HIGH COURT DIRECTS TRANSPORT MINISTRY AND BRO TO FILE FRESH REPORT ON IMPROVEMENT OF NH 31 A

Drainage and reinforcement requirements reiterated
GANGTOK, 20 May: Sikkim High Court has directed the Ministry of Surface Transport and Border Road Organisation to take up the concerns raised by the Amicus Curiae in connection with the improvement of 31-A National Highway, JN Road.
Amicus Curiae, Advocate Tashi Rapden Barfungpa, filed a report with the High Court of Sikkim seeking court directions for improvement of drainage systems from Zero Point to MP Golai for safety reasons.
The report submitted to the court said that the drainage system needs immediate attention adding that the manner in which it is at present poses a serious threat to the lives of people driving vehicles as well a large number of people who walk down the National Highway on a regular basis.
“The condition of the drain is more vulnerable at stretches opposite Forest Department at Deorali, Gangtok, with exposed iron rods on the road side and at the Taxi Stand area at Amdo Golai and Daragaon, Tadong area, with unbalanced and huge uncovered drains,” the report says.
In regards to the North Sikkim Highway, the report assisting the Court for rendering justice to the people at large said that the widening of road towards North Sikkim without building protective walls has led to blockage of the National Highway due to landslides at several areas every now and then.
Protective walls have to be immediately and simultaneously built along the stretch where widening work has been done or is being done. The absence of protective walls has put the lives and properties of the residents living above the Highway at grave risk. It also poses a serious threat to residents and people travelling to North Sikkim who have no choice but to use the same on a regular basis to commute to Gangtok, the report states.
The division bench has directed the respondents - Ministry of Surface Transport and BRO under which Project Swastik is maintaining the roads - to examine and consider the said report and file a fresh report within six weeks.

Ghoom association alleges forceful takeover of monastery in Pedong

GANGTOK, 20 May: The Ghum Dun Gon Samten Choeling Association of Ghoom, Darjeeling, has alleged that monks of Tharpacholing Monastery, aided by members of some other groups from Kalimpong, have “broken into and forcefully taken over” the Gandencholing Monastery at Pedong, Kalimpong, on 18 May.

In a press release issued today, the central committee of the Ghoom-based association informs that the monastery belongs to “and is loyal to” the Domo Geshe Rinpoche Lobsang Nga-Kyi Wangchuk, who is a minor and presently studying in Shar Gaden Monastery in South India. The monastery had Passang Dorjee as caretaker who had been looking after the monastery and its attached fields for the past 42 years. He passed away on 11 May, the release adds.

The GDGDC Association details that attempts have been made in the past as well to take over the monastery, allegedly by the same group which has now “taken” it, as a result of which a case is underway in the District Courts there.

The monastery, it may be mentioned here, is the only one in Kalimpong which still propitiates Dorje Shugden and is informed to house an ancient statue of the deity and other sacred images which were installed there by the 1^st Domo Geshe Rinpoche. Tharpacholing Monastery of Kalimpong was also established by Domo Geshe Rinpoche Ngawang Kalsang and had given up the worship of Dorje Shugden a few years ago.

Entries open for Inter-Departmental Football tourney

GANGTOK, 20 May: Forms for the upcoming 3^rd edition of the Inter Departmental Football Tournament 2014 at Paljor Stadium are now available at Planet Sports here at Paljor Stadium complex. Interested departments can collect the forms from Planet Sports and can contact the Boys’ Club general secretary Nima Thendup for further enquiries. 

CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL BIODIVERSITY DAY, 22 MAY 2014:

Sikkim: An Island in the Sky
SBS BHADAURIA, Special PCCF cum Member Secretary, Sikkim Biodiversity Board.
Uniquely positioned in the highest mountains in the world, the great Himalayas, Sikkim is a veritable horse-shoe shaped “Island in the Sky”, a hotspot of biological diversity in the Eastern Himalayas and part of the Endemic Bird Area. Biological diversity or the variety of life forms found here, is by far the richest in the Indian subcontinent, separated as it is, from the rest of the world by the Singhalila and Chola Mountain Ranges on either side and bounded by the great Tibetan plateau to the north. Our rich biodiversity includes not only wild orchids, rhododendrons, conifer trees, hornbills, pheasants, sunbirds, swallowtail butterflies, snow leopards, red pandas and other creatures, but also domesticated plants like ‘Murali Makai’, Krishnabhog Rice, Siri Cattle, and Banpala Sheep, and even microbial diversity such as is found in ‘Kinema’ and other fermented foods.
The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. The theme this year of Island Biodiversity was chosen to coincide with the designation by the United Nations General Assembly of 2014 as the International Year of Small Island Developing States.
Islands and their surrounding areas constitute unique ecosystems often comprising many plant and animal species that are endemic, i.e. found nowhere else on Earth. Legacies of a unique evolutionary history, these ecosystems are irreplaceable treasures. They are also key to the livelihood, economy, well-being and cultural identity of 600 million islanders—one-tenth of the world’s population.
Sikkim being situated in a Himalayan belt comprises mostly of lakes totaling over 227. This huge number renders it with rich wetland biodiversity. A wetland is a unique ecosystem that supports many species of flora and fauna. It is also a storehouse of clean water supply, scenic beauty educational and recreational benefits to the Himalayan people and important for our very survival. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment estimates that wetlands cover 7% of the earth’s surface and deliver 45% of the world’s natural productivity and ecosystem services. However, the very existence of these unique resources is under threat. With the aim of generating awareness amongst the younger generation and masses about the unique wetland biodiversity, Sikkim Biodiversity Board will be celebrating IBD-22 May 2014 in all four districts of Sikkim under the theme “SIKKIM - An Island in the Sky”
The celebration of IDB (2014) will be done through diverse programmes such as Quiz / Painting / Essay competitions, Exhibitions, Awareness programmes on Biodiversity, Bird & Butterfly–watching, Indigenous Agriculture Varieties, Biodiversity in and around Villages, and Field trip to Forest/Wildlife Sanctuaries / Himalayan Zoological Park at the following venues in the respective districts of the state:
North Sikkim: Hee-Gyathang Sr. Secondary School
South Sikkim: Payong Junior High School
East Sikkim: Pangthang Junior High School
West Sikkim: Khandu Secondary School
The Sikkim Biodiversity Board welcomes one and all to celebrate our unique biodiversity individually or collectively on this day, 22 May 2014. We request you to share your celebrations with us at the contact below:
- Usha Lachungpa, Additional Director (SBB) – 9434025273
- Peggyla T. Venchungpa, Asst. Conservator of Forest (SBB) – 9679743324
Email address: sbbsikkim@gmail.com

CLASS X CBSE RESULTS DECLARED

Holy Cross School records 100% pass percentage

GANGTOK, 20 May: The class X CBSE results were declared today. While results for Chennai and Trivandrum region were declared on Monday, results for other regions including Sikkim were declared today.

Holy Cross School, Tadong has recorded 100% pass percentage with all 143 of its students who appeared clearing the exams.

The toppers of the school who scored the maximum of 10 CGPA are Aman Raj, Oindrilla Ghosal, Saswati Mishra, Simran Bhagat, Priyanka Chettri and Vipashyana Sharma. CGPA stands for Cumulative Grade Point Average which is the average of Grade Points obtained in all the subjects excluding additional 6^th subject as per Scheme of Studies.

2nd DIVISION S-LEAGUE QUALIFYING ROUND UPDATE

Sikkim Royals and Brotherhood FC register easy wins
GANGTOK, 20 May: Sikkim Royal Sports Academy thrashed Tadong United Football Club today in the ongoing final league of the Second Division Sikkim-League qualifying round here at Paljor Stadium. Sikkim Royal SA registered an easy win with 4 goals to nil.
Meanwhile, following the protest lodged by Denzong Boyz regarding the identity and eligibility of some of the players of Brotherhood FC on 14 May, SFA decided on a rematch which was played today. In the match, Brotherhood FC thrashed Denzong Boyz 08-01.
On 22 May, Pendam FA will take on Brotherhood FC in the first match which will be followed by the other match between Tadong United FC and JVC FA Singtam.

Two suicides

GANGTOK, 20 May: A teenager reportedly committed suicide in Melli on 19 May. According to reports a 16-year-old boy of Pachregang, YBL Colony, Melli, committed suicide by hanging. Meanwhile in Temi, a suspected case of suicide has been reported after a 43-year-old woman from Niz Ramyang was found dead in the harvesting tank of the village. She is suspected to have drowned in the tank. The deceased had gone missing earlier that day.

IRBn jawan attempts suicide

GANGTOK, 20 May: A jawan of the Indian Reserve Battalion posted at Ranipool was handed over to the police on charges of attempted suicide. The said constable of the 3rd IRBn, Saramsa is alleged to have attempted to kill himself in the toilet of the IRBn complex at Saramsa on the morning of 19 May. According to reports, the incident occurred at around 7:30 a.m. when all IRBn personnel were engaged in morning PT exercise. The said constable reportedly requested for a toilet break and subsequently, attempted to commit suicide by inflicting injuries on his person with sharp objects. He was taken to the CRH, Tadong and later taken into custody by the Ranipool police. He was released on surety bail after recording of his statement.

BJP disowns Khatiwada’s comments on possible alliance partners

GANGTOK, 20 May: Bharatiya Janta Party Sikkim Unit has stated that its Lok Sabha candidate, NB Khatiwada’s comments on regional parties seeking alliance with the NDA/BJP at the centre as reported in a Nepali daily are his personal views and do not reflect the opinions of the BJP Sikkim Unit.
In a press release, the president of BJP Sikkim, Palden Wangchuk Khangsarpa has expressed regret at the recent comments made to media by Mr Khatiwada and stated that his personal views have no relevance with the state unit of the Bharatiya Janta Party or any of its executive members.
In such instances where regional parties, ruling or otherwise, wish to formulate an alliance or tie-up with the BJP at the centre, the request has to be channelized through the state organization of the BJP, he states.
The BJP president has also expressed apprehension over the alleged assault against the BJP candidate of Soreng, Sher Bahadur Karki, on the night of 18 May 2014, by a group of persons, reported to be members of the Sikkim Democratic Front.
The release alleges that the group pelted stones at Mr Karki’s residence and threatened to burn down his house at Timberbong, West Sikkim. The miscreants also allegedly beat up his younger brother. An FIR has been lodged at the Soreng Police Station and the police are in search of the culprits, the release adds.
Mr Khangsarpa has expressed regret over such acts of violence by a party which has procured a majority at the hustings and hopes that the Sikkim police take swift and appropriate action against the perpetrators.

Black Cat Division undertakes ecological campaign

GANGTOK, 20 May: Black Cat Division has declared 2014 as Ecological Conservation Year and to commemorate the same, an ecological campaign was launched in January this year with the singular aim of promoting ecological conservation awareness through grass root level environmental action programmes.
A press release informs that Black Cat Division has been working towards this end for the last six months. A 15 KVA Hydro Electronic Power Station and 10 KVA Solar power Station along with a Waste Recycling Plant was established at Gnathang. To promote awareness on ill effects of use of non-biodegradable substances, Green Hanumaan Jayanti was celebrated on 15 April at Hanuman Tok.
A Cleanliness Drive was undertaken at Gnathang, Penangla and Bojoghari on 10 May to spread awareness among tourists while a Herbal Garden was established at Hanuman Tok on 15 May.  
The Eco Awareness programmes planned in near future are Ecological Seminar in first week of Jun 14, distilling and cleaning of lakes, afforestation and cycling-cum-trekking expedition to Kanchenjunga base to spread ecological awareness, the release mentions.

APS Gangtok and Bagrakote win Eastern Command Inter APS volleyball tournament

GANGTOK, 20 May: Eastern Command Inter Army Public Schools Volleyball Tournament ended here today with the APS-Gangtok patron as chief guest.

In Cluster-4 Boys category, APS-Gangtok emerged winners while in the Girls category, APS-Bagrakote clinched the title.

Goldie Singh from APS-Gangtok and Nitu Gajmer from APS-Bagrakote were adjudged best players of the tournament in their respective categories.

Election process officially over, Model code of conduct lifted

GANGTOK, 19 May [IPR]: The election process in Sikkim has officially come to an end with the submission of the “Due Constitution of the House” Notification of the Election Commission of India to the Governor of Sikkim.

Officers of Election Commission of India, Anuj Jaipuriar and Anand Kumar Pathak accompanied by the Chief Election Officer, Sikkim, D Anandan submitted the Due Constitution Notification of Election Commission of India for the state of Sikkim to the Governor of Sikkim, Shriniwas Patil at Raj Bhawan this evening.

The list of the elected members of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly 2014 has also been included in the Notification. With the issue of this notification the election process in Sikkim has come to an end and the model code of conduct has also been lifted.

Tulipa of SXS tops ISC in Sikkim; Entire batch at Don Bosco figures in First Division

GANGTOK, 19 May: Tulipa De, a Science student from St. Xavier’s School, Pakyong has topped the ISC exams with an impressive 95 percent. Coming in second is Bishan Raj Rai of Don Bosco School, Malbasey securing 94.5.

Tulipa De secured 94 in Math, 94 in Physics, 98 in Biology and 94 in Computer Science taking her best of four percentage to 95 percent while Bishan Raj Rai secured 95% in Math, 95 in English, 96 in Nepali and 92 in Biology coming a close second in the state rankings this year.

The state has registered an impressive show in the Class XII ISC results this year, which was declared by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) nation-wide on 17 May. There are four CISCE affiliated schools in the state, Don Bosco, Malbasey; St. Xavier’s school, Pakyong; Tashi Namgyal Academy and Namchi Public school. This year, 253 out of the 258 students who appeared for the class 12 exams have passed.

In the East District, Tashi Namgyal Academy registered a 99.06 pass percentage in Class XII ISC examinations with only one out of the 107 students who appeared for the exams failing. The topper from TNA is another science student, Sumedha Mittal who scored 91.25 percent with an impressive 99 marks in Computer Science and 96 in English.

The second topper from TNA is Anushka Rai, a student from Humanities stream, who registered 91 percent in her best of four aggregate. Tying at third place are Aditi Giri also a science student and Diksha Gurung a commerce student, both of whom secured 90.5 percent respectively in the exams.

At St. Xavier’s, Pakyong, 79 of the 83 students passed the ISC exams. The four failures were from the arts stream but science stream had a 100 percent pass aggregate in the ISC exams this year. Securing the second position in the school was Biswas Basnett also a science student who secured 86 percent in the ISC this year.

Don Bosco, Malabasey, West Sikkim, registered 100% pass percentage in the exams. All 27 students of the school passed the ISC in the first division. The second topper of the school is Dichen Doma Sherpa who secured 85 percent and the third topper in the school is Sandip Kumar Gupta who secured 83 percent. It was also informed that the lowest percentage at Don Bosco, Malbasey was 63 percent. 

In South Sikkim, Namchi Public school registered 100% pass percentage with Amar Minda from the science stream securing 84.25 percent making him the school topper and Tenzing Jigmee from the Commerce stream securing 73.75 percent making him the second topper from the school. A total of 41 students sat for the exams this year, all of whom passed.

Sikkim girl receives research grant from KIP International School

GANGTOK, 19 May: After being invited as one of the representatives from India for the International Students workshop on Value Education for Culture and Human development to be held in Florence, Italy this year, Roshnila Gurung of Jorethang has added one more accomplishment to her kitty.
A press release informs that Roshnila’s abstract on “Inclusive Urban development and Poverty Reduction” is one of the ten selected from all over the world by the prestigious KIP International School UN Millennium {latform in collaboration with University of Winnipeg, Canada. Roshnila will now be receiving a research grant from the organization to prepare a case study which will be published along with the other ten case studies in the special issue of Universitas programme of the KIP international UN millennium platform journal by February 2015.
KIP (Knowledge, Innovation, Policies and Territorial practices) for the United Nation Millenium platform International School is comprised of a network of experiences, organizations, specialized centres and universities of interested countries, who intend to work together to construct new knowledge and develop new tools for planning and managing development processes.
The school is based on the experience of the multilateral human development programmes implemented in the last 20 years in many countries. The following organizations have implemented their programmes and collaborate to them: UNDP, UNICEF, UNESCO, WHO, HABITAT, FAQ, ILO, UNOPS, UNIFEM-UN Women, UNHCR and many more.

SKM’s Yuksom-Tashiding candidate thanks people

GANGTOK, 19 May: Sikkim Krantikari Morcha candidate for Yuksom-Tashiding, Thutop Bhutia, a former SDF Minister, has thanked his party president PS Tamang [Golay], other leaders and workers of SKM for the opportunity to contest elections. Thanking the people and party workers of Yuksom-Tashiding, he has said that he would respect the people’s mandate.

In a press release, Mr Bhutia has congratulated all the winning candidates and urged both the ruling and opposition MLAs to work towards maintaining peace and harmony in the state. He has expressed hope that the winning SDF candidates would work for the rights and interests of the people of the area in the next five years.

Extending his support for the development of the constituency he has further said that he will speak against any injustice meted out to the people of the area, the release adds.

SKM’s TN Dhakal thanks party

GANGTOK, 19 May: Sikkim Krantikari Mocha party’s Lok Sabha candidate, TN Dhakal has taken responsibility for losing against Sikkim Democratic Front candidate, PD Rai.

Expressing gratitude towards his party president, PS Tamang, and his colleagues who contested the elections for their support he has said that he could not reach out to a large number of people due to time constraints. However he has added that people’s votes for SKM will not go to waste.

Stating that Pawan Chamling has been given another chance by the people of Sikkim to fulfill his promises, Mr Dhakal has also drawn up a list of issues for the state government to take up.

SGTWA congratulates SDF on victory

GANGTOK, 19 May: An executive body meeting of Sikkim Graduate Teachers' Welfare Association (SGTWA) was held today in Namchi. In the meeting, SGTWA congratulated Pawan Chamling led Sikkim Democratic Front on winning the Assembly and Parliamentary election 2014 for the fifth time.

A press release informs that SGTWA has expressed hope that the fifth term of the SDF government would also be fruitful in the education sector especially at the secondary level as the government has been giving emphasis on quality education and much effort is being put towards it.

It was also decided to call on Mr Chamling soon to reiterate the various demands of graduate teachers of Sikkim placed to him before the election which he had assured to resolve post elections. A team has also been formed to meet the Principal Secretary of HRDD regarding the various grievances and demands of graduate teachers, the release informs.

The executive body comprises Johna Targain (president), Suresh K. Subba (general secretary), Manoj Pradhan (treasurer), Mohan Chettri (executive member) and other members, it is added.

Gangtok Interactors visit Darjeeling

GANGTOK, 19 May: Interactors of Gangtok visited Darjeeling on Sunday to spread the messages of ‘End Polio Now’ and ‘Stop Child Labour’.

A press release informs that a team of 90 interactors from Baha’i school (Saramsa), PNGS, West Point school, Tathangchen school, TNSS led by Prakash Sundas and Beena Sharma was flagged off from Titanic park by Praveen Somani and OP Singhi.

The team was welcomed by delegates of interact clubs of Darjeeling. On reaching Southfield college, Darjeeling, the team attended the annual District Conference 2014 ‘Servetium’. The conference was hosted by Interact club of St. Joseph’s North Point and Loreto Convent and was attended by interactors from Kalimpong, Sikkim, Assam and Rotarians from Bangladesh.

Members of different clubs spoke on the projects each club has undertaken within the past year. This was followed by a training session for interactors by Prakash Sundas and Omang Agarwal.

In the award ceremony, Interact Club of Baha’i, Saramsa under its president, Sanjana Chettri bagged the ‘best club’ award. Reppandee Lepcha was adjudged the ‘best interactor’ and the Interact Club of PNGS as the ‘best reporting club’. Interact club of West Point school also bagged the ‘best club in community service’ and Tathangchen school bagged the ‘best upcoming club’ award.

Omang Agarwal of St. Joseph’s North Point, Darjeeling was declared the best president and Samikcha Gurung of Loreto Convent, Darjeeling the ‘best secretary’. The event was attended by Rotarians from Gangtok as chief guests, the release adds. 

R Ongmu resumes office as CS

GANGTOK, 19 May: Chief Secretary R Ongmu resumed office today after a more than month-long leave through the elections.

Ms Ongmu had gone on medical leave on 05 March and AK Shrivastava had taken charge as the Chief Secretary of the state for the period that she was away. She will remain as Chief Secretary for another six months till her retirement.

Ms Ongmu is the first woman Chief Secretary of Sikkim. She is from the 1978  Sikkim cadre of IAS officers. 

Pathuk-Singbel GPU celebrates SDF victory

MANGAN, 19 May:  Sikkim Democratic Front workers of Pathuk-Singbel GPU celebrated the party’s victory in Tumin-Lingee constituency on Sunday. Ugen T Gyatso Bhutia of SDF has won from the constituency defeating his nearest rival Nedup Lepcha of Sikkim Krantikari Morcha.

SDF workers and supporters of five wards of Pathuk-Singbel GPU led by Panchayat President, KB Chettri celebrated the party’s victory.  As part of the celebration, a motorcade was taken out from Pathuk Chandey to Raley, Makha and Singbel.

During the celebration, party workers also thanked people who extended their support to the SDF candidate.

NPS wins ARCEIS Kho-Kho Girls’ Tournament

NAMCHI, 19 May: Namchi Public School has successfully defended the championship title of the ARCEIS Kho-Kho Tournament for Girls for the fourth consecutive time.

As per a press release, in the tournament organized by St Xavier’s School, Pakyong, Namchi Public School defeated St Joseph’s Rhenock in the finals. 

NPS Principal, Rev. Fr. George A. D’Souza, felicitated the team members and the two coaches, Anup Chakraborty and Piyush Sarkar for training and guiding the team and making NPS a force to reckon with in a team sport like Kho-Kho. Ranjana Pradhan of NPS, was adjudged the “Best Runner & Chaser of the Tournament”, the release informs. 

The schools that participated in the tournament were St. Xavier’s School, Pakyong,           Namchi Public School, Namchi, St. Mary’s Convent School, Gyalshing, St. Joseph’s School, Rhenock and Ivana Memorial School, Rangpo. 

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Final selection held for Sub-junior Poomsae and Taekwondo nationals

NAMCHI, 19 May: The final selection for the 7th National Sub-Junior Poomsae and 32nd National Sub-Junior Taekwondo Championship 2014 was held at Gymnasium Hall, Namchi on Sunday. The championship is to be held from 05-08 June 2014 at Kurukshetra, Haryana.
Players from different Dojangs of the state participated in the selection camp where 23 players in different categories were selected who will be representing Sikkim in the tournament. Players were selected by representatives and referees of Sikkim Amateur Taekwondo Association from four districts of the state.
The selected players are Priyadarshini Jyoti Baniya (Namchi), Pema Gyaltsen Sherpa (Namchi), Pawandeep Rai (Namchi), Yogendra Rai (Gangtok), Sudershan Giri (Namchi), Shreya Tamang (Namchi), Saina Gurung (Namchi), Sulochana Subba (Uttaray), Ashish Dahal (NTA-Gangtok),  Kushal Ghimirey (NTA-Gangtok), Sarrowan Gurung (Namchi), Dorjee Wangchuk Bhutia (NTA-Gangtok), Chandrahang Subba (Uttaray), Roshan Gupta (Gangtok), Ashlesha Sharma (Namchi), Himala Adhikari (NTA-Gangtok), Peggyla Bhutia (Gangtok), Chultim Palmu Bhutia (Gangtok), Sneha Pradhan (Namchi),  Abisekh Pradhan (Gangtok),Nugnandini Chhetri (Gangtok), Pranisha Gurung (Namchi) and Divyadrishti Chhetri (Gangtok).
Assistant Coach, SATA, Rajen Subba congratulated all the players of the state and advised them to practice hard and also focus on what they have learnt from their coaches and trainers. He further said that Sikkim has given good performances at the national level in the past and this time also they are expecting good performances from the state’s players.

South RO thanks all for successful conduct of elections

 NAMCHI, 19 May [IPR]: The District Magistrate cum Returning Officer, South District, Prabhakar Verma has congratulated and expressed his gratitude to all the Officers and Staff of South District who were involved in the successful conduct of the Assembly and General Elections 2014. He extends his gratitude further to all the AROs, Nodal Officers and their teams dealing with various responsibilities during the Election process and also to all other various staffs of District Collectorate (South) who were actively involved in the conduct of the election.
Similarly, he has also thanked all officials of other Government Departments like Police, Excise, IPR, Election and the Officials and their teams deputed in different duties like Sector Magistrates, Flying Squads, Video Statistic/Surveillance, Video Viewing and Expenditure Monitoring etc. RO South adds that besides them who were involved in the Election from the last three to four months, credit is also due for the success to the different Political Parties, Candidates and their Party Supporters as well as to the general public of South Sikkim for extending their cooperation to the District Administration.
A big credit is also due to the Master Trainers and their trainees i.e. Polling Teams headed by Presiding Officers, and the Counting Officials and Assistants for performing their duties with utmost dedication. He concluded by adding that it was due to the combined efforts of all these teams that the 2014 Election was planned and conducted in free, fair and peaceful manner without any errors.

SDF celebrates at Lower Rakdong

MANGAN, 19 May: SDF workers of Lower Rakdong also celebrated the party’s victory in Tumin-Lingee constituency on Sunday. The celebration was attended by Panchayat President, BB Gurung and CEC member, Chung Chung Tongden Lepcha, Jigmee Lepcha, other party workers and chelis of Lower Rakdong.

A motorcade was also taken out from Dikchu Bazaar to Raley, Samdong, Rakdong and Tintek. Party workers also thanked the public for extending support to the SDF candidate, Ugen T Gyatso Bhutia.

1,411 appear for CET

GANGTOK, 19 May: 2,831 aspirants appeared for the Common Entrance Test (CET) 2014 for allotment of State quota seats for medical and engineering colleges for the academic session 2014 conducted on 18 and 19 May at Sir Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School, Gangtok.
An official release informs that the test was conducted “in pursuance of Notification No. GOS/30/SCH/HRDD/2013-0813 dated 05/12/2013 by which the State Government had notified that for allotment of State quota seats for the academic session 2014, CET would be conducted”.
Applications for the Common Entrance Test were done through online registration from 01 to 30 April 2014. Altogether 1,411 registrations were recorded online out of which 1,278 candidates appeared for Physics and Chemistry, 593 for Mathematics and 960 for Biology.
The release informs that Vide Office Order No. 205/GEN/DOP dated 17/05/2014 issued by DOPART the Secretary, Sikkim Housing Development Board, Gangtok was nominated by the government as independent Observer for conduct of the test.
The Department has placed on record its appreciation to all the candidates who appeared for the test with discipline and also to the Centre Superintendent and all the invigilators for their effort in smooth conduct of the test.

Getting there is More Fun…

Editorial:-
The election process is now over and in another day, a new government will be sworn in. Through the campaigning, every party and all aspirants promised to solve all problems and cure all ills. And now the people have spoken and handed over different roles to different politicians and their parties. Over the next five years, the voters will get to see what their choices are worth and what their mandate has delivered. The next few weeks will be about analysis, claims, speculations, celebrations, much sycophancy and some leg pulling, and after the initial euphoria is over, it will be back to the brass-tacks of governance, policy-making and delivery. Here’s to hoping that the process proceeds well and everyone measures up to their prescribed role. Sikkim has lost too much time and too many opportunities to the acrimonious politics which has played out here for at least the past year and a half, before which it had suffered the serious setback delivered by the earthquake. Hopefully, the coming days will treat Sikkim to some inspired engagement by its elected representatives and responsive administration by the still, unfortunately, slow on its feet bureaucracy.
But then, if everyone delivered flawlessly on the roles decided for them, they would have served up a perfect world; and does anyone want to in such a place? A perfect world after all is also one without attrition- a world where everything is always hunky-dory. No one disagrees, no one argues, no one challenges and everyone is happy. A world without a conflict of ideas, opinions or even versions is possible only when everything is the same. Not just lifestyles, but even the thought processes cannot differ in such a world. A world where freedom of expression means nothing because Free Speech makes sense only when it challenges existing practices or when it is required to tease some response/ action. In a Utopia, everything is already perfect and how long can one exercise free speech to keep praising something everyone already knows and is comfortable with. Shouldn’t Utopia remain something everyone aspires to in an attempt to improve upon things, but stops short of actually achieving? But who are we fooling, such a perfect world is not possible. But then again, this reality should not stifle aspirations working towards it. In fact, every generation has a responsibility to keep the process alive even if achieving perfection is not possible. What is then achieved is optimism and a stronger sense of responsibility because then every generation is challenged to improve on things. Yes, that should be the aim – not securing perfection, but making things better. So, instead of hoping that the elected representatives and even those who claim to speak for the people [even though they have no formal mandate to do so] deliver perfectly on their current jobs, the people [the electorate] should continue their involvement [as proven with the 80+ percent voter turnout] and keep those in public life sharp by letting them know that just as they enjoy the people’s mandate, they also come under public scrutiny. That should make the process of getting There more fun, as it should be, than reaching the destination, which thankfully is not possible because then it would be the end…

DWAS congratulates Chamling and Golay

GANGTOK, 19 May: Denzong Welfare Association of Sikkim (DWAS) has congratulated Sikkim Democratic Front president, Pawan Chamling on his fifth consecutive victory as CM. “We further congratulate PS Golay and his team for winning 10 seats in the state Assembly. We hope they will work for the betterment of Sikkim,” states a press release from the association.

DM-East explains why counting process was slow

GANGTOK, 19 May: The District Magistrate, East has clarified that the delay in delivering the election results on 16 May in the state was due to the exactness with which the various procedural norms set by the Election Commission of India were followed here and also due to errors on the part of some of the Presiding Officers.
The ‘clarification’ was posted on the DM East’s social media page [in response to comments complaining of delay posted online] where he listed the reasons behind the delay in counting of votes.
The DM, AK Singh has said that counting of votes had to be done one constituency at a time and “many of the Presiding Officers did not do their duty properly” leaving out important information like number of voters, seals, etc in the format given to them. This gave rise to objections from the candidates and resolving them through the procedure outlined by the ECI took time, he explains.
“There was space constraint to put more tables as the counting was to be done in the hall where the RO/ AROs sit, as per ECI instructions and only 7 tables were allowed for counting of EVMs in one hall; Elsewhere, counting is done in many halls simultaneously under AROs”, the DM states.
The number of postal ballots [approximately 16,000] was also high in Sikkim as compared to other parts of the country where people on election duty were allowed to cast their votes through Election Duty Certificate and the same was not allowed here due to simultaneous elections by the ECI, it is stated.
Despite of the above factors, the team delivered their best and their work could be adjudged by the fact that no objection/ doubt was raised by any of the candidates about the process of counting, the DM highlights.

Congratulations! KC PRADHAN

The much awaited 2014 election results are out. The people of Sikkim have voted for peace, development and continuity. SDF is now at the helm of power for the next 5 years which, on completion, will make for a quarter of a century of governance – a record in Indian politics. SKM in the opposition with 10 seats is a welcome sign for a healthy democratic polity. This is in itself a welcome “change”.
The result has firmly established the fact that people at large are for peace and continuity. The Parivartan wave, it appears, was limited to the upper strata of urban society with the people at the grass-root level quite at ease with the development that is taking place in Sikkim. Even in urban areas, the call for change was confined to the East district and the result in most of the constituencies would perhaps have been different had the SDF party had the prudence to select ‘sons of the constituency’ and leaders that the people wanted. This error in judgment is what the opposition has taken advantage of.
On the brighter side, the ruling party must be at ease as the burden of slotting winners either in the Ministry or other various coveted posts is lighter. More importantly, ushering in veteran ‘rested’ politicians with vast political acumen is a welcome sign. On the other hand, the opposition with 10 members can be an effective force to steer governance in the right direction and keep everybody including the bureaucracy on their toes. The democratic set of polity has now dawned in Sikkim in the truest sense. Gangtokians and those around the capital have always been anti-establishment but if that brought a good number of opposition members and should be welcomed. The peaceful conduct of election and the prevailing peace in its aftermath is to be lauded.
Across the Teesta, the Morcha’s choice proved correct. With BJP’s astounding victory in the nation, the people of Darjeeling have much more to look forward to, to fulfill their century long aspiration. We wish them well.
At the national level, the mantra is going to be development in the economic front with vast opportunities for the people. Some juggling may be required in terms of re-orienting our existing policies and priorities. Prudence lies in working fast on these spheres with the appropriate approach towards development vis a vis human resources and infrastructures.
Our congratulations and all the very best to all the winners and the Government in the offing in particular. We sincerely hope Sikkim will forge ahead in greater measures with combined strategy drawn from all segments of the society. The days of bickering are over. The leader of the opposition instantly congratulating the leader of the winning party signals a good beginning of bonhomie and a sense of grace. Let Sikkim bloom on all fronts. Good Luck.

Governor accepts CM’s resignation, stage set for Chamling to take charge for fifth term

GANGTOK, 19 May: With the conclusion of the election to the 9th Sikkim Legislative Assembly and declaration of its results, Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister of Sikkim along with the Council of Ministers submitted his resignation to the Governor of Sikkim, Shriniwas Patil, vide D.O. No. 10/CMO/2014 dated 18th May, 2014, as per normal procedure.

The Governor accepted the resignation and has requested the Chief Minister and his colleagues to continue in office till the new Council of Ministers is sworn-in, informs the Raj Bhawan in a press communique.

SDF Chelis congratulate Chamling

GANGTOK, 19 May: Sikkim Democratic Front’s Cheli Morcha has congratulated the party president Pawan Chamling on forming the government for the fifth consecutive time. Congratulating Mr Chamling on behalf of Sikkimese women, the Cheli Morcha has assured that it would extend its full support in the mission of state building and empowerment of women.

In a press release, Cheli Morcha general secretary, Manita Mangar states that the SDF party president Mr Chamling has transformed the Sikkimese society by making the state capable and prosperous. Women in the state praise and honor the hard work and efforts of Mr Chamling in bringing Sikkimese women into the mainstream, she has said.

It is due to this that Sikkimese women are now equally empowered as men in the state, she adds. 

DC East hands over Election Certificates to newly elected MLAs

GANGTOK, 19 May [IPR]: District Collector, East, AK Singh handed over Election Certificates to the winning candidates from different constituencies of East District, at his chamber today.

The winning candidates of Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) from Chujachen constituency, Bikram Pradhan, Gnathang Machong constituency, Dorjee Tshering Lepcha and Namcheybung constituency, Bek Bahadur Rai received the Election Certificate at the office of East District Collectorate.

The candidates of Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) from West Pendam constituency, Gopal Baraily, Rhenock, Hemendra Adhikari, Syari, Kunga Nima Lepcha, Martam Rumtek, Mechung Bhutia, Upper Tadong, Timothy William Basnett, Arithang, Shyam Pradhan, Gangtok, Pintso Chopel, Upper Burtuk, Prem Singh Tamang and Sangha, Sonam Lama were handed over their Election certificates in the afternoon.

The District Collector, East presented certificates to the winning candidates after completing official formalities.

Boy drowns in West Sikkim

GANGTOK, 19 May: A 13-year-old boy from Boong, West Sikkim drowned in the Boong Khola on Sunday. The boy had gone for a swim and the mishap occurred, the Sikkim Police online page. 

Elocution competition at Tendong Educational Institute

GANGTOK, 17 May: An Inter-House English Elocution Competition was held in Tendong Educational Institute on 15 May between three houses; Rufus (Red), Gemma (Green), Beryl (Blue).

A press release informs that the competition was adjudged by Namrata Chettri, Sister Rita Moni and Sashi Thapa while the programme was conducted by the headmistress, Rita Sereng. There were 33 participants (11 from each house) from the Junior, Intermediate and Senior sections. Gemma house was declared the winner of the competition which also saw some songs and dance performances by the students.

SEMINAR DELIBERATES ON ENVIRONMENT AND LAW Environment Protection Act a farce says former SC Judge, GS Singhvi AMEET OBEROI

GANGTOK, 17 May: A two-day seminar on environment and the law was organized by Human Rights Law Network [HRLN] in collaboration with Sikkim Women’s Forum for Justice, Equality and Liberty at Chumbi Residency today. The chief guest for the programme was Justice GS Singhvi [former judge, Supreme Court of India] while also present as guests of honour were Justice NK Jain [Chief Justice, High Court of Sikkim], Justice SP Wangdi [Judge, High Court of Sikkim], social activists from North Sikkim and local people.

In his key note address, the chief guest stated, “Each one of us is sitting on three nuclear bombs; air, water and land pollution. The earlier generation was into conservation while the present generation is made up of consumers and so the protection of the environment is very important”.

The government initiates hydel projects to generate revenue but no assessment of the impact is done, he said, adding that using the slogan of development, environment is being destroyed every day.

“Towns have become concrete jungles, trees will be cut down, lakes and rivers will run dry just to fulfill our greed,” he added.

The Environment Protection Act [EPA] is a farce and the public hearings that are announced which never take place are just to hoodwink the public, said Justice Singhvi.

Further expressing his views against hydel projects he said that the protest of a section of the Sikkimese public against hydel power projects was absolutely right. People should continue their struggle that they have undertaken for the coming generation, he added.

“During land acquisition by project developers one should remember that a person whose land is being acquired eventually becomes a servant from being the landowner. Even the print and electronic media has been bought by these project developers, so if the judiciary does not intervene then people will take law into their own hands. Therefore it is necessary for the courts to intervene and to back the people and get them proper justice,” he stated.

Earlier, in his address, the Chief justice, High Court of Sikkim, NK Jain stated that when people disturb the ecological balance of nature it directly affects the life of the people of the area and so the judiciary can play an important role in the protection of the environment. There is need for the people and citizens to come forward and approach the judiciary in the form of PILs to take necessary action for the protection of the environment, wildlife and natural resources, he stated.

“Earlier not much emphasis was given to protection of environment and on laws related to it but with the passage of time it has gained much more importance and even the laws have become stronger and stricter”, stated Justice SP Wangdi [Judge, High Court of Sikkim], during his address.

There are laws but they are not being implemented properly and the concerned departments are not taking proper decisions in such cases so the courts have had to step in through PILs so that the rights of the poor, disadvantaged and of the voiceless could be taken up, he added.

In Sikkim, people live in sync with the environment and the ecology, natural resources, so if people destroy the environment then they are killing life itself. That is why the doctrine of public trust was adopted by the court for the benefit of the people and for the protection of the environment, he stated.

The gathering was also addressed by Dr. Doma T Bhutia [Advocate, High Court of Sikkim], who spoke on development versus displacement, while Souparna Lahari [researcher/ social activist] spoke on “hydro power project in Sikkim: a story of violation, coercion and suppression”. Social activists from North Sikkim also addressed the gathering. A documentary film on the movement against dams was also screened on the day.