Panchayats geared up to take over task of issuing hawker and trade licenses

ANAND OBEROIGANGTOK, 02 Sept: The devolution of more powers to Panchayats took another step forward today with Panchayati Raj Institutions beginning the process of directly issuing hawkers and trade licenses at the GPU level.
The decentralization of this power comes to the door steps of the rural masses as part of an announcement made by the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling during his extensive village-to-village tour of the State recently.
Keeping this new initiative of the state government in mind and to ensure efficient and effective implementation, a State Level orientation Programme on the “Issuance of Trade and Hawkers Licenses by Panchayati Raj Institutions” was organized here at Chintan Bhawan today. The day- long interface with concerned departments like the UD&HD, which issued these licenses thus far, was organized by the RM&DD. 

Panchayat Accounts Assts trained on new accounting structure

 GANGTOK, 01 June: State Institute of Rural development (SIRD) conducted a three-day training on ‘New Accounting Structure for newly appointed Panchayat Accounts Assistant [PAA]’ of Soreng, Dentam and Gyalzing BACs from 26 –28 May at Karfectar, South Sikkim.
The training which was attended by 31 Panchayat Accounts Assistants, commenced under the chairmanship of Additional Director, HK Sharma. Welcoming all the participants Mr. Sharma explained the importance of financial discipline in Accounting Structure.
He further informed that a simple format for easy adoption of accounting system for Panchayati Raj Institution at the grassroots level has been introduced, informs a press release. He highlighted the roles of PAAs and informed that the role of PAA is vital in strengthening the Panchayati Raj System. He requested all the participants to actively participate in the training.

Panchayats empowered to issue trade and hawker licenses

GANGTOK, 20 May: Gram Panchayats have been delivered power to issue and cancel trade and hawker licenses to local applicants in rural areas falling within their respective Gram Panchayat Units.
The Urban Development and Housing Department has given this authorization to the Panchayat members through a Notification [No. UD&HD/6[376]/08/9930 dated 26.04.2011].
The Notification further authorizes the Chief Municipal Officer, Gangtok Municipal Corporation to issue and cancel Trade License and Hawker License within the Gangtok Municipal Corporation Area.
The Notification adds, “In case of any policy decisions relating to issue of Trade License and Hawker License, the authorized Officers are to refer the matter to the Secretary, Urban Development and Housing Department as he is being the Competent Authority under relevant Act and Rule regarding the issue and cancellation of Trade License and Hawker License.”
Through a Notice, the Department has requested the general public to approach their respective Gram Panchayats for Trade License and Hawker License.

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.