Engineers trained in rapid visual survey

The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority recently conducted a three-day training cum refresher course for civil engineers working under the State government on “rapid visual survey and study of lifeline structures”. The training was supported by the Ministry of Home Affairs and UNDP-India.
While addressing the concluding session of the programme, Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department Secretary-cum-Relief Commissioner, Tsegyal Tashi, urged the technocrats in attendance to help the state government in taking precautionary measures to deal with manmade disasters.
He also sought expert advice in addressing damage control and safety of the people at large in the event of an emergency, adding that the training will also help prepare the required human resource. The valedictory function was also addressed by the State Project Officer of SSMDA, Prabhakar Rai.

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.

Training on Rapid Visual Screening concludes

GANGTOK, 12 June [IPR]: The four-day Training on Rapid Visual Screening for Civil Engineers and Geologist concluded today at the conference hall of Building and Housing Department. The Secretary Cum Relief Commissioner, Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department, CT Wangdi was present as the chief guest for the valedictory function. 

The training was organized by the Sikkim state Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) LR & DM, in coordination with the CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat, Assam and sponsored by National Disaster Management Authority. The training was given to the state government's Engineers and Geologist.

During the function, Mr. Wangdi gave away certificates to the trainees and also wished them a beautiful  and safe future. He urged the trainees to implement their acquired knowledge from the training to strengthen the infrastructure of the  society and the state.

The Secretary also urged the engineers and the geologist that they follow the ideas and techniques they have learned from the training period and adopt the same at the time of construction of buildings and other infrastructure. He requested them to utilize and share their knowledge to make Sikkim an earthquake resilient state.

Mr. Wangdi also thanked the resource persons for sharing their knowledge with the state's officials.

The function was attended by the Additional Secretary, Joint Secretary, Joint Director and staff of  LR & DM Department. The three resource persons, R Duarah [Chief Scientist, CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat], Shashank Mishra [Consultant, TARU Leading edge Gurgaon] and Dr. Hemant Kumar Vinayak [Assistant Professor, Civil Engineer NIT Hamirpur] were also present during the function.

Disaster management training for East and North district responders

GANGTOK, 20 Jan [IPR]: A 3-day capacity development programme on disaster management, organized by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) East, in collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), for stakeholders of East and North district got underway here in the capital today at Janta Bhawan.
Mayor KN Topgay was present for the inaugural session as chief guest along with Secretary, Land Revenue Department, KS Topay as the guest of honor.
The capacity building programme will deal with Incident Repair System (IRS), Table Top Exercise and Mock Drill.
In his inaugural address, the Mayor thanked the organizers for putting together such an important and vital capacity development programme and also stressed the importance of proper training on how to respond to disasters.
He also expressed disappointment over the absence of representatives from BSNL and other private telecom service providers from such an important workshop, underlining that during the time of disasters, communication and power were of utmost importance and need to be restored at the earliest.
Mr. Topgay also asked the organizers to at least see to it that representatives of BSNL and other telecom service provider attend the 2nd and the 3rd day of the workshop.
The Land Revenue Secretary who also addressed the gathering informed that one should always be prepared to face any disaster and how to respond correctly during such times was of utmost importance.
The inaugural secession saw the resource person from NDMA, BB Gadnayak, give a comprehensive power-point presentation and exercise on Incident Response System to the stake holders from the East and North Districts.

Master trainers for electoral roll revision complete 2nd phase training

GANGTOK, 25 Sept [IPR]: The 2nd phase training of State Level Master Trainers in connection with the special summary revision of electoral rolls is being organized on 26 and 27 September for South and West districts in the conference hall, SIRD, Karfectar, Jorethang.
The training is being held as per the directives of Election Commission of India as a preparatory measure for the field level officers and trainers on matters connected with the special summary revision of electoral rolls and for the conduct of the forthcoming General Election to Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly-2014.
About 50 officers each from South and West districts will participate in the said training. Similar training will also be organised on 28 September, 2013 in the conference hall of Election Department for the concerned officers of East and North districts. Training will be imparted by the State Level Master Trainers (SLMTs) who have been trained by the IIIDEM, Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi. The training will start at 9:30 AM. All appointed officers are requested to participate in the said training on the appointed date and time.

Two-month training for weavers inaugurated in West Sikkim

GANGTOK, 24 Sept: Two-month training for weavers organised by the Sikkim Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd., Zero Point, Gangtok was inaugurated at Rimbi and Nerdang in West Sikkim on Monday. The training is being organised under the Integrated Handloom Development Scheme Sponsored by Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
A press release informs that at Rimbi, Zilla Panchayat, Dorop Chumbung was present as the chief guest while Panchayat President, GB Bista was the chief guest at Nerdang which falls under Tashiding constituency.
In both the functions, the Assistant Directors, Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom informed the beneficiaries about the training programmes initiated by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and its components. The weavers were informed about Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Weavers Credit Card, Yarn Pass Book, subsidy on yarn purchase through National Handloom Development Corporation Ltd.
The chief guests of both the functions, in their address, stressed upon the importance of training and protecting and preserving the traditional handloom designs while also earning a livelihood. The other speakers from Panchayats also addressed the gathering and thanked the department for organizing such capacity building training programme in their area.

Training on pest management held for farmers from Lingmoo and Mangzing

 LINGMOO, 23 Sept: Training on pest diseases management was conducted here at Lingmoo, South Sikkim on 21 September. The training was organized by Sresta Natural Bio-products Pvt. Ltd. under ICS Service Provider Sikkim Organic Mission.
The programme started with the welcome address by Field Manager followed by a brief introduction of the programme by Project Manager, Deepak Gautam. The programme was attended by the concerned panchayats, VLW, HI, farmers and the company officials.
The resource person of the training, Dr. Raghunath (Principal Scientist) highlighted on the treatment and precautionary measures to be undertaken through the application of organic pesticides. Samples of diseased crops brought from the field were exhibited by the scientist who taught farmers how to treat them. Dr. Raghunath also demonstrated the preparation of organic pesticides.
Similar training was also held at Mangzing, South Sikkim in the second session of the day. The training which started from 19 September will continue till 27 September and will cover 31 different blocks of South and East Sikkim, informed the organizers. A similar programme was also conducted at Upper Mangzing.

Training cum awareness meet held on Organic Agriculture Management

GANGTOK, 18 Sept: Farmers’ training cum awareness programme on ‘Organic Agriculture Management’ was held here at Soureni, East Sikkim, today. The programme was jointly organized by Sikkim Organic Mission, Agriculture Department and Concede Organization [Soreong-based NGO].
A total of 30 farmers from Soureni and its surrounding areas participated in the programme.
This is the third phase of the programme on organic agriculture management going on at Assam Lingzey whereas the first phase concluded at Rhenock recently. The second phase at Rongli was started in the month of March 2013.
Sensitizing the farmers of Soureni on organic agriculture management, working president, Concede Organization, RN Sharma said that organic agriculture is a unique production management system which promotes and enhances the health of the agro-ecosystem including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. This, he added, is accomplished by using on-farm agronomic, biological and mechanical methods excluding all synthetic off-farm inputs. He also highlighted the need to generate knowledge and skills on various organic farming practices, so as to equip farmers for organic agricultural production and management.
Stressing on organic farming, Mr Sharma said, “It is the vision of the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling, to make Sikkim a fully organic state by 2015 and it is our responsibility to make this possible”.  Pointing out the disadvantages of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, he appealed to the farmers to go for quality instead of quantity. There is huge demand for buckwheat, cardamom, ginger and millet, he added.
Likewise, vice president of Ward Panchayat, 27 Assam Lingzey GPU, Yadunandan Sharma informed that similar programmes would also be conducted in each ward and GPU. He urged all farmers to attend the programme.
The function was also addressed by Prem Chhetri [general secretary, Concede Organization], Santosh Chettri [executive member], and Subhadra Rai [former Zilla Panchayat Assam Lingzey, GPU]. An interactive session was also held on the day.

Workshop on Primary Education gets underway at Arithang Livelihood School

GANGTOK, 23 Jan: A five-day workshop for Certificate in Primary Education [Primary Teachers’ Training Course] was inaugurated by the Labour Department Secretary, CT Wangdi here at Arithang Livelihood School today.
A total of 54 trainees from different parts of the state are taking part in this workshop, which is being hosted by the Regal Institute of Management Studies [RIMS] with the support of the State Institute of Capacity Building [SICB], Karfectar.
In his inaugural address, Mr Wangdi stressed that as government jobs have reached a saturation point such skill development trainings were essential to equip the youth to take advantage of opportunities in and outside the state. It is a unique effort by the state to come forward and use its own resources to provide such workshops to its people by for skill development, he added.
In this regard, the Secretary urged the trainees to complete the training and to use the skills learnt. He pointed out that there are lots of opportunities in teaching in and outside the state and urged the trainees to take advantage of these opportunities.
SICB Chief Administrator, SD Dhakal gave a brief presentation on the role of teachers. He encouraged the trainees to be the ideal role models for students and stressed that a teacher should have leadership quality to lead students towards a creative and constructive path. He also spoke on the new skill requirements in the teaching profession and qualities of an ideal teacher.
Likewise, SICB Deputy Director, IBS Yadav presented the aims and objectives of the workshop. He informed that one of the objectives of the workshop is to develop knowledge and understanding of primary school curriculum and to develop skills and competencies required in teaching effectively.
The inaugural session was followed by the technical sessions of the workshop.
The technical part will also have plenary sessions for the trainees along with presentations, group discussions etc. The workshop has resource persons from SICB Karfectar and Arithang Livelihood School along with guest resource persons from Sikkim Government B Ed College, Soreong and the State Council of Educational Research & Training, HRDD.

Training begins to improve disaster preparedness

GANGTOK, 16 Jan: A five-day [16 to 21 January] training on Incident Response System [IRS] and Simulation Exercise organized by the National Institute of Disaster Management [NIDM], Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department began at the conference hall, Election Department situated at Balwakhani from today.
The training is being conducted as part of the Disaster Management Support Project under GOI-United States Agency for International Development [USAID] and United States Forest Service [USFS] and is imparted to the officials and Councilors of GMC, officials of the District administration, nodal officers of line departments, Army, BRO, ITBP SSB, along with the officials from Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority and the Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department.
Keeping in view the occurrence of disasters on a frequent basis and the difficulties faced in responding to such emergencies, the Government of India has collaborated with USAID for institutionalizing the Incident Command System [ICS] of America to India which is known as Incident Response System [IRS]. Accordingly, Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie was initially designated as the Nodal Training Centre for this purpose and NIDM is the nodal Institution for all training and development on such matters.
Arun Sahadev [Consultant, NIDM], Col. Supanekar [Disaster Management Head from YASHDA Training Institute Pune], C Balaji Singh [Disaster Management Expert and Country Liason US Forest Service], Steve Heil [US Forest Service, type one Incident Commander] and Rajesh Bhatia [Assistant Director, Administration Training Institute, Government of Delhi] were the resource persons who will impart training on the principles and features of IRS, organization and staffing, incident resource and resource management etc.
Gangtok Mayor KN Topgay, while speaking at the inaugural session, stated that this training is imperative for the State as it is prone to disaster of various types. Therefore, preparedness is the solution to reduce the impact of disasters. Nevertheless, the State machinery along with other line departments and paramilitary forces had responded well in the disasters which had occurred in the past, but still there are shortcomings which need to be addressed, he added. The Mayor also felt the need of such training at ground zero so that each and every individual has an important role to play in preparedness initiatives to prevent hazards from turning into disasters.
SBS Bhadauria [Relief Commissioner cum Secretary, Land Revenue and Disaster Management] in his address mentioned about the Incident Response System that incorporates all the duties that may be performed in case of any disaster or event. It envisages a complete team with various sections to attend to all possible requirements. The Secretary, further added that if the IRS is put in place and stakeholders trained in their respective duties and roles, it will help reduce chaos and confusion during the management of actual incident and everyone involved will know what all needs to be done.
An understanding of the Incident Response System in the event of any disaster is crucial since the roles of each authority are laid down in advance and personnel earmarked and trained in their respective roles. This would help in effective disaster management in the State, he informed.
C Balaji Singh [Disaster Management Expert and Country Liason, US Forest Service], who was the resource person in his brief address expressed that IRS is at the initial stage in the state of Sikkim with an objective of making response process much more effective.  The inaugural session was followed by a technical session.

Foundation training for Panchayats begins in Dentam

GANGTOK, 15 Jan: Five-day foundation training for Zilla and Gram Panchayats organised by State Institute of Rural Development [SIRD] started at Dentam BAC, West Sikkim today.
As per a press release, the inaugural session was chaired by Maneybung Dentam MLA, Chandra Maya Subba, Additional Director SIRD, HK Sharma, BDO Dentam, Himmat Rai and Panchayat Inspector BAC Dentam, Devika Thapa.
The MLA, in her address urged all panchayats to attend this training and actively participate. H K Sharma informed about the salient features of the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992 and also spoke on the role and responsibility of Panchayats in different areas.
Bishnu Chamling was present as the Resource Person for the training and spoke on the history of Panchayati Raj in Sikkim. Suraksha Rai [Faculty SIRD] and Arbind Thapa [FF Dentam BAC] were the main co-ordinators for the training which will conclude on 19 January, the release mentions.

SI’s complete training at NEPA Shillong, join duty in Gangtok

GANGTOK, 27 Dec: The latest batch of 29 Sub Inspectors [SIs] have completed their 11-month training at the North Eastern Police Academy [NEPA] in Shillong and joined the Police Head Quarters here at Gangtok on 26 December. They will be joining duties in their respective places of posting within a few days.
The new posting system for probationary Sub Inspectors is divided into two categories for the purpose of posting in the Police Stations/ Investigation units and Armed Police for a period of six months in each by rotation from next year 2013 onwards, which will help them gain exposure and make them understand both the units properly.
The Sub Inspectors’ being posted at the Police Stations for six month terms are Madhav Chettri, Tara Sharma, Karma Tenzing Bhutia, Jigme Wanchuk Bhutia, Manoj Kumar Chettri, Vijay Basnett, Tashi Wangdi Bhutia, Yogesh Chettri, Hissey Doma Lepcha, Sonam Topgay Bhutia, Chandra Prasad Sharma, Niraj Khatiwara, Thinley Gyatso Rai, Shanta Bahadur Gurung and Anupa Gurung. After the completion of the six-month term they will again be sent to 2nd, 3rd Indian Reserve Battalion and Sikkim Armed Police.
In the second group are Abishek Dahal, Vicky Sundas, Jigmi Wanchuk Bhutia, Ashish Bhujel, Ugen Tshering Bhutia, Thinley Rapden Bhutia, Umesh Pradhan, Sher Bahadur Manger, Roshan Gurung, Rajiv Ramudamu, Sarad Subba, Leewang Hang Subba, Karma Tshering Tamang, and Dil Prasad Limboo who have to go to the Reserve line for the period of six months and after that to the Police stations.
It was also informed that on completion of one year attachment and probation period further transfers will be made and during the period of postings the branch head will closely observe the performances of the PSIs and will send individual performance reports on completion of each attachment.

Malpani Trust to provide free training to SICB trainees

GANGTOK, 18 Nov: The State Institute of Capacity Building and the Malpani Trust of Bajwada, Madhya Pradesh signed an agreement today at SICB.  A press release informs that the objective behind SICB and Malpani Trust coming together is to assist, facilitate and add value to provide practical training in organic farming for a period of one month to all trainees of Livelihood Schools for Agriculture and Horticulture related courses at their farm at Dewas, Madhya Pradesh.
The purpose of the training is to harness the potentiality of the trainees on organic and sustainable farming through NATUECO Science.  The Malpani Trust is highly impressed with the State Government’s initiative to declare the State as Organic by 2015 and the process started towards that direction, the release mentions.
The Trust believes in individual growth and development through Capacity Building in the Agriculture and Horticulture Sector including value addition and entrepreneurship leading to the prosperity of the State.  The Trust will not only train the youth on farming but simultaneously develop their inner confidence to be a new breed of farmers who is consciously aware for his better livelihood.
The concept of capacity building is highly appreciated by Malpani Trust as both the institutions have the same concept and motto to develop the capacity of youth.
The Malpani Trust has offered training free of cost in their farm alongwith food and accommodation to the trainees of the batch of 40 trainees at a time for a period of one month.  It was also decided to depute the first batch from 01 to 31 December 2012, the release informs.
The SICB is sponsoring all the trainees of Livelihood Schools related with Agriculture and Horticulture with a batch of forty each alongwith two Trainers.  It is also agreed that the training will be conducted throughout the year except in the months of April, May and June.
This is being done as the trainees of the hill area find it difficult in these months due to the hot temperature in the plains. The Trust has also offered to provide consultancy and follow-up in each Livelihood School related with Agriculture and Horticulture quarterly without charging any fees to SICB, the release further adds.

Two-day training for Presiding and Polling Officers concludes at Chintan Bhawan

GANGTOK, 17 Oct [IPR]: Two-day training for the Presiding and Polling Officers of East district concluded here at Chintan Bhawan today.
On the first day training was imparted by Additional Chief Electoral Officer, CP Dhakal and on the second day the District Collector, East imparted the training.
The training elaborated on the basic details of the upcoming Zilla and Gram Panchayat Election 2012. The Presiding and Polling Officers were informed that polling will be held on 03 November and will be conducted from 8 AM to 4 PM. The counting will take place on 05 November.
It was further informed that the polling materials will have to be collected on 02 November from TNA Auditorium hall. The Presiding Officers were asked to report at 8 AM at the material collection centre to collect EVMs and other polling materials and emphasised on checking the materials properly to avoid confusion.
The materials collected are to be returned to the centre after the completion of polling. The DC informed that there are 260 Polling Stations in East district which consists of a Presiding Officer and four Polling Officers for each Polling Station. He also apprised about the final training scheduled to be held on 30 October at TNA School wherein names of the Polling Stations to the polling party will be notified accordingly.
During the training, the District Collector, East spoke in detail on the roles and responsibilities of the Presiding and Polling Officers during the entire polling process. He also asked them to make sure to attend all trainings and be thorough with handbook for Presiding Officers which will be of immense help during the polling process.
The District Collector while imparting the training also asked the Presiding and Polling Officers to be very clear on the aspect of single and simultaneous elections. He also elaborated on the technical aspects of Electronic Voting Machines and proper use of it.
Hands-on training was also imparted to the officers to ensure that the officers are well versed with the EVMs. The officers were also appraised about the importance of mock poll to be conducted before the start of the poll on the polling day in the presence of the candidates or the agents of the contesting candidates in order to maintain transparency and to ensure the proper functioning of the EVMs.
They were also given hands-on training on the proper labelling of the voting compartments in case of simultaneous as well as single election, process of sealing of EVMs in presence of candidates, maintenance of peace and discipline inside the Polling Stations etc.
The vote of thanks was proposed by the SDM East, Dr A B Karki.

SFA conducts Referee Development Programme

GANGTOK, 07 Oct: Thirty-two participants from across the state attended the Referee Development Programme conducted by Sikkim Football Association here at Football House, above Paljor Stadium today. Head of Refereeing Department of AIFF, Col [Retd] Gautam Kar was the resource person for the programme.
The programme was attended mostly by those interested in taking up refereeing professionally and by those already registered with the SFA Referee Panel.
Speaking to media persons, Mr Kar mentioned that the programme was mainly to teach the basics of refereeing, stages of development and scope for referees. He expressed that the participation of youngsters in the programme was a good sign.
Mr Kar made special mention of the large number of girls participating in the programme. He said that the thrust area was to bring out more women referees and spread the message that gender does not matter in football.
SFA general secretary, Menla Ethenpa said that with the growth of football in the state, there is also the need for development in refereeing. He informed that at present the SFA Referee Panel has 18 registered referees, in which 7 belong to category 3, 2 in category 4 and 9 in category 5.
Mr Ethenpa mentioned that earlier Geden Lepcha and Chamchuk Lama from Sikkim refereed at the national level but have since retired and there is the need to fill this gap.

Six-month training on Angora Shawl Weaving begins at Gnathang

GANGTOK, 12 Sept: Six-month capacity building in Angora Shawl Weaving under Border Area Development Programme 2012-13 at Gnathang, East Sikkim was inaugurated by Panchayat President of Gnathang, Sonam Uden Bhutia on Tuesday.
The programme, which has 20 trainees, is sponsored by Office of the Border Area Management, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi and organised by Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, Government of Sikkim
The programme was also attended by Director, DHH, Ganga D. Pradhan, Assistant Director (Production) I, Jigme Pintso Bhutia, Assistant Director, Pema Sangmo.
As per a press release, Director, DHH while addressing the beneficiaries mentioned the need of the weaving training and informed the beneficiaries to avail the opportunity extended by department. The knowledge acquired from the training would not only benefit them but will benefit others as well, she said.
The Assistant Director, Jigme Pintso Bhutia (Production) informed about the admission under Health Insurance Scheme and Life Insurance Schemes of the weavers provided by Government of India, Ministry of Textiles. He also mentioned that this kind of scheme is particularly meant for the weavers and artisans in the state.
Chief guest, Sonam Uden Bhutia called upon the gathering to avail the facilities and opportunity extended by the department and also thanked the government and department. She urged the local women to learn something valuable from the training and further added that this kind of scheme would be of immense help for the women in the future, the release adds.

Advance Coaches Training Prog by SOB Sikkim Chapter begins at Paljor Stadium

ANUSHA GURUNG
GANGTOK, 11 Sept: A seven-day Advance Coaches Training Programme in football, athletics and volleyball is being held here at Paljor Stadium from 10 -16 September, which is organized by Special Olympics Bharat [SOB], Sikkim Chapter and sponsored by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.
Addressing a press conference today, SOB Sikkim Area Director, Dr BP Dhakal briefed about the Sikkim Chapter of SOB which started in the year 2005. “Special Olympics Bharat is an organization which aims to empower differently-abled children through sports”, said Dr Dhakal.
Dr Dhakal also appealed to the coaches to keep the flame of Special Olympics alive. The first agenda of the coaches should be service, he said.
“We are here for a noble cause to promote the vast area of Special Olympics through the medium of sports by organizing this Advance Coach Training Programme in these 3 disciplines; football, athletics and volleyball”, said Asia Pacific Coach, NK Chettri.
This 7-day training will cover orientation, basic rules and Panchayat Yuva aur Khel Krida Abhiyan [PYKKA] scheme for all the disabilities. This will also include the aims and objectives of project ‘Unify’ wherein some schools will be involved. “This is the new chapter we are adding this time”, said Mr Chettri.
He further informed that they are also thinking of adopting the Game Management System. GMS (Games Management System) is a database program designed to manage and record registration data, games, events, entries, divisioning, scores, and reports of a sport event. The software is especially useful for the purposes of running meets in individual sports involving timed events as it handles the process of divisioning automatically and without need for manual calculation and provides comprehensive reporting of results for athletes, coaches and spectators.
The training programme, which started yesterday, has a total number of 50 participants from Jharkhand, Bihar, Assam and also from Bhutan. During the formal inaugural function, Mr Chettri also thanked the Sports and Youth Affairs Department for providing them with various facilities.
Chief guest, Chairperson [Sikkim Olympic Bharat] Manita Pradhan welcomed all the coaches who have come from different states, representatives from Bhutan as well as the resource persons.
It is a difficult task to guide someone with a disability and the coaches play a vital role in guiding as well as training the differently-abled athletes, said Ms Pradhan.
“Special Olympics is not just an event these days but it has become a movement and we are trying to get other sections of the society to join this movement”, said Ms Pradhan.
Mentioning that the ratio of coaches and athletes is 1:6 she said that now coaches from PYKKA can also be brought in for this purpose. PYKKA aims to promote sports at the village level amongst both the differently-abled and normal persons, she added.
Ms Pradhan further urged all the coaches to dedicate themselves towards the cause during the training. She also highlighted that more women should be encouraged to participate in the Special Olympics Sikkim Chapter.
Also present on the day were Arjuna Awardee Jaslal Pradhan, Deputy Director Sports Department Ram Biswakarma, Deputy Director Sports Department Thupden Bhutia, Treasurer CP Dhakal and Coach Ram.

Weeklong training on Rural Tourism Guides & Photography held in Darap

IMPORTANCE OF POST TRAINING FOLLOW-UP DISCUSSED DURING VALEDICTORY FUNCTION
ANAND OBEROI
DARAP, 03 Sept: Training and capacity building programmes are being conducted in full swing in various capacities throughout the state, however with no post follow-up on most of these programmes, the actual aim and objective of creating specialized manpower in different sectors especially in the tourism and service industry is still an issue that needs to be addressed.
This issue of the post-training impacts was discussed, deliberated and addressed at the valedictory function of a week-long Training on Rural Tourism Guides & Photography that started on 27 August  which was organized by Darap Eco Tourism Committee (DEC) in collaboration with Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, TAAS and IPR department and sponsored by Ministry of Tourism, GoI yesterday.
A total of 20 participants from Darap, Nambu, Yuksom and Pelling underwent the training programmes that dealt with both theory and practicals on rural guiding that included bird watching, identification of local flora and fauna with their English names and a specialized course on technical aspects of photography. The participants were all lodged at Darap village during the entire tenure of the seven-day training programme.
Present as resource persons were well-known Ornithologist, Chewang Bonpo who dealt with the bird-watching aspect and rural guiding aspect, Keshav Chettri, photographer, IPR department and Manoj Chettri, senior information assistant, Tourist Information Centre, Pelling who took sessions on rural tourism guides and highlighted their roles responsibilities. The valedictory function saw the participation of a number of local entrepreneurs including the ward Panchayat member, Darap – Nambu GPU, ML Subba as the chief guest, the special guest included local entrepreneur,  Chungdala Bhutia of Panchak tours and travels, Pelling.
“The existing trend of participants taking up training programmes just for the certificates has still not been able to fill the void of specialized local personnel in the service sector. This apparent problem should now be understood by the participants who now have to use this practical knowledge and capitalize on the same with an aim to cater to the niche market,” urged Sushil Tamang, president, DEC while addressing the gathering at the function.
While stating that practical implementation of these training programmes in their respective localities where tourism in the past ten years has grown ten-fold would result in a sustainable and prospective livelihood the DTC president stressed on an action oriented approach from all the participants.
“The government is just a facilitator and these training programmes have a vision for the future, it is now up to us to make the best out of these programmes and create our own base of professionals through whom we can give the visitors an even better tourism experience here. We are making a mark for ourselves in the service sector through our unique products like home-stays, now we have to strive and set examples for others to follow,” he explained.
An interactive session where the participants shared their experiences was also conducted during the function.
Later during the day a special programme, was also organized by DTC at Cherry Village Resort, Darap. Power-point presentations were made by the participants on the impact of the training programmes to a gathering which had the presence of the area MLA, PL Subba, Zilla Adhyaksha, West district Zilla Panchayat, Karma Choki Bhutia, Chairman, Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation, NK Subba, executive members of the West Sikkim Tourism Society (WSTS) and Pelling Tourism Development Association (PTDA) and public of Yangthang constituency.
The function also saw a citation being presented to the out-going DC West, Santa Pradhan by DTC. Similarly, WSTS felicitated the new Zilla Adhyaksha while a letter of appreciation was awarded to president, PTDA, Tshering Wangdi Bhutia for his pioneering and commendable works in the field of tourism by DTC.

Special training on Central Service Tax for tourism stakeholders to be held soon

DEMAND FOR EXEMPTION FROM RETROSPECTIVE SERVICE TAX SINCE 2006 STILL PENDING
GANGTOK, 21 June: The Joint Action Committee of All Sikkim Tourism Stakeholders [JACASTS] headed by Chairman cum Advisor, SB Subedi has extended gratitude towards the Central Service Tax [CST] authorities for accepting their request on conducting a special training on CST, book of account maintenance, filing of CST and others for the tourism stakeholder of the state in the Capital on 27 June.
Speaking to the press, coordinator, JAC, Paljor Lachungpa mentioned that with respect to CST few of the tourism stake holders of the state were issued notices by the CST office on filing of service tax retrospectively from the year 2006 till 2011, whereas CST was introduced for hotels from 2011 that too for those room tariffs above Rs. 1000.
The JAC taking the help of the Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, Member of Parliament Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and Chief Secretary had been pursuing the CST exemption with the central government including the Prime Minister and Finance Minister to exempt retrospective service tax levied since 2006 till 2011 on all the tourism stakeholders in the state. The Finance Minister has given positive assurance with respect to the exemption demanded and the matter is still pending with the Ministry.
Chairman JAC Mr Subedi stated that, “We were unaware of filing of the CST as there existed no such taxes earlier but we have thought to implement the same only after under going the training provided by the CST authorities that too only from the year 2012”. JAC still hopes and believes that the central government considering the plea made by the state government will definitely exempt the retrospective service tax levied upon some of the tourism stakeholder since 2006.
A total of 48 correspondences with the central authorities using various means and measures considering CST has been met till date wherein the CM, Governor, Union Minister BK Handique, North East MP Forum, MPs from Sikkim State have addressed the issue with the Government of India, Prime Minister and Finance Minister.
He went on to add that if the tourism stakeholders are levied with the retrospective filing of service tax from the year 2006 till 2011, then the stakeholders will face excessive burden.
“We are ready to pay CST that too after we are trained properly by the authorities concerned from the year 2012 and we demand early exemption of the retrospective service tax levied upon stakeholders since 2006 for early implementation of the CST in the state”, added the Chairman JAC.
President, Travel Agent Association of Sikkim [TAAS], Lukendra Rasaily with respect to North East Industrial Investment Promotion Policy [NEIIPP] suggested including certain subsidy for the tourism stakeholders in transportation inclusive of all ranges of hotels across the NE states.
The conference was also attended by Advisor Sikkim Tourism Department, GM Gurung along with President Travel Agent Association of Sikkim [TAAS] Lukendra Rasaily, General Secretary TAAS S Norgay Lachungpa, SATO President Y Dorjee, Sikkim Hotel and Restaurant Association [SHRA] Acting President, members of all the associations respectively.
The JAC has appealed to all the stakeholders state-wide including all travel agencies, hoteliers, home stays to attend the training on 27 June.

Indian Olympic Archery team to train in Gangtok

GANGTOK, 16 May: The Indian Olympic Archery Team comprising of Tarundeep Rai, Jayanta Talukdar, Rahul Banerjee, Deepika Kumari, L  Bombyala Devi, Chekrovolu Swuro, Limba Ram (Chief Coach), Ravi Shankar(Coach) and Purnima Mahato (Coach) arrived in Gangtok today to prepare for the London Olympic Games, informs a press release issued by Sikkim Archery Association, general secretary, Dr KB Gurung.
The team will be accompanied by Secretary General, Archery Association of India [AAI], Paresh Nath Mukherjee. AAI had requested SAA to hold the camp in Gangtok since it is much cooler than Kolkata here and the wind conditions at Paljor Stadium would be the same as in London, the release mentions.
SAA will arrange facilities such as the ground, field equipments and manpower for the camp. The release adds that SAA is highly honoured to have this opportunity to host the Indian Olympic team and warmly welcomes them to Gangtok.  Members of SAA were at Rangpo to welcome the team today.
In another release, SAA has congratulated international archers Tarundeep Rai and Chunda Sherpa on being conferred the Sikkim Khel Samman on the occasion of the 37th State Day. The Association has also congratulated Rai for winning the Silver Medal in Men’s Team Recurve Event at the 2nd World Cup, Antalya, Turkey in the second week of May 2012.