candidates were also briefed by the RO on maintaining election expenditure account and they were asked to maintain an Accounts Register for the same.
The election duty for all the field officers and staff deployed for Rangang Yangang Assembly Constituency has commenced in South district.
Rangang-Yangang has 11,762 registered voters and the voter turnout in the last election was 85% with 9,976 casting their votes. Chief Minister Pawan Chamling had won the election polling 6,343 votes against Bikash Basnett who polled 3,201 votes. In Aril, the Congress had fielded Om Prakash Bista, making it a three-cornered contest.

Cops rescue woman from Kartikey Bhir

GANGTOK, 27 Aug: A police team from Hingdam Police Station along with the help of locals rescued a woman from the Kartikey Bhir in Lower Legship on Tuesday. Suspected to be suffering from some mental disorder, the woman was forwarded to Gyalshing District Hospital. The woman, in her 30s, who has identified herself as Doli Uraon, w/o Ishdhar Uraon of Baraland, West Bengal, was taken to Lee Aal destitute home in Rakdong, East Sikkim today.

Veterinary doctor offers free consultation

GANGTOK, 25 Aug: With the view to help develop dairy farming and meat production in the State, a Gangtok-based veterinary doctor has offered to provide free consultation and aid regarding veterinary problems.
In a press release, Dr Pratik Sharma states that he hopes for a "white" and "red" revolution in the state with increased milk and meat production. He has requested dairy farmers, livestock owners and others to make serious efforts to develop these sectors further in Sikkim so that it would help in the upliftment of the socio-economic status of the poor and also create employment opportunities.
In this regard, Dr Sharma has offered to provide 24-hour free service through his Facebook page [drpratik kashyap] and also on 9749993817.

Tree falls on house ends in fatality

NAMCHI, 27 Aug: One person has died after a tree fell on a kutcha house at Nandugaon under Poklok Kamrang GPU on Tuesday.
The house belonged to Bhagiman Rai who was injured in the incident and succumbed to his injuries. His wife Sita Rai and 5-month old child also sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment at Namchi District Hospital.
Reema Rai [14] and Ranjita Rai [09] were also seriously injured and have been referred to Central Referral Hospital, Gangtok.

Training on protection of plant varieties and Farmers’ Right Act

GANGTOK, 27 Aug: Training cum awareness programme on Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Right Act 2001 was held at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Gyaba, West Sikkim sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India on 23 August.
As per a press release, the programme was chaired by Zilla Panchayat member of Yangthang constituency, Sanmati Subba and was attended by hundred farmers from the different villages of West Sikkim.
The resource person for the programme was Chandan Kapoor [Scientist, Plant breeding, ICAR NEH Sikkim Centre]. He enlightened the farmers about the objectives of PPV&FRA, 2001 which is to establish an effective system for protection of plant varieties, the rights of the farmers and plant breeders and to encourage the development of new varieties of plants while protecting the rights of the farmers in respect of the contributions made at any time in conserving, improving and developing new plant varieties.
He emphasised on the importance of protecting our land races as these are rapidly vanishing from our gene pool. He also spoke about the procedure for registration and the benefit of registering the land races under the individual farmer/farmers community. He mentioned that Sikkim is one of the bio diversity hotspots of India and home to many land races of various crops, thus making it a very potent state.
The technical session was followed by an interactive discussion between the farmers and the scientist. The programme ended with an address by the chief guest where he encouraged the farmers of West district to come forward and also urged the extension functionaries to help the farmers in all ways possible, the release mentions.
Also present were the Additional Director (KVK, Farm & Research) NT Bhutia, Joint Director (NRM West) Phigu Bhutia, Dy. Director Horticulture (West) DM Tamang and ADO Gyalshing DY Bhutia.

Awareness on Tourism at Dzuluk

GANGTOK, 27 Aug: The Department of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim organized an Awareness & Sensitization programme for the Tourism stakeholders of Gnathang, Dzuluk and Phadamchen region at Dzuluk, East Sikkim on 26 August.
The programme was attended by Bimal Dawari, Adhyaksha, East District Zilla Panchayat along with President and members of Gram Panchayats.
A press release informs that Tourism stakeholders from Gnathang, Dzuluk and Phadamchen areas of East Sikkim participated in the programme. 125 participants comprising of Lodge operators, Homestay operators, Guides and Drivers of the three locations actively participated in the programme.
The programme saw many interactive activities as well as educational lectures by the resource persons. The main subjects covered in the programme were Ecotourism, Home Stay Marketing and Tourist friendly approach, the release mentions.
The resource persons were Manil Raj Rai [Freelance motivator] and Kalpana Chettri of IHM while the programme was organised by Trekking Officer, Tsewang Ngodup Sharngoe and Permit Officer of T&CA Deptt, Govt. of Sikkim, Sonam Rinchen.

Downpour damages power transmission line and roads in South

PANCHAYATS ASKED TO REPORT ON TREES POSING DANGER
NAMCHI, 27 Aug: Several roads in South Sikkim have been blocked due to damages caused by heavy rainfall.
Following the death of a person after a tree fell on his house at Nandugaon on Tuesday, Panchayat members of South district have been asked to report old and vulnerable trees that may pose a threat to human lives and properties in their respective areas.
11 KV transmission line has been damaged at Jorethang road, one and a half km from Namchi Bazaar.  This has affected power supply to Kitam Mickhola, Chardaam, Purano Namchi, Assangthang, Dong Denchung and Dorop Salghari. Restoration will be initiated after detailed assessment of the damages by the Power Department.
As per DAC Namchi, Lingmoo to Yangang road is blocked at Mangzing since 23 August while the road from Hingdam to Legship is blocked near Nardang. The Mamley – Pabong – Ben route is blocked at Kaluja and Sipsu. Road from Phongla to Bermiok is blocked at Bedhghari while Singtam to Bermiok road is blocked at Towkeybirr and Namphing where the road formation has been washed out. Restoration work has been initiated and is expected to be completed within a week. Namthang to Mamrang road is blocked at Narakjhora while Namchi to Wok road is blocked at Pabong 10th Km.
Melli-Nayabazaar, Nayabazaar to Namchi, Melli to Turuk,  Melli to Sadam, Melli to Bhanjyang, Melli to Phong roads are blocked due to major and minor slips, falling of boulders and uprooting of trees at many places.  The concerned Department has engaged man and machinery to clear and restore these roads.
Majhitar JHS’s Assembly ground has been damaged and the entrance road of Majhitar has been blocked, as informed by Headmaster Majhitar. Namchi to Jorethang road has been blocked due to heavy landslide near 12th mile (one and half km from Namchi bazaar).

Meeting discusses solid waste management system for Mangan

GANGTOK, 27 Aug: As directed by Forest Minister, a preliminary meeting to set up a system for solid waste management was held in the office of the District Collector, North on Tuesday. Representatives from Forest Department, Mangan Nagar Panchayat and UD&HD were present in meeting.
A press release informs that during the meeting different aspects on setting up of a system of solid waste management and integration of same with segregation of waste at source and converting green waste to organic manure duly involving the local communities were discussed. The system is proposed to be set up near Mangan jointly by Mangan Nagar Panchayat, Forest Department and NHPC through District Collectorate, North with an objective to make Mangan Bazar and nearby places/villages garbage free.
The project would look into collection, segregation and treatment of garbage. The garbage would be converted into organic manure and revenue would be generated by selling the same in the market.
It may be pertinent to mention that during the year 2013 NHPC had agreed and assured area MLA, Tshering Wangdi Lepcha of funding a project for garbage management at Mangan. After the meeting the team also inspected the Organic Waste Converting Shed presently being managed by Mangan Nagar Panchayat at a small scale. The plant is not able to cater to the growing need of Mangan bazaar and surrounding areas hence the large scale garbage treatment plant is the need-of-the-hour.
Next co-ordination meeting is scheduled to be held on 30 August at DAC, Mangan with PCCF-cum-Principal Secretary, Forest, and other officials from the Forest Department, Pollution Control Board, NHPC and District Administration, North District for swift initiation of the project.

SKM MLAs meet BJP president in New Delhi

GANGTOK, 27 Aug: Sikkim Krantikari Morcha MLAs met the Bharatiya Janta Party president, Amit Shah, today at the BJP Head Office in New Delhi. The team of SKM MLAs was led by the party president PS Tamang [Golay].
On Tuesday, SKM had extended support to the Bharatiya Janata Party Sikkim unit and its candidate Bikash Basnett [former SKM publicity secretary and also candidate in the April election] for the Rangang-Yangyang bye-election to be held on 13 September. The party had stated that the “consensus to support the BJP in the upcoming bye-election of Rangang-Yangang constituency has been built up fundamentally on the issue of corruption”.
The main political agenda which the BJP brought to the forefront and have been able to reach to the common voters of the country is the fight against corruption, SKM had said.
Today, the SKM party president congratulated Mr. Shah on having been appointed the BJP national president and also expressed the happiness of the people of Sikkim on BJP forming the government at the Centre.
He also conveyed to the BJP president the hope and aspirations of the people of Sikkim regarding the party’s mission to uproot poverty and fight corruption. During the meeting, the SKM team briefed Mr Shah about the prevailing situation in Sikkim, ranging from the sphere of politics to socioeconomic issues which seriously need to be addressed at the central level, the release mentions. The issue of restoration of democracy in Sikkim surfaced most prominently in the entire meeting, it is added.
Mr. Tamang also alleged that “pseudo democracy” exists in Sikkim under the SDF government.

SATA team leaves for 33rd Senior National Taekwondo C'ship

GANGTOK, 27 Aug: Senior members of Sikkim Amateur Taekwondo Association (SATA) will be leaving  for Jaipur, Rajasthan on Thursday to participate in the 33rd Senior National Taekwondo Championship 2014 which is scheduled to be held at Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium, Jaipur, Rajasthan from 02 to 05 September.
As per a SATA release, the team consists of twelve men, nine women players and two officials. Rajen Subba, Sabitri Pradhan, Ganga Ram Pradhan, Bijay Gurung, Rabin Rai, Sangay Diki Bhutia, Kajol Chettri and Kirati Nalungma Rai will take part in Poomsae event. Suman Tamang, Phurba Sherpa, Dipen Rai, Susan Chettri, Amit Thapa, Ganesh Rai, Sabina Sundas, Bindya Jairu, Naksum Bhutia, Kunzang Ongmu Bhutia, Pempa Dolma Tamang and Tshering Ongmu Bhutia will take part in Kheorugi event.
Coach SAI Namchi, Deepak Panth has been appointed as the team coach while Preetam Thapa will accompany the team as manager.
Winners of this National championship will be selected to represent India in the forthcoming World Taekwondo Poomsae Championship which is going to be held at Mexico in the first week of November as well as the Commonwealth Taekwondo Championship which is going to be held at Scotland, UK in the third week of November 2014, the release informs.

Subedi represents Sikkim at national conference of Ministers in-charge of sanitation

GANGTOK, 27 Aug: In the context of the declaration of the Government of India’s Mission to achieve Swachh Bharat by 2019, targeted to coincide with the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation scheduled a National Conference of state ministers in-charge of sanitation on 25 August at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
As per a press release, RMDD Minister, SB Subedi attended the conference which was chaired by the Union Minister of Rural Development, Drinking Water & Sanitation & Panchayati Raj, Nitin Gadkari.
The key challenges deliberated upon in the meeting was that there is a strong need to change the mindset of the people as about 590 million persons in rural areas defecate in the open in India. The mindset change would be possible by triggering behaviour change in a vast section of rural population regarding need to use toilets by means of interpersonal communication through students, teachers, doctors, ASHA & Anganwadi workers, block coordinators etc.
Water availability in toilets in schools, households, anganwadis, community toilets, etc and absence of dedicated manpower in programme implementation at the field level were pointed out as major challenges in the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan.
It was suggested that manpower should be strengthened by engaging sanitation motivators at the GP level.
Convergence with departments such as Health, HRDD and Social Justice is also recommended for achieving the mission. States were also asked to involve corporates and national PSUs through the Corporate Social Responsibility for accelerating the pace of the swachhata campaign, the release mentions.
The Union Minister called for a practical approach to achieve the goal of sanitation for all by 2019, adding that the current allocation of Rs10,000 per toilet in rural areas is insufficient and soon the amount will be increased to achieve the real target. Lamenting that even after 67 years of Independence, 60% people in India defecate in open, Mr Gadkari said that the dream project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to build Swachh Bharat by 2019 will be executed in a mission mode.
He also emphasized that massive funds will be mobilized for this purpose under the leadership of the Prime Minister. He called for quality works so that toilets could last upto thirty to forty years and laid emphasis on suitable low cost technology for that purpose.
The conference was also attended by Secretary, RM&DD accompanied by Chief Engineer, Joint Secretary & Deputy Secretary (NBA). During the daylong deliberations, it was suggested in the context of Sikkim that an area-specific approach must be adopted for sanitation and garbage management since the hilly states are faced with topographical and altitudinal challenges. It was also opined that in order to accelerate the sanitation pace, it is very important for the functionaries in- charge of sanitation to be role models, to “practise what one preaches” and “be the change that one wants to see”.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana to roll out in Sikkim today as well

GANGTOK, 27 Aug: As part of the financial inclusion mission being launched throughout the nation on 28 august by the Prime Minister, the Lead Bank for Sikkim will be organizing a Mega Camp at Gangtok on Thursday as well for opening Savings Bank Accounts, a press release informs.
Similar mega camps are also being organized at Singtam and at the district headquarters Namchi, Gyalshing and Mangan. These camps are being organized by Canara Bank, HDFC Bank, Central Bank of India and SBI.

Training on millet cultivation at Phensong

MANGAN, 27 Aug: A training on organic cultivation of millet was conducted by Block Technology Manager Kabi-Tingda, ATMA North Sikkim at Upper Paney in Phensong GPU on 22 August. 30 farmers attended the training along with the ward panchayat.
The resource person Lyangmit Lepcha [VLW, Agri] provided important information on new techniques and methods of millet cultivation giving emphasis on the use of bio-fertilisers and bio pesticides. Farmer representative, Sonam Dorjee Lepcha appraised the trainees about the importance of such trainings.

Advocates and paralegals complete training on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

GANGTOK, 27 Aug: The three-day Training for Trainers on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention for panel advocates and Para-Legal Volunteers organized by Sikkim State Legal Services Authority in coordination with state Health, Care & Family Welfare Department concluded today here at the High Court premises.
While addressing the concluding session Chief Justice Narendra Kumar Jain said that this training for panel advocates and Para-Legal Volunteers will definitely help in spreading awareness and providing assistance to those who need it. He also expressed hope that the trainees would take up research work on suicides in the state.
Justice SP Wangdi expressed his gratitude to the resource persons for extending help to sensitize the panel advocates and Para-Legal Volunteers in order to address the problem of suicides in Sikkim. The valedictory function was also addressed by Justice Sushil Kumar Sinha.
42 participants attended the three-day training programme which had Psychiatrists Dr. CS Sharma and Dr. CL Pradhan, Psychologist Nancy Palmu Chankapa and Sociologist Chungchung Bhutia as the resource persons.

AROOBOTEY-DOKCHIN ROAD IN DEPLORABLE CONDITION

Letters:-
I wish to bring to the notice of the Minister, Area MLA, concerned Zilla Adhyaksha, department and sub-division office, the woes of the commuters living in Gairi Gaon, Kerabari, Kingsa and Dokchin in North Regu under Chujachen constituency.
The rural road from Aroobotey to Dokchin started three years back in 2011 and not even a kilometer of it can be used. The track is risky because of landslides, shooting boulders and the situation is worse during monsoons.
Rural connectivity with all possible facilities is the object of construction of roads in rural areas and it may not be much of a hassle to the land owners by converting fields into rocks, felling trees at the whim of the labourers. The requests of the villagers/ land owners for compensation always fall on deaf ears of the sub-division office and the concerned panchayat. The danger of land sinking and slides in the absence of drainage, protective walls to contain further deterioration of environment continues. The commuters think that the need of converting an already existing small RCC bridge at take off right flank of the road to a steel bridge is not so urgent. Instead the condition of the road should be improved at least for pedestrians. The slow progress of work in the past 36 months is deplorable.
It is an urgent need of the hour to monitor each and every project of the rural areas.
BB Rai [recvd on mail]

“Happy Sikkim” video release

GANGTOK, 27 Aug: Joining the string of videos on American singer Pharrell William’s song “Happy” is another one made by Sushmita Pakhrin of Lens Craft Production. The video ‘Happy Sikkim’ was released on Youtube today.
Addressing a press conference today, 31-year-old Ms Pakhrin said that the video features happiness, talents, culture and the scenic beauty of the state. The video sends out the message “We are from Sikkim and We are Happy”, she informed.
She was assisted by Kapil Khaling and Sisir Ghatani in making this 3:58 minute HD video. It took two weeks to make the video including nine days of shooting and post production. “We have tried to showcase the scenic beauty of Sikkim along with well-known and upcoming artists of the state”, said Ms Pakhrin.

SC Welfare Board delegation calls on Governor

GANGTOK, 27 Aug: A ten-member delegation of Scheduled Caste Welfare Board, Sikkim led by Chairperson, Santa Ghatani called on the Governor of Sikkim, Shriniwas Patil at Raj Bhavan on Tuesday.
During interaction with the members of the board after the formal exchange of greetings, the Governor enquired about the status of different sub-communities under the Scheduled Caste in the State and urged the members of the board to be sincere and dedicated in their efforts towards the welfare of the community, as per a press release.
Expressing his happiness over the non-existence of discrimination on the basis of caste in the state, the Governor also assured all possible assistance for their welfare. He asked the members to take maximum leverage of the policies and programmes of the State Government aimed at their well being, the release mentions.

Accountant General calls on Governor

GANGTOK, 27 Aug: Accountant General, Sikkim, Vanlal Chhuanga called on the Governor of Sikkim, Shriniwas Patil at Raj Bhavan on Tuesday. It was a courtesy call by Mr Chhuanga after assuming the charge of Accountant General, Sikkim on 12 August 2014.
The Governor extended his best wishes for a successful and memorable stay in Sikkim and expressed hope that he will have cordial relation with State Government during his term as Accountant General, Sikkim.

Sal timber consignment released for REDRH beneficiaries at Sumbuk

GANGTOK, 27 Aug: The Utilisation Division of Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department handed over the sixth consignment of 400 c.ft. of Sal timer to authorised representative of Sumbuk Gram Vikash Kendra, South Sikkim on 25 August for free distribution to REDRH beneficiaries, a Forest Department press release informs.

3rd INTER DEPARTMENTAL FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

Wins for Health and Sports departments
GANGTOK, 27 Aug: Health Department and Sports and Youth Affairs Department registered victories today in the ongoing 3rd Inter Departmental Football Tournament here at Paljor Stadium.
In the first match of the day, Health Department recorded a convincing victory by thrashing SIMFED by 7-0. Zigdel Bhutia of Health Department was chosen as the Man of the Match.
In the other match, Sports & Youth Affairs Department outplayed Sikkim Legislative Assembly 3-1. Jem Tshering Lepcha of SLA was adjudged as the Man of the Match.
On Tuesday, Roads & Bridges thrashed Buildings Department 7-0. Pema Bhutia of Roads and Bridges was adjudged as the Man of the Match. Likewise, DESME outplayed Information and Public Relation Department 2-0. Rajiv Rai of DESME was awarded with the Man of the Match trophy.

Vanaraja pullets distributed in Dzongu

MANGAN, 27 Aug: The closing day for the distribution programme of month-old Vanaraja pullets/chicks for backyard poultry farming was held on 25 August by the AHLF & VS department, North district.  100 beneficiaries from Dzongu constituency's watershed areas were provided pullets under Production system & Micro-Enterprise component of Integrated Watershed Management programme-I, North district, funded by the  Department of Forest, Environment & Wildlife Management.
The programme was attended by Chairman Transport Division, Pintso Lepcha as the chief guest accompanied by the CF Forest, DC Nepal, Joint Director AHLF&VS North, SK Subba, departmental officials from Forest, officials from the AHLF&VS department and the beneficiaries.
Deputy Director, Dr. Karma Tenzing Bhutia informed that each beneficiary has been provided 30 Vanaraja pullets/chicks to promote sustainable source of livelihood in the identified Watershed areas. As informed by the officials of the AHLF & VS department, the day-old chicks were raised in the departmental farm in Chanday for about a month with brooding and vaccination facilities and were distributed to the beneficiaries in order to curtail the mortality percentage and achieve optimum survival of the poultry birds at the Farmer’s backyard.
Before handing over the chicks, the beneficiaries were imparted training on poultry farming by Deputy Director Mangan, Dr. Dichen Ongmu Kaleon on disease and medication whereas Dy Director, Dzongu, Dr. CP Rai imparted knowledge on Bio-security measures and hygiene.
Joint Director, Dr SK Subba informed about the departmental scheme that seeks to provide means for sustainable income of the people of the state.
CF Forest, DC Nepal said that the Forest Department is conducting several projects like beautician training, broom making, etc for the people under the IWMP which has to be passed by the Gram Sabha first.
The chief guest in his speech urged all the beneficiaries to utilize the technical knowledge and guidance provided by the department and further added that the beneficiaries should make it a source of income for the scheme to be successful.
Also present in the function were DFO Forest, NT Bhutia, ACF, Samdup Bhutia and other officials.

Savari falls off road at Gurasey

GANGTOK, 27 Aug: A taxi vehicle [Savari] plying from Soreng to Gyalshing met with an accident at Gurasey, Pelling - Dentam Road on Tuesday. The vehicle fell off the road almost 30 ft below. There were 8 occupants inside the vehicle at the time of accident. Six occupants including the driver sustained injuries and were evacuated to District Hospital Gyalshing for medical attention. A case under section 279/337 IPC has been registered against the driver at Gyalshing Police Station.

One arrested for kidnapping

GANGTOK, 27 Aug: Rangpo Police has arrested one 22-year-old man for kidnapping a 14-year-old minor girl. The accused is a resident of Bijanbari, Darjeeling, at present residing at Lower Mamring, South Sikkim.

Namchi hospital staff assaulted

GANGTOK, 27 Aug: A male ward attendant of District Hospital Namchi was reportedly assaulted by an unknown person(s) at Hospital Complex at around 8:20 pm on Tuesday. The victim was on his way home after duty. He sustained injury on his head. A case under section 325/34 IPC has been registered at Namchi Police Station against the unknown person(s).

Truck plunges into river, driver missing

GANGTOK, 27 Aug: A truck met with an accident at 15th Mile Bhasmey on the Rangpo-Rorathang road at around 7 a.m. on Tuesday. The truck fell off the road into Rangpo khola. The vehicle was plying from Siliguri to Rhenock loaded with bricks. The driver of the truck is missing after the accident. Search and rescue operation is being carried out at the place of occurrence and river banks.

Meeting deliberates healthcare services at Dikchu

MANGAN, 27 Aug: Rogi Kalyan Samiti held a meeting at Dikchu PHC in North Sikkim on Tuesday to discuss the provision of quality health care services.
The meeting deliberated on the importance of accountability of health care providers and keeping up with the growing needs of the local population. Present during the meeting were CMO District Hospital Mangan, Dr. DS Kerongi along with the MO Dikchu PHC Dr. Surekha Rai, general secretary Dikchu Youth Welfare Association, Chung Chung Tongden Lepcha,  Sneha Kinetic Power Project Liaisoning Officer, Rajen Pradhan, BPM and staff of PHC.

Two-month training on tailoring begins in West Sikkim

GANGTOK, 25 Aug: Gyalshing-Bermiok MLA and RMDD Minister, SB Subedi inaugurated two-month Capacity Building/ Skill Up-gradation Training on Cutting and Tailoring on 22 August.
As per a press release, the training will be held for 30 beneficiaries at Pachreck, Bermiok and Yangsum under the Gyalshing-Bermiok constituency in West Sikkim. The training is being organised by the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Government of Sikkim under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) component of the Future Gaming and Hotel Services Pvt. Ltd. Kazi Road.
Addressing the gathering and beneficiaries, the chief guest stressed on the government's vision to equip every person in the state with skills so that they can earn a livelihood and become self reliant. He urged the beneficiaries to be disciplined, punctual and dedicated during the training.
The Minister also distributed one sewing machines to each beneficiary, the release mentions.
The programme was also addressed by KB Bhandari [Chairman, SIDICO] and Phurba Sherpa [Chairman, Juvenile Board].

New organisation to take up fake CoI issue

GANGTOK, 27 Aug: A new organisation – the “Concerned Sikkimese People” - has been formed to take up the issue of fake Certificates of Identification [CoI] legally. The organisation has appealed to the people of Sikkim to join hands with them to provide justice to “genuine” Sikkimese people.
This organisation has been formed by a group of youth from different districts of the state and is being run by an adhoc committee at the moment. The organisation has formed legal cells at all four districts to look into the issue of fake CoIs.
Addressing a press conference today, coordinator for West district, Sonam Gyatso Sherpa stated that the state government has announced to give preference to domicile and CoI holders in all sectors. Despite a suspected list of 31,180 fake CoI holders in the state no appropriate action has been taken so far, he stated.
Mr Sherpa claimed that there are many working in different government departments who hold fake CoIs. If this issue is addressed it may help solve the unemployment problem in the state, he added.
The organisation has appealed to the District Collectors, panchayats and others concerned to undertake thorough and strict verification before issuing CoIs. Any lapses in the issuing of CoIs would be strongly opposed, it was added. The organisation has further said that it wants legal action against those holding fake CoIs in fast track courts.
The press conference was also addressed by Rinzing Namgyal Lepcha, Sonam Norbu Bhutia, Asish Gurung and Bikash Gurung. The organisation has also requested people to contact them if they have any information on fake CoIs at 95933-78598 or 90021-00220.

Second round organic farming held in Zingla-Masha ward

GANGTOK, 27 Aug [IPR]: Second round ward level farmers training on organic farming and certification in Zingla Masha ward under Byeng Phegyong GPU was conducted by SIMFED on 21 August. Similar trainings were conducted in Lower Chisopani, Upper Chisopani and Tinek Wards under Sirwani Chisopani GPU in East Sikkim, informs a press release.
The training this time stressed upon the organic method of controlling diseases and pests. Kishan Singh of Maple Organics conducted on-farm demonstration of various organic inputs. Same inputs were also distributed to the farmers. All trainings witnessed video screening on organic farming and harmful effects of inorganic farming, the release mentions.
The trainings were attended by all respective Ward panchayats and concerned line Departmental officials along with SIMFED ICS Officials and field functionaries.

Sensitization workshop for cab operators and hotel staff REBYNA RANA

GANGTOK, 27 Aug: Dokham Tours and Travels in collaboration with Club Mahindra Royal Demazong conducted a daylong workshop - “4th Annual Capacity Building” - on 26 August here at the Chongyek, East Sikkim.
Sensitizing cab operators and local hotel staff on Tourism in Sikkim - past and future, TAAS president, Satish Bardewa said that they are the leading actors and face of the tourism industry in Sikkim. He urged them to be confident and committed toward their profession.
Stating that there has been a huge change in the way the tourism industry functions in the state, Mr Bardewa said that the state is now looking towards village or rural tourism. Here he urged those working in the tourism sector to be courteous and helpful towards tourists.
Deputy Director, Tourism Department, LP Targain spoke on Atithi Devo Bhava, where she said that providing a safe holiday destination is the policy of the Central Government.
AGM, RBI, Gangtok, AK Yadav spoke on Fake Indian Currency Notes [FICN] and Basic Banking while Unit Manager, SBI General Insurance Co. Ltd, Parag Saha Kundu spoke on General Insurance. Ex RM, SBI, RO, Gangtok, PT Sherpa spoke on the Dynamics of Entrepreneurship development and grooming.

Month-long Bioinformatics Education Programme underway for students

GANGTOK, 25 Aug: Bioinformatics Centre, Sikkim State Council of Science & Technology, Department of Science & Technology and Climate Change has started a month-long education programme on Bioinformatics at various schools and colleges around the State.
As per a press release, the programme started from Mangan Senior Secondary School on 19 August followed by Hee Gyathang Senior Secondary School, Passingdang High Secondary School, Dzongu and Phodong Senior Secondary School on 20, 21 and 22 August, respectively.
The Bioinformatics Education Programme (BEP) covers most of the schools of all four districts and few colleges of Sikkim. It is being organized with the support of Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.
Initiated by PT Euthenpa [Member Secretary, Sikkim State Council of Science & Technology], the Bioinformatics Education Programme is taking place under the guidance and supervision of Dr. BC Basistha [Additional Director and Coordinator] with the support of KB Subba [Assistant Scientific Officer and Co-coordinator, Bioinformatics Sub-DISC, Sikkim State Council of Science & Technology].
During the programmes, Laydong Lepcha [Information Officer, Bioinformatics Sub-DISC, Sikkim State Council of Science & Technology] gave presentations on the importance and recent developments in Bioinformatics in the world and its role in Biological Sciences for the Science students of Class XI, XII and students of Class X along with the Science teachers.
The main objective of this programme is to help students to understand the fundamentals of Bioinformatics and biological science and inspire them to take up science in their future studies, the release informs.

CM chairs meeting with Police top brass, announces formation of two companies of Women Armed Police Force

GANGTOK, 25 Aug [IPR]: The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling who also holds the portfolio of Home Department chaired a high level meeting with the Police Officers of Sikkim Police here in the capital on Saturday.
The meeting which was held in the conference hall of Police Headquarters here in the capital was attended by top brass police officers from all over the state which included Director General of Police, IGs, SPs from all four districts, SDPOs and SHOs from various police stations from all over the state.
The meet saw an interactive session where the officers placed their grievances, problems and their needs to the Chief Minister.
After giving a patient hearing to the grievances, difficulties and problems faced by the officers Mr. Chamling vowed to give all possible help from the government and take the matter up on priority basis.
The grievances which included problems like lack of man power in various police stations, communications problems like lack of telephone and mobile networks, and infrastructure problems were all addressed by the Chief Minister.
In his address, Mr. Chamling at the outset thanked the police personnel for conducting fair peaceful elections during the recently concluded Parliamentary and assembly elections and urged the force to work with same kind of sincerity and dedication, perform and exercise their duty with a people-friendly approach and stick to the rule of law.
Sikkim is a tranquil state and the credit should go to the law enforcers for keeping peace and security of the state intact, he added.
The Chief Minister also urged the Police Officers to motivate their junior staff to perform their duty properly by instilling the feeling of sense of belonging in them.
Further he added that infrastructure will be constructed for all the police stations and out-posts which are in rented premises and directed the concerned officers to find out land holdings where it can be constructed and submit the DPR as soon as possible and also announced full financial support to build them.
Mr. Chamling also stated that police force should be well equipped, trained and updated to fight and encounter any situation to maintain law and order in the state.
He also announced that like civil servants, officers from the force will also be sent for training to update them and will be provided with all the required logistic support to perform their duty properly.
The Chief Minister announced that at least two companies of Women Armed Police Force will soon be formed in the state and asked the DGP to work towards forming the said force soon.
Besides keeping the law and order situation in the state safe and intact Mr. Chamling stressed that the force should give top priority to keeping chemical fertilizers and pesticides, drugs and non bio-degradable materials like plastics completely out of the state.
Addressing the problems of promotions in the police department Mr. Chamling asked the department to come up with suitable ways and means to address the issue and also assured that he will do his best to solve the problem.
A suggestion for police memorial and museum in Aritar, East Sikkim came from one of the officers which the Chief Minister deeply appreciated and announced that it will be constructed there.
Issues of maintenance of smooth vehicular traffic in the capital were also discussed in detail during the meet and solutions for the same were also discussed in detail. DSP traffic also came up with suggestions like having prepaid taxis in the state to which the Chief Minister gave his consent stating that it was a good concept that could be implemented in the state.
The meeting was also attended by Chief Secretary R Ongmu and Addl Chief Secretary, SC Gupta.

Rains swamp road connectivity in South Sikkim

GANGTOK, 25 Aug [IPR]: Incessant rain for more than a week has affected many roads in the South district. As per the road condition report under South District as on 25 August, Yangang to Ravangla road is blocked at Dojak since July and restoration work will be initiated only after monsoon as the area is very fragile and the slide is quite huge.
Lingmoo to Yangang road is blocked at Mangzing since 23 August while  Yangang to Pabong road was blocked today at Fatak near Sibsu but has been restored. Phongla to Bermiok road is blocked at Bedhghari and is expected to open by 26 August.
Singtam to Bermiok road is blocked at Namphing due to washed out road formation on 24 August. Restoration work has been initiated and the road is expected to be restored within a week.
Frequent blockage on the Namchi Phongla road has been reported since a week though the Roads Department is continuously engaged in restoration work. The road extension work in the area has aggravated the landslide causing frequent blockage.
In addition, there are several reports of partial and severe house damages in the district. Concerned Revenue Surveyor and GVAs have already been directed to assess the damage for release of ex-gratia relief.  Directives have also been issued to all Revenue Surveyors and Asstt. Revenue Surveyors, not to leave their duty station during this monsoon period.
District Administration, South is also updating Food Stock position in the District on the official website of DAC Namchi (Facebook) on a daily basis along with road condition report for public convenience.

Boulder blocks road at Ambithang

MANGAN, 25 Aug:  The road to Mangan was blocked at Ambithang today after a huge boulder was brought down by heavy rainfall. A landslide has also washed out road formation at another spot in the same locality.
The commuters made their journey by transhipment from these two spots at Ambithang till 2.30 pm and some light vehicles made the journey from Dzongu via Hee-Gyathang and Sangkalang to reach Mangan.  
Traffic resumed from 2.30 pm for light vehicles after restoration work began.

Sikkim’s Robin and Kunzang to play for NorthEast United FC

GANGTOK, 25 Aug: Two Sikkimese footballers, Robin Gurung and Kunzang Bhutia have been included in the Indian Super League Team- NorthEast United FC which is co-owned by Bollywood star John Abraham and Shillong Lajong FC.
As per a press release from NorthEast United FC, the team is set to feature 14 domestic players from the I-League Club which will also see participation of top quality International players.  The Hero Indian Super League which is an IPL style football tournament promoted by IMG-R and Star India, is set to kick off in October.
Robin Gurung is a very good technical defender who can play in any defensive position, but with his pace, can also be a dangerous attacker from the wings. He has been playing football since childhood in Gyalshing in West Sikkim. It was in the year 2002, when he first played a football tournament in the Under 12 age category at Namchi Sports hostel, South Sikkim. During the same year he was selected to be part of the Subroto Cup under 14 exposure trip to New Delhi.
He signed his first professional contract with ONGC Mumbai in 2009 and then joined Rangdajied United in 2011. He returned to ONGC in 2012 and then Lajong FC signed the 22 year old defender and has since played a dominant role at the heart of the Lajong defence.
Robin Gurung is immensely excited to play for NorthEast United FC and has said that he is very proud and happy to be part of NorthEast United FC since Sikkim is also part of the NorthEast. He has stated that he looks forward to gain a lot of experience playing alongside top International players in this tournament and will give his 100 per cent on the pitch, the release mentions.
In addition to Robin Gurung, the Club has also selected Kunzang Bhutia of Sikkim. Kunzang who is very passionate about football first got the opportunity to represent his state in the Under 16 age category in 2006 and on seeing his talent and skills, he was then enrolled to the Sports Authority of India in 2007.
The 20-year-old goalkeeper had played for the Local Football League in New Delhi with SADRA FC in 2010 and played the Santosh Trophy for Sikkim during the same year.
Kunzang who is the only professional footballer from his hometown Lachung was offered a contract with the then Second Division I-League Club Royal Wahingdoh at the end of 2010 and the deal with the Shillong based Club ended in 2012.
The Lajong Coaching Staff approached Kunzang Bhutia to join the roster in the summer of 2013 and has since made a significant impact with the Club in various youth tournaments. His improvement is the main reason for his inclusion in the ISL squad and he hopes to gain a valuable experience.
The young goalie has said that this is a great opportunity and is hoping for an exciting and incredible season with the club, the release adds.

Vice President Ansari to visit Sikkim

GANGTOK, 25 Aug: The Vice President of India, Hamid Ansari is scheduled to make a two-day visit to Sikkim on 28 and 29 of this month. He will also be participating in an interactive session with students of Sikkim Manipal University at 5th Mile, Tadong on 29 August before leaving for New Delhi in the afternoon.
Governor Shriniwas Patil and Chief Minister Pawan Chamling along with other cabinet ministers, Chief Secretary and DGP will be receiving the Vice President at Libing helipad on 28 August. Minister RB Subba will accompany Mr Ansari from Bagdogra Airport.
The state has also prepared for road transportation of the Vice President in case of bad weather.  All arrangements have been made in coordination with the West Bengal government.
Mr Ansari will be meeting political leaders and other personalities in the afternoon of 28 August and will be staying at the new Raj Bhawan complex.
Hamid Ansari is the first Vice President of India who will be visiting Sikkim for a second time while in office. He visited Sikkim four years ago where he laid the foundation stone for the rail link at Rangpo.
The state government chaired a high level meeting with the heads of the departments  today to discuss preparations for the Vice President’s visit. The Home Secretary has been directed to coordinate with the office of the Vice President as well. All security concerns have been taken into consideration and security has been tightened in all major areas.

ACT working president opposes proposal to reduce area covered under ESZ

GANGTOK, 25 Aug: Affected Citizens of Teesta [ACT] working president, Tseten Lepcha, has stated that the proposal of the state government to reduce the area covered under Eco Sensitive Zone [ESZ] from 10 km [10,000 meters] to 25 meters and the ones proposed for 200 meters is highly inadequate.
It is informed that this draft proposal of the Government of Sikkim was submitted to the MoEF for consideration and accordingly the Draft notification for notifying ESZ was issued by MoEF on 03 February 2014 with provision for members of public to respond to it within two months.
Addressing a press conference on Sunday, Mr. Lepcha said that this proposal of the Sikkim government will have a “devastating impact” on the biodiversity of the state and will ensure a free-for-all in the protected areas.
He also informed that few who had access to the notification responded within the stipulated time. “It was noticed that even our response to the notification was never taken in consideration and infact the entire exercise was an eyewash to fulfil some of the conditions for undertaking such step,” he alleged.
According to Mr Lepcha the general public and stakeholders at large were never informed by the concerned department on such an important issue.
“It was brought to our notice by the Union Forest Minister in the Parliament that the proposal of the Sikkim Govt to declare the ESZ was approved and the notification was to be published,” he informed.
Mr Lepcha alleged that the entire process was undertaken in haste to favour industrial houses and therefore it was felt that a stronger appeal had to be made. Accordingly, he served a legal notice to the MoEF on 20 August 2014 stating that either the ESZ be at least 7 to 8 kms or the entire Draft notification be withdrawn and a fresh proposal be submitted after wide publicity to the public and proper consultation with all concerned. The legal notice has been issued by Advocate Rahul Choudhary, who has been working tirelessly for the protection and conservation of the rich bio diversity of the country.
Mr Lepcha has further accused officials of the Forest Department of advocating development over conservation instead of making the mechanisms for conservation even stronger and more sustainable.
It was informed that Mr Lepcha has also spoken to the concerned official of the MoEF and was assured that the concerns raised would be brought to the notice of the government. He has further appealed to all concerned citizens to come forward to support this issue and ensure that the environment is protected and not lament after it is destroyed.

Awareness programme for tourism stakeholders of Dzongu and Mangan

GANGTOK, 25 Aug: The Department of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim organized an Awareness & Sensitization programme for the Tourism stakeholders of Dzongu and Mangan region, North Sikkim on 22 August.
The programme was attended by PW Lepcha [SDM Mangan] as the chief guest and attended by the Councillors of Mangan Nagar Panchayat and President and members of Mangan Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC).
A press release informs that tourism stakeholders of Dzongu, Thingchim, Singhik and Ringhim areas of North Sikkim participated in the programme. The resource persons for the programmes were Freelance motivator, Manil Raj Rai, vice president Travel Agents Association of Sikkim, Tsering Dorjee and president Sikkim Hotels and Restaurants Association Pema Lamtha and ST Norbu.
The programme began with an interactive session between Mangan Tourism Development Corporation members, stakeholders and the representatives of Tourism and Civil Aviation Department wherein active discussions were held on issues such as feasibility of paragliding sport in Mangan and Dzongu, Reconnaissance and opening of new trekking routes, etc.
The main subjects covered in the programme were Ecotourism, Adventure, Home Stay Marketing and Tourist friendly approach, the release adds.

Legal and Health services collaborate to arrest suicide rate

TRAINING OF TRAINERS BEGINS ON MENTAL HEALTH & SUICIDE PREVENTION
GANGTOK, 25 Aug [IPR]: Three-day Training of Trainers on Mental Health & Suicide Prevention commenced here at the training hall of Sikkim Judicial Academy today. The programme has been organized by Sikkim State Legal Services Authority (SSLSA) in coordination with the Department of Health Care, Human Service & Family Welfare, Govt. of Sikkim.
Speaking at the inaugural function held in the Auditorium of High Court of Sikkim, Chief Justice, High Court of Sikkim & Patron-in-Chief, Sikkim SLSA, NK Jain, applauded the joint initiative undertaken  by  SSLSA and Health Department to reduce suicide rate in Sikkim.
Right to Health is also a fundamental right and the time has come to do research on suicide which has become a serious issue in the state, he added. He also mentioned exemplary achievement of Kerala in reducing suicide rate and stressed on massive awareness and controlling measures to be taken up in Sikkim.
Justice SP Wangdi, Judge, High Court of Sikkim & Executive Chairman, Sikkim SLSA/ Member, Central Authority, NALSA informed that the trainees of Para Legal Volunteers and Penal Advocates will undertake research to find the causes of suicide and preventive measures will be taken in proper coordination with health department after compiling data and information collected by trainees.
He further said that the enlightened trainees will impart information on suicide control at the series of awareness programme to be organized at schools, colleges and other places in order to sensitize students, youths and entire section of society.
Addressing the gathering,  Minister,  Health Care, Human Service & Family Welfare & IPR, AK Ghatani urged all the NGOs, civil society, religious organizations and heads of educational institutions to contribute effectively and whole-heartedly to make a difference in the number of lives tragically lost due to suicide every year.
Applauding the training programme, Mr. Ghatani stated that it is important for every section of the society to work collectively to decrease suicide rate in the state. He further appealed to citizens to be more committed and determined to address the issue of suicide prevention.
He also suggested to include lawyers, teachers, community leaders, social representatives and health workers in the group trainees. Emphasizing on mental health he said, mental health is not about absence of mental illness, it is all about how you think, feel and behave. People get imbalanced in their thinking, feeling and behaviour which leads to mental illness. The Minister further urged the participants to contribute significantly in state wide suicide controlling measures.
Director General-cum-Secretary, Health Deptt, Dr. K Bhandari enlightened the gathering about the cause of suicide and further mentioned that drug abuse and depression are two important causes of suicide in Sikkim. He stressed on need of detection of depression for treatment, which may control suicide rate and further expressed hope that such training programmes would help change the mental health scenario in Sikkim.
As per the latest report published by National Crime Report Bureau, Sikkim has the highest suicide rate [32 per lakh] followed by Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The national average suicide rate is 11.2.
It is informed that Dr. CS Sharma, Dr. CL Pradhan, NC Chankapa and Chung Chung Bhutia are the resource persons for the training programme. The programme was also attended by Secretary from department of Building & Housing, Food & Civil Supplies, senior officials from health department, Advocates, PLVs, students and staff.
The programme began with the welcome address presented by KW Bhutia [District & Session Judge] and vote of thanks was proposed by Bikash Sharma [US, Sikkim SLSA].

Health Minister represents Sikkim at conference of NE CMs

GANGTOK, 25 Aug [IPR]: Health Minister, AK Ghatani, represented Sikkim at the conference of Chief Ministers of the North Eastern states held at Assam Administrative Staff College, Guwahati on 21 and 22 August.
The conference was attended by Minister DONER and Chairman NEC, General VK Singh as the chief guest. Also present were Chief Ministers of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram, MPs,  Secretary DONER, Youth and Sports Minister from Meghalaya, Chief Secretary, Secretaries, and senior officials from Govt. of India and North Eastern region.
While addressing the august gathering, Mr. Ghatani shared the achievements, progress and the various initiatives undertaken by the Govt. of Sikkim and informed that the state of Sikkim ranks first among North Eastern states in terms of implementation of NLCPR and NEC projects in the region.
Speaking on the status of the NLCPR and NEC projects in Sikkim he mentioned that 179 projects stand completed out of 233 sanctioned projects under NLCPR and 66 schemes are accomplished among 144 sanctioned schemes and the remaining projects and schemes are in progress, he informed.
He further said that the Sikkim Government has left no stone unturned while carrying out projects and schemes even with delays in receiving resource. The Minister further added that Sikkim has topped in the proper utilization of funds for accomplishment of work under NLCPR and NEC among all eight North Eastern states.
Speaking at the regional level conference, Mr. Ghatani focused on the scenario of Health, Education, Capacity Building, Tourism and Organic Mission of Sikkim wherein he highlighted the Chief Minister`s Comprehensive Annual and Total Checkup for Healthy Sikkim (CATCH) programme and construction of multi-specialty hospital at Sichey.
He further briefed on allocation of 20% of plan funds for quality education of children, CM meritorious scholarship programme, free education up to college level which has been announced by the state Government for COI holders, CM`s Self Employment scheme, strength of tourism industry in Sikkim and Organic Mission 2015 conceptualized by Chief Minister. During the two-day programme Minister DONER and Chairman NEC, General VK Singh also inaugurated the North Eastern Galaxy Skills Finishing School at VIP area, Airport road, Guwahati.
Mr. Ghatani also had a conversation with Minister DONER and Chairman NEC wherein he informed about the youth centric approach of the state government. He informed Mr. Singh about the establishment of Sikkim Youth Development Board and Culture, Drama & Music Board in the state and further urged for the release of funds in favor of the board to empower youth in the state.
Mr. Singh was impressed with the youth centric initiative of the state government and particularly applauded the organic mission of the state government. He was also informed about the condition of the National Highway from Sevoke to Nathula.

SFA and FCs warm up for development of football in Sikkim

GANGTOK, 25 Aug: Sikkim Football Association convened a meeting with the premier division football clubs here in Gangtok on the afternoon of 24 August to give final shape to the earlier proposal which was discussed with the various football clubs on 10 August. The clubs were led by Bhaichung Bhutia at the meeting, an SFA press release informs. Bhaichung, it may be recalled, is the president of the Football Club Association of Sikkim.
The meeting unanimously endorsed the earlier decision to give membership with voting rights to eight Premier Division Clubs of Sikkim, the release informs.
Those clubs who are actively participating in the programs of SFA for more than 10 years have been offered permanent membership while other Sikkim Premier Division clubs will have to retain their Premier Division status to continue their membership.
If any club is relegated to the 2nd Division, the club will be allowed to continue its membership for one more year to improve their performance level and regain the Premier Division berth failing which such club will cease to be a member.
The meeting resolved to place these proposals before the next general body meeting of SFA as it involves amendment to the SFA Constitution.
The proposal of giving membership without voting right to registered 2nd division clubs was also vetted to be placed before next AGM. The meeting also discussed the stalled 2nd Division S-League and Sikkim Premier League which will have to be conducted at different venues owing to the ongoing Inter Departmental tournament which is going on at present at the Paljor Stadium in view of the time constraint before the start of the 36th All India Governor’s Gold Cup which is likely to take place from 10 to 21 October, 2014.
At the end of the deliberation, Bhaichung Bhutia thanked SFA for accommodating the clubs and and giving them their due share of recognition and importance. He assured all possible help and cooperation to ensure development of football in Sikkim, the release adds.
Stating that it is difficult for any NGO to function without support from the corporate and government sector, Mr Bhutia advised SFA to look for sponsorship to run all its activities. He also mooted the idea of appointing a CEO for SFA, the release mentions.
SFA vice president, Karma Yougyal explained the relegation process to the representatives of the clubs and expressed his concern over the delay in conducting the S-League.
SFA general secretary, Menla Ethenpa informed that now on there is no room for any association to come between the clubs and the SFA. Further stating that SFA and the clubs cannot do without each other, he said that since the clubs are now members of the association they would have to raise all issue in SFA meetings.
SFA president, BK Roka touched upon the importance of maintaining discipline in the football fraternity and expressed his happiness in resolving the issues and thanked everybody who worked for bringing the clubs and the association together. He also thanked Bhaichung Bhutia, Sherab Lepcha, Nima Thondup, S Dadul and Sumeet Thirani for attending the meeting and resolving the issues amicably, it is added.

SDF goes all out in preparation for Rangang-Yangyang bye-election

GANGTOK, 25 Aug: The Sikkim Democratic Front held a meeting today to discuss preparations for the upcoming bye-election for Rangang-Yangyang constituency in South Sikkim and to form an election campaign committee.
As per an SDF release, the meeting has appointed Ugen T Gyatso, Girish Chandra Rai [vice president south district], CB Karki [treasurer of SDF party], CL Gurung [Zilla Adhkashya South] and BM Ramudamu as the overall in-charges of the election campaign committee.
The party has further given charge at the block level to senior ministers, MLAs and Chairpersons. Senior party functionary and former Minister CB Karki and BS Panth are in charge of Rankey Gaon while Minister DD Bhutia, Chandra Maya Subba [MLA], Avinash Yakha, MB Rai and BB Rai have been given the charge of Rabong-Sangmoo village. Minister DT Lepcha, Phurmit Lepcha and former MLA Nimthit Lepcha will look after Upper Gangyap, Lower Gangyap and Karong-Gangyap block while Minister RB Subba, West district president Ran Bahadur Subba, OT Lepcha and R N Rai will look after Sripatam-Namphok block. Somnath Poudyal, SB Subedi, Am Prasad and DN Sherpa will campaign for Neya-Bram block.
Similarly, Mangzing and Lower Mangzing area have been assigned to GM Gurung, CB Karki and Binod Rai while Somnath Poudyal, SB Subedi, Tshering Wangdi Lepcha and OT Lepcha will campaign at Lingmoo-Kolthang area.
NK Subba, Tulshi Devi Rai, Manita Mangar and SB Rai will campaign in Upper Sripatam and Lower Sripatam area.
KT Gyaltsen, DR Thapa, Jorgey Namkha and JK Bhandari will look after the legal aspects of the election campaign while Bhim Dahal along with the publicity wing will coordinate the media campaign.
Youth will be mobilized under the leadership of Sonam Dadul Bhutia, Prem Chandra Gurung and MB Limboo whereas the Cheli Morcha will be mobilized by Tulshi Devi Rai, Tilu Gurung, Phurwanti Tamang, Raj Kumari Thapa, Tshering Diki Bhutia, Leela Karki and Devika Gurung.
The party has appointed Sonam Paljor Bhutia as treasurer of the election campaign.

District Level Science Seminar held for East

GANGTOK, 24 Aug: District Level Science Seminar on the topic “Innovations in Agriculture For a sustainable Future; Prospects and Challenges” was held for the East district on Saturday by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) HRD Department.
As per a press release, West Point Sr Sec School, PNG Sr Sec School and Rangpo Sr Sec School were declared as the winners of the seminar. These schools will now participate in the State Level Science Seminar to be held on   11 September at SCERT, Lower  Burtuk  Helipad Area, Gangtok.
21 Government schools of the district participated in the seminar which was attended by Jt Director, East, Sonam Denzongpa.
Mr Denzongpa, in his address, spoke on the importance of sustainable agriculture and also gave tips to the winning teams on how to improve on their presentations for the state level seminar. The judges for the district level seminar were Dr. Asish Yadav [Sr. Scientist,  ICAR Horticulture Department], DK Bhandari [Addl. Director, Department of Floriculture, Govt. of Sikkim] and Dr. Lhanjey  P Bhutia [Department of Botany, Sikkim Govt.  College], the release informs.
The programme began with the welcome address by Jt. Director SCERT, Indira Joshi. In the course of the presentations, there were question/answer sessions, where the judges asked series of questions on the topic to the participants.
The judges gave their valuable feedback and suggested techniques on improving their presentations for the State and National level.

IT Secretary in National e-Gov AppStore Assessment Committee

GANGTOK, 25 Aug: The Secretary, Department of Information Technology, Rajesh Verma has been nominated as Member of National level e-Gov AppStore Assessment Committee as part of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream project of Digital India project.
The National e-Gov AppStore project aims to provide a unified platform for configurable government applications that can be rapidly made available to the states. The eGov AppStore would be a marketplace for buying and selling of government applications developed by the public and private agencies. These applications will be hosted on the National Cloud.
Along with Rajesh Verma, Shefali Dash [DDG, NIC], Renu Budhiraja [Sr. Director DeitY], Representative of DG, STQC are nominated as members of National level e-Gov AppStore Assessment Committee.
The Digital India programme is a transformed version of the already running National e-Governance Plan. The project aims to provide thrust to nine pillars identified as growth areas. These pillars include broadband highways, everywhere mobile connectivity, Public Internet Access Programme, e-Governance, e-Kranti (which aims to give electronic delivery of services), information for all, electronics manufacturing, IT for Jobs and early harvest programmes.
The project also aims to ensure that all villages in India have high speed Internet and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi will head the monitoring group of the project and will aim to complete the project by 2019.

Namchi spruces up to host state level 'Teej' celebration

NAMCHI, 25 Aug: Namchi is gearing up for grand ‘Teej’ celebration and is all prepared to host and conduct the state level ‘Teej’ celebration this year. The celebration will be held at Siddeshvar Dhaam premises in Solophok Namchi on 27 August 2014 (23014, according to Nepali calendar).
Keeping in mind the auspicious and religious importance of ‘Teej’ festival the ‘Chettri-Bahun Paarivarik Sudhar Samiti‘ and its members from in-and-around Namchi along with Shree Siddeshvar Dhaam Parivar will jointly organize this festival. It is informed that many groups from different parts of the state will also participate in the cultural activities during the ‘Teej’ celebration.
The cultural activities performed will be related with ‘Teej’ festival and its essence like plays and dramas, dance, ‘Lok Dohori’ and many more. The celebration will start from 9:30 am onwards. The organizing committee has expected active as well as good participation from the people, while at the same time the ‘Teej’ organizing committee of Namchi Teej Festival has called upon all the participants to preserve Hindu Sanskriti, culture and the reverence and admiration it holds, by observing ‘Teej’ in a grand manner, as it is an important festival for Hindu followers. The organisers have also invited the Chief Minister for Namchi ‘Teej’ Festival.

Gangtok gets a new Mayor

LASSEY DOMA BHUTIA SWORN IN
GANGTOK, 25 Aug [IPR]: The Gangtok Municipal Corporation has a new Mayor now. Councilor of Syari Municipal Ward, Lassey Doma Bhutia was elected to the post of Chief Commissioner or Mayor of Gangtok Municipal Corporation in the election held today at the East District Collectorate. Lassey Doma Bhutia was the lone contender for the post of Mayor GMC.
Ms Bhutia was administered the oath of office by the District Collector East, Chewang Gyatso Bhutia, in the presence of Deputy Mayor GMC, Shakti Singh Choudhary, Commissioner GMC, CP Dhakal, Special Secretary UD&HD, LB Chettri who was present as the Election Observer, Deputy Municipal Commissioner GMC, HK Chettri and Councilors of various Municipal Wards under GMC.
Earlier, the election of Lassey Doma Bhutia was proposed on behalf of all the councilors by Councillor Ranipool Ward, Damber Dahal and seconded by Councilor Development Area YB Thapa. The proposal was unanimously supported by the councillors.
The District Collector then made a formal declaration of the election of Lassey Doma Bhutia as the Mayor of Gangtok Municipal Corporation.
It may be mentioned here that the Office of the Mayor of GMC had been lying vacant since March 2014 when the then incumbent quit the ruling party and joined SKM ahead of the elections and lost his seat and post to anti-defection rules of the GMC.

Felicitation cum farewell programme at Lingtam Secondary School

GANGTOK, 25 Aug: Lingtam Secondary School marked the appointment of Headmaster Dorjee Sherpa as Deputy Director MDM, HRDD Gangtok with a special felicitation cum farewell  programme held on Saturday at the school premises.
A press release informs that the school bade farewell to Mr Sherpa along with two teachers, Jangbu Sherpa and Sandhya Chettri, and one non-teaching staff Passang Lhamu Sherpa. The programme started with the welcome address by RL Pradhan followed by offering of traditional khadas to the outgoing Headmaster and teachers by all.
The school family felicitated former headmaster of the school, Mr Sherpa with an angavastra and a felicitation letter during the programme. Out of his 31 years of service under HRDD, he has served 25 years at Lingtam SS in different capacities.

Workshop on Incident Response System gets underway

GANGTOK, 25 Aug [IPR]: Five-day training and workshop on Incident Response System or IRS got underway here in the capital today.
The workshop is organized by Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department & Gangtok Municipal Corporation with support from Ministry of Home Affairs and UNDP India.
During the inaugural session, Deputy Secretary cum State Project Officer, Prabhakar Rai in his welcome note expressed his gratitude towards the resource personnel and also highlighted on the importance of the said work shop.
On the first day of the workshop which was attended by the officers of the line departments the resource personnel from New Delhi and Kolkata, Col Pathale [NIDM Consultant] and Sankha Santra [OSD GOWB West Bengal] respectively explained and informed the function and  objective of IRS and its importance.
The main objective of having this workshop is to enhance response capacity in urban areas through disaster preparedness and mitigation for the officials involved in response from the municipality and corresponding districts they informed.
Coordination in humanitarian response to disaster is not simply a specific set of actions rather an approach to emergency response that attempts to maximise its benefits and minimise inefficiencies. This involves coordination and collaboration through different phases of the response including planning, operation, data collection, information management and resource mobilisation. If the response is planned and the stakeholders are trained, there will be no scope for ad-hoc measures and the response will be smooth and effective, they stressed.
The resource personnel explained how the essentials of this system has evolved over a period of time by studying and analyzing the good management practices followed during management of incidents or disasters. This is a system which systematically packages best practices in management with proper monitoring system, Management Information System and organizational principles making it capable of adapting and improving the effectiveness of the response, they apprised.
They also enlightened the trainees and the attendants about the Objectives of IRS which are Unity and Chain of Command, Organizational flexibility, Unified Command, Span of control, Common terminology, Personnel accountability, Integrated communications, Resources management, Establishment and transfer of command and the Incident Action Plan.

3rd Inter Departmental Football Tournament

Second win for RMDD
GANGTOK, 25 Aug: Social Welfare Department defeated Irrigation Department with a lone goal today in the ongoing 3rd Inter Departmental Football Tournament here at Paljor Stadium. Karma Sonam of Social Welfare was adjudged the Man of the Match.
The other match between Sikkim Nationalised Transport and Human Resource Development Department ended in 3-3 draw. Fabian Lepcha of Sikkim Nationalised Transport received the Man of the Match title.
On Sunday, Rural Management & Development Department registered its second win defeating Forest Department 4-2. Santosh Bagdas of Forest Department was awarded with the Man of the Match trophy.
The second match, between SISCO Bank and Human Resource Development Department Pakyong ended in a 1-1 draw. Both the teams missed several opportunities to take the lead in the match. Nim Tshering Bhutia of SISCO was adjudged as the Man of the Match.
On Saturday, Power Department thrashed Home Department with 5 goals to nil in the tournament. Dinesh Subba of Home Department was awarded with the Man of the Match title.
In the other match, Land Revenue Department registered a victory over Agriculture and Horticulture Department with a solitary goal. Ong Tshering Lepcha of Land Revenue was adjudged as the Man of the Match.

Theft at Sichey

GANGTOK, 25 Aug: On the night of 21 August some unknown miscreant(s) broke into a house at Sichey, Gangtok and stole cash Rs. 5000 and 1½ tola gold by breaking the locker of a Godrej almirah. A case u/s 457/380 IPC has been registered against the unknown person(s) and efforts are being made to identify and trace the accused.

Cough syrups and two pills leads to SADA booking

GANGTOK, 25 Aug: Melli Police arrested a resident of Melli, South Sikkim, for being in possession of contraband substances. Three bottles of a cough syrup and two capsules of Spasmo-Proxivon were recovered from his possession. A case u/s 9/14 of SADA, 2006 has been registered against the accused.

Two suicides

GANGTOK, 25 Aug: A 31-year-old woman reportedly committed suicide by hanging at her residence at Upper Sichey, Gangtok on Saturday. The husband who discovered the body rushed her to STNM Hospital where she was declared dead. The deceased was a teacher by profession. The dead body was handed over to the legal guardian after autopsy.
In another case, a 42-year-old woman committed suicide by hanging in the kitchen of her residence at Kartok, West Sikkim on Sunday.

Two persons die after falling from a height

GANGTOK, 25 Aug: Two persons have lost their lives after falling from a height in the capital in the past few days.One Gyaltsen Tamang [21], a labourer engaged in a construction site in Sichey, fell while at work. He was rushed to the emergency ward of STNM Hospital in a serious condition where he succumbed to his injuries. In another incident, a 54-year-old man fell from the terrace of his building at Upper Sichey on 21 August, Thursday. The deceased reportedly slipped and fell from the stairs of the second floor of the building as there was no railing on the stairs. He was rushed to STNM Hospital for medical aid and thereafter referred to CRH Tadong for further treatment. The deceased succumbed to his injuries on Sunday.

Deorali Samaj Kalyan Sangh elects new body

GANGTOK, 25 Aug: Deorali Samaj Kalyan Sangh has dissolved its working committee in a meeting held on Sunday and conducted the election for the post of president, general secretary and treasurer.
A press release of the organisation informs that DB Gurung was appointed as the Election Commissioner with Jerry Basi, Chung-Chung Bhutia, Sambhu Pradhan and Roshan Chettri as members in the election committee.
The release informs that Chenga Lama has been elected as president, Dependra Mohara as general secretary and Shyam Sundar Lakhotia as treasurer. All three won the elections uncontested.

Workshop on preventive conservation of museum objects concludes

GANGTOK, 25 Aug: The valedictory function of the workshop on preventive conservation of museum objects was organized at Archives office, Zero point, Gangtok on Sunday. The Minister for Cultural Affairs & Heritage Department and Roads & Bridges Department, GM Gurung was the chief guest while the guest of honour was the Joint Secretary from Ministry of Culture, Government of India, New Delhi, Pramod Kumar Jain. Director, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Tashi Densapa, was the special guest.
As per a press release, before the start of the valedictory function the Sikkim Fire Service team gave a fire fighting demonstration vis-à-vis safety of museum objects wherein all the candidates participated. The team was led by Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Prakash Rai.
During the function, three participants; Pema Kesang Sherpa from NIT, Gajesh Pradhan from Ram Gauri Shangralaya, Rhenock and Rinzing Ongda Bhutia from Pemayangtse shared their experiences. They mentioned that such a programme should be conducted very often because they have realized that they were ignorant of so many things which are very important for conservation of museum objects.
Rinzing Ongda, one of the senior monks from Pemayangtse monastery, West Sikkim pointed out that such workshop should be conducted in different monasteries of Sikkim which would be more practical and meaningful.
The Director NRLC, BV Karbade briefed about the activities conducted by his team members in the three days. Expressing his satisfaction with all the participants for their good response, he requested individual participants to exchange their knowledge to atleast ten people per head so that awareness of preventive conservation reaches to every individual. He also suggested that they submit a proposal for the purchase of 'Jatan' software for the registration of museum objects and artifacts to the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, the release mentions.
While addressing the gathering, Joint Secretary of Ministry of Culture expressed his happiness to see that the participants are passionate about learning preventive conservation methods. He mentioned that learning and teaching is simple but applying the method in our day-to-day life is difficult. So he requested all the participants to start implementing the methods in their respective monasteries and museums.
The Joint Secretary also said that Sikkim has lot of potential to create museums within the four districts which would attract a lot of tourists and assured that the financial assistance for the establishment of these museums will be provided by the Ministry. He further promised to provide funds for the establishment of laboratory within the upcoming State Museum. He also assured to provide assistance for the preparation of DPR.
Congratulating all the participants for their successful participation in the workshop, the Minister GM Gurung said that the basic objective of organizing this workshop is to inculcate the idea of taking safety measures as well as preventive conservation of museum objects for the future. He also emphasized for the maintenance of proper register of artifacts in every monastery which will be registered by the Cultural Affairs & Heritage Department.
Expressing his gratitude to the Joint Secretary, MoC, Govt. of India for his assurance to provide grants for museums up gradation, he directed the Special Secretary and Joint Director Cultural Affairs & Heritage Department to pursue the matter immediately with the Ministry of Culture. He also directed the Department to put up a proposal for the establishment of museum at Nathula which will be one of the highest museums in India.  
The function ended with colorful folk dances of Sikkim performed by young artists. Other dignitaries present during the function were RT Lepcha [Special Secretary, Cultural Affairs & Heritage Department], Phurden Lepcha [Curator from State Central Library], staff from Cultural Affairs & Heritage Department and all the participants from different monasteries and private museums.