SPCC to hold state-level committee meeting on Sunday

GANGTOK, 10 Dec: Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee [SPCC] held a meeting under the chairmanship of its working president, Dr AD Subba and senior vice-president, Major T Gyatso today at its head-office at 5th Mile, Tadong.
An SPCC press release informs that the meeting discussed and deliberated on different issues and appealed to all old and senior members, workers and well wishers of the party to be in constant touch with the party head-office.
It was decided that a meeting of the state-level committee with different sister organizations and other committees of the party would be held on 15 December. It is informed that in the meeting the new members of the working committee of the party would be introduced to everyone where they would also be informed about their duties.
It is further informed that the meeting would also be discussing the future programmes and strategies for the upcoming assembly and Lok Sabha elections in the state.

SKM condemns CM’s comments

GANGTOK, 10 Dec: Sikkim Krantikari Morcha[SKM] has condemned Chief Minister Pawan Chamling’s comments made during the laptop distribution programme in Mangan on Monday where he had allegedly referred to SKM as a party with people who have been charged in Court for criminal offences.
In a press release, SKM spokesperson, MN Dahal, has said that the Chief Minister himself has corruption charges alleged against him. He has further accused the ruling party of involvement in the murder of Opposition party workers. The accused in at least 6-7 cases are moving around freely and are active members of SDF party, he has alleged.
He further accuses the CM of misinterpreting Article 371F (o).

SDF appoints new office bearers

GANGTOK, 10 Dec: Sikkim Democratic Front has changed and appointed new office bearers in its central working committee. An SDF press release informs that the party president has appointed the party vice-president [organization], Somnath Poudyal as West Pendam constituency in-charge and Devendra Gurung, son of Late PB Gurung, as youth secretary of the party for East District.

KVK East Sikkim’s scientific advisory committee meets

GANGTOK, 10 Dec: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, ICAR Sikkim Centre, organised its first Scientific Advisory Committee meeting for the year 2013-14 at its campus here at Ranipool today. The meeting was chaired by Dr. RK Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR Research Complex, Sikkim Centre, an official press release informs.
Dr. Avasthe, in his remarks, emphasised the Seed Village concept and establishment of marketing networks to solve farmer problems at the grassroots level. He strongly advocated Asset Based Community Development approach (ABCD) for sustainable developement of farming community.
Dr. Nayan Rai, Director (Vety Services), Deptt. of Animal Husbandry, was present as chief guest accompanied by NT Bhutia, Addl. Director (Agriculture), as guest of honour along with the 20 statutory SAC members from different line departments, ATMA, East Sikkim; NRC for Orchids, Pakyong; NABARD, Gangtok; CAE&PHT, CAU, Ranipool and Doordarshan Kendra, Gangtok.
Farmer representatives Umakant Sharma, Panchayat President, Upper Nandok; Kailash Rana Mangar, State award winning farmer from Saramsa, Vivek Cintury, emerging Agri-preneur from Mazitar, Manmaya Sharma, from Sirwani and Maya Bhutia from Sajong attended the programme as honorary members.
Dr. Avasthe briefed the meeting on the importance of the Scientific Advisory Committee for the formulation of strategic action plan for KVK for the agricultural development of the East district keeping in mind the current status and future prospects of the organic agriculture in the state.
Dr. Mohanty detailed the Action Taken Report and tabled the Progress Report of KVK, East Sikkim for the period from April to November 2013.
The members shared observations and offered suggestions for the development of farming and farmer community which gave a road map for formulating an effective and easily deliverable action plan for the coming year.

Student group thanks CM for Meritorious Scholarship Scheme

GANGTOK, 10 Dec [IPR]: The students enrolled under the Chief Minister’s Meritorious Scholarship Scheme at St. Xavier’s School in Pakyong have expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister for providing them a “golden opportunity” to study in such a prestigious school. At present there are 75 students sponsored under Chief Minister’s Meritorious Scholarship Scheme at St. Xavier’s School.
These students of Classes VI, VII and VIII, in a letter to the Chief Minister of Sikkim, have lauded the state government scheme for providing an extraordinary opportunity for students from humble backgrounds.
While appreciating the environment of the school, the children have assured to study hard and become responsible citizens of the country. They would like to serve the society, state and the country with sincerity and dedication, they have stated.
The students in their letter have further stated that with proper guidance from the teachers they have been able to adjust themselves and have started participating in various extra-curricular activities like sports and music. It is commendable to note that one of them has also received the Rajya Puraskar from Bharat Scouts and Guides.
Here, it may be mentioned that this is for the first time that students have written a letter to the Chief Minister expressing their gratitude for providing them with such an opportunity.

Training on Credit and Assets Management concludes for SBS staff

GANGTOK, 10 Dec: A 3-day training programme on Credit and Assets Management for Officers and Staff members of State Bank of Sikkim concluded on 07 December. The training programme was conducted at the SLDB Training Centre, Deorali.
A press release informs that this was the 10th batch of a series of training conducted by the bank. Altogether over 200 employees from different branches of the bank were imparted with such training. The training was conducted with the help of experienced retired banking personnel from nationalized banks, it is mentioned.
State Bank of Sikkim is imparting trainings on different banking subjects to its employees. Main purpose of such training programme is to keep the bank’s employees informed with all new developments taking place in banking industry, it is informed.
Speaking at the valedictory function of the programme, Managing Director, State Bank of Sikkim, Hem K. Chettri stressed on the importance of providing quality customer service to its customers and urged all attending officials to implement the lessons of training in all branches for practical use. He impressed upon the attending officials, the need to bring a change in the work culture and to be prepared to accept any kind of challenges ahead. He also assured to continue providing training to its employees on various banking subjects regularly, the release adds.
Appreciating the initiative of the bank management, the trainees assured to work towards providing better banking services to the people. Valedictory function was also attended by General Managers and other Senior Officers of the Bank.

SDF door-to-door campaign in Poklok-Kamrang

NAMCHI, 10 Dec: The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front continued its door-to-door campaign in Poklok-Kamrang constituency in South Sikkim. At Sorok Shyampani Gram Panchayat Unit under the constituency, one Chandra Bdr. Tamang and his family rejoined the SDF today. Mr Tamang had joined the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha party in November earlier this year. Chairman, Ecclesiastical Department Lakpa Ghising welcomed him back into the party.
While addressing the programme, Mr. Ghising said that while there may be dissatisfaction among some party workers, they should not lose sight of the task of working for the betterment of Sikkim which is the ultimate aim of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling. “So, we the party workers should learn to look beyond minor misunderstandings and work together for the betterment of the state,” he stressed.

Offences against minors present major worries

ANAND OBEROI
GANGTOK, 10 Dec: The year 2013 began with the disturbing news of a youth being arrested on charges of raping a 5-year-old and a 9-year-old minor in two different incidents reported from Gyalshing, West Sikkim late November last year. Through the year, two primary school teachers from remote schools were also arrested by the police mid-year on charges of being serial molesters, one of whom had impregnating a minor at the school where he had been teaching for many years.
With over 9 cases of sexual offences against children registered with the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) that are still under trial in different courts in the state, the news of sexual crimes against minors, both male and female, mostly below the age of 10 years made headlines throughout the year.
No cases of sexual offences against children were reported only from the North district, with such crimes having been reported from all the remaining three districts.
The case of a 12-year-old minor who was allegedly detained in a nearby forest for over 24 hours and raped repeatedly by 4 men at Keet Golai was a shocking instance that brought to light the vulnerability of children in the state. Another case where another 12-year-old minor was molested and raped at Pabong Khola in South Sikkim was also a case being handled by SCPCR.
The chairperson of the SCPCR, Manita Pradhan, while stressing that the focus was now totally on the rehabilitation of the victims. As for justice, the cases remain under trial at various courts.
She added here that the commission was constituted in 2008 and was fully operational now.
“The Delhi [gangrape] incident of December 2012 opened everyone’s eyes to this gruesome fact that also exists in our state. Prior to 2013 only a handful of such cases against minors used to be reported, not because the crimes were not happening, but because no one really felt the need to understand the gravity of the situation. But with the pro-active initiatives taken up by the commission, this year we have already solved many such cases and are also following-up on the cases still in court,” she informs.
She added that the Commission is dedicatedly working on generating awareness among the rural masses where such offences used to go mostly un-reported until recently.
This is changing. After one of the awareness meetings held by the commission, a mother of a minor is said to have asked the commission members what child molestation exactly meant and whether a child could actually be raped?
Ms Pradhan added here that prompt information of such cases from the police stations had also played an important role in bringing these cases to the notice of the commission.
“These are the sort of localities where were are spreading awareness on various doubts related to the offences, receiving counseling and other forms of help including legal representation from the commission. Now with time, people have started asking whether a particular way of touching a minor could be considered traumatic or damaging to the child’s psychology. This is basically the first area of our intervention,” the SCPCR Chairperson informs.
She adds that as per the guidelines, the Commission apart from generating awareness immediately responds to any case related to a minor reported at any police station across the state. From meeting the victims and their families, addressing the stigma attached and convincing them that it was alright for them to accept their child back into the family and working towards reduction and elimination of the rampant discrimination still attached to sexual offences in rural areas is what the commission is now focusing on, she added. Some school students who were victims of such crimes have once again rejoined schools and are recuperating from the trauma, she informed.
She also spoke of cases where pregnant unmarried mothers who are still minors had chosen to deliver the baby instead of opting for other means.
“It proves very difficult to explain what actually the case is to the family members of the victims who believe that the crime against their child is the end of their child’s future. In one case, the girl has gone back to her family and we as the commission members work towards making a better and positive life for the victim. After her rehabilitation and counseling, she decided to keep the baby. And if the mother agrees, her baby can be sent for adoption and the minor girl can resume her classes in her respective school as soon as she decides to,” explained the chairperson.
She added that rehabilitation homes like ‘Mamtalaya’ at Amdo Golai in Gangtok also help in counseling such victims, who are given different options and choices to move ahead in life after the traumatic experience. She added that the rights of the minor are made clear and legal help is also provided if some victim demands for the same.
Service providers and official teams from the commission that include the Law officer also make regular visits to the victims homes and file suo-moto cases if they feel that the minor has been exploited or has faced immense trauma.
“These cases never came up earlier but now cases are being forwarded to us by the police who are cooperating and supporting this movement against sexual offenders. The perpetrators can be anyone you know like a next door neighbor. It is very important to know where your child is and with whom. Speaking to the children about what kind of behavior needs to be reported is also an important aspect”, says Ms Pradhan.
“The message is going through and we are focused on our goal. With awareness on crimes against children spreading we are sure that more of such cases will get reported now. We cannot deny the fact that this could happen to just anybody,” she states.
SCPCR Helpline: 03592-208217

Training held for REDRH masons in Yangang

NAMCHI, 10 Dec: A training programme on REDRH for masons working on constructions under this project was organized today here at the Yangang Gram Vikash Kendra, South Sikkim.
The training was presided over by Gram Vikash Adhikari, Yangyang GVK, Prakash Chandra Kharel while the resource persons of the programme were Divisional Engineer, South, Pratap Gautam and Assistant Engineer, DP Sewa from GVK, Yangang.
Total of fifty masons participated in the training where they were made aware of the guidelines for constructing a building under the government’s REDRH scheme. The training was also attended by line department officers, local people and the staff of Yangyang GVK.
Earlier the Panchayat Inspector, DB Chettri delivered the welcome address while the programme was conducted by Field Facilitator, Yangyang GVK, Kumar Chamling. Later the trainees were issued certificates on completion of the training.

Two committees set up for effective implementation of ICDS

GANGTOK, 10 Dec: A State Mission Steering Group [SMSG] under the Chief Minister and a State Empowered Programme Committee [SEPC] under the Chief Secretary have been constituted by the government for the effective implementation of the Integrated Child Development Scheme.
The SMSG is for the strengthening and restructuring of the ICDS on Mission Mode in Sikkim while the SEPC headed by the Chief Secretary, will function as the technical body for Planning, Supervising and Monitoring of the Scheme.
The SMSG will be in operation during the remaining period of the 12th Five Year Plan. This Group will approve policies and programmes for the Scheme and ensure effective convergence of policy.
It will also appraise the government of various proposals and schemes of the SEPC and examine and approve recommendations of the Committee on hiring of experts and functionaries for carrying out activities under the ICDS. The SMSG is to report to the Prime Minister Council on the progress of the Scheme.
On the other hand the State Empowered Committee will facilitate the implementation of the Scheme in the state with the framing of rules and procedures; approve annual plans for implementation and track progress on key outcomes as well as provide analysis and supportive action. It will recommend to the State Mission Steering Group on programmes, personnel and budget as well as exercise executive and financial powers.
New projects and anganwadi centres will be put up to it for approval as well as those regarding training, advocacy and information, education and communication (IEC), monitoring including Management Information Systems and evaluation. It is also to take up any task assigned by the National Mission Steering Group. It will report to the Empowered Programme Committee, government of India and the State Mission Steering Group.
This Committee consists of the Development Commissioner; Secretaries Social Justice, Finance, RMDD, PHED, Health, HRDD, Food Security, Food and Civil Supplies and Director, Social Justice and Technical Advisor, Nutrition, FNB. The Mission Director will serve as the Member Secretary.

Governor calls on reconstructive surgery patients at STNM Hospital

GANGTOK, 10 Dec: Governor Shriniwas Patil visited STNM Hospital on 09 December and called on patients undergoing reconstructive surgery for Cleft lip, palate and burn contractures at a camp being jointly organised by the Sikkim Viklang Sahatya Samity, doctors and technicians from Saraswat Hospital, Agra and the Department of Health Care Human Services and Family Welfare Department along with Raj Bhawan. He was accorded a warm welcome by the Secretary, Health Department, Dr K Bhandari, Principal Chief Consultant and Medical Superintendent, Dr Yogesh Verma and staff of the Hospital.
During the course of his visit, the Governor enquired about the health of the patients operated upon and handed over gifts, an official press release informs.
The operations that begun on 07 December and are scheduled to continue up to 12 December. A total of 39 operations have been undertaken so far and sixteen more are scheduled, it is informed.
The Governor also directed the Health Department officials to conduct such camps on a regular basis so that no such cases remain unattended in Sikkim. He assured complete support to this effort.
The surgical team of doctors and technicians from Saraswat Hospital Agra led by Dr Satya Saraswat, Anaesthetist, Dr Ranvir Tyagi; and members of Sikkim Viklang Sahayta Samiti also called on the Governor at Raj Bhawan today. The Governor felicitated the entire team, and expressed his gratitude for their humane service and for lending their expertise in changing the lives of the patients, the release adds.

DSR

One held on charges of attempt to rape
GANGTOK, 10 Dec: In a disturbing case, a youth was taken into custody yesterday on charges of having allegedly attempted to rape his younger sister in South Sikkim.
Namchi Police arrested the youth, originally hailing from Surjali basti of Uttar Dinajpur in West Bengal and currently residing in Namchi, on 09 December for trying to rape his 18-year-old younger sister who is physically challenged.
A case under section 511/376 [punishment for attempting to commit offences punishable with imprisonment for life or other imprisonment and punishment for rape] of the Indian Penal Code has been registered against him at the Namchi Police Station. The victim was medically examined at Namchi District Hospital and the case is under investigation.

Teen commits suicide
GANGTOK, 10 Dec: A 15-year-old boy committed suicide by hanging on 09 December. The deceased was a Class X student staying with his uncle and aunt. On 09 December, when the aunt returned home from work, she discovered the suicide, it is informed. A case of Unnatural Death [UD] has been registered at the Rhenock Police Station.

Obscene SMS
GANGTOK, 10 Dec: Namchi Police on 09 December registered a case against unknown persons on charges of outraging the modesty of a woman.As per the police report, on 07 December at around 4 pm an unknown person sent an obscene SMS to one Lakpa Tshering Sherpa’s mobile number which was addressed to the sister of a person from Perbing basti. Following this, the brother reported the matter to the police. The Namchi police have sent a requisition for details of the SIM number used to send the obscene SMS. A case under section 509 [word, gesture or act intended to outrage the modesty of a woman] of the Indian Penal Code has been registered at the Namchi Police Station and the case is under investigation.

Trader files complaint of cheating against two
GANGTOK, 10 Dec: A case of cheating has been registered against two persons at the Singtam Police Station on 09 December on the complaint of Sandeep Agarwal of Singtam Bazaar.
According to Sandeep Agarwal [proprietor of Sikkim Auto Agency], he had supplied materials for MG-NREGA works at Khamdong BAC. However, the payment for the said works [approximately Rs. 10 lakh] has instead been fraudulently made out to another person with a similar name.
A case under section 420/403/408 [cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property, dishonest misappropriation of property and criminal breach of trust by clerk or servant] of the Indian Penal Code has been registered at the Singtam Police Station and the case is under investigation, it is informed.

Annual Day at Bojoghari School

GANGTOK, 10 Dec: Bojoghari Sr. Sec. School celebrated its Annual Day today which was attended by officers from HRDD, SMDC and SMC members as well as guardians. The main event was the release of the school’s first ever Annual Magazine, “Aagaman”, by the chief guest Joint Director (East) HRDD, Prakash Pradhan.
As per a press release, Principal CD Bhutia stated that the inaugural magazine announces the arrival of literary development in the school.  She also stressed on the need to open Science as well as vocational stream and requested the officials from HRDD to extend help towards the school.
The guests enjoyed the culinary skills of the students as they visited the food stalls of four different houses trying out local cuisine prepared by the students and House masters, it is mentioned.
Mt. Pandim house was adjudged the one with the best food stall. The Art & Crafts stalls had a well received collection of handmade baskets, bags, dolls and decoration items. The program ended with prize distribution.

Siniolchu FC and SAI-Namchi in Dong FA Cup finals

NAMCHI, 09 Dec: The second semi-final of the ongoing DFA Cup Football Tournament 2013 was played between the two giants, United Sikkim Football Club, Gangtok and Siniolchu Football Club, Namchi.
The Namchi club knocked out the Gangtok club out of the tourney in a tiebreaker and secured their place in the final which is scheduled to be held on 11 December. Organised by the Dong Football Association (DFA) in collaboration with Dong School Management Committee, the second semi final of the tournament had MLA Zoom Salghari, Madan Cintury as the chief guest.
Today’s match ended in draw 03-03 in regulation time.
The decision was then taken through tie breaker where Siniolchu defeated United Sikkim with the final score of 7 goals to 5. Siniolchu will now battle against SAI, Namchi in the final of the tournament on 11 December.
The final of the annual sports meet of the school was also held today.

MG-NREGA Social Audit at Yangthang reveals poor accountability

GANGTOK, 09 Dec: MG-NREGA Social Audit Jan Sunwai for 2011-2012 & 2012-2013 was conducted by Yangthang Gram Panchayat under Gyalshing Gram Vikash Kendra, West Sikkim on 07 December. Social Audit process in this GPU was started by Himali Vikash Sansthan (HVS), District Resource Institution for MG-NREGA Social Audit West District on 03 December and completed on 07 December, informs a press release.
The Jan Sunwai was chaired by Zilla Panchayat member, San Mati Subba and attended by Gram Vikash Adhikari, Panchayat of Yangthang GPU, ADPC West, Block officials and workers from villages.
Ganesh Pd. Sharma from District Resource Institution gave a presentation on the GP level documents verification. Total Job Card holders registered in the GPU are 512 and out of these 401 are active Job Card holders. Employment provided under the scheme was very poor since only 35 households got 100 days employment for the financial year 2011-2012 & 2012-2013.
The Jan Sunwai also revealed that the Gram Rojgar Sahayak has not maintained documents and registers properly. It was informed that applications submitted by workers did not have signatures of applicants, Job card number and address; Job Demand register, Employment provided register, Asset register for completed work are not maintained by GRS; Job cards are incomplete and not updated and there was no entry made, stock register and worksite register are also not maintained.
The GRS has assured to complete all registers within one month, the release mentions.
Vigilance and Monitoring Committee list are available at GP but only three members were present in the Jan Sunwai, it is informed.
As per Bal Bahadur Baraili of Toyang ward, the committee has not visited worksites.
Total number of four civil works and 18 Land Development Works were executed and completed in this GP for the financial year 2011-12 & 2012-13. Total sanctioned amount is Rs. 43,11,600 out of which Rs. 22,26,658 was used for wage payments and Rs. 17,44,813 for payment of materials. Rs. 3,40,129 is the remaining balance.
Measurement book for each scheme were prepared only for materials and tools supplied by supplier and works progress was not entered in the book. The concerned JE assured to complete by one month, it is informed. The brand name of materials has not been mentioned in bill submitted to PO for payment and in this regard the supplier assured to enter the details.

Late Mr & Mrs Laxuman Alley Mangar Memorial football tourney gets underway in Tadong

GANGTOK, 09 Dec: The second Football Challenge Tournament [Constituency level] in memory of Late Mr and Mrs Laxuman Alley Manger of 6th Mile, Tadong was inaugurated on 08 December.
A press release informs that the main objective of this tournament is to promote football and sports among the youth, discourage use of drugs and alcohol and to help in the healthy development of youth of the area.
The first match was played between Dzongri Veterans and Tadong Yargay Veterans in which the former defeated the latter 03-02.
In the second match Santi Sewa Samiti trounced 6th Mile Tadong 04-01, the release mentions.
The chief guest on the occasion was Ongda Bhutia [ex-Mondal of Tadong] who was accompanied by Councilor Bhasker Basnet as the guest of honour. MLA of Upper Tadong constituency, DB Thapa, Parvat Gurung [Councilor], members of Tadong Yargay Association-Senior Citizen and the public of the locality were present on the day.
The tournament will conclude on 25 December.

SSP welcomes resolutions passed at BL convention

GANGTOK, 09 Dec: The Sikkim Sangram Parishad has “whole heartedly” welcomed the resolutions adopted at the convention organized by Bhutia Lepcha Protection Force on 08 December.
In a press release, the party has also expressed shock over the absence of all the 13 MLAs from the BL community from the convention despite being invited by the BLPF.
SSP has welcomed the resolution regarding seat reservation for Nepali community in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly and has stated that the majority community should also come forward to support their minority brethren Bhutia Lepcha, who, the release contends, are not secure under the SDF government.
The party has lauded SIBLAC and BLPF for speaking out not only for their own interests but also for adopting resolutions for other communities. The SSP has been advocating all the above mentioned issues at the national level from the time it was in power, the release mentions.
The party will pass all the resolutions and pressurize the Union Government to keep the spirit of the merger alive and not dilute the special provisions provided under Article 371 F of the Constitution based on the 8th May, 1973 Tripartite Agreement, the release further states.

SKM meetings held in East and West Sikkim

GANGTOK, 09 Dec: Sikkim Krantikari Morcha [SKM] held a meeting at Sisney ward under Chujachen constituency today. The meeting was attended by the constituency president of the party, N Gurung, panchayat president, Krishna Bahadur Gurung and others.
An SKM press release informs that the people of the area alleged that there has been no development in the ward and only false promises have been given regarding the development of the area in the last 20 years.
Former Panchayat, Passang Dawa Sherpa along with 27 houses joined the SKM party on the day, the release claims.
It is further informed that a ward-level committee was also formed with former panchayat Mr Sherpa as the president.
Another SKM press release informs that a 53-member block-level committee for Chumbung under Soreong-Chakung constituency headed by Birendra Rai as the president was also constituted today during a meeting at Chumbung in West Sikkim.
The meeting was addressed by former Minister, TM Rai, former MLA, Bhojraj Rai, general secretary, MN Dahal and other leaders of the party.

Welfare Secretary meets Sikkim students in Himachal

GANGTOK, 09 Dec: Secretary, Social Justice, Empowerment and Welfare Department, G Upadhyay, today met Sikkim students enrolled at the Himalayan Group of Professional Institutions, Kala Amb, Himachal Pradesh, who have been going through a traumatic few days owing to clashes with another student group there.
As informed by the Secretary, he met with all the Sikkim students today together with the local administration including the SDM and SDPO and police officials.
The Sikkim students at the institution have been appealing for better security measures and had petitioned the Sikkim government for security after they had allegedly been threatened by a group of students from Haryana at the institute.
Mr. Upadhyay informed that he spent about 3 to 4 hours with the students today and requested the local authorities including the Station House Officer of the Kala Amb Police Station to be present.
The meeting went off well with the local authorities assuring full support and also forwarding their contact information to the Sikkim students in case the threats continued.
In fact, as informed by Secretary Upadhyay the local police assured the students to put behind bars anyone who continued to threaten them should the students be able to provide names and other details.
“The authorities categorically assured to provide security and take action on any complaint from the students,” said Mr. Upadhyay. Local authorities informed Mr Upadhyay that Kala Amb is a small hill town where no incidence of violence has occurred in the past 10 years.
On the other hand, Mr. Upadhyay during his visit to the institution also requested the college administration to provide those Sikkim students who were residing outside the college be accommodated in the college campus to which the college administration agreed.
The HGPI is affiliated to the Himachal Pradesh University and is an institution of repute. As informed the situation there seems to be returning to normal, for the Sikkim students. There are informed to be 71 students from Sikkim, 69 of whom have gone there on scholarships provided by the state government.

Sarovar Welfare Society convenes first meeting

GANGTOK, 09 Dec: Sarovar Welfare Society situated at Sarovar Gram, DPH area, held its annual general body meeting on 08 December. A press release informs that it was the first meeting of the society since its registration and election of the governing body for a period of 3 years.
The governing body comprises of DB Shrestha as president, Anchala Gurung as vice president, DP Sharma as general secretary, JB Gurung as joint secretary, Shibu Chettri as publicity secretary, BK Baraily as treasurer and NC Dey as assistant treasurer.
The meeting also elected three senior citizens of the area as Advisors of the Society. DB Thatal, SP Subba and R Wangchuk were elected as the advisors, it is added.
The meeting took up several issues for the development of Sarovar Gram and the improvement of the area through participation of local residents. LPG cylinder distribution point, car parking, establishing cooperative societies were among the issues discussed.
The treasurer of the society presented the accounts of the society and the meeting concluded with vote of thanks by the general secretary, the release adds.

Bhusuk road in need of urgent repairs

REBYNA RANA
GANGTOK, 09 Dec: People commuting on the Bhusuk to Chandmari road have had to suffer rough rides due to the bad road conditions along this route for the past many months.
60-year-old resident of Bhusuk, Megnath Rai, who travels to Gangtok every day, rues that the one and a half hour journey takes around 3 hours because of the horrible road conditions. The journey takes longer and is very tiring, he complained.
The road carpeting work from Chandmari to Bhusuk [Taksam Bridge] was sanctioned in 2011 for a total budget of Rs. 3.5 crore. The Roads & Bridges Department had completed the work along the 10 km stretch but conditions have again deteriorated with the road damaged at various places.
The problem also springs from parts of the road falling under the Army. Seven kilometres of the road after the Taksam bridge falls under the Army. As of now, carpeting work on the road from Chandmari to Taksam bridge has again started.
Mr Rai has appealed to the concerned department to expedite repair works during this dry season.
Speaking to NOW!, Chief Engineer, Roads & Bridges Department, CP Tongden, said that the carpeting work from Chandmari till Taksam bridge is expected to be completed by March next year.
He added that the department has also appealed to the Army to speed-up repair works on parts of the road that fall under its jurisdiction and assured that the department is putting in all efforts to repair the roads as soon as possible.
Mr. Tongden further informed that a project proposal for the up-gradation of the road from Chandmari till upper Pakyong was placed with the central government last year and the department is awaiting approval from the centre.

Training held for REDRH masons in Martam

GANGTOK, 09 Dec: A special training for masons for Reconstruction of Earthquake Damaged Rural Houses [REDRH] constructions was held today at Gram Vikash Kendra, Martam in East Sikkim.
A press release issued by RMDD JE Neelam Chettri informs that 50 participants attended the training at which the BDO, AE and JE imparted technical knowledge to the participants who were provided with certificates on completion of the daylong session.
The release informs that the training was mainly organized to provide technical knowledge to masons on REDRH design and structural aspects.

Golay rejects CM’s clarification on Companies Act

GANGTOK, 09 Dec: Sikkim Krantikari Morcha’s PS Tamang [Golay] has accused Chief Minister Pawan Chamling of misleading Sikkimese people on the Companies Act 2012.
In a press release issued today, Mr. Tamang has stated that clarifications by the Chief Minister [read “Chamling condemns deliberate misquoting…” in NOW! issue dated 09 Dec 2013] on some newspapers misquoting him will not alter people’s views on the dilution of the Old Laws of Sikkim or stop the extension of Companies Act 2012 to the State.
He has asked the CM to explain sub-section (1) of section 465 of the Act that states “The Companies Act, 1956 and the Registration of Companies (Sikkim) Act, 1961 (hereafter in this section referred to as the repealed enactments) shall stand repealed”.
While the new Central Act has provisions to repeal the Sikkim Act, this clause has not yet been notified.
Mr. Tamang goes on to refer to sub-section (vii) of the section 67 of the Companies Act 2012, vide which Jammu & Kashmir has been excluded. He question why such an exclusion has not been worked in for Sikkim which has Article 371F.
“If Article 370 of the Constitution can protect J&K then why cannot Article 371 F do the same for Sikkim?”, he questions.
He goes on to state that the CM should make public the unedited video footage of his speech where he claims to have been misquoted. Instead of clarifying on newspapers misquoting him, the CM should clarify on why Sikkim has not been given constitutional security, he adds.
The 2% share of profits that the State can earn annually from a company under the new Act can be affected by the State itself along with various other benefits like employment for Sikkimese people in the MoU that it signs with a company, he states, further alleging that justifying the extension of the Act to the state on such grounds is only an attempt to further confuse the Sikkimese people.

Gruesome murder in Gangtok hotel

GANGTOK, 09 Dec: A gruesome murder has taken place in Gangtok where the body of the victim, unidentified as of yet, was found in a mutilated condition this morning in a room in a local hotel located at Namnang. The stand-in manager found the body in the room when he used his keys to open the room after getting no response from inside. Pavir Mondal, the stand-in manager, found the body under the bed sheets covered in blood.
He is reported to have immediately contacted the Sadar police. The Sadar police are investigating the matter and even requisitioned the dog squad from the Crime Branch.
The dead body was found in a disfigured state – one eye gouged out and an ear and nose cut off. While it is being speculated that the victim was tortured before being killed, only the autopsy will confirm whether the mutilation was inflicted before or after death.
Pavir Mondal, who says he is actually a cook at the hotel, was standing in as the manager during this lean season for the past few months. The victim, according to him, had checked in with another person late on the night of 07 December, Saturday, at around 10 p.m. He had claimed to have arrived from Lachung in North Sikkim when he checked in, it is informed.
As per norms all guests are required to register themselves at the reception and present documentary proof of identity. The stand in Manager says that he did not register the two persons as they had assured that they would register themselves in the morning. Thereafter, he did not see them the whole of Sunday and this morning, when he went up to the room he got no response to his knocks.
He used his own key to enter the room and discovered the dead body of one of the guests inside; there is no information on the whereabouts of the other person who had come with the victim.
Needless to add, the version as presented by Pavir Mondal is also under scrutiny by the police.
It is not clear whether the victim was a tourist or a labourer returning from North Sikkim.
Meanwhile, the body has been sent for post mortem and the police will be taking the statement of Mondal.

Laptop distribution programme concludes with Mangan

MANGAN, 09 Dec:  The second and final phase of this year’s free laptop distribution programme by the state government concluded today with a total of 798 students of classes XI & XII from four senior secondary schools of North district receiving their free laptops.
Students of Mangan SSS, Hee-Gyathang SS, Phodong SSS and Mangshilla SSS were presented free laptops by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling at a function held at Mangan School ground today.
The Chief Minister underlined that the State government has accorded top priority to education sector and the fundamental aim behind distributing laptops to the students was to level the playing field for them to help make them more competitive and advanced in the world of information and communication technology.
“Student must be constructive, disciplined and should concentrate and put their entire focus on studies to become exemplary. At the same time, students must be aware of antisocial elements who are trying to provoke the minds of student,” he said, further advising the students not indulge in politics and to stay away from anti-social elements.
With today’s distribution, around 7,500 students of the state now have a laptop of their own, all provided free of cost by the State Government. The second phase of distribution had begun on 06 December at Kaluk in West Sikkim where 2,261 students of 10 schools were presented laptops. The next day, on 07 December, 4,294 students of 14 government schools of South District and those of the Namchi government college were handed their computers.
In all, nearly 18,500 laptops were procured by the State government for distribution to government school and college students. In the first phase, nearly 11,000 laptops were distributed.
At the function in North Sikkim today, the Chief Minister also sanctioned demands tabled by the Mangan Senior Secondary School management for infrastructure development and construction of a welcome gate. He also announced that those who have been left out of the beneficiaries list in the previous Janta Mela of North district will receive the benefits in the upcoming Janta Mela.
Speaking on the dilution of Article 371 F being alleged by his detractors, the CM said that no individual has the power to dilute Article 371 F since any such move will require a 2/3rd majority of the Parliament to clear the resolution of any State government of India. “These [claims of dilution] are only rumors being circulated by the opposition parties who either don't have any knowledge of such issues or are intentionally misleading people,” he said, adding that politicians should act wisely with proper understanding of issues.
He also reiterated his clarification regarding the Companies Act 2012 vis a vis Sikkim.
The CM was accompanied by Chief Secretary, R Ongmu, Speaker KT Gyaltsen, his Cabinet colleagues and heads of various departments.
The CM also attended the Sthapana Diwas of Bihari Jagaran Manch at Community Hall Mangan where the president of Bihari Jagaran Manch on behalf of the community placed the demand relating to the provision of the transfer of trade license to the legal child of the deceased and the issue of residential certificate for the community. The Chief Minister assured that the demands made by the community will be fulfilled.
The CM also visited the Swayem Monastery and interacted with the public and panchayat. The public here demanded for the construction of a new monastery in the same place. The CM sanctioned an amount of Rs. 1 crore for the construction of Swayem monastery where he informed that the amount of Rs. 25 lakh will be released in the first installment.
Earlier, in the morning the CM also inaugurated the Multi-Level Car Parking Building at Mangan Bazar.

State-level conference deliberates Educational Planning & Management

GANGTOK, 09 Dec: A state level conference on Educational Planning & Management for district and block level administrators in school education began here today. The two-day conference is being organized by the National University of Educational Planning and Administration [NUEPA] in collaboration with the Human Resource Development Department.
The inaugural function of the conference had ICFAI University Vice Chancellor, SG Tashi as the chief guest.
In her address, NUEPA’s Department of School and Non-formal Education, Prof. Neelam Sood, said, “Sikkim although a small hilly state has done commendable job in the field of education and it is heartening to see the progress in the education sector over the past few years”.
The state has also shown progress in the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan with an increase in the enrolment, she mentioned.
Prof Sood appreciated the state government’s decision to allocate 20 percent of its fund for the education sector. She further lauded the state for providing education opportunities to all and infrastructure development.
On the conference, Prof Sood explained that the conference was visualized by NUEPA and has been conducted in different states. “This conference is a rare opportunity to direct and interact closely with field functionaries in education sector on various educational issues. It is also an opportunity to discuss the recent changes and trends in the education sector and exchange ideas”, she said.
The chief guest, Mr Tashi stated that the state government has given priority to the education sector and is in the process of providing the best and quality education to every student in the state. He added that the field functionaries can play a better role in making the government’s programme, plans and vision successful. He urged the participants to take advantage of the conference to work more effectively in this sector.
The inaugural function started with the welcome address by HRDD Deputy Director, HP Dhakal and concluded with the vote of thanks by NUEPA Associate Professor, Dr Madhumita Bandyopadhyay.

Forum for Sikkimese of Indian Origin thanks BLPF

GANGTOK, 09 Dec: Forum for Sikkimese of Indian Origin [FOSIO] has expressed gratitude towards the Bhutia Lepcha Protection Force [BLPF] for passing a resolution during its convention on Sunday in support of giving the old settlers of Sikkim their rights.
In a press release issued today, the Forum has welcomed the initiative taken by BLPF by holding such a convention and inviting all concerned societies of Sikkim. FOSIO coordinators from Gangtok, Tadong, Deorali and Ranipool attended the convention, it is informed.
Stating that the “BL community recognized our genuine, long pending demand and passed resolution to support us” the Forum has extended its full support and cooperation to BLPF.

Caught in Quotas

Editorial:-
It is never out of season to talk about the near obsessive ambition of communities across the board to get included in some reserved category or the other. We have, in our country, quite a wide range of categories to choose from – there is the ST list, the SC recognition, the OBC, now even MBC, Bihar introduced us to the EBC grouping – and one can rest assured that more such segregations will be dreamed up in the coming years. Communities vie to fit in somewhere, speculate to move across reservation-enjoying groups and seek out more quotas in newer avenues.
Why these categorizations and why this keenness for reservations?
Given the history that India emerged from in 1947, where caste alienation was extreme and jan-jatis genuinely underprivileged, a policy was required to overcome a legacy of injustice and to provide all in this country with a broad measure of equal opportunities. Since equal opportunities would not have been willingly granted and communities with centuries of oppression behind them could not be expected to benefit from an equal footing standpoint, reservations were eked out. Over the years, the reservation were extended to include more communities and even women. The idea was to provide these communities/ gender with the first stepping stone to equality – access. Access to education, to jobs, to positions of power and wider exposure. This target has been met relatively well and as far as access is concerned, a wide swathe has been covered. That said, new elites have emerged within the reserved groups, from those who benefitted first from the ‘quota’ and thus became the more privileged among the disadvantaged. The obvious next step would have been to pull communities which have benefited enough out of the reserved categories and make space for those which still lag behind. Or at least extending the creamy layer segregation for reserved categories which currently have no such differentiation. This, obviously, is easier said than done. For one, there is no easily quantifiable way to decide when a community has developed enough to make it on its own steam sans reservation, and for the other, there is the vote-bank politics in which saner decisions in genuine public good would be political hara-kiri. So, the nation is left with an ever overflowing baggage of reserved sections and shrinking opportunities.
This is where the whole policy has failed. Instead of making people competitive with improved access, it has made them lazier with increased quotas. Little wonder then that more and more communities want to fit into some reserved category or the other. In fact, in the present times, when jobs are rare and competition even for education tough, it would be foolish of community leaders not to work for a quota for their people. And so the demands keep pouring in. This is not to belittle the aspirations of any community to find a new grouping for itself, but just a suggestion that maybe it is time the country and Sikkim paused to re-read the principles why reservations and special categories were first created, whether its expressed aims are being met, and also whether the people who genuinely require reservations are receiving it or not.

Books on CM’s political ideology and poetic expressions set for 14 Dec launch

GANGTOK, 09 Dec: Two books on Chief Minister Pawan Chamling are all set to be released on 14 December in Gangtok.
The book titled ‘Pavitra Kranti: Aadhargath Bhavabhumi’ is based on various aspects of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling’s political ideology and has been penned by Jagadish Sharma. The book has been published by Nirman Prakashan, Namchi.
The second book is an anthology of poems by Mr. Chamling published by Sajha Prakashan of Kathmandu, Nepal. The book will be released by noted literary figure Mahananda Poudyal, informed DR Nepal who is also convenor of the book release programme.
He further informed that the Chief Minister will not be attending the programme since it is a purely literary programme which is being organized by a group of intellectuals and litterateurs of the state.
The launch programme will be held in the mini-conference hall of Manan Kendra and retired Lecturer Rudra Poudyal will present a brief summary of the books, it is informed.

Workshop underway on teaching and learning through music

BRITISH COUNCIL LAUNCHES PILOT PROJECT ‘WORLD VOICE PROJECT’ IN SIKKIM
GANGTOK, 09 Dec [IPR]: To introduce music into classrooms and learning, and make teaching as well as learning interesting for the primary students the British Council organized their Pilot Project British Council’s World Voice Project (WVP).
The three-day work shop which was inaugurated today in Janta Bhawan here in the capital saw the participation of primary teachers from most of the government schools and others from the capital.
During the inaugural session the resource person from the British Council introduced the concept of the WVP  to the participants and informed them about the concept which basically meant promoting art integrated learning primarily through music and songs to make the subject interesting and fun for the students of up to class five.
The inaugural session saw the resource persons giving a comprehensive training on how they can actually introduce music and songs in the class room and make learning interesting for the children.
This programme by British council was introduced in India this year in March. The learning through song and music will not only make the subject interesting but also encourage active listening by the students and in the process children will retain the concept through music and songs and for longer period of time, learning needs active listening added another resource person Mr. Grover.
The project has been very successful in countries like Senegal in Africa and Latin America and recently the team had introduced this project in Indian states like Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalaya and now here in Sikkim.
It was also informed during the 1st day of the workshop that this method will also allow learning about different cultures from various other states of India as well as the countries where this pilot project has been introduced. The basic idea is to choose a popular song or music from the region and use it as a tool and an instrument for learning.
The team will also include primary students from various government schools from the capital and introduce the concept of learning through music and songs.

APPEAL

Martam Charitable Youth Association, an NGO, has appealed to all for financial aid for a patient suffering from Rheumatic Heart Disease [MR, AR].
Niv Maya Sunar [34 years], a resident of Bardang, East Sikkim currently residing in Martam belongs to the economically weaker section of the society and cannot afford treatment expenses. The necessary facilities for the treatment of the said condition are not available at STNM Hospital therefore the medical consultant in-charge has recommended treatment outside Sikkim, preferably at Mission Hospital in Durgapur, West Bengal. Although the state government has extended grants for availing referral facilities outside Sikkim, we have come to learn that the duration of her stay in the hospital might be a long one. Therefore expenses which are not included in the criteria of the referral cannot be met by her.
For details on how to extend assistance, contact: 7699935272, 8515065199

Chamling condemns deliberate misquoting, reiterates resolve to steadfastly protect Sikkimese interests

GANGTOK, 08 Dec:  In a rare press release issued today, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has responded strongly to what he sees as a deliberate and mischievous misquoting by some newspapers in how his comments on the Companies Act 2012 were reported. His explanation of the said Act and what it entails were misrepresented as his support and celebration in a deliberate and coordinate move to discredit him and his government, the CM states through the release.
The episode in question is nearly a week old, and although the CM’s statement has been since clarified and at least one of the newspapers has issued a corrigendum, the issue seems to remain very much alive, the misquote continuing to be circulated and condemned in the political circles. The comment in question was made by the CM in his address delivered on the inauguration of the Yul-Dru-Sum Dzom guest house in Gangtok on 03 December.
The CM explains that the Rajya Sabha MP Hissey Lachungpa brought up the issue of Companies Act 2012 in his welcome address and hence it only followed that as the chief guest and the Chief Minister, he explained the Act and its status vis a vis Sikkim to the gathering.
“I informed the gathering that while both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha had passed the Companies Act 2012 Bill, it had not yet been extended to Sikkim,” the CM states.
“In the same context, I also informed the gathering about some benefits of the Companies Act 2012 under which companies will be required to give the State 2% of their profits as Corporate Social Responsibility fund and become more transparent in how they conducted their business,” the CM explains in his press release.
He adds, “That said, under this Act any Indian can register a company anywhere in India and will not be bound to such provisions as the minimum 50% representation of Sikkim Subjects required under Registration of Companies [Sikkim] Act of 1961 [which will be repealed if the Act was extended to Sikkim].”
This explanation of the ground situation, the CM states, was misrepresented by some newspapers as him saying that the Sikkim Subject Certificate would be no longer required.
Reiterating that the said reports were outright falsehoods, the CM adds that these were deliberate attempts to defame him and the State Government.
“I strongly oppose this conspiracy and condemn it,” he categorically conveys in his press statement, adding that on behalf of the Sikkimese people, he rejects these “anti Sikkim, anti Sikkim Subject, anti-people and antinational elements”.
“The instigations of such sections notwithstanding, I remain resolute in my commitment to the Sikkimese people, to the peace and security of the State and to the interests of Sikkim youth. I reiterate my solemn declaration to continue fighting for Sikkim and Sikkimese people on all fronts – political, intellectual and legal,” he concludes.
The issue, as mentioned, has clearly stirred the political waters because it continues to remain in discussion. The condemnation has already been registered by the ruling party and was reiterated again today through another, more detailed press communiqué issued by Lok Sabha MP PD Rai as the SDF spokesperson.
“Contrary to the incorrect and blatantly false information being propagated by the opposition, the Companies Act, 2013, has not been extended to the State of Sikkim. The act can only be extended once the relevant sections are notified in the Official Gazette,” Mr. Rai explains, adding that it is unfortunate that the Opposition continues “playing with words and not looking at the issue in its entirety”.
“We condemn in the strongest possible manner that the SDF is deliberately ‘diluting’ the 371 F,” he states.
He details that the CM [on 03 December] was pointing out how even after the SSP Government lost the battle of Income Tax extension to Sikkim, the SDF Government managed to salvage the situation by securing IT exemption for Sikkim Subjects and their descendents. “By doing just this, the SDF and Chamling in particular were able to take the definition of Sikkim Subjects to a whole new level. This has in fact given an identity to Sikkimese people which no other person has been able to do so. This in itself means the innovation that was carried out,” Mr. Rai highlights.
“The Chief Minister was alluding to this and said that even if the Companies Act is extended, it is progressive and its measures will only benefit Sikkimese entrepreneurs and the society at large, especially through the CSR provisions. This is all that the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling was conveying. However, those opposed to the SDF have construed this and given it a political overtone which is totally false and baseless,” he adds.
He goes on to state that although the Companies Act repeals an old law, “in no way does it dilute Article 371F”.
“It is an Act passed by the Parliament which is empowered to do so as the ‘competent authority’ as is provided in Article 371F itself,” he argues.
He goes on to remind that the Minister of Corporate Affairs has assured the State government that it will not notify the Sikkim-related clauses of the Companies Act without discussions with the State Government and in particular the Members of Parliament.

State Open Archery Tournament 2013 concludes

GANGTOK, 08 Dec: The prize distribution ceremony of the State Open Archery Tournament 2013 was held this afternoon here at Paljor Stadium. The two-day tournament, which was organized by Sikkim Archery Association [SAA], saw archers from all four districts participating.
PHE Minister, TT Bhutia, who is also the SAA president, was present as the chief guest of the valedictory function.
In Indian Round boy’s [Olympic Round], Pranay Gurung won the gold medal, while Anurag Rai bagged silver and Bikram Rai won bronze. All these three archers were from South district. In girl’s event, Chung Chung Bhutia [West] won gold medal, while Bhim Kumari Subba [East] and Manita Rai [South] won silver and bronze medals respectively.
Pema Ongyal Bhutia [East] won gold in Recurve Individual Olympic Round, while Bhupen Rai [South] won silver and Chandradeep Rai [South] bagged bronze.
In Compound Individual Olympic Round, Gyaltsen Lachungpa [North] bagged the gold medal, while Norden Bhutia [East] and Karma Loday Namgyal [East] won silver and bronze medals respectively.
In the overall ranking in Indian Round boys, Pranay Gurung, Bikram Rai and Anurag Rai won gold, silver and bronze medals respectively, while in girl’s category, Bhim Kumari Subba, Pooja Chettri and Chung Chung Bhutia bagged gold, silver and bronze medals respectively.
In Recurve Division overall ranking, Pema Ongyal Bhutia stood on the top leaving Bhupen Rai on second and Chandradeep Rai on third position.
Gyaltsen Lachungpa bagged the gold medal in the overall ranking in Compound Division, while Karma Loday Namgyal and Norden Bhutia won silver and bronze medals respectively.
The winners were handed over with the medals and prizes by the chief guest and other guests.
The valedictory function was also attended by Sports & Youth Affairs Deputy Director, Thupden Rapgyal, Sikkim Olympic Association president, CK Basnet, Sikkim Himalayan Sporting Club president, Tenzing Lamtha and executive members of SAA.

Sikkim archers to compete in National Championship

GANGTOK, 08 Dec: An eight-member Sikkim Archery Association [SAA] team will be representing Sikkim in the upcoming National Recurve and Compound Archery Championship 2013 scheduled to be held at Jamshedpur in Jharkhand from 22 to 26 December.
These archers were shortlisted on the basis of their performance in the two-day State Open Archery Championship 2013 held at Paljor Stadium on 07 and 08 December.
The state team has Pema Ongyal Bhutia, Bhupen Rai, Chandradeep Rai and Suraj Rai in Recurve event, while Compound event has Gyaltsen Lachungpa, Karma Loday Namgyal, Norden Bhutia and Sonam Tshering.
The state team accompanied by the Archery coach, Thupden Rongkup will be leaving on 18 December for the championship.

Sikkim Univ campus land donors resettled in Upper Yangang

YANGANG, 08 Dec: The resettlement of land donors of the proposed Sikkim University campus at Yangang, South Sikkim is in full swing. Twenty-eight land donors have been shifted to Selemthang in Upper Yangang, the land allotted for the resettlement where houses under Chief Minister’s Rural Housing Mission (CMRHM) scheme were also constructed.
42 acres of land has been allotted for the resettlement at Selemthang in Upper Yangang just outside the university campus. Eighty-four families were affected in the land acquisition for the campus. 28 of these families were rendered landless following the acquisition and have been resettled, it is informed.
Speaking to media persons today, the land donors thanked the State government and Chief Minister Pawan Chamling for allotting the sites and assisting them in constructing houses.
“We are very happy that the government has not only provided us land but a house each. The state government and SU have fulfilled all the assurances given to us prior to the land acquisition,” said Chandra Bahadur Baniya and Tika Maya Chettri.
South Zilla Panchayat Adhakshya, CL Gurung, informed that the brick fencing of the university site amounting to Rs. 12 crore has been sanctioned and that the work will be awarded to nine local contractor cooperative societies.
“Water supply work has been sanctioned for the area where the land donors have been alloted land. The required drinking water will be provided from Khola Kharka water source,” informed Mr. Gurung.
He also informed that the estimate for the electrification project has also been completed while an approach road will be constructed within the areas where the houses for land donors will be constructed with the road construction work proposed to be allocated to local cooperative societies.
It has been proposed that the temple which was located inside the University site be shifted to another location for which land has already been allocated. The existing Mandir in the meanwhile will be maintained and preserved, informed Mr. Gurung.
SU Vice Chancellor Prof. TB Subba has also taken keen interest in the construction of a new temple, he added.
Local youth inform that they will take up all business opportunities within the area and no non-local will be allowed to do any business here. “We are capable of doing business and will utilize all the opportunities being brought to our door step by the government”, they said.