Relief provided to landslide affected families in Melli Paiyong GPU

NAMCHI, 18 Sept: Landslides have reportedly damaged around 5 houses in various places of Melli Paiyong GPU under Melli constituency of South Sikkim. The severely affected sites have already been visited by SDM (HQ), DPO South, RI, along with the concerned Panchayat and relief has been provided to the affected families.
Another relief camp was set up at Ambotey, Tinik Chisopani GPU for 4 affected families consisting of 24 persons. Panchayat President of Ambotey, LK Jogi has been designated as Relief Camp In-charge. SDM Namchi along with QRT visited Rangbul and Assangthang area on 17 September and evacuated 3 families in both the places.
Similarly SDM (HQ), DPO, RI, along with concerned Panchayat visited Melli Paiyong GPU and shifted the affected families to safer locations. Immediate relief was provided to all affected families.  Damages of power supply lines and water source were also found in various locations under South District.

Melli Dara Paiyong convenes Jan Sunwais for rural water supply projects

GANGTOK, 09 Sept: Melli Dara Paiyong Gram Panchayat Unit today convened a Jan Sunwai [public hearing] today on two Rural Water Supply works being undertaken at different wards of the GPU, informs a press communiqué received from the RDA, Madhav Sharma.
The works in question are the “RWSS from Khani Khola to Sharma & Pradhan Gaon” under Melli Gumpa Ward having sanctioned amount of Rs. 16,12,350 and “RWSS from Khani Khola to Upper Paiyong for 25 families” under Upper Paiyong sanctioned at Rs. 31,45,000.
The demand for these works was placed during the Chief Minister’s visit to the area as part of his 42-Day tour of the villages of Sikkim, the release informs.
The Gram Panchayat has been conducting Jan Sunwais for every sanctioned work before execution as per the directions of the Chief Minister in order to ensure quality work as well as directly involving the beneficiaries in monitoring the work, the release explains.
The Jan Sunwai was presided over by Panchayat President Ganesh K. Rai and was attended by the Gram Panchayat members, A.E., BAC Sumbuk Sandeep Khatiwara and the beneficiaries and concerned cooperative members executing the works.
Mr. Khatiwara explained the technicalities of the works and method to be adopted during the execution of the works in detail and also highlighted that the cost of supply items and civil work for “RWSS from Khani Khola to Sharma & Pradhan Gaon “ would be Rs. 6,84,273 and Rs. 9,28,077 respectively. For “RWSS from Khani Khola to Upper Paiyong”, the cost of supply items would be Rs. 1,26,000 and the cost of civil works would be Rs. 18,85,000.
The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude towards the Chief Minister for sanctioning the works and appreciated the concept of Jan Sunwais being held prior to the execution of works which will really help in ensuring quality of work and proper monitoring, they said.

Pilot project on “Mainstreaming Youth in Local Self Governance” gets underway at Melli Dara Paiyong GPU

GANGTOK, 31 Aug: A programme on “Mainstreaming Youth in Local Self Governance”, an initiative of the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Chennai being implemented in the GPU as a pilot project was officially launched at Melli Dara Paiyong GPU today.
A press release informs that the project seeks to get the involvement of youth in various planning and development process at various levels with an aim to tap the huge potential of the youth. Speaking on the programme, Project Coordinator, Suren Mohra highlighted the aims and objectives of the programme.
A short awareness program on Cyber Village was also conducted in which a brief presentation detailing the concept of Cyber Village was given and the benefits, roles and responsibilities were discussed. A five-member committee was also constituted to ensure proper and timely completion of the project headed by the Panchayat President, Ganesh K. Rai, the release mentions.
It is to be noted that Melli Dara Paiyong GPU has been selected for the implementation of Cyber Village conceptualized by the Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling whereby the village shall be fully covered with broadband internet facility along with numerous e-services.
The Gram Panchayat had invited one of the Board of Directors for Sikkim Milk Union, NB Pradhan who had recently visited Denmark and Switzerland on an exposure tour on Dairy Farming. In his address, he shared the good practices adopted in dairy farming. He urged dairy farmers to go for single high yielding breed rather than rearing three or four local breeds, the release adds.

Consultants visit Melli Dara GPU for Cyber Village Project

GANGTOK, 23 Aug: A team headed by Principal Director, Rajesh Verma and Joint Director, IT Department, Sangdup Bhutia along with consultants from Techno Identity Pvt. Ltd., a Hyderabad based firm specializing in e-governance paid a visit to 22-Melli Dara Paiyong GPU in connection with Cyber Village Project.
The idea of Cyber Village was conceptualized by the Chief Minister Pawan K. Chamling during his 40-day tour to the villages of Sikkim. The Principal Director highlighted the importance as well as components of Cyber Village. He iterated that 22-Melli Dara Paiyong GPU has been taking initiatives in the IT sector covering e-governance as well which motivated the Department to select the GPU for this project.
It was revealed that the project will ensure technology, broadband internet connectivity and e-governance at the grass root level. The President of the GPU Ganesh K. Rai expressed his gratitude to the department for taking such a good project and also thanked the Chief Minister for envisioning such a unique and service oriented concept, a first of its kind in India at this Micro Level which will be a boon for the public at large.
He also assured the department of providing all possible inputs and assistance for the smooth and early completion of the project. The Joint Director, Sangdup Bhutia shared his experiences from his visit to Korea about the best practices and sustainability of e-governance.

RGNIYD students assess Service Delivery System and Public Participation at Melli Dara Paiyong GPU

GANGTOK, 19 July: Melli Dara Paiyong Gram Panchayat Unit invited two students from Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Chennai, Sudharshana Laxmi and Vishnu Prasad S, both pursuing MA in Local Governance to assess the success of various initiatives taken by the Gram Panchayat in its tenure and also to make an assessment on the satisfaction rate of the people of the Gram Panchayat regarding the Service Delivery System adopted in the Gram Panchayat Unit. 
It may be mentioned here that the Gram Panchayat had visited Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Chennai in the year 2011 headed by the president Ganesh K. Rai.
According to a press release, under a program supported by State Institute of Rural Development, the two students have prepared case studies on Service Delivery System and Public Participation of the Gram Panchayat Unit. The Gram Panchayat wants to assess all the initiatives taken in its tenure of five years which is going to end this year.
The case study on Service Delivery System has been prepared by Sudharshana Laxmi with an aim to find out the satisfaction of the public towards Service Delivery System. The release informs that during the case study, it was found that more than 50% of the beneficiaries agree that: Services are provided within stipulated time, Staff are available throughout the working hours, Receipts are provided for all fees paid, Staff are efficient and quick service delivery saves lot of time, Grievances are addressed promptly while 100% people strongly agree that revenue generated is utilized properly
In the concluding remark, it was mentioned that the GPU has attained high level of satisfaction from the residents.
The case study on Public Participation has been prepared by Vishnu Prasad S. The main objective of the case study is to understand functioning of Panchayati Raj in Sikkim with respect to 22-Melli Dara Paiyong Gram Panchayat Unit and to make a critical assessment of public participation in Gram Sabha and other allied activities.
During the course of the study, many facts were revealed which are: Active participation of senior voters in the Gram Sabha is very high, Active participation of youth in Gram Sabha is low and Around 60% of the people are actively participating in Cooperative Societies.
It was further revealed form the study that main strengths of the GPU are Infrastructure, Fund, use of Information Technology and good leadership. The major weakness highlighted was less importance to institutions like SHGs, Youth Club, SMC etc, the release adds.

World Bank Water & Sanitation Specialist visits Melli Dara Paiyong’s Solid Waste Management Unit

GANGTOK, 03 July: World Bank Water & Sanitation Specialist of the Water & Sanitation Program (WSP), New Delhi, Suseel Samuel recently visited the Solid Waste Management Unit of Melli Dara Paiyong GPU at Melli Paiyong. 
A press release informs that the objective of the visit was to have firsthand information about how the Solid Waste Management Unit is operating in the Gram Panchayat Unit and to make a compendium of good practices in water & sanitation in India.
The unit was selected by the Water & Sanitation unit under RMDD, Govt. of Sikkim as a model unit in the state at a Gram Panchayat level.
The release mentions that Mr. Samuel was quite impressed with the way the garbage is managed in the GPU. The panchayat president, Ganesh K. Rai appraised him about how the unit has come into being and also talked about the future plan for this SWM Unit.
Citing the examples of Kerala, Sweden and Malaysia, Mr. Samuel suggested some good practices which could be emulated here as well and wished success for the sustainability of the unit, the release adds.

Melli Dara Paiyong steering committee meets for water conservation

GANGTOK, 18 May: Melli Dara Paiyong GPU declared the year 2012 as a “Year of Water Conservation” to address the scarcity of water this GPU has been facing for the last two years or so. A press release informs that the first meeting of the steering committee on water conservation was held at Village Administrative Centre, Melli Dara today which was chaired by the Panchayat President of the GPU, Ganesh K. Rai.
The committee was formed as per the consensus of the 20th Gram Sabha held recently.
Field Facilitator, BAC Sumbuk, Suren Mohra was also present today as an expert and consultant on water conservation who gave a presentation on Dhara Vikas. He suggested some measures to conserve water which calls for immediate attention from the Gram Panchayat in order to address this burning issue, the release mentions.
Consultant from Maple Orgtech Ltd, Ravi Balmiki was also invited in today’s meeting to discuss on the treatment and reuse of water wherein he made the committee aware about waste treatment which all the members took positively.
The meeting finally passed the resolution to take up the water conservation work in a phased manner. Realising the present water crisis in the GPU, the Gram Panchayat has decided to use its maximum resources for this purpose to nip the problem at its bud, the release states.
All the members present today gave their valuable suggestions and assured of their all possible help in this direction as water scarcity has posed a big challenge for the entire GPU. The committee has also decided to conduct field survey in the entire GPU and find out measures to improve water conservation, the release adds.

Melli Dara Paiyong GPU conducts its first ‘Jan Sunwai’

GANGTOK, 04 May: 22 Melli Dara Paiyong GPU conducted its first ever ‘Jan Sunwai’ at Paiyong on Thursday on the ‘Up-gradation of 100 KVA Sub-Station into 200 KVA at Paiyong’ at a cost of Rs 8.38 lakh which was sanctioned by the Energy and Power Department.
A press release informs that the Sunwai was held in compliance with the Chief Minister’s direction to all Departments and Panchayats to compulsorily conduct a ‘Jan Sunwai’ for every sanctioned work prior to the execution so as to make people aware of the provisions of the work to ensure quality in the execution of the work. The GPU had passed a resolution at the recently conducted Gram Sabha to conduct Jan Sunwai of all sanctioned works.
The Jan Sunwai was chaired by Panchayat President, Ganesh K. Rai and was attended by Vice President, D R Sharma, Secretary, D B. Pradhan, Block Development Officer, Dinesh Pradhan, D. E. of Energy & Power Department, Melli, SD. Negi, J.E., Panchayat Inspector, beneficiaries of the sanctioned work and the contractor, Melli Dara Paiyong Electrical Contractors’ Cooperative Society. The release informs that Mr Negi explained all the provisions and the components of the estimate and he also stressed on how to judiciously use the energy. The issue regarding shifting of the power station from the present location was also discussed and the decision was taken to shift the same to a different location.
Panchayats, BDO and public expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for coming up with such a good decision to make people aware about all the components of the work prior to its execution. Now people can also keep an eye on how the work is being executed which will certainly ensure quality development which has been the slogan of the 4th term of the SDF government, the release mentions.

Training for Biogas users held at Melli Dara

GANGTOK, 19 March: A daylong “User’s Training Course on Biogas” was organized by the State Renewable Energy Development Authority [SREDA] at the Village Administrative Centre, Melli Dara, South Sikkim today. The training was sponsored by Ministry of New & Renewable Energy.
MB Tamang, former Advisor, Horticulture Deptt, was present as the chief guest accompanied by officials from the line departments.
The Melli Dara Paiyong Panchayat President, Ganesh K. Rai, welcomed the guests and trainees followed by Senior Supervisor DB Rai who explained the Operations & Maintenance of Biogas.
Project Director, SREDA, Siphora Targain, in her address, appreciated the work done by this GPU for the betterment of the residents and assured all assistance to make SREDA Programmes in the GPU successful. In this regard, she detailed the different projects adopted by SREDA to make the use of renewable energy sources.
An interactive session was also held.

CBWE holds special programme for Panchayati Raj functionaries at Melli-Dara

MELLIDARA, 20 Jan: Three-day special programme for Panchayati Raj functionaries being organized by Central Board for Workers Education (CBWE), Ministry of Labour and Employment, Govt. of India was inaugurated by Melli MLA, Tulshi Devi Rai, today here at the Melli Dara Panchayat conference hall.
In the inaugural session, Education Officer, Regional Directorate CBWE, Hakimpara, Silliguri, AC Lahiri highlighted the objective of the programme, the essence of the establishment of CBWE and the various activities of CBWE.
Retired Secretary of Agriculture Department, S Lama, who was present as a Resource Person highlighted the role and responsibilities of PRI representatives and functionaries for Rural Development and stressed that Panchayats are the key agents for the holistic development of the locality. He also highlighted the history of Panchayati Raj in the country and in the state of Sikkim.
Police Inspector of Melli Police Station, Bijay Subba gave a presentation on role of Panchayats on maintaining law and order in the rural areas. In his presentation he urged the PRI representatives towards building good public and police relationship to minimize the incidence of crime in the area.
Peace and tranquility is the great wealth of our state so we have to keep this momentum through good coordination and harmony between the law enforcement agencies and public representatives, he expressed.
Coordinator of Panchayat Mahila Ewam Yuva Shakti Sangathan, Sikkim, Dr. Shanti Chhetri on her part, highlighted on women’s empowerment and legal rights. She urged the Panchayat representatives to lend a helping hand towards empowering women.
She also stressed on why training is necessary for PRI representatives and functionaries and urged the PRIs to work in controlling women trafficking, early marriage, etc.
Chief guest of the programme, MLA Melli, Tulshi Devi Rai addressing the gathering thanked CBWE for organizing such a programme for the benefit of Panchayat Representatives and functionaries since the Panchayati Raj system is the key system for the holistic development of rural areas.
Applauding the Panchayats of Melli BAC she said that their efficiency and competence greatly supports the MLA in the developmental process. She further said that in the upcoming Panchayat election the present Panchayats have an important role to play in selecting good candidates.
Tomorrow, Field Facilitator, BAC Sumbuk, Suren Mohra will give a presentation on Gram Sabha in Sikkim, need and significance followed by the presentation on MGNREGS by BDO Sumbuk, Dinesh Pradhan. The third presentation on Right to information Act will be given by Deepak Kumar Pradhan, ADC (Development).
The programme was attended by Zilla Panchayat member of Melli-Turuk territorial constituency Farwanti Tamang, President of Turuk-Ramabung GPU, Sarat Raj Pradhan, President of Mellidara-Payoung GPU, Ganesh Rai, Panchayat President of Sadam- Suntoley, Ganga Psd. Pradhan, Panchayat President of Lungchok-Kamery GPU, RP Gurung and all other members of GPU, BDO Sumbuk Dinesh Pradhan, Rupendra Rai, APO (MGNREGS) BAC Sumbuk, BAC Sumbuk, RAD and office staff of 22 Mellidara-Payoung GPU.

Residential sports camp begins at Melli Gumpa School

GANGTOK, 02 Jan: A month-long residential Winter Sports Camp began today at Melli Gumpa Secondary School of Melli Dara Paiyong GPU in South Sikkim. The sports camp is aimed at assisting holistic development of children and is being offered to those aged between 10 to 15 years. A staggering 101 children have enrolled for the camp.

Melli Dara-Paiyong celebrates Cooperative Week

GANGTOK, 18 Nov: 22-Melli Dara-Paiyong Gram Panchayat Unit celebrated the 58th All India Cooperative Week on 18 Nov at CM Pradhan auditorium, Melli Dara, on the theme ‘Empowerment of women, youth and weaker sections through cooperatives’, informs a press release.

Alumni felicitates Melli Gumpa School on being adjudged best performing school

GANGTOK, 21 Oct: The alumni association of Melli Gumpa Secondary School, in association with Melli Dara Paiyong GPU, organized a felicitation programme at the CM Pradhan Auditorium at Melli Dara to felicitate Melli Gumpa Secondary School, South Sikkim, for its achievement as the “Best Performing School” among the government schools in the state for the year 2011.

Melli Dara Paiyong gets earnest about avenue plantation

GANGTOK, 11 July: The Melli Dara Paiyong Gram Panchayat Unit, in association with the area’s Joint Forest Management Committee, organized an avenue plantation cum awareness programme on Forest Conservation today.
A press release informs that the programme, held at Melli Dara, with the area MLA Tulshi Devi Rai, was also supported by the Melli Range Office (T).
The welcome speech was presented by the GPU vice-president Datta Ram Sharma. Also on the day, the RO [T], DR Sharma announced that he would to contribute Rs. 1000 per month to meet the wages of a caretaker for the roadside plantations, the release informs.

Deputy Comptroller & AG of India visits Melli Dara GPU

GANGTOK, 24 June: Deputy Comptroller and Auditor General of India, TK Sanyal along with DAG, AF Dungdung, along with officials from RM&DD visited Melli Dara today. The purpose of the visit was to find out how Panchayati Raj Institutions were following the new accounting module initiated by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, informs a press release.
The Dy. C & AG was warmly welcomed by the Gram Panchayat members. He inspected the VAC and appreciated the various initiatives taken by the Gram Panchayat.

Sikkim’s best performing GPU holds its 17th Gram Sabha

GANGTOK, 23 May: The 17th Gram Sabha of Melli Dara Paiyong Gram Panchayat Unit was held on 21 at CM Pradhan Auditorium at Melli Dara. The Gram Sabha started with a 30-second silence observed to mourn the passing away of six Gram Sabha members who passed away since the last Gram Sabha was held.
The President welcomed the Gram Sabha and thanked all the Gram Sabha members for their full participation in the Gram Sabha because of which the Gram Panchayat was able to bag the Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Purashkar-2011.
The Panchayat Secretary placed the financial report of the Gram Panchayat for the financial year 2010-11. After the financial statement, each member placed a report on Village Development Action Plan, followed by a thorough discussion on the same.

Melli Dara Paiyong’s national award-winning panchayat team returns to warm reception

PURAN TAMANG
MELLI, 27 April: The Panchayats of Melli Dara Paiyong GPU, who bagged the Rashtiya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar 2011 in recognition of the effective gram sabhas held by them, were accorded a warm welcome on their return to their home constituency, Melli in South Sikkim, on Tuesday. The national award was conferred on the GPU at a special function held in New Delhi on Sunday, the National Panchayati Raj Day.
The panchayat members, led by their president, Ganesh Kr. Rai, were received at the Melli check post by a huge gathering of proud Sikkimese with traditional khadas and led to the bazaar in a procession accompanied with a celebratory burst of firecrackers.
The Melli Dara Paiyong GPU members are: President Ganesh Kr. Rai, Vice-President Data Ram Sharma, Secretary Dhan Bdr. Sharma, members Passang Doma Bhutia, Laki Doma Tamang and Santa Kumar Rai. Accompanying them were Zilla panchayat Farwanti Tamang, technicians Santosh Subba and Mani Kr. Rai and RDA Madhav Sharma.

Sikkim bags two awards at National Panchayati Raj Day celebrations

SIKKIM STANDS THIRD IN PANCHAYAT EMPOWERMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY; MELLI DARA PAIYONG RECEIVES RASHTRIYA GAURAV GRAM SABHA PURASKAR
GANGTOK, 25 April: Melli Dara Paiyong Gram Panchayat Unit has been conferred with Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar 2011. The award, instituted by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, was received by the president of the GPU, Ganesh K Rai, at a special function held in New Delhi on Sunday to commemorate National Panchayati Raj Day.
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj had declared the period from 02 October 2009 to 02 October 2010 as Year of the Gram Sabha and those Gram Panchayats which conducted Gram Sabha in excellent manner were awarded.

Sikkim figures among best performing States in Panchayati Raj, again

STATE BAGS THIRD POSITION IN PRI PERFORMANCE IN COUNTRY; MELLIDARA-PAIYONG SELECTED FOR RASHTRIYA GAURAV GRAM SABHA PURASKAR 2011
GANGTOK: Sikkim has yet again been selected as the third-best performing State in the country for progress recorded by Panchayati Raj here for the year 2010-11, informs a Press release received from the Rural Management & Development Department.
Among the North-East States, Sikkim has emerged as the top Panchayati Raj State, the release adds.
The State will receive a cash incentive award of Rs. 1 crore for this achievement. Further, Mellidara Paiyong Gram Panchayat, South Sikkim, a consistent performer in PRI achievements, has been awarded the “Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar - 2011” for “convening and conducting regular and vibrant meetings of the Gram Sabhas”. This award carried a cash component of Rs. 10 lakhs, the release adds.
The Minister and Secretary, Rural Management & Development Department, along with the Sabhapati of Mellidara Paiyong Gram Panchayat will receive these awards from the Prime Minister of India during a special conference scheduled to be held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi for 24 April, the National Panchayat Day.

Panchayats and professors from Rajasthan visit Melli-Dara Paiyong GPU

GANGTOK, 15 March: A 14-member team consisting of Presidents of District, Block and Gram along with professors of Indira Gandhi Panchayati Raj and Gramin Vikas Sansthan of Rajasthan visited the Village Administrative Centre of 22-Melli Dara Paiyong Gram Panchayat Unit yesterday.
The delegates were here to understand the Panchayati Raj System of Sikkim and the role played by Panchayats in various developmental activities, informs a press release. In an interactive meeting, President, Melli Dara Paiyong GPU, Ganesh K. Rai, gave a presentation on the activities of the unit.
The delegates appreciated the initiatives taken by the GPU and also enquired about the activities undertaken by Self Help Groups under the Sampoorna Gramin Swarojgar Yojna (SGSY), informs the release. The visit was coordinated by Assistant Director, Sikkim Institute of Rural Development, Chandra Kala Rai.