Sikkim marks earthquake anniv with workshop on disaster risk reduction

Gangtok, 18 Sept [IPR]: A daylong workshop on ‘Disaster Risk Reduction - Sikkim’s Commitment for Sendai Framework 2015-2030’ was held at Chintan Bhawan today on State Disaster Risk Reduction Day, commemorating the devastating earthquake of 18 September 2011 and to deliberate on the future strategies for preparedness and mitigation.
The workshop was chaired by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and had the presence of eminent resource persons from across the country. Prof. V.K. Sharma, Executive Vice Chairman SSDMA delivered the key note address.

Workshop to empower Counselors & Teachers of Sikkim

GANGTOK [IPR]: Minister for HRDD, RB Subba, chaired the inaugural session of a three-day training workshop titled “Empowering Counselors & Teachers of Sikkim” here at Chintan Bhawan on 27 November. Ministers DT Lepcha and AK Ghatani along with senior officials of HRDD and teachers were also present.
Director General of International Chamber for Service Industry (ICSI), Dr. Gulshan Sharma was present as the chief resource person.
Addressing the teachers, Minister Subba stated, “In your charge are many lives in the making, each one different, everyone important, all with hopes and dreams for Sikkim. Dear Teachers, through your hands pass the future of Sikkim”.
While commending the teachers for their dedicated service, the Minister urged them to go a step further and impart humanity through balanced counseling.
Further, the Minister announced that upon the end of the workshop, a teacher each from each school of Sikkim would be identified to shoulder the additional responsibility of a counselor. He called on the participating teachers to take optimum benefit from this workshop and equip themselves with the necessary skills for counseling.
Earlier, addressing the inaugural session, resource person Dr. Gulshan Sharma laid down recommendations for the appointment of counselors in every school, orienting them for the task, and empowering and upgrading their knowledge through innovative training workshops at least twice a year, and imparting complimentary online digital programme in education and counseling management. He also suggested that the State explore assistance from the Rashtriya Uchattar Siksha Abhiyan (RUSA) of the Union Ministry of HRDD which facilitates appointment of full time counselors at schools across the country.
The International Chamber for Service Industry, during the three-day workshop, will be imparting training on such aspects as emerging trends in education and counseling, overview of multiple learning styles, introduction of various types of tests, activities based on psychometric/ aptitude test, understanding various learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral problems, digital education and IT skills, logical reasoning and abstract thinking, essential tools for counseling and education, roles, qualities and skills of counselors, ethical issues, role of social media and essential soft skills development.

Workshops on Life Skills for students

A series of workshops on Life Skill & Adolescent Education Programme (AEP) is being conducted by Sikkim Psychological Services in collaboration with Peoplepro Trainers & Consultants Ltd., Bangalore. The first workshop began on 03 November sponsored by the Sikkim State AIDS Control Society at Modern Secondary School. More than 50 students from Modern & West Point Schools participated, a press release informs.

The main objective of these workshops is to “create an atmosphere where knowledge & skills which are people-oriented are imparted and not like a production house of degrees”.

Similar workshops are scheduled to be held in around 40 government and private schools in East Sikkim during the month of November covering modules like Stress Management, Peer Pressure, Anger Management, Brand Me, Stand out & Influence, Substance abuse, Memory retention techniques, Examination Strategies, SWOT Analysis etc.

Workshop on sanitation held for religious institutions and school heads

RABONG: A district-level workshop on Sanitation specifically targeting religious institutions and Heads of Schools organised by the office of the ADC (Dev), Ravangla under Rural Management & Development Department and Kapinzal Social Foundation was held at Community Hall, Ravangla on 17 Oct, 2014.
Participating in the workshop were Heads from 44 Senior Secondary, Secondary and Junior High Schools and representatives from 36 religious institutions. Others present were Tashi Chophel, ADC (Dev) Ravangla, Yishey Yongda, ADM, Gyalshing, Prem Kamal Rai, GVA, Temi, Sangam Rai, GVA, Ravangla, Karma Samten, AD, HRDD, Ravangla, Yogendra Pradhan, AE, GVK, Ravangla and resource persons from Pemayangtse Monastery, Zebanoor Ansari, Drishti, Namchi and Arjun Rai, Kapinzal Social Foundation, Ravangla.
In his welcome address, the ADC Ravangla stated that the need of the hour was to help make Sikkim a Zero Waste State and India a Zero Waste country. Cleanliness is a state of mind and effort needed was to change the mindset of the people and as Heads of Schools had the ear of the next generation and Religious Institutions like monasteries, Temples and Churches had a large following their support in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan would go a long way in helping solve the country’s waste problems.
Lama Rigzing Yongda from Pemayangtse Monastery shared his experience with the participants detailing how Pemayangtse monastery had banned the use of offerings which had plastic packaging, plastic carry bags and packaged drinking water and how devotees were now offering locally available products. Similar practises could now be adopted by the other institutions he said as the common goal was a clean planet.
A presentation on WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) for Schools was made by Zebanoor Ansari, Drishti, Namchi who outlined the various practises that could be followed in the schools thereby addressing a child’s right to both health and education. A presentation on practises to reduce and recycle waste was made by Shri Arjun Rai, Kapinzal Social Foundation, Ravangla.
Yishey Yongda, ADM, Gyalshing spoke on her eight-year experience in the Sanitation Cell and of the various sanitation activities undertaken by RMDD and of the way forward towards  Zero waste.
During the open discussion Heads of Schools spoke of the various practises being employed by them to reduce waste and how the models could be shared.
Sangam Rai, GVA, Ravangla thanked all for their participation and once again reiterated the need to work in synergy. A similar Workshop for Panchayats, Hoteliers and Taxi Drivers of Ravangla was held a day earlier on 16th Oct at the same venue.

Workshop begins economic valuation of bio-resources for Access & Benefit Sharing

GANGTOK, 23 April: A two-day state-level capacity building workshop on “Economic valuation of Bio-resources for Access and Benefit Sharing” began here at the Forest Department conference hall today. The workshop aims to create awareness and build capacity among the key biodiversity stakeholders/ managers.
Sikkim is in the process of implementing its “Access and Benefit Sharing” [ABS] project with the objective to strengthen the implementation of the Biological Diversity Act & Rules. This implementation will facilitate researchers, local NGOs and user agencies for better assess to locally available resources for economic proposes and strengthen the management of the forest resources for better study and research analysis.
The workshop will be addressing key issues on Economic Valuation of Bio-resources for Access and Benefit Sharing project and is being organized by the Sikkim Biodiversity Board and National Biodiversity Authority. Representatives from the National Biodiversity Authority are the key facilitators for the workshop which will seek to bring Sikkim at par with the four other project implementing states - Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.
Delivering the keynote address today, Dr. Ishwar Poojar, Project Manager - UNEP-GEF-MoEF, ABS Programme, National Biodiversity Authority, Chennai, emphasized the need for better management and implementation of the bio-resources through proper channels.
He said that the project on strengthening the implementation of the Biological Diversity Act and Rules with focus on its Access & Benefit Sharing provisions deals with assessing and quantifying the economic value of biological resources, using appropriate methodologies to determine benefit sharing, which will help in better implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, and inform national decision makers on prioritizing conservative action.
SS Bhadauria, Additional Chief Conservator of Forests, while addressing the inaugural session said that the identification of bio-resources or genetic resources with potential for ABS from selected ecosystems such as forests, wetlands and agriculture and their valuation [estimation of the real value] is an important task in this project. The major activities coming under this head, include- developing standardized economic valuation methods for valuing bio-resources, organizing three national workshops and five state level workshops on understanding the valuation methodology, and using the same in decision making, developing a methodology for using the economic valuation in deciding ABS permits, and developing a data base covering the economic valuation information in finalizing the ABS agreements.
Former Principal Director, Animal Husbandry Department, Sonam Paljor Bhutia, who chaired the inaugural session, in turn said that Sikkim, because of its geographical attributes, enjoys the privilege of conserving, protecting and properly utilizing diverse resources.
Mr. Bhutia urged the preservation and proper utilization of the bio-resources adding that the large quantities of divergent bio-resources are collected or extracted from the ecosystems, which human beings can directly or indirectly use either as food, medicines or biomass. These goods are also involved in research and development, which lead to the innovation of new consumer products and trade, and act as the basic raw-material or input factor in manufacturing many products.

Capacity building workshop for Social Scientists begins at Sikkim Univ

GANGTOK, 16 Apr: A two-week long Capacity Building Workshop for the faculty of Social Sciences was inaugurated by the Sikkim University Vice-Chancellor, Prof TB Subba here today. The workshop is being organized by the Indian Council of Social Science Research in collaboration with Sikkim University.

Thirty participants from different parts of the country have registered for the workshop. The workshop has resource persons and experts from different universities and organizations of the country.

In his inaugural address, Prof Subba stated that such capacity building was important for social scientists to get new ideas and knowledge to carry out their research work. He added that the workshop would also be helpful to enhance the capacity of social science faculties.

He mentioned that social scientists are found to be highly ambitious in their research but are poor when it comes to their methodologies. Linking research with the larger section of the population and the society is very important, he stressed.  Prof Subba further added that such workshops would be helpful to social scientists to further their research. 

Five-day workshop begins to create awareness on disabilities MEDIA PERSONS SENSITIZED ON DAY-1

GANGTOK, 07 Oct: National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped, (NIMH) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, is organizing a five-day state level workshop on ‘Awareness Creation About Disabilities’  at the conference hall of Social Justice, Empowerment and Welfare Department, Lumsey, 5th Mile, Tadong.
The state-level workshop began today with media persons in the state being sensitized on disabilities. Lecturer in Psychology, NIMH, Secunderabad, Dashrath Choudhary, highlighting the objectives of NIMH stated that its aim is to develop human resource through research and development, service model, documentation and dissemination, consultancy, extension and out-reach programmes. NIMH has three Regional Centres viz. Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata and is also planning to start a new Regional Centre in Sikkim, he added.
Regarding the programme, he mentioned that this time NIMH is organizing five-day awareness programme starting with the media personnel. The main objective of the programme is to create mass awareness on disabilities.  On the second day, the programme will be meant for policy makers of the State Government followed by teachers and students of Colleges and Schools on the third day. The fourth day’s programme will be held for professionals working in the field of disability rehabilitation and the last day for the grass root level workers and Anganwadi workers.
Mr Choudhary also added that NIMH is collecting and sharing data on disabilities all over the world. “This is our fifth visit to Sikkim and we hope to conduct more workshops in the days to come”, he said.
Clinical Assistant [Psychologist], NIMH, Kolkata, Aditi Biswas spoke on the activities planned for Sikkim for 2013-14 while Lecturer in Special Education, NIMH, Kolkata, Jayati Mitra spoke on special education. Occupational Therapist, NIMH, Kolkata, Santosh Shetty spoke on the role of psychology and occupational therapy for people with mental disabilities.
National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped established in the year 1984 at Manovikasnagar, Secunderabad (Andhra Pradesh). The institute endeavors to excel in building capacities to empower persons with mental retardation.

Workshop held on central grants for PRI functionaries

GANGTOK, 01 Oct [IPR]: A workshop on Central Grants for Panchayat Members and PRI Functionaries of West and South Districts of Sikkim was organized by the Directorate of Panchayati Raj, RM&DD here at the capital today. Secretary RM& DD, DR Nepal in his address informed that Sikkim is among the leading states in the country to conduct regular panchayat elections. He also mentioned that Sikkim has had an efficient track record in terms of fund transfer to PRIs.
He maintained that the urgency with which the funds from the 13th Finance Commission are dispersed to the PRI functionaries shows the level of commitment of the Central Government to uplift the Panchayati Raj Institutions. He urged the functionaries to reciprocate this act through consistent good work.
The Secretary stressed on proper documentation of activities and timely submission of utilization reports to the Department to ensure timely disbursement of grants thereby maintaining an efficient level of functioning. While informing about the training being imparted to the PRI functionaries the Secretary informed that the State Institute of Rural Development, Karfectar is the third best amongst such institutes in the country.
He further mentioned that the Department had constituted Sikkim Legal Services Authority, the State Institute of Rural Development and the Hotel Management Institute Sajong as training partners for capacity building of the PRI functionaries.
Earlier, Joint Secretary Panchayat, Norzing Bhutia oriented the Panchayat members on the correct ways of compiling and submitting the Utilization Reports of activities carried out under the 13th Finance Commission Fund and the Backward Region Grants Fund. She stressed that the fund under the BRGF was exclusively for gap filling purpose and not for the routine activities under the PRI.
She informed about online applications like PRIASOFT, PLAN PLUS, and ACTION SOFT already in use in Sikkim to ensure transparency in accounting. The Joint Secretary also informed about the formation of a Ward Level Development Committee constituted by members of zilla and gram panchayat.
Earlier, Secretary RM&DD handed over installment cheques from the 13th Finance Commission Fund and the Operation and Maintenance Fund for Village Water and Sanitation Committee.
The workshop was also addressed by Director Panchayat RM&DD, HB Gurung, Deputy Secretary SIRD, Yangchen Bhutia, and Panchayat Inspector, Zomden Lachungpa.

WORKSHOP HELD ON JOINT FOREST MANAGEMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Participatory management of forest resources deliberated

GANGTOK, 30 Sept: Forest Minister Bhim Dhungel has congratulated all the stakeholders of the JICA assisted Sikkim Biodiversity and Forest Management Project [SBFP] for their contributions and delivering on their individual responsibilities for the smooth operation of the project in the state. He further credited the achievements recorded in the project so far to active participation and concern from the grassroot level.
The Minister was speaking as the chief guest in the state-level workshop on Joint Forest Management for Sustainable Management of Natural Resources organized by JICA assisted SBFP, Department of Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management at the conference hall of Saramsa Garden today. The day-long workshop was attended by members of Joint Forest Management Committees & Eco-development Committees, Panchayat members, NGOs and community organizers along with officials and staffs of Forest Department.
The workshop intends to strengthen and spread participatory management of natural resources in the state through collaboration of all stakeholders. The aim of the workshop was also to create a common platform for various schemes and programs to strengthen the livelihood, ecotourism and biodiversity conservation activities implemented by the department through the participation of local people.
Speaking further in the workshop, the Minister stated looking at the visionary programmes and policies of the state government, the centre and other countries have extended financial and technical support to the state. While speaking on the SBFP project, he mentioned that the project has not only been doing well in the state but it has also created job opportunities to local people at different levels.
The Minister stated that the state has also recorded various landmark achievements in forest and environment and in the increase of forest area. He also assured to look into the issues placed by the participants earlier in the workshop.
Likewise, Special PCCF-cum- SBFP Project Director, SBS Bhadauria stated that the SBFP project is planned for a period of 10 years beginning from 2010-11 to 2019-20 which is being implemented in North, South, West and East districts through 26 forest ranges covering 180 JFMCs and EDCs. He also dwelt upon the progress and achievements under the JICA project.
He also stated that the micro plan of the project would be reviewed every year to improve implementation. The success of the first phase of the project would help to extend the period of the project in the state, he added.
Earlier, Conservator of Forest [T], YP Gurung spoke on joint forest management, while Deputy Team Leader PMC, Ganesh Yadav gave his presentation on the progress of the JFM. The workshop started with the welcome address by Additional Project Director, Karma Legshey and concluded with the vote of thanks by DFO East [T] Nombi T Bhutia.
The Minister also released the microplan of 45 JFMCs and EDCs which are taken as initial intervention village. Earlier, the programme also saw presentations by SHGs and Echo-Stream on marketing study of income generating activities.

Daylong photography workshop held in the capital

GANGTOK, 29 Sept: Thirty participants of different age groups and from different fields attended a day-long workshop on Basics of Photography organized by Gangtok-based Imago Creative Studio here today. The workshop had well-known photographer and founder member of Focus Kalimpong Photo Club, the 33-year-old Chinlop Fudong Lepcha from Kalimpong as the resource person.
The workshop was mainly aimed at beginners who are seeking professional guidance to get a good understanding of photography. During the workshop, Mr Lepcha gave presentations on the different aspects of photography and cameras, which was followed by an interaction session and a photo walk at Lal Bazaar and MG Marg.

Workshop on financial inclusion held in Gyalshing

GYALSHING, 23 Sept [IPR]: A financial inclusion workshop was held on 21 September at BhanuShalig which was organized by District Project Management Unit, Gyalshing, West Sikkim under the North East Rural Livelihoods Project [NERLP].
The NERLP is a World Bank-funded multi-state project being implemented by the Ministry of Development of North East Region (DoNER) in four eastern states of India i.e. Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. The NERLP is implemented in two districts i.e. South and West of Sikkim and 15 poorest wards of East Sikkim. The main objective of the project is to improve rural livelihoods, especially that of women by formation of SHGs.
The chief guest for the programme was ADC (W), BhimThatal who expressed that Government of India is providing more facilities to the North East Region especially for rural development where the banks play a major role.
AGM Reserve Bank of India, Gangtok, Tashila Ethenpa, informed that banks cannot deny opening of an account and that denying anyone the right to open an account goes against RBI’s banking laws.
He also informed people regarding the role of Business Correspondent in rural areas especially in those villages where the population is below 2000. In Sikkim, according to the RBI’s survey 757 villages still have population below 2000, where BC needs to be appointed which will lead to the successful implementation of financial inclusion.
The bankers mentioned that people were ignorant about many facilities due to which they go to the bank for subsidies only, very few of them go to take loan for different purposes. Yet, there are instances where people have taken loan under various heads and very few of them have repaid. This has discouraged banks to give out more loans to the people, it was added.
CBI Branch Manager, Gyalshing, MK Jha said that banks are always ready to help the people.The workshop concluded with the vote of thanks by the staff of District Project Management Unit, NERLP, Gyalshing.

Veticare Paksam organises workshop on animal health in Jorethang

NAMCHI, 20 Sept: The Veticare Paksam organized a workshop at its Jorethang office with the aim to deliver crucial tips to farmers which could help them to maintain the health of their livestock and cattle especially milching cows. Veterinary doctors and farmers from South and West districts attended the workshop.
The workshop had Joint Director, Sikkim Cooperative Milk Union, Karfectar, Dr. Paras Chettri as the chief guest and Dr. Ravi Patiyal from Natural Remedies as the special guest. The farmers were advised to take good care of their milching cows and were advised not to give any medicine to the animals without consulting a veterinary doctor.
They were also suggested not to neglect the animal’s health and were told to keep the cowshed clean. Many more such tips and suggestions were provided to the participating farmers. Dr. Arjun Adhikari of Veticare Paksam informed that a similar workshop will soon be held for compounders in Jorethang. The programme was also addressed by Dr. Phurba Sherpa of Karfectar, Dr. Meenakshi Pradhan, Master Trainer of Livelihood School Dr. Kinchokla Bhutia, Veterinary Officer from Turuk and Dr. Seema Rai, Veterinary Officer from Soreng.
Later, the farmers who attended the workshop were provided with medicines for their animals at 10% discount.

RMDD workshop on sanitation and hygiene held at Namchi

NAMCHI, 12 Sept: Rural Management and Development Department conducted a workshop on Sanitation, Hygiene Advocacy and Communication Strategy for South District at the Namchi Community Hall today. The department has already conducted similar workshops at three other districts of the state.
The workshop today was attended by Panchayats, Gram Vikash Adhikari, School Heads and NGO representatives of South District.
During the programme the resource persons of the workshop highlighted on different topics where Joint Secretary, Sanitation Cell, Hissey Yongda highlighted the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan, Field Facilitator, Suren Mohra informed about the Community led total sanitation programme for Nirmal Gram, Field Facilitator Udai Chamling spoke on school sanitation and Dawa Bhutia [NGO representative] highlighted on Zero Waste management.
Under the various topics of the workshop the resource persons explained in brief concepts of sanitation like disposal of human excreta, open ditches, pit latrines, bucket system, solid and liquid was management and disposal, food hygiene, personal, domestic as well as environmental hygiene, importance and basic determinants of quality of life and the role of community in our individual and social life.  
An interactive session with the participants was also conducted where they briefly discussed various topics with the resource persons of the workshop.
ADC (Dev) South, Binu Gurung said that everyone must work together and cooperate with each other to live up to the prestigious Nirmal Rajya award received by Sikkim. She also asked the Gram Vikas Adhikaris and panchayat members to conduct coordination meetings in every GPU of South district to spread awareness on sanitation and hygiene.
The workshop was also addressed by ADC (Dev) Ravangla, Tashi Chopel.

Traditional Knowledge tips for biodiversity and herbarium preparation

GANGTOK, 27 Dec: A Training Workshop was organized by The Mountain Institute India [TMI] on “Field based biodiversity assessment, documentation of Traditional Knowledge associated to Biodiversity and Herbarium Preparation methods” during 22-24 December 2012.
A press release informs that the trainees were young Research Scholars of Sikkim, traditional practitioners and healers, and Biodiversity Management Committee members of Pendam and Lingee-Payong. The training was one of the major components of the project funded by Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.
The primary objective of the workshop was to provide in-house and field based training on scientific methodology of biodiversity assessment, and herbarium preparation. The training was also provided on documentation of Genetic Resources (GRs) and associated Traditional Knowledge (TK).
The resource persons for the training included Dr. Ghanashyam Sharma [TMI India], Dr. Tika Sharma [expert on medicinal plants], Dr. Bhoj K. Acharya [Sikkim Government College] and Dr. Shiva K. Sharma [Department of Science and Technology, Government of Sikkim].
The release mentions that this training was the first of its kind where traditional practitioners and healers, Biodiversity Management Committee members learnt scientific methodologies from the research scholars. On the first day Dr. Ghanashyam Sharma informed the participants on the training components and objectives and emphasized on the importance of the documentation of biological diversity and GRs and Benefit Sharing of GRs through ABS process.
Dr. Bhoj K. Acharya, an expert on birds and butterflies in the region, in his presentation informed the participants on the diversity of flora and fauna, biodiversity and genetic resources and the related Traditional Knowledge in the Eastern Himalayas. He highlighted on the issue of endemism and species extinction of bio-diverse flora and fauna in different altitudinal ecosystems.
Further, he discussed the problem of poaching and subsequent illegal trade of wild flora and fauna derivatives, which he said was posing a big threat to some endangered and vulnerable species of high altitude birds and wildlife. He cited examples such as Satyr Tragopan (Tragopan satyra), Blood Pheasant (Ithaginis Cruentus), Himalayan Monal, Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens), Musk Deer (Moschus Chrysogaster), Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia), and Himalayan Black Bear (Selenarctus thibetanus), etc. which are under great threat.
He also trained the participants on the identification of venomous and non-venomous snakes and explained the first aid required during snake bites. He added that snakes are critical components of the ecosystem and these creatures should be conserved.
However, Dr. Acharya, expressed his concern over the lack of research and documentation of insect diversity in the Sikkim Himalayas. He further stressed on the need to quantify the population of vulnerable and endangered species of flora and fauna found in the region through survey and/or research.
Speaking on the different tools and techniques used in research, he added that the survey techniques adopted for the purpose should be species-friendly. In addition, he briefed the participants on the different cultural and traditional uses of bio-resources, especially in the rural areas, which has been playing a major role in the conservation/preservation of those resources.
Further, he briefed the participants on several regulatory provisions for the protection and conservation of wild flora and fauna species such as Wildlife protection Act 1972, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960, CITES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species, Indian Biological Diversity Act 2002 and Biological Diversity Rules 2004.
Dr Shiva K. Sharma in his address reiterated that Genetic Resources and the associated Traditional Knowledge are time-tested and have evolved since centuries. He perceived the need to document the plant species diversity. Urging the participants to encourage the local experts of Traditional Knowledge or TK-holders towards documentation, he went on to explain the documentation process to the participants. Dr. Shiva trained the participants on the field based biodiversity assessment methodologies using several scientific techniques.
Dr. Tika Sharma, one of the main resource persons for the training, in his address highlighted the need of commercialization of bio resources in Sikkim, as the state is far behind in comparison to other Indian states. Swertia chirayta, Aconitum sp., Nardotachys jatamansi, Picrorrhiza kurrowa and Gloriosa superba are the only medicinal plants/herbs commercialized till date in Sikkim, he acknowledged.
He stressed on the revival of the traditional herbal medicinal culture of the Sikkim Himalayas rather than depending entirely on allopathic medicines. Dr. Tika trained the participants on the field based herbarium collection methodologies. He also trained in-house herbarium preparation methods.
On 23 December, the participants were provided hands-on training at the Hanuman Tok area on herbarium preparation. The process of herbarium preparation was explained in full detail by the resource persons and demonstrated at the field.
On 24 December, in-house training on documentation of bio-resources and associated traditional knowledge was imparted to the participants. Finally, training certificates were handed over to all the participants of

Building capacity to manage climate risk and disaster preparedness

GANGTOK, 04 Dec: Institutional understanding of the hazards that affect local populace, the importance of sound infrastructure for safety and to build capacity and strength for effective disaster management and mitigation were some of the aspects discussed here at the Orientation-cum-Workshop on GoI-UNDP US-AID Project on Implementation of UNAID supported, ‘Climate Risk Management Project in Urban Areas Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation’ organized by the Land Revenue and Disaster management Department today.
Gangtok is among six cities in the country where this project is being implemented under the aegis of Disaster Risk Reduction Programme. This 1210000 US Dollar Project would be implemented from October this year till September, 2015. UNDP is carrying out various projects in 26 states across the country and is constantly assisting the governments in enhancing financial and human resources.
The representative of UNDP stated today that disasters could be mitigated to a certain extent through preparedness but it was essential to change collective behaviour for better results. Disaster management is only a partial solution towards disaster mitigation but it is more important to change the mindset of the masses, she said.
She stressed on disaster risk assessment as one of the most important steps in designing suitable measures for reducing the risk of disaster in urban areas and added that ensuring good governance and capacity building of various stakeholders is equally important.
Similarly, SPO, Sikkim, Bhupendra Sharma speaking on the overview of UNDP’s engagement in the state especially Gangtok stated that Sikkim was indeed one of the first states to sign an MoU with UNDP on community risk management and also stated that UNDP had initiated this project since it was felt that urban areas were being neglected with regard to disaster risk preparedness issues.
He also talked about the policies of UNDP that have been adopted by the state departments for efficient preparedness related to disasters.
The Deputy Director, Civil Defense, India, Sanjay Sehgal while stating that Civil Defense was an integral part in disaster management stressed on strengthening the civil defense force in the state. Building capacity of community members for an effective response would go a long way in reducing risk of disaster, he said and added that special efforts should be made to mobilize volunteers from NSS, Civil Defense, Welfare Society, sanitary workers and health workers, NGOs etc.
Training should be provided to these volunteers on basic search and rescue, first aid, fire fighting, relief distribution etc, while efforts should also be made to compile a data base of these volunteers and institutions so that these volunteers could be trained periodically and mobilized in a systematic manner, said Mr Sehgal.
Strengthening early warning systems and developing guidelines and practicals were some other issues he highlighted.
The Gangtok, Mayor, KN Topgay in his address stated that it is important to reduce disaster risk in urban areas by enhancing institutional capacity besides enhancing community capacity to manage climate risk in urban areas by improving the preparedness. He also added that Gangtok because of its efficient governance and administration would be one of the exemplary cities in terms of preparedness.
The earthquake last year opened the eyes of many after which the state government is laying a lot of stress on preparedness related to disasters, the Mayor added.  
The workshop was attended by Deputy Mayor, Shakti Singh, Secretary cum Relief Commissioner, GoS, SBS Bhaduria, representatives of different line departments, officials of GMC, UD&HD, PHE, Police, Public Works, Tourism Departments and representatives of NGOs and CBOs. Others to address the gathering were Joint Secretary, LR&DMD, Shova Lepcha, Vice Chairman, Sikkim SDMA, Professor Vinod Sharma and DS, LR&DMD, Prabhakar Rai.

Workshop shares findings of study on Poverty Pathways in Sikkim

GANGTOK, 23 Aug: Poverty is inherently dynamic and is the net result of escapes and descents of households into poverty. Poverty eradication requires actively accelerating escapes and blocking descents. Analyzing the reasons for escape and descent will assist in policy planning, as the escape pathways can then be broadened and the pathways for descent narrowed down.
Therefore, in order to identify the linkages between economic growth and poverty pathways a study was undertaken by RM&DD jointly with the Institute of Rural Development, Anand (IRMA), Gujarat which is a premier institute in the field of rural development in the country. An official communiqué informs that the study titled “Poverty Pathways and Welfare State in Sikkim” was taken up in case-study mode and a sharing workshop was organized to present the findings on 22 August at Chintan Bhawan.
The workshop was chaired by Chief Secretary, Karma Gyatso IAS and attended by dignitaries and guests from related Departments and academicians from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, IRMA and Central University (Gujarat). Secretary, RM&DD, DR Nepal welcomed all the guests and also provided details of how the study was conceptualized, introduction to IRMA and the benefits from the study.
This was followed by presentation of the case studies on poverty pathways in Sikkim by Dr. Ajay Dandekar, Dr. Pratik Modi and Dr. Reetu Sogani.
The release mentions that the findings of this study indicate that many of the escapes from poverty have been supported by government interventions. Also the rural economy of the state has evolved from a predominantly agrarian base, into a diversified multi-occupational one. Better education has helped the young workforce to secure jobs.
Also, farming practices such as floriculture in green houses, vegetable farming, dairy farming, tomato farming, poultry and employment opportunities in the transportation and construction sectors have helped households escape from poverty. Well-off and middle class households fell into poverty largely as a result of the breadwinner being afflicted by life threatening health ailments and alcoholism.
This presentation was followed by an open house discussion in which several participants contributed actively. The chief secretary in his concluding remarks highlighted upon the various Missions of the State Government. He also asked for incorporating SWOT analysis in the study framework and elaborated the various exemplary initiatives of the State Government to conserve the environment and rich biodiversity of the state.
The release adds that the learnings from the workshop will help to better understand the impacts of the development interventions and how they affect the socio-economic profile of the rural households. Better understanding the dynamics of poverty, will also help in the Mission: Poverty Free Sikkim. The workshop ended with a vote of thanks to the chief guest and all the participants.

Experts recommend use of ‘green technologies’ for road constructions

WORKSHOP HELD ON ‘NEED FOR GREEN RURAL ROADS IN SIKKIM’ 
GANGTOK, 24 April: The Green Mission Programme started by the Sikkim Government has helped the state achieve the status of one of the cleanest and greenest states in the country in the last six years. This has been possible due to the various innovative green initiatives taken by the State Government for past several years. Along with the protection and conservation of the rich biodiversity, the adoption of green rural roads in the State can play a vital role in the development of the state as well as achieve its Green Mission Programme, said experts at a workshop held on Tuesday.
Speaking at the workshop on ‘Need for Green Rural Roads in Sikkim’ today, Convenor of Fijeeha [Forum for Indian Journalists on Energy, Environment, Education, Health and Agriculture], Dr Navneet Anand  said “Sikkim under the leadership of the visionary Mr Pawan Chamling has scaled amazing heights in introducing environment-friendly programmes and it is time the state took progressive steps to ensure green rural roads which shall work as a model for the rest of the country”. The seminar was also presided over by Chief Scientist, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, CSIR and Central Road Research Institute [CRRI], PK Jain and CEO Bitchem, Rajeev Agarwal
Roads are integral to the growth of societies and it is imperative for North Eastern states to embrace the many new alternative and superior technologies of road construction including cold mix, public waste and jute. This would not only ensure enhanced rural connectivity-critical for growth but also give a much needed push to the central government funded scheme Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana [PMGSY], which aims to provide connectivity to all unconnected habitations in the rural areas in a time bound manner.
Chief scientist CRRI, the nodal body for roads research in India, PK Jain said “Today there are many new environment friendly and sustainable technologies available for road construction, which are specially suited to hilly, cold or rainy conditions like in the North East and it is imperative that we use these to enhance rural connectivity and prosperity by increasing the construction season”.
He said that the initial results of some such environment-friendly technologies including cold mix in Assam, which has been used to construct more than 1000 Kms in the last 3 years has yielded positive results which has helped the state gain substantial progress in the quality of rural and state roads.
CRRI has been constantly striving to push new and sustainable technologies in road construction across the country. Recently, it has given an exclusive license to Bitchem for cold mix technology in the North East region. Bitchem Asphalt Technologies is India’s pioneer in introducing and commercializing the cold mix technology in India. Rajeev Agarwal of Bitchem informed that Assam had taken a lead in introducing the environment-friendly cold mix technology in rural road construction and over 1000 km of rural roads have been built using this technology and the time is ripe for other states in the North East to follow.
Cold mix technology is considered greener, safer and facilitates faster roll-out suiting the climatic and terrain conditions of the north eastern region. According to National Rural Road Development Agency [NRRDA] of Ministry of Rural Development, road construction and repair work done using hot mix is often sub-standard and there is a need to use cold mix for the same, it was informed.
Bitumen Cold Mix is a simple mixture of unheated damp mineral aggregates and emulsified. Advantages  of the cold mix are versatile, economical and non-polluting, no heating of binder, no heating of aggregates, low capital cost on equipments, high rate of work progress, socio- economic benefit, it was mentioned.
The terrain in-and-around 70 percent of the North East Region is hilly and mountainous and the entire region gets very heavy rainfall ranging from 2500mm to 6000mm which makes communication difficult. Unlike plains, the construction of roads in hilly areas is different, extremely difficult and much expensive and hence it is important to innovate and use new technologies for faster and enduring roll out of roads.

Workshop held on National Animal Disease Reporting System

GANGTOK, 19 March:  A workshop on “National Animal Disease Reporting System [NADRS], Preventive Measures for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza [HPAI]”, was organized here today at the Forest Department conference hall. The workshop was organized jointly by the National Informatics Centre [NIC] and Animal Husbandry, Livestock Fisheries and Veterinary Services Department.
Joint Director [DI] KC Bhutia, in his welcome address, informed that the recent outbreak of HPAI in Nepal and Bhutan was a warning reminding Sikkim that the disease was in close proximity.
“We need to therefore remain vigilant and act promptly as per the action plan issued by Government of India,” he stressed.
“Recently the state of Odisha confirmed HPAI in wild crows and in this regard we have received several letters from the Government of India regarding the do’s and dont’s particularly not to touch the dead carcass with bare hands and not to perform post mortem in the field,” he informed.
Highlighting that importance of control and containment operations, he pointed out that these efforts were being monitored by the Prime Minister’s Office. “We therefore need to work together with our friends from the forest department to follow up on any sort of mortality of wild birds,” he added
Director [AH], T Lucksom, in his inaugural address, emphasized the importance of prevention and control and informed that NADRS will involve a computerized network linking the various units of Animal Husbandry Department at the block, district and state level to the central disease reporting and monitoring unit [CDRMU] at the DADF at New Delhi.
All diseases scheduled in the prevention and control of infectious diseases in Animals Act 2009 will be included in this reporting system.
He added that the project will improve the efficiency of the departments and provide SMS alerts about animal disease outbreaks, remedial measures and such details. Another benefit will be the integrated management information to systematize the existing record-keeping procedures. After this, all concerned officials of the department will undergo training and by the next financial year, every case in the department will have to reported online, he informed.
“I am sure that with the cooperation from NIC, we will be able to achieve the desired results,” he stated.

Workshop on Community Radio Awareness concludes

GANGTOK, 11 Mar: A three-day workshop on Community Radio Awareness concluded today at Hotel Royal Plaza. The workshop ended with a valedictory address by guest faculty of SU and radio expert Prof TK Thomas and Consultant CEMCA, Vipin Sharma.
The workshop was hosted by Sikkim University and organized by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India in collaboration with Commonwealth Education Media Centre for Asia to introduce the benefits and the concept of community radio in Sikkim.
Earlier in the day, during an interactive session, several points regarding the technology, contents, programming, policy etc of Community radio were discussed between the facilitators and participants present from within and outside Sikkim. Other guests present were SU Vice Chancellor, Prof Mahendra P Lama, CRS Cell MIB, Inderjeet Grewal and Director CEMCA, R Sreedhar.
R Shreedhar in his address informed that this is the 36th workshop on Community Radio being conducted by CEMCA and this time we have selected Sikkim, he added. Stating that Community Radio was a powerful medium to reach the grassroot level, he expressed hope that by next year, at least 10 stations would come up in the State.
Further adding that Anna University was the first to start Community Radio Mr Shreedhar said “Let Sikkim University lead the revolution of giving voice to the voiceless in Sikkim. Let Community Radio give birth to Community TV.”
Prof Lama, highlighting the importance of Community Radio, said that along with the Museum and Archives Project and Oral History Project, Community Radio was one of the flagship programmes of Sikkim University.
One of the participants, chief coordinator of All Sikkim Gurung “Tamu” Buddhist Association, Bijoy Kr Gurung, expressed, “For an association like ours, community radio can benefit in communicating with the society and getting feedback”.
Urbashi Chettri from Divya Jyoti Pragati Sangh, Pakyong added, “As the cost of constructing a community radio is between Rs 5 to 10 lakhs, not every NGO can afford to establish it, so I think few NGOs should come together and establish one”.
In the end Prof Thomas on behalf of Sikkim University gave full assurance to help NGOs and other non-profit organizations to establish CR in their own complex.

7-day training on homestay tourism concludes

ANUSHA GURUNG
GANGTOK, 06 Mar:  A seven-day Capacity Building Training for stakeholders on homestay tourism  was held at the Institute of Hotel Management, Sajong , Rumtek. This Skill Development programme under the “Hunar Se Rojgar Tak” scheme is funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and was held from 27 February to 04 March.
A total number of 81 trainees underwent this training which aims to promote tourism and generate employment in the state.
Speaking at the valedictory function today, Administrator, Institute of Hotel Management, GD Gyaltsen said that this training includes food production, house keeping, communication skill and personal hygiene. This time there was 100% attendance and the participants showed a lot of interest, he added.
This is the first batch and the government is providing them with a house with 2 rooms and an attached bathroom, informed Mr Gyalsten. Further suggesting that they can later turn it into a bigger one, he stated that it is their duty now to provide tourists with the best service.
Trainee Indu Prasad Dahal said that he was thankful to the Government for providing this kind of training. We have to encourage the next batch so that we can all develop our society, he expressed
Chief guest of the function, area MLA Menlom Lepcha in his address said that this is a very good training programme given to the people especially in the village areas through which they will get a lot of new ideas. Not only in towns but we also need to make a good atmosphere in the villages as well, he added.
He also suggested to the trainees to continue in this field that they have received training in and try to form a cooperative.
The trainees were also given certificates by the chief guest during the programme.