National Research Centre for Orchids to host Kisan Mela in Pakyong REBYNA RANA

GANGTOK, 11 Feb: National Research Centre for Orchids, ICAR, Pakyong is all set to organize the daylong “Kisan Mela” [Farmers Fair] on 12 February 2014 here at the State Community Hall, Pakyong. This is for the fourth time that the NRC for Orchids, Pakyong is organizing this mela with joint sponsorship of National Horticulture Board [NHB].
Speaking to NOW!, Senior Scientist cum Convener of the event, Dr. Shyamali Chakrabarti, said that more than 250 people have been invited for this event which is basically for the benefit of farmers of Sikkim, especially orchids growers.
This event will also bring together all growers in the fields of floriculture, agri-business, entrepreneurs, resource persons, researchers and students on a single platform to enable direct access to new technologies in the various fields.
During the event, the technologies developed by the Centre will be exhibited and a number of indigenous orchid species and hybrids collected by this Centre will be displayed, said Dr. Chakrabarti.
She also informed that around 20 progressive Orchids Growers from Kartok, Assam Lingzey and other areas will also exhibit their produce at the mela. A set of garden tools will be distributed to the participating farmers from the National Agricultural Innovative Project [NAIP] fund by Director for National Research Centre for Orchids, Dr. RP Medhi.
Minister for Food Security & Agriculture Development, Horticulture and Cash Crop Development and Parliamentary Affairs Department, DN Takarpa, is scheduled to inaugurate the Mela as the chief guest, accompanied by MLA, Namcheybong Constituency, BB Rai, and Principal Director cum Secretary, HCCD Department, DK Rai as guests of honour.
The Centre has also invited Former Director, National Institute of Research for Jute and Allied Fibre Technology [NIRJAFT], Kolkata, Dr. KK Sathapathy along with many other dignitaries from Central Government Organizations and State departments.

RMDD Minister inaugurates new GPK at Chalamthang Pacheykhani

GANGTOK, 11 Feb [IPR]: The newly constructed building of Chalamthang Pacheykhani Gram Prasashan Kendra at Pacheykhani of Rhenock constituency under Pakyong Gram Vikas Kendra was inaugurated by Minister for Rural Management & Development Department, CB Karki, on 10 February 2014.
Divisional Engineer, EDZP, SS Timsina presented the technical report which explained that the construction of the GPK was funded from the 13th Finance Commission 2010-11.The construction was started in the year 2011 and was completed in December 2013 at a cost of Rs. 29.6 lakh. The contract work was done by ManavKalyan Contractors Co-operative Society, Rorathang, Pacheykhani.
Sona Ram Pradhan, who had donated the land for the GPK, was felicitated by the chief guest, Mr Karki on the occasion. In his address, Mr Karki emphasized on using the GPK to facilitate rural development. He dedicated the GPK to the people of the GPU and directed the Panchayats to strengthen the Gram Prashashan Kendra under Rajiv Gandhi Sewa Kendra Scheme.
Guests of honour, Minister for Tourism & Forest and MLA of Rhenock constituency, Bhim Dhungel and Zilla Adhyaksha, Bimal Dawari also addressed the gathering.

53 new posts created at HRDD

37 IN SSES AND 16 IN SSETS

GANGTOK, 11 Feb: The state government has gone ahead and created a total of 53 posts in the Human Resource Development Department. The Department of Personnel, recently issued the order sanctioning the creation of these posts in various posts in the HRD department.

A total of 37 posts have been created in the Sikkim State Education Service and another 16 posts have been sanctioned for creation by the government in the Sikkim State Educational Training Service. These posts, it is informed, have been created in concurrence with the Finance Department and also with the Austerity Measures Committee.

The additional financial expenditure for the 37 posts in the SSES is to be debited from

Budget Head: 2202-80.001-60.00.01-Salaries (Non Plan). Under the Sikkim State Education Service the posts created include that of Director, Additional Director (5 posts), Joint Director (2 posts), Deputy Director (3 posts) and 26 posts of Assistant Director.

For the 16 posts created in the SSETS the expenditure is to be debited from the funds provided by the central government on a sharing pattern of 90:10 Centrally Sponsored Scheme funding pattern for North East Region. For the Sikkim State Education Service the posts created include that of Director, Additional Director (3 posts), and 16 posts of Assistant Lecturer. 

Exit conference of Social Audit of MGNREGA held at North Sikkim

GANGTOK, 11 Feb: Social audit of completed works of MGNREGA at North Sikkim for 4 GPs under Passingdang GVK namely Lingdong Berfok, Lum Gor Sangtok, Sakyong Pentong & Tingvong GPU has been completed. The Exit conference of above 4 GPs was conducted on 17 January 2014 at the office of DPC under the chairmanship of TT Kaleon (DPC North).

A press release informs that the Social audit was started on 16 December 2013 by Social Audit Unit (SAU) of Sikkim, VHAS (Voluntary Health Association of Sikkim) for the financial year 2011-12 & 2012-13.

Jan Sunwai was conducted under the chairmanship of their respective Zilla Panchayat members. District Program Coordinator, North, concerned officials from GVK, Gram Panchayats, GRS & Mates were present during the Jan Sunwai of social audit to answer the queries. The main objective of the social audit is to bring transparency in MGNREGA schemes.

The social audit team of SAU directed the DPC to submit Action Taken Report (ATR) of all the facts and findings to SAU within one month of the Jan Sunwai, the release adds.

SKM observes Pratiwad Diwas to mark lathicharge anniv

GANGTOK, 11 Feb: Sikkim Krantikari Morcha [SKM] observed ‘Pratiwad Diwas’ today to mark the first anniversary of the police lathicharge on SKM workers at the party headquarters in Tadong here on 11 February last year.
Working president, Bharati Sharma read out the message of the party president, PS Tamang [Golay] who is under treatment in Siliguri. Present today were senior party functionaries including former Rajya Sabha MP, PT Gyamtso.
In a message to SKM workers, the party president has said that the state government’s “barbaric attempt to silence the ‘krantikari awaaz’ was not successful in suppressing the enthusiasm of SKM workers who will continue to raise their voices.
“11 February was the day our party headquarters was established and unfortunately on this day my brothers and sisters also suffered an inhuman attack by police personnel led by IGP Akshay Sachdeva. So, we will observe this day as Pratiwad Diwas from now onwards,” Mr Tamang conveyed.
Condemning the incident he has saluted the spirit of SKM workers some of whom were sent to jail while some were hospitalized. The ‘krantikari yuva’ have shown courage to uphold the democratic aspirations with the view to develop the state, adds Mr Tamang.
Addressing the gathering, working president, Bharati Sharma said that the day marks the beginning of SKM’s fight to overthrow the ruling SDF party. She urged party workers to stand united and work for a better Sikkim.

SECOND DIVISION I-LEAGUE PRELIMS UPDATE

Two matches, 5 goals, one winner

GANGTOK, 11 Feb: Aizawl FC and Bhawanipore FC shared a point each with a draw match today in the ongoing preliminary round of the Second Division I-League here at Paljor Stadium. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Eric Aningo scored the lead early on in the 8^th minute for Aizawl FC but soon Daniel scored the equalizer for Bhawanipore FC in the 16^th minute and the first half ended 1-1, a scoreline which held till the final whistle.

In the second match of the day, Hindustan FC outplayed Kenkre FC 2-1. With the help of OO Sola’s goal in the 29^th minute Hindustan FC ended the first half with 1-0 lead. Within three minutes of the second half, Kamson Kabui extended the lead of Hindustan FC to 2-0. In the 59^th minute, Yash Mhatre managed to score for Kenkre FC. However, the match ended in favour of Hindustan FC with the score of 2-1 adding 3 points to their point tally.

On 13 February, Kenkre FC will take on Aizawl FC in the first match which will be followed by another match between Eagle FC and Hindustan FC. 

End Hostility

Editorial:-
It took the death of a 19 year old from the Northeast to the vicious intolerance of Delhi for the mainstream to sit up and realize the insensitivity with which it engages people from the margins. Apart from the immediate requirement to ensure that the murderers do not escape justice, several measures, not all of them advisable, are being considered to ensure better security for people from the Northeast in Delhi and other cities of the country. Security is always welcome, and should be of priority not only for the people from the Northeast but also the nation’s women, children and those from the underprivileged section of the society who otherwise rarely receive the cushion of the law & order machinery. This aspect of prejudice and ignorance is being extensively addressed and hopefully something meaningful will come out of the exercise and that would be the best homage possible to Nido and others like him who experienced the irritant of ignorance and intolerance turn fatally ugly. And as that process continues, it is also perhaps necessary for people from the margins, like us living in Sikkim and the rest of Northeast to turn the mirror on our own attitudes, vis a vis the mainstream, as well.
A general dismissal, even some slight disdain, for the other is a common human trait. There is only so much empathy or understanding one can expect from people and there is nothing drastically wrong with such attitudes so long as they do not manifest in denials or, as one is now learning about Delhi, vicious physical violence. Much as what has happened in Delhi can never be justified, one needs to also accept that similar, perhaps even more worrying since it was organized and targeted, violence has been targeted on people from the mainland in the Northeast. Barely a week before Nido was attacked in Delhi, six “Hindi-speakers” were killed by extremists in Assam. This slaying did not make it beyond news-reports; no candles were lit for the dead, no processions held and no soul-searching undertaken. Killings cannot, and should not, be compared, but one is speaking of responses here, not suggesting that there has been an over-reaction to Nido’s murder, but wondering why the slaying of six received no societal response at all… As mentioned, as the mainstream works towards becoming more aware and more accommodating, it is also necessary that the margins too worked on what can only be called its own irrational hostility towards the mainstream. In the Northeast, the perpetrators are militant organizations, against the lay citizens who turned monsters in Delhi, and each is a worrying, nightmarish scenario. And where is this hostility born? A part of it is definitely born in the rather widespread feeling of having being victimized and the equally ingrained conviction of being somehow deserving of special treatment and status. Empathy, openness, reconciliation… traits necessary to end intolerance fly out of the window the moment the pursuit of privileges and sense of entitlement enters from the door.
Almost always, the more disturbing societal attributes are perpetuated by poorly informed celebrations of the past and all-consuming pursuits of purity. Let’s accept it, the present is always troublesome, the past rosy and the future uncertain. Being nostalgic is natural, but to dwell too much on it is unhealthy; it blinds the future. To contend that the past was better than the present is to reject the human race’s ability to learn and adapt. If the best things reside in the past, then what contributions have the subsequent generations made? The worst thing a people can do to themselves is stop the clock on the progression of ideas, changes of mindsets, attitudes and approaches. A generation does this and soon the next one starts aspiring backwards while everyone else passes them by. Hostility grows in such insecurities and then it does not matter where one is because once that nadir is reached, everywhere is disturbingly intolerant.

DHH opens retail outlet in Soreong

GANGTOK, 11 Feb: A Sales Emporium Retail Outlet of the Handicrafts and Handloom Branch Training Centre of the DHH was inaugurated on 10 February by Sub-Divisional Magistrate [Soreng], Gaayes Pega, at Soreong.
The programme was also attended by Panchayats, Officers of Soreng, Sub-Division, Officers of Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, local gentry, public, officials, staffs, weavers and artisans of DHH.
A press release informs that the Sales Emporium Retail Outlet was established under National Bamboo Mission Fund and has many varieties of handloom and handicraft products for sale. The outlet will serve as additional attraction to tourists visiting the area, the release mentions.
The Panchayats and public of Soreng were delighted to have a Sales Emporium Retail Outlet nearer to them and thanked the department and its officers for developing D.H.H. Soreng Branch Training Centre as one of the tourist destinations in their area, the release mentions.

AAP-Sikkim formed

GANGTOK, 11 Feb: After taking on political big wigs in the national capital, the Aam Aadmi Party [AAP] has now come to Sikkim after the Sikkim Liberation Party dissolved itself and merged en-bloc to form the Sikkim unit of AAP.
AAP North-Eastern States In-charge and National Executive Member, Habung Payeng informed reporters here today that an eight-member ad-hoc committee has been formed today with the sole agenda to provide an alternative to Sikkimese voters for a corruption-free platform to ensure true democracy.
“People are not happy with the present government headed by Pawan Chamling and we have substantial information that the present government is not free from corruption,” said Mr. Payeng. He added that AAP is the only alternative to the present government.
The new party also plans to contest the upcoming Assembly election and will come out with its manifesto soon.
Responding to questions relating to the ruling party and Sikkim Krantikari Morcha party, Mr Payeng alleged that SKM leader, PS Tamang is equally responsible for corruption as he was Minister for 15 years with the present government and MLA of the ruling party for the past four years. “How can he then deliver a corruption free government?”, he questioned.
Mr. Payeng further accused SKM of copying AAP.
The preparatory committee of AAP, Sikkim Unit has been constituted and will organize the formation of the state committee. This preparatory committee is temporary which will be automatically dissolved after the formation of the state committee, informed Mr Payeng.

1ST STATE LEVEL COOPERATIVE CONFERENCE HELD

Ceiling for work allotments for Contractor Cooperatives raised to Rs. 5 cr
GANGTOK, 10 Feb [IPR]: The ceiling for the allotment of work for Contractor Cooperatives will be enhanced from Rs 3 crore to Rs 5 crore and for the Labour Cooperatives it will be enhanced from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore, announced the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling at the 1st State Level Cooperative Conference 2014 today.
The conference was organized by Sikkim State Cooperative Union (SICUN) at Manan Kendra here in the capital today. This first of its kind conference was attended by members of various cooperative societies from all over Sikkim.
The Cooperative movement in India started on 25 March 1904 and in 1957 in Sikkim, but the movement really took off and got an earnest recognition in Sikkim in the year 2002 under the present government.
While addressing a huge gathering at Manan Kendra, the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling while giving a brief history of the cooperative movement stressed on the importance of cooperatives in our society and termed it as the movement of the people, without any personal agendas and vested interests but something which is for the state and the country.
“Cooperatives are of paramount importance for the up-liftment of the weaker sections of the society and our government has always worked for this section in particular and all the people in general; to empower and to make them self-reliant”, said Mr. Chamling.
The CM announced price support for those cooperatives who are dealing with agriculture and for those farmers who are involved in farming. This will allow them to get the price they deserve for their products, Mr. Chamling informed.
He also assured full cooperation and help from his government to cooperative societies and also appealed to the gathering to form Village Tourism Cooperative Society, Home-stay Cooperative Society, and above all Marketing Cooperative Society.
“Cooperative means unity and unity has power, so we should all work in tandem with unilateral goal of making Sikkim an exemplary state not only in India but internationally”, the Chief Minister urged.
Earlier SICUN also felicitated the Chief Minister with a memento on the occasion.
During the meet the Chief Minister also launched the official website of SICUN, Sikkim Milk Union and Denzong Agriculture Cooperative Society and also released the magazine Sahakari Sandesh.
Deythang Prarengaon MPCS from West Sikkim and Kadamtam Women’s Milk Producer’s Cooperative Society from East Sikkim won the state cooperative award for the year 2014 for credit and non-credit category respectively. Mr. Chamling gave away the prizes to the winners.
The meet was also addressed by the Minister, RB Subba, who credited the Chief Minister for his innovative and visionary plans, polices and programmes to uplift the poor and under privileged through the cooperative movement.
Secretary Cooperation Department, Government of Sikkim, Ujjwal Gurung, Chairman SIMFED, Girish Chandra Rai, Chairman Sikkim Milk Union, MB Rai, President SICUN, Ganesh Kr Rai, Vice President, SICUN, LP Kafley and President Aho Educated Unemployed Woman Cooperative Society Ltd East Sikkim, Tara Devi Sharma also addressed the gathering.

CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS FOR BIG BIRD DAY 16 FEBRUARY 2014

Sikkim is a well recognized birders’ paradise, and not just the historic Yuksam, holy Khecheopalri and other areas in West Sikkim, or the great valleys of Tholung, Lachen and Lachung in North Sikkim, or the high altitude areas of East Sikkim or the lowland forests and agricultural areas in the warmer South. Urban centres like Gangtok, even Melli Bazar, are often great bird watching areas.  One only needs to check the Facebook pages at Sikkim Ornithological Society, Sikkim Birds, Birds of West Sikkim and Khangchendzonga Area and see the fabulous young followers and photographs!

Big Bird Day 2014 is this year’s biggest pan-India birding event. On 16 February 2014, all across the country, birders, amateurs, experts, lay-persons will be bird-watching and compiling their lists from dawn to dusk, at different locations, preferably in teams. One could go birding throughout the day or part of the day depending upon interest and passion.  Birders must register at www.ebird.org and upload their lists of the day from different localities.  For the first time we have a smartphone app called Birdlog Asia downloadable free and available till one day after D-day, so that bird lists could be uploaded straight in the field itself!

Sikkim Ornithological Society calls upon all enthusiasts including amateurs anywhere in Sikkim to participate in this cross-country birding adventure and liven up Sunday the 16th of February 2014 in this unique adventure!

Sikkim Ornithological Society, Gangtok

Winter Fun concludes at Singhik School

GANGTOK, 10 Feb: The weeklong fun and learning “Winter is Fun” camp for 135 students of Singhik and nearby areas concluded at Singhik Secondary School on Sunday.
A press release informs that on the final day, students showcased what they had learned through the weeklong engagement. Painting, theatre performance and dance performances were presented by the senior and junior students.
During the weeklong program, guests including Kushal Gurung and Thinley Bhutia spoke to the kids on photography as a hobby, conservation of ecology, etc. A half-day session was also conducted by invited guest Senior Medical Officer, District Hospital Mangan, Dr. Tempo Kaleon, who stressed on the importance and benefits of cleanliness and general hygiene, the release mentions.  
The students said that they benefitted immensely from the weeklong program and thanked the area MLA, TW Lepcha, the school authorities and the Creative Craft team for putting together the Winter is Fun Camp, it adds.

Student commits suicide on eve new academic session

GANGTOK, 10 Feb: A 19 year old boy reportedly committed suicide at his home in Peku panchayat ward, under Temi police jurisdiction yesterday.
According to reports, the boy was a class VIII student. He was the youngest son in the family and as per reports, appeared depressed for the past month. The cause of this depression, it is being speculated, was unsatisfactory performance in the school exams. He had reportedly failed in three subjects in the last examinations.
The boy went missing on the morning of 09 February and it was only at around 3:15 p.m. later in the day that his body was found hanging from the neighbourhood mobile tower. The report to the police was made by the ward panchayat.
While students are now provided counseling on the kind of careers they can pursue and on what kind of options, in terms of subjects, they can take up, there seems to be some more intervention and counseling required for students to handle and deal with academic, peer and family pressures. A high number of youth are taking this fatal step and just the introduction of helplines does not seem to be working.

Janata Mela mere eyewash, SKM insists

GANGTOK, 10 Feb: Sikkim Krantikari Morcha [SKM] has asked the state government to distribute all the sanctioned benefits to the beneficiaries without any delay where it has alleged that large numbers of beneficiaries are running from pillar to post between the concerned area MLA, Panchayats to Gram Vikas Kendras.
In a press release, SKM has alleged that the state government has not released the actual list of beneficiaries and there is a lot of confusion among the people. “What has happened to the funds for the Janata Mela of the last three years?” the release further questions.
SKM has reiterated the allegation that the Janata Mela is only an eyewash and distributing tokens does not amount to fulfilling promises or delivering benefits.
The release also condemns Chief Minister Pawan Chamling’s statements during the Gram Swaraj Mela at Namprikdang, where he accused the SKM party of being full of non-Sikkimese. SKM has countered this allegation by accusing the ruling party of divisive politics and involving non-Sikkimese in the state’s politics instead.

Govt Primary School Sawney reopens with cleanliness drive

GANGTOK, 10 Feb: A cleanliness drive was carried out at Government Primary School premises of Sawney under West Pendam constituency today.

A press release informs that the cleanliness drive on the first day of this year’s academic session was coordinated by Regina Rai along with the volunteers of Bethsaida Christian Church of Sikkim. Headmaster of Sawney Primary School, Mohan Neeraj Pradhan and school staff also participated during the cleanliness campaign.

It may be recalled that Bethsaida Christian Church of Sikkim had cleaned Ayurvedic Orthopedic Hospital few days back. “Clean Sawney” is a cleanliness campaign being implemented by  

Bethsaida Christian Church of Sawney, the release informs. The school management also thanked the volunteers for today's initiative.

Rongli JHS begins academic year with distribution of textbooks

GANGTOK, 10 Feb: The new academic session 2014 began today with the opening of all the government schools after the winter break. The schools had closed for the winter break on 12 December last year.

A press release informs that Rongli Junior High School on its first day distributed books and copies to the students as committed by the state government. The state administration before the closing of the session had assured to distribute books and copies when the schools reopened.

The parents and students have expressed their gratitude to the state government for providing books and copies in time, the release adds.

Trials for ‘Search for more Bhaichungs’ to be held at Namchi

NAMCHI, 10 Feb: The Department of Sports & Youth Affairs is holding a three-day selection trial for footballers under the age of 12 years for admission into Namchi Sports Hostel, South Sikkim under the ‘Search for more Bhaichungs’ scheme. The trials will be held on 12, 13 and 14 February 2014 at Singhithang Ground, Namchi.

Joint Director, Sports Department, Kamal Chettri said that ‘Search for more Bhaichungs’ is a scheme envisioned by the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling to spot upcoming football talents and nurture them at Namchi Sports Hostel. 

He named some products of the hostel who have made a name for themselves like Sanju Pradhan, Nirmal Chettri, Asish Chettri, Uttam Rai, Nim Tshering Lepcha and others who are playing for renowned clubs of the country. He further urged the interested candidates to report at the said venue at around 9.30 AM with an attested copy of Birth Certificate and Father's COI.

The government will provide free education to the selected candidates under the scheme 'Search For More Bhaichungs' at Namchi Sports Hostel, he added.

Kickboxing team leaves for Senior Nationals

GANGTOK, 10 Feb: The state kickboxing team left for the WAKO India Cadet and Senior National Kickboxing Championship being held at Pune, Maharashtra from 13-16 February. The championship is being organized by National Kickboxing Federation of India and hosted by Maharashtra Kickboxing Association. Four Sikkimese kickboxers, Prabhakar Rai [54 kgs low kick, Fight], Rahul Chaudari [51 kgs low kick, Fight], Vikey Gupta [54 kgs k-1, Fight] and one female kickboxer, Anugraha Rai [46 kgs kick light, Fight] are participating in the championship. The team is led by Coach, Bikash Pradhan and Team Manager, Kundewa Hang Subba. This is the first time that the team is participating in this championship. 

Keeping things light

Atchars, the traditional jesters who form an integral part of religious dances at monasteries, liven up the somber motions of the Gutor Chaam at Sang Monastery in East Sikkim on Saturday. The pranks remain slapstick pantomime, but the costumes have modernized, like the slick masks the duo are wearing here. There were many laughs and giggles in the crowd on Saturday.

JNV Rothak Alumni meets

GANGTOK, 10 Feb: The Alumni Meet of Jawahar Navodaya Viyalaya, Rothak (JNVR), West Sikkim was held on 08 February at JNVR premises. Many of the ex-students were part of this program which was organized under the stewardship of Principal, Shilpa Herald Harry, informs a press release.
The program started with warm reception and welcome song by the students. The ex-students then introduced and shared their experiences and memories associated with the school. This was followed by cultural performances featuring Yoga Dance and Short Music Drama, the release mentions.
During the meet, the senior-most teacher, Kamal Basnett urged the students to learn from their seniors and highlighted the need to form an Interim Committee in order to address the various problems faced by the present students.
The release informs that an Interim Committee was set up under the president, Deepankar Lama [Assistant Director, UD & HD] and all the other members present. The Interim Committee urged all the ex-students to actively participate for the welfare of their Alma Mater.
Earlier, Vice-Principal, Purshottam informed about the various problems being faced by the Vidyalaya and its non-addressal by Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti.

A Wish-List for a New School Year Ahead

Editorial:-
Winter refuses to leave, but the winter break in schools across the State has ended. The rush for uniforms and textbooks is already underway, and by this time next week Sikkim should have a clear idea on whether the Department that is responsible for education in the State has done any learning while the students and teachers were away. The Department had announced that uniforms and textbooks would be waiting for students when schools reopen. Time to check and ascertain this claim. Also this session, moral science and disaster management will return and debut as independent subjects in classrooms. The embarrassment of copy-editing blunders in school textbooks is barely a year old and one hopes that the new syllabus has been more professionally put together and that the transition of these subjects into classrooms is smoothly handled. One also hopes that students are not made to waste time and energy awaiting the appointment of designated teachers for them. One also hopes that the new academic session will be more about students and schools and less about departmental hierarchies and ‘projects & schemes’ or the complaints of ad-hoc teachers or the pettiness of politics in teacher or student associations – a very plausible situation in an election year. One hopes that this year, the Department will busy itself more with improving the infrastructure in schools rather than occupying itself with arranging transfers [save when it is to fill vacancies]. This is election year and pressure tactics can be expected to be at its severest to unravel some of the bolder decisions [transfers and staring down the ad-hoc protests being some of them] taken by the Department in the recent past to staff rural schools more adequately. That said, the impact of the 18 September 2011 earthquake on government school infrastructure has still not been repaired to complete normalcy yet, and excuses are now truly running out. School infrastructure should be priority No. 1. It should already have been [through the winter break]. Many laudable and ambitious programmes and scholarships have been initiated in the recent past to attend to student aspirations, and while these have been path-breaking and heart-warmingly successful, these are still available only to students already strong in academics. As a new academic year begins, one hopes that similar efforts are also directed at the ‘average’ and even, for want of a better word, ‘academically underperforming’ students. One also hopes that the process begins to make school interesting so that fewer students drop out. One hopes that there are fewer schools this year which are short-staffed and more teachers who motivate learning.

Falling boulder claims one

GANGTOK, 10 Feb: One person has died after being hit by a falling boulder at Martam Nazitam under Singtam police jurisdiction. The victim, Ambika Sharma, a 40-year-old resident of the same area had gone to collect firewood at the Nazitam forest on 09 February. It was while she was collecting firewood that she was hit by a falling boulder and succumbed to her injuries. Her body was taken to the Singtam hospital.

One booked under SADA

GANGTOK, 10 Feb: One person was arrested by the Rangpo police on charges of illicit trafficking of contraband substances. The 22-year-old accused was allegedly trying to bring controlled prescription drugs into Sikkim when he was intercepted at the Rangpo check post during routine checking on 09 February at around 7:35 pm as he was coming in from Siliguri. The carry bag he possessed was found to contain 10 bottles of Eskuf, a cough syrup, and 280 tablets of Spasmo Proxvon. The accused, a resident of Rangpo Bazaar, has been booked under SADA.

Motorbike theft

GANGTOK, 10 Feb: A motorbike was stolen from Lower Phalidara, under Namchi police jurisdiction. According to reports, the bike, a white Yamaha, SK04 P/3204, belonging to Suman Tamang was stolen on the night of 07 February from its parking spot in front of the owner’s house.

60-yr-old assaulted

GANGTOK, 10 Feb: One person was arrested by the Melli police on charges of assaulting a 60-year-old man. The incident took place on 03 February but the complaint with the police was lodged a few days later by the daughter of the victim who had been away.
The daughter was away attending the marriage ceremony of her sister. When she returned home she was informed that her father had been admitted at the Namchi district hospital where she found the victim, Gyan Bahadur Sarki, to be in critical condition.
The SDM, Namchi is reported to have taken the victim’s statement at the hospital. In the meantime the accused, Lakpa Sherpa, 40, of Melli Gumpa was taken into custody by the Melli police and later released on bail.

Support Centre to be set up for NE people in Delhi

GANGTOK, 10 Feb: A joint meeting chaired by Secretary, Ministry of DoNER with the Joint Commissioner of Police, Delhi, Joint Secretary (NEC), Director (NLCPR/Guite) and Deputy Secretary (CB&TA) was held on 05 February. The meeting was held following the death of Nido Taniam of Arunachal Pradesh in Delhi after being brutally beaten.
A press release informs that the meeting decided to set up a support centre at NEC Guest House at Chanakyapuri which will start functioning within a month. MoDoNER will bear the cost of setting up office of the centre from CB&TA funds.
Professional counselors will be hired on contractual basis who will be placed for dealing with issues being faced by NE people at the support centre.
Secretary, MoDoNER will also write to the Home Secretary requesting him to issue necessary instruction to UP & Haryana State Police sensitizing them about issues being faced by NE people since many NE people are working/ staying in NCR.
People from the NE will be sensitized about their rights through platforms such as Church/Fellowship, Students’ Union and Resident Commissioner’s office.
List of the selected representatives from each state as provided by Delhi Police with their emails/mobile numbers will be widely publicized for contact in any emergency. A helpline, designated by Delhi Police will be used in all social network such as facebook, twitter, whatsapp, etc.
It was decided to rope in an iconic personality as ambassador for a special media campaign for better assimilation and integration of NE people with the rest of the country and to sensitize mainland people that NE is part of India.
The North East Cultural Centre at Dwarka will also be activated at the earliest. Various cultural programs and interaction will be held frequently so that all NE people will recognize this centre as their cultural hub.
Apart from these, other decisions were also taken during the meeting.

Sikkim chess team returns with 6 medals

GANGTOK, 10 Feb: Sikkim’s chess team has returned home with four gold, one silver, and one bronze medals from the 7th North-East FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 2014 held at Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar from 29 January to 04 February 2014. The tournament was organized by the Arunachal Chess Federation [ACF].
The 14-member squad from Sikkim was led by the Coach cum FIDE Arbiter, Mahendra Dhakal who participated as a referee during the tournament. Around 200 players from the eight North Eastern states participated in the tourney.
Chitiz Rai [U-9 boys] bagged one gold medal and Priya Chhetri [U-9 girls] bagged one gold medal as well. In U-13 boys, Rahul Gurung won a gold medal whereas in U-19 girls, Sushmita Lama grabbed one silver medal and Manish Gurung won a bronze. Rohit Gurung [U-19 boys] also bagged one gold medal.
In open category, Rakesh Gurung secured 7th position.
While talking to NOW!, Coach Mr Dhakal, said that the team has performed better this year as compared to last year. “In fact, this time we have been placed in the top 10 as compared to last year where we were in the top 20”, he said.

BJP to hold ‘Chai pe Charcha’ near DC Office

GANGTOK, 10 Feb: Bharatiya Janta Party [BJP] Sikkim is going to organize a “NaMo tea session” on 12 February 2014 in front of District Collectorate Office, Gangtok.
A press release informs that the day commemorates the auspicious birth anniversary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, the founder member of Jan Sangh which gave birth to the Bharatiya Janata Party.
In this tea session, cups of tea called NaMo tea would be distributed and various issues and agendas of BJP at National and State level will be discussed, the release mentions. The party has invited all to attend the session.

Second list of 1,720 temp employees forwarded to Cabinet for regularisation

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL IMPLICATION PEGGED AT Rs. 33.23 CR PER ANNUM
GANGTOK, 09 Feb: Following close on the heels of the service regularization process for temporary employees with 15 years and above of service in both muster roll and work charged basis by the government in the last week of December, the State government has now prepared the list of temporary employees with 10 years and above of service.
This, as announced by the Chief Minister earlier, is the second phase of regularization of the temporary employees.
The list, as drawn up by the Department of Personnel, was submitted to the Finance Department late last month for financial concurrence of the additional expenditure on salaries. Thereafter, it is informed, the proposal was put up to the Cabinet for approval.
As of now, officials inform that the total number of temporary employees with more than 10 years of service comes to 1,720. This is the number of all temporary employees with 10 years and above of service including MR, WC, ad-hoc and consolidated as of 31 January 2013.
However, with the additional direction from the State government to consider employees with 10 years plus service till 31 March 2013 the department will be updating its list to accommodate those employees who make the grade with the additional two months as well.
The total number of MR and ad-hoc employees with more than 10 years of service is 1,533. For this number, the additional burden on the state exchequer in the event of their regularisation comes to Rs. 24.69 crore a year. The total number of work charged employees with more than 10 years service is at 187 and the financial implications per year is an additional Rs. 8.54 crore. Total financial implication in payment of salaries and other benefits for regularization of the total number of 1720 employees is at Rs. 33.23 crore a year.
As for the first phase in which the DoP had identified 4,002 temporary employees with 15-plus years of service, the Cabinet had in December approved the creation of a like number of posts in group C and D categories. For this category the regularization process has been initiated, it is informed.
As part of the regularization process, the government has introduced new nomenclatures for the group C and D posts. The three new posts introduced are Junior Driver, Office Assistant (LDC etc) and Office Attendant (peon etc). Those already working in such posts will be absorbed in their existing capacities.
However, there are also those posts which are not included in the official government nomenclature such as Field Assistant, Meter Reader etc. It is expected that the government will formulate new nomenclatures for such posts, now that they are deemed to be regular.
The muster roll employees being regularized will see their salaries almost doubled, it is informed. The additional financial implication is due to the increased salary as well as other financial benefits which accrue to regular employees such as HRA etc. For those under Work Charged, the salaries would remain the same, it is informed.

Gangtok rally seeks more security for media in Sikkim

GANGTOK, 09 Feb: Members of various social organizations and clubs joined the Peace Rally organized by the Press Club of Sikkim in the capital today to demand security of media persons and complete freedom of the press. The rally also demanded stringent action against those caught in cases of violence against the media in the state. In the most recent case, a vandal had attacked workers in the Sikkim Express printing unit here in Tadong on 28 January.
A PCS press release informs that representatives from more than 50 organizations joined journalists in the rally from Deorali Truck Stand to Paljor Stadium. Participants carrying banners and placards with slogans protesting attacks on press covered the route along NH 31A via Hospital Dara towards Paljor Stadium road.
At the end of the rally, representatives from different participating organizations addressed the gathering and unanimously condemned the attacks on the press and media and expressed their solidarity with the press.
Press Club of Sikkim has thanked the organisations, members of the media fraternity and police personnel for making the rally successful. The Club also resolved to take serious action in case of any acts of violence against the media in future.

GRAM SWARAJ MELA CONCLUDES WITH NORTH SIKKIM DATE

Extra funds for North after Teesta Stage III is commissioned, CM announces
NAMPRIKDANG, 09 Feb: “Extra funds will be set aside for the development of North district once the 1,200 MW Teesta Stage III is commissioned. As the district has the most number of power projects under construction, all the rural houses will also get free electricity,” announced Chief Minister Pawan Chamling while addressing a mammoth gathering here at Namprikdang Ground in Upper Dzongu, on Saturday during the Gram Swaraj Mela. This was last in the series of Gram Swaraj Melas [erstwhile Janta Mela] held over the past week.
The CM added that once all the projects are commissioned, Sikkim will have the highest per capita income in the nation.
The CM detailed the various schemes being provided by the government and informed that the State government plans to develop 100 new tourist spots across the state. Speaking about the provision for free coaching to students preparing for UPSC and NDA exams, the CM further announced that if the students clear these exams, their parents will be provided a congratulatory grant of Rs. 2 lakh.  
On the Karmapa to Sikkim issue, the CM pointed out that the State government has consistently been lobbying in Delhi in this regard and has already petitioned the centre to allow the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje to visit Sikkim. The State was awaiting the Centre’s response, he informed.
He also shared an update on the SDF Government’s performance in Sikkim.
“When we came to power, Sikkim had 1,000 km of roads, and during our tenure it has crossed 2400 kms. 1000 kms more are needed, out of which 350 kms has already been sanctioned”, he said.
He further informed that out of the total of 1,11,000 BPL houses in Sikkim, 86,351 houses are being provided with rice at Rs. 2 per kg including free rice supply for some houses.
He further assured to fulfil the demands placed by the people of the district.
On the opposition, the CM alleged that the opposition was playing divide and rule politics and was made up of antisocial elements and outsiders who are disturbing the peace of the state. Here he appealed to the masses to reject and oppose such political parties.
The function was also addressed by RMDD Minister, CB Karki who highlighted about the Gram Swaraj Mela 2014.
During the function, the Chief Minister handed over the tokens of various schemes like GCI Sheets, Induction stove, House upgradation, CMRHM allotment order, car loans etc. to the beneficiaries of three constituencies of North District namely Dzongu, Lachen-Mangan and Kabi Lungtsok.
Earlier, the function was welcomed by RMDD Secretary, DR Nepal and winded up with vote of thanks by DC North, CP Dhakal.
Also present in the function were Chief Secretary, R Ongmu, Speaker SLA, KT Gyaltsen, cabinet ministers, MLA, heads of the various departments, panchayat and zilla members, party supporters, and the general public.

SECOND DIVISION I-LEAGUE PRELIMS

Hindustan FC and Bhawanipore register wins
GANGTOK, 09 Feb: Hindustan FC and Bhawanipore FC registered wins today in the ongoing preliminary round of the Second Division I-League here at Paljor Stadium. Both teams won 3 points each with their wins today.
In the first match of the day, Hindustan FC outplayed Aizawl FC 2-1. Kamsun Kabui and OO Solo scored one goal each for Hindustan FC, while the face saver goal for Aizawl FC was scored by S Lalmunzai in the injury time of the match.
In the other match, Bhawanipore FC edged past Eagles FC 2-0 to win 3 points. With the help of Deepak’s goal Bhawanipore FC finished the first half with a 1-0 lead. Despite many attacks Eagles FC failed to score in the second half and a goal from Sneharish Mohanraj during the injury time sealed Bhawanipore’s victory with a score of 2-0.
On 11 February, the first match will be played between Aizawl FC and Bhawanipore FC, which will be followed by the other match between Hindustan FC and Kenkre FC.

Restoration of Sang Monastery completed

GANGTOK, 09 Feb: Karma Dubgyu Chokhorling in Sang, East Sikkim, or simply the Sang Gumpa, has finally been restored to its original state.
The monastery had been severely damaged by the earthquake of 18 September 2011 during which the main pillars were damaged threatening the whole structure. With financial support from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund through the Ecclesiastical Affairs Department and Cultural Affairs & Heritage Department, the monastery has now been restored to its original state.
The renovation was completed on 22 November last year and the finishing touches completed on 07 February this year. A member of the committee formed to oversee the renovation works, Chumden Kachopa, informs that the fragile and semi-wooden structure of the monastery was severely damaged by the 18 September earthquake. After a request to the government, the monastery received financial support under the CMRF.
She informs that the monastery received Rs. 10 lakh from the Ecclesiastical Affairs Department and Rs. 3 lakh from the CA&HD and remaining funds were contributed by devotees and well- wishers.
It is informed that the restoration and repair work cost a total of Rs 17 lakh and took around one year to complete.
Ecclesiastical Affairs, Secretary T Gelek and the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Cultural Affairs and Heritage department, Nalini G. Pradhan, along with other officers had visited the monastery on 23 November last year and appreciated the renovation works. It is informed that conservation architect Chetan Raj Shrestha had also voluntarily extended technical inputs on the required conservation works.
On behalf of the committee, Monastery and the people of the area, Ms Kachopa thanked the CM for his support for the renovation of the monastery. She also thanked former Chief Secretary, TT Dorji, Secretaries and officials of Ecclesiastical and Cultural Affairs and Heritage departments and to all devotees and well-wishers for supporting the renovation works.
The monastery is said to have been built in 1912 on an area covering 18 hectares of land donated by the Sang Athing.

Nyingma Monlam Chenmo Intl Foundation felicitates Chamling

Gangtok, 09 Feb [IPR]: The Nyingma Monlam Chenmo International Foundation [NMCIF] completed 25 years of its presence, guiding and nurturing the quintessence of Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism and spreading the message of world peace since its modest beginning in 1989. The silver jubilee celebration was held from 31 January to 10 Feburary at Bodhgaya, and as part of the celebrations, the NMCIF felicitated Chief Minister Pawan Chamling “for his patronage and altruistic support in successfully conducting the 25 years of Nyingma Monlam at Bodhgaya”.

The foundation particularly congratulated and accredited the Chief Minister for installing the tallest statue of Guru Padmasambhava at Namchi and that of Buddha Shakyamuni at Rabongla and applauded his leadership and noble vision in upholding the sanctity of Sikkim.

The felicitation was received by Tenzing Gelek, Secretary, Ecclesiastical Affairs Department, at Bodhgaya on behalf of the Chief Minister in the presence of 300 high incarnate Rinpoches and Khenpos and more than 9,800 monks and nuns from the Himalayan region and abroad.

The Foundation also acknowledged the Ecclesiastical Affairs Department, Government of Sikkim, for its support and active involvement in coordinating the Nyingma Monlam in all these years.

SDF has failed to develop North Sikkim alleges SKM

 GANGTOK, 09 Feb: Sikkim Krantikari Morcha has contended that the Chief Minister has accepted the state government’s failure in developing North Sikkim with his statement during the Gram Swaraj Mela on Saturday where he said that the revenue generated from hydel power projects would be used in developing the district.
In a press release, SKM has alleged that as compared to other districts, the North district has been left behind in all aspects. The North district has been treated like a “dumping ground” where victimized teachers are transferred and this has affected the quality of education in the area, the release alleges.
SKM has further stated that this is the reason behind the backwardness of the district in terms of education which in turn has hindered the progress of the region.
It is further alleged that the people of Sikkim have not still been able to properly receive the benefits of many central government programmes and schemes and the ruling party is playing politics on the basis of these programmes and schemes of the centre.