ASHA honorarium dues for six months sanctioned

The honorarium due to Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) has been delayed for a while and the same for the two quarters – from April to September 2015 – was sanctioned and approved by the Cabinet in its recent sitting of 22 August. The Cabinet has sanctioned Rs. 119.88 lakhs towards paying the monthly honorarium of ASHAs for the two quarters, it is learnt.
Other proposals of the Health Department sanctioned and approved by the Cabinet on the day were:

Cabinet approves 51 proposals

The State Cabinet met on 28 April and approved and sanctioned 51 projects and undertakings and funds for the same. Apart from the State’s contributions towards the relief and rehabilitations works in earthquake affected parts of Nepal, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the following were approved and sanctioned. [as shared in the official Facebook fan-page of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling]:

Upgrades for Gyalshing and Jorethang municipal bodies

The State Cabinet, at its sitting 10 March, cleared the Urban Development & Housing Department’s draft Bill recommending amendments in the Sikkim Municipalities Act to upgrade the Nagar Panchayats of Gyalshing and Jorethang to Municipal Council level.
A post of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling’s fanpage on Facebook informs that the Cabinet has cleared the draft bill proposing amendments to section 8 and 13 of the Sikkim Municipalities Act, 2007 and re-organisation and up-gradation of Gyalshing Nagar Panchayat into Gyalshing Municipal Council and Jorethang Nagar Panchayat into Naya Bazar Jorethang Municipal Council.
Subsequently, new wards of Byadong, Upper Kyongsa and Lower Kyongsa have been included under Gyalshing Municipal Council and two new wards, those of Sisney Naya Bazar B and Sisney Naya Bazar A have been included to Naya Bazar Jorethang Municipal Council, it is informed. The municipal elections are expected in April.

CABINET SANCTIONS

The following proposals were approved and sanctioned by the Cabinet which met at Samman Bhawan on 27th January 2015.
URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING DEPARTMENT
1. The proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs 1800.37 lakhs for the project “Extension of Central Park, Namchi, South Sikkim (CSS).
ENERGY AND POWER DEPARTMENT
2. The proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs 615.94 lakhs for the implementation of 10 Micro Hydro Electric projects (MHPs). Administrative approval is also solicited to drop three projects v.i.z. Bala, Buthang & Sawa and to utilize the saving of Rs 146.07 lakhs on account of these projects to cover the shortfall.

X’mas eve Cabinet approvals

GANGTOK, 26 Dec: A Cabinet meeting was held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling at Samman Bhawan, Gangtok on 24 December. The Cabinet approved and passed the following proposals pertaining to State Government departments:
ROADS & BRIDGES DEPTT: The Cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs. 21.53 lakhs for payment of land compensation for the work construction of new road from Dalapchand Sawa turning to Deoliong, KM 1st to 5th.
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPTT: The Cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs. 22.15 lakhs for procurement of kitchen devices for government schools covered under Mid-Day Meal Scheme for the financial year 2013-14.
The Cabinet also approved and sanctioned the proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs. 198.19 lakhs to release part payment as land compensation to concerned land owners for establishment of Sikkim University at Yangyang, South Sikkim.
SOCIAL JUSTICE EMPOWERMENT AND WELFARE DEPTT: The Cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal for according administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs 39.00 lakhs for implementation of scheme under Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Caste Sub- Plan (SCA TO SCSP) 100% centrally sponsored scheme for the year 2013-14.
The Cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal for administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs 437 lakhs for implementation of scheme under Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub- Plan (SCA TO TSP) during 2013-14.
FOOD AND CIVIL SUPPLIES & CA DEPARTMENT: The Cabinet also approved and   sanctioned the  proposal  seeking approval and sanction of Rs. 1,23,34,140 to procure 16,380 quintals of sugar for distribution for nine months i.e. July 2013 to  March 2014 to 3,62,260 BPL beneficiaries.
TOURISM AND CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT: The Cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal for according approval and sanction for release of Rs. 50,00,000 to Sikkim Siddhesvara Dham, Namchi as Grant-in- aid, subject to submission of Utilization Certificate.
ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, LIVESTOCK, FISHERIES AND VETERINARY SERIVICES DEPARTMENT: The Cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal for according approval and en-bloc sanction of Rs 219.71 lakhs for implementation of schemes under Border Area Development Programme 2013-14.
The Cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal seeking approval and sanction for execution of work namely:
a) Restoration of Bop Piggery Farm at Chungthang, North Sikkim at Rs.1,88,10,655.00 and
b) Reconstruction of Sub- Divisional AH&VS complex at Chungthang, North Sikkim at Rs. 1,74,93,600 totalling Rs. 3,63,04,255.
FOOD SECURITY AND AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT: The Cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs. 338.49 lakhs for implementation of Rice Programme through its various components during current financial year 2013-14.
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT: The Cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal for according approval and sanction of Rs. 49,43,17,500 for distribution of laptop computers to students of Class XI and Class XII of Government Senior Secondary Schools and students of all Government Colleges in Sikkim and confirmation of approval already accorded for implementation of the programme.
HORTICULTURE AND CASH CROPS DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT: The cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal for according approval and sanction of Rs. 150.36 lakh for the implementation of schemes under National Mission on Medicinal Plants (NMMP) during 2013-14.
FOREST ENV. AND WL MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT: The cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal seeking approval of scheduled of rates for forestry activities 2013 on the basis of government approved schedules of rates.
LAND REVENUE AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT: The cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs. 60,00,000 for immediate restoration work for Raw Water Main of Gyalshing-Pelling Water Supply Scheme damaged due to cloud burst of 30 July 2013 in West Sikkim.
HOME DEPARTMENT: The cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs. 27,91,930 for purchase of Tentage for 3rd IRBn Sikkim.
ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, LIVESTOCK, FISHERIES AND VETERINARY SERVICES DEPARTMENT: The cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal for according approval and sanction of Rs. 34.80 lakh for implementation of beneficiaries’ scheme under Trout Culture in raceways.
FOREST ENVIRONMENT AND WL MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT: The cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal seeking approval and sanction for implementation of the action plan at the total cost of Rs. 1,014 lakhs as grant in aid under 13th Finance Commission for the year 2013-14.
The cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs. 363.41 lakhs for implementation of the DoNER (NEC) Financial Assistance Scheme, Development of Eco Tourism and allied activities at Chauridara, Green Village, Lingee, South Sikkim during 2013-14 to 2015-16.
The cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs. 1,75,05,000 for implementation of Management Action Plan (MAP) for conservation and management of Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve – Sikkim for the year 2013-14.
The cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal for according approval and sanction of Rs. 234.69 lakhs for the implementation of Forest Management Scheme – Annual Work Programme for the year 2013 – 14.
CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND HERITAGE DEPARTMENT: The cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal for according approval and enbloc sanction of Rs. 201.81 lakhs and transfer of Rs.50 lakhs in the CFY to UD&HD for taking up the preliminary works for construction of Multi Purpose Community Centre at Balbir Bau Ground, Pani House.
The cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs. 276.51 lakhs and approval to transfer Rs. 25 lakhs for taking up the preliminary works for the construction of Village Community Centre cum Library at 6th Mile, Tadong.
ROADS & BRIDGES DEPARTMENT: The cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal for according sanction and revised administration approval of Rs. 1,125.46 lakhs and financial sanction of Rs.55.63 lakhs for the work widening, upgradation of Pavement and drainage system along Rangpo – Duga – Pendam Raod in East Sikkim.
URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING DEPARTMENT: The cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs. 24,00,000 for construction of 23 numbers of shop rooms at Lall Bazar, Kanchendzonga Shopping Complex, Gangtok.
HOME DEPARTMENT: The cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal seeking post facto approval and financial sanction for release of Rs. 3,09,37,167 to Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department for payment of balance compensation for land acquired for construction of 2nd and 3rd IRBn Headquarters at Ben (Simchuthang), Mangley Dumro, South Sikkim.
WATER SUPPLY AND PUBLIC HEALTH ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT: The cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs. 4,140 lakh with funding pattern of Rs. 3,439.80 lakh Central Share and Rs. 700.20 lakhs as State Share for the work Augmentation of Namchi Water Supply Scheme, South Sikkim.
DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL, ADM. REFORMS, TRAINING AND PUBLIC GRIEVANCES: The cabinet approved and sanctioned the proposal seeking approval for creation of 4,002 numbers of posts in various categories under Group C and D level with the financial implication of Rs. 78,85,62,924 per annum.

Cabinet approves creation of 4,002 posts to begin regularisation process

GANGTOK, 26 Dec: In keeping with the announcement made by the Chief Minister regarding the regularization of temporary employees, the Cabinet on 24 December approved the creation of 4,002 posts in various group C and D categories of the State Government. With this, the first phase of regularization of services of temporary employees covering those who have put in 15 or more years of service has taken a substantial step forward. This latest move carries an additional financial implication of close to Rs. 79 crore per year.
Speaking to NOW!, the Department of Personnel Secretary, AK Chettri, informed that this was the first phase of the regularization process in which the department had collated the names of those temporary workers who had put in 15 years of service and forwarded the list to the Cabinet for approval. This list was compiled by asking all departments to forward the names of temporary employees who had put in 15 years of service.
As of now the number of such employees, as informed by the Secretary, is 4002. This is the list which was compiled of those employees in service as of 01 January 2013. However, it is possible that there are more employees in the MR and WC categories who have put in 15 years of service and their names would be forwarded to the government as they come.
To begin with, the regularization of 4,002 workers the financial implication is an additional Rs. 78,85,62,924 per year.
The second phase, informed the Secretary, would consist of compiling names of those temporary workers who have put in 10 years of service.
As part of the regularization process, the government has introduced new nomenclatures for the group C and D posts. The three new posts introduced are Junior Driver, Office Assistant (LDC etc) and Office Attendant (peon etc). Those already working in such posts will be absorbed in their existing capacities.
However there are also those posts which are not included in the official government nomenclature such as Field Assistant, Meter Reader etc. It is expected that the government will formulate new nomenclatures for such posts, now that they are deemed to be regular.
It is this which will cause the regularization process to take some time, it is informed. Those employees working in non official government posts need to be categorized and an official designation has to be accorded to them. This is being worked upon, it is informed.
The muster roll employees being regularized will see their salaries almost doubled, it is informed. The additional financial implication is due to the increased salary as well as other financial benefits which accrue to regular employees such as HRA etc. For those under Work Charged, the salaries would remain the same, it is informed.