SLYA urges Govt to reconsider site proposed for Kali statue

GANGTOK, 21 Jan: Sikkim Lepcha Youth Association [SLYA] has expressed reservations over the site proposed for the construction of a statue of goddess Kali at the Pandim Garhi in Central Pendam, East Sikkim by the state government.
A press release from the association informs that an SLYA team undertook a reconnaissance tour of the area on 20 January and has placed its report with the State government urging it to reconsider the location selected for the proposed construction.
The release mentions that the present site lies within the Pandim Garhi compound considered a heritage site by the Lepchas and “might undermine the sanctity of the centuries old heritage structure and greatly hurt the cultural ethos of the Lepcha people”.
The association has further expressed that in view of the dearth of verifiable chronicles of the Lepcha community that has hampered the reconstruction of the prehistory of Sikkim, such structures as the Pandim Garhi must be preserved.
The release further states that “while acknowledging the unprecedented developments brought about by the present government and its relentless endeavour in transforming Sikkim into one the most popular tourist destinations of India, the organisation vehemently believes that the present government will take a holistic view of the situation and shall come up with new approach that might be devoid of compromising the sanctity of the heritage site”.

GVS conducts 12-day football coaching camp at Central Pendam

GANGTOK, 27 Jan: Gram Vikash Sangthan [GVS], an NGO based in Central Pendam, has been running a football academy and conducting coaching camps since 2007. This year too, GVS conducted a 12-day coaching camp from 13 to 26 January.
Out of the 49 students who participated in the camp, 8 were selected to join the academy. Students from all four districts participated in the camp this year. On the final day of the camp, SFA general secretary, Menla Ethenpa was present as the chief guest.
In his address, Mr Ethenpa appreciated the efforts of GVS in promoting the sport in rural areas. He further said that such camps are beneficial for the youth as it helps them to steer clear of anti-social activities and urged parents to support such initiatives.
It may be mentioned here that the GVS team came in second in last year’s SFA 2nd division league held at Paljor Stadium. [from SANJAY AGARWAL]

ATMA conducts Soil Testing and Soil Health training at Central Pendam

GANGTOK, 02 Jan: The Agriculture Technology Management Agency [ATMA], East, FS and AD Department conducted a training cum demonstration programme on Soil Testing and Soil Health Management at Bhurung, Central Pendam on 08 Dec 2011.

GVS to host football coaching camp from 06 to 21 Jan

GANGTOK, 21 Dec: Gram Vikash Sangathan, a Central-Pentam based NGO, is organising the 5th Rural Football Winter Camp 2012 at Central Pendam Senior Secondary School playground from 06 to 21 January. The camp is for U-16 boys and U-15 girls.

Sub-K services sabke liye!

RESERVE BANK’S FINANCIAL INCLUSION PROGRAMME LAUNCHED IN CENTRAL PENDAM
RANGPO, 18 Dec: BASIX Sub-K itransactions Ltd, a mobile banking enablement company of the BASIX Group, launched the Reserve Bank’s Financial Inclusion programme in Sikkim at Rangpo yesterday. The company has the mandate to reach banking services [Axis Bank in the present case] to unbanked citizens by setting up micro-ATM counters at provision stores across rural and semi-urban India.

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.

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.

Old age home to come up at Ralong

GANGTOK, 29 Nov: Minister, Neeru Sewa announced the construction of an Old Age Home at Ralong under Central Pendam constituency in a meeting held at Rangpo today.