Monsoon reaches Sikkim, gets stuck over Gangtok

GANGTOK, 17 June: The southwest monsoon entered India at Kerala on 06 June and did a reasonably quick march to reach Gangtok on 10 June. And then, like in the rest of the country, the monsoon winds and clouds lost steam. Monsoon has reached Gangtok and while it delivers thunder squalls over this corner of the State every night, it has not yet advanced to other parts of the State. The monsoon is slightly delayed this year and projections are that it will be below average in inundation as well. The ‘normal’ date for the onset of monsoons over Kerala is 01 June.
The Gangtok Meteorological Centre informs that the Northern Limit of Monsoon (NLM) continues to pass through Lat. 21°N / Long. 60°E, Lat. 21°N/Long. 65°E, Veraval, Surat, Sangli, Bellary, Nandyal, Bapatla, Lat 18°N/Long. 86°E, Lat. 22°N/Long. 90°E, Cooch Behar and Gangtok.
“Conditions are favourable for further advance of Southwest Monsoon into remaining parts of Bay of Bengal, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim and some parts of Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand and Bihar during the next 48 hours,” it is informed.
Available met data indicates that rainfall occurred at most places over Sikkim and Maximum temperature remained above normal by 2 to 3°C and Minimum temperature remained normal over most of the stations in Sikkim.

UNION HOME MINISTER REVIEWS CENTRE-STATE RELATIONS

Minister concerned over delay in implementation of women’s distress alarm button on mobile phones

New Delhi, 17 June [PIB]: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the Centre-State Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi today. The Minister was given a briefing by top officials on Women’s Safety issues, criminal tracking network, cybercrimes and modernization of prisons.

While reviewing the progress of the Crimes and Criminal Network Tracking and Systems (CCTNS) Project, it was observed that even though the project is in advanced stage of implementation, few States and Union Territories like Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Goa, Haryana, Lakshadweep, Manipur and Rajasthan are still lagging far behind. The Home Minister said that he will personally take it up with the concerned Chief Ministers and UTs Administrator.

Reviewing Crime Against Women – Nirbhaya Fund Project, it was informed that a Project for providing speedy assistance to respond to the calls from women in distress was approved by the Union Cabinet on 04 Feb, 2014.

Distress/ emergency alarms generated by woman, by pressing a button on her mobile phone will land at Police Control Room which would immediately arrange to dispatch emergency PCR van to assist the individual in distress. The proposed system is to be implemented in the identified 114 cities.

The Home Minister raised concern regarding the delay in kicking-off the project. It was decided that the Project should be implemented in an expeditious manner. He desired to review it personally soon with all stakeholders.

Regarding the Cyber Crime Project, the Home Minister stated that India had 916 million phone subscribers and 239 million internet users currently and the incidence of cybercrime recorded in 2012 is only 3,477 crimes (2,876 under IT Act and 601 under IPC).

Considering the number of users, the incidence of crime reported is negligible because of lack of awareness and the lack of capacity in the law enforcement agencies which don’t have enough capacities to handle serious incidents of cyber crimes. Current technology developments and industry best practices are slow to reach Law Enforcement Agencies, lack of enough trained manpower, equipment and incentives for the Forensic Support units and lack of adequate understanding technology crimes and the applicability of digital evidences by the prosecutors and judiciary. Mr. Singh directed that an appropriate body working in the software industry be utilised for providing the guidance and mentorship to the police in the States to enable them to develop their capacities to fight cybercrime.

Reviewing the improvement of prison conditions across the country, the Home Minister asked for modernization of prisons project to be implemented on priority.

SIMFED holds workshop on Organic Farming and Internal Control Systems

GANGTOK, 17 June: A three-day workshop on Internal Control System on Organic Farming and Certification was held by SIMFED for the Federation of ICS staffs and officials at the Conference Hall of the Cooperation Department located in the Sahakari Bhawan from 12-14 June.
As per a press release, the workshop was organized mainly to refresh and upgrade the field functionaries and officials in regards to Internal Control System for Organic Farming and Certification.
The event comprised of screening of Prime Minister’s speech in the Parliament, wherein Sikkim's pioneering work in organic farming was highlighted. The workshop covered all aspects of ICS Organic farming and Certification with respect to data collection, soil sample collection, documentation trace net entry, marketing, sustainability of Organic farming etc.
All subjects were covered in detail with the aid of power point presentation. The workshop comprised of intensive deliberations by Manager, SIMFED on importance of organic farming & certification and role & importance of Sikkim in the Organic Agriculture Field all over the world, the release mentions.
On the last day, an evaluation session of each field functionary was held. In the concluding period of the workshop Dr. Yashoda Pradhan [Addl. Executive Directors, SOM] in her deliberation touched upon the finer points of ICS, Organic Certification and how farmers may be encouraged to take up organic farming in a more committed way in order to be sustainable.
Kuber Bhandari [MD, SIMFED] in his speech asked all the field functionaries to take up their works seriously and in a committed way so as to make the whole programme successful and sustainable, thus, contributing to the Chief Minister’s vision of making Sikkim fully organic by 2015.

Shamar Rinpoche’s Kudung to arrive in New Delhi on Friday

GANGTOK, 17 June: Shamar Rinpoche’s “Kudung” [mortal remains] will be brought to New Delhi on the evening of 20 June. The Guru Yoga puja ceremony together with vast offerings will be conducted on the day.
This was announced by Private Secretary to Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje, Rabiam Rikki Catty on 14 June on www.karmapa.org.
The Rinpoche’s kudung will be kept at the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute [KIBI], New Delhi for around a week. After this it will be brought to Kalimpong to the Rinpoche’s institute there for further prayers and possibly the funeral.
Devotees can pay their respects to the Rinpoche’s mortal remains and participate in the prayer ceremonies at KIBI from 20 to 27 June, it is stated.
It may be mentioned that Shamar Rinpoche had passed away on 11 June in Germany. He was one of the most prominent spiritual figures of Tibetan Buddhism and one of the most influential personality from the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

SCPCR condemns sodomy of minors by hostel warden, keeps track of case

GANGTOK, 17 June: The State Commission for Protection of Child Rights [SCPCR] has applauded the prompt action taken by OC Pakyong Police Station, PI Arun Thatal, in nabbing the hostel warden accused of sodomizing the five minor students at a private school in East Sikkim.
SCPCR Chairperson, Manita Pradhan, in a press communiqué issued today, has also pointed out that this was the second incident of sodomy reported in Sikkim in recent times and has denounced it as “very very condemnable and unfortunate”.
The SCPCR press release informs that Ms. Pradhan held a telephonic discussion with the PI Thatal and asked for detailed reports on the Action Taken and Medical Examination of the children. “She was also informed by the Police Inspector that the accused has been charged under Section 377 [unnatural offences] of the IPC and Section 10 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act [POCSO], 2012,” the release adds.
The Commission is scheduled to visit the School and the victims and their parents on Wednesday.
A Hostel Warden cum Teacher at a private school at Nimtar in East Sikkim, it may be recalled, has been accused of raping five of his students by way of sodomy. The crime came to light when one of the victims, a 10-year-old boy of the same school, disclosed this to his father.

R&D plants & cleans in Namchi

NAMCHI, 17 June: A daylong plantation cum cleanliness drive was carried today by the Roads & Bridges Department in colaboration with the Forest Department at Kamdaley along Namchi Helipad road as part of the Paryavaran Mahotsav initiatives.
A garden was also developed at the site.
The team was lead by SE [South] Mohan Gurung, Joint Director [Forest] MR Rai, DE-Roads Bildat Rai, AE –Roads  K Rajalim, ROs Namchi Tseten Lepcha and Nishant Yonzon. The drive was participated by all the JEs and staff of the Roads & Bridges Department here. Lakpa Sherpa, SE-Tourism, was also present.
Saplings of Rani Chaanp, Thuja, Azelia and Lalupatey were planted today. The Department has also taken the responsibility of post-plantation care and in-charges were appointed for the gardens. They will visit the spot twice a week and report the condition of the planted saplings to the seniors.
In the meantime, a new strategy has been adopted wherein the responsibility for the upkeep of saplings planted by an officer will also be handed to the new officer on transfer.

MGNREGA Social Audit held for Nagi Karek GPU

GANGTOK, 17 June: MGNREGA Social Audit Jan Sunwai of Nagi Karek GPU was held at the Himali Club, Lower Nagi Ward, South Sikkim on 16 June. A Gram Sabha was conducted for the completed and ongoing MGNREGA works implemented during the financial years 2012-13 and 2013-2014.
As per a press release, audit was done for five Roof Water Harvesting Tank Work in five wards, (all together 5 Ward Completed the construction of 17 Tanks and rest 24 Tanks are under construction), One Jeepable Road and One Land Development Work. Total Sanctioned Amount of the Audited Scheme was Rs 65, 37, 342. Audited Amount of the total audited scheme was Rs. 25, 85, 489.
Some of the issues raised that raised during the Gram Sabha were provision of worksite facilities in all worksites, formation of Worksite Material Monitoring Committee before work starts, three stages photograph [before, during and after] to be displayed at GPK, copy of Consolidated Muster Roll must be made available during Social Audit, need for Citizen Information Board and measurement of work to be done on daily basis.
During the social audit, the record keeping of some of the Mates were found to be done in an efficient manner, the release mentions. Besides MGNREGA, audit was also done for Indira Awas Yojana and CMRHM. As per the Jan Sunwai and field verification all together there are 19 beneficiaries in the GPU. Out of the 19 CMRHM works, 11 beneficiaries have completed their construction work and also received the final installment. The remaining 8 works are under progress in Nagi Karek GPU.
District Resource Institution (DRI) South, Pacific Club facilitated the Jan Sunwai under the aegis of Social Audit Unit (SAU), Sikkim, Voluntary Health Association of Sikkim (VHAS).
Up-Adhyaksha South District Zilla Panchayat, Devi Maya Baraily attended the Jan Sunwai as the chief guest.

Compost Shredder Machine set up in Mangan

MANGAN, 17 June: Mangan Nagar Panchayat has set up a Compost Shredder Machine in Mangan Bazaar. The unit was inaugurated by Deputy Speaker, Sonam Gyatso Lepcha, accompanied by MNP president Karma Jigdel Bhutia and Councillor Zangmu Bhutia on 15 June.
The machine will be used for recycling biodegradable waste into organic manure. The MNP has invested Rs. 13 lakh for the said machine along with the construction of the shed where it is installed.
The MNP President informs that they plan to collect waste from the entire town of Mangan for this purpose and gradually include the surrounding villages and other parts of the district.
Bazaar Inspector Sonam Palden Bhutia explained details of the functioning of the machine to the chief guest.
After the inauguration, the chief guest and other guests also planted saplings in the premises to mark the Paryavaran Mahotsav 2014. Also present were ACF Teritorial, Pempa Dadul Bhutia and BO, Tenzing Bhutia.

ICAR demonstrates quality Kharif vegetable production techniques for farmers at Sirwani

GANGTOK, 17 June: ICAR Sikkim Centre organized a ‘Front Line Demonstration’ [FLD] on ‘Quality Kharif Vegetable Production Techniques for Livelihood Improvement’ at Sirwani in East Sikkim today. 39 farmers attended the program and showed keen interest to learn the ICAR vegetable production technologies, an ICAR press release informs. The programme was held under the Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH-I), it is informed.
Inaugurating the program, the Joint Director, ICAR Sikkim Centre, Dr. RK Avasthe, stressed that large scale cultivation of vegetables will also facilitate easy marketing and ensure higher returns. He distributed seeds of okra, French bean, bitter gourd and ridge gourd to all the attending farmers under HMNEH-I project. As per his earlier commitment to the farmers of the region, he also distributed eight Jalkunds and Biopesticides under NICRA project, the release adds.
Guest of Honour, BM Gazmer, Member, Gram Panchayat Unit appreciated the technology transfer efforts of ICAR Sikkim Centre to promote the vegetable production in the region. She urged the farmers towards quick adoption of the ICAR organic vegetable production technologies.
Dr. Ashish Yadav, Senior Scientist (Horticulture), in turn highlighted the importance of vegetable cultivation and detailed the organic cultivation practices of okra, French bean, bitter gourd and ridge gourd as a profitable venture for the region during kharif season.
Dr. Raghavendra Singh, Senior Scientist (Agronomy) spoke on good agricultural practices for vegetable crops and emphasized the need for crop rotation with leguminous crops to avoid nutrition depletion in soil.
Boniface Lepcha, Program Assistant, KVK Ranipool, coordinated the event and explained the construction techniques of Jalkund and discussed various relevant issues related to organic vegetable production system.

CS convenes follow-up meeting with HoDs and district officials

Gangtok, 17 June [IPR]: Chief Secretary R. Ongmu chaired a coordination meeting of all heads of departments and district administration here at Chintan Bhawan today to take stock of the progress of implementation of ongoing schemes and programmes of the Government of Sikkim.

The meeting was specifically called to follow up on the progress made by all departments following strict directives issued by the Chief Minister in the high level coordination meeting held on 29 May 2014. Directives issued by the Chief Minister in previous coordination meetings were also revisited and discussed threadbare.

The Chief Secretary instructed all heads of departments to remove all bottlenecks and urged them to meet the deadlines set by the Government.

The Chief Secretary during the meeting reiterated the instructions issued by the government such as action taken report of Chief Ministers 42-day village to village tour, mandatory field visits by the senior and junior level officers and submission of the tour reports immediately after completion of the tour and adherence of directives regarding regularization of MR and Adhoc employees.

She reiterated that all files are to be cleared within 24 hours providing one day service to the people and institute grievance redressal mechanism in every department.

Matters related to court cases should be strictly dealt with by the heads of the departments and timely replies to information under RTI’s should be provided, she directed.

She also directed to avoid duplication of schemes / projects and coordinate with other departments while framing schemes and projects meant for the people of the state. She also asked heads of departments to monitor the attendance to staff and ensure immediate installation of bio-metric machines as per the instructions of the government.

While interacting with the heads of the department the Chief Secretary directed to restrict air travel by government officers and strictly allot new vehicles procured for district officials to the offices for whom it is procured. She also directed to take permission of government prior to hiring foreign consultants, take government approval with regard to DPR for centrally sponsored scheme and ensure completion of all pending works and submit the reports thereof. She called for accountability at each level of governance, maintenance of office decorum and submit the detail list of employees to the Chief Ministers office immediately.

She also instructed the heads of the departments to gear up for the ensuing Assembly session with prior home work. She also issued directives to all the departmental heads to come up with an annual report highlighting the achievements of the government.

While reviewing the action taken by individual departments, the Chief Secretary also took note of issues which needed the Government’s advice. She invited representation on these issues from concerned heads of departments for appropriate action from the Government. During the meeting, the Chief Secretary also interacted with district authorities.

The opening and closing remarks were made by Principal Secretary, Home, Suresh C. Gupta.

This Monsoon, Confer

Editorial:-

After a series of construction-induced slips and slides in Gangtok some years ago, the UD&HD had notified that construction works be halted during monsoons. This suspension of construction works was rigidly followed for some years, but appears to have been eased of late. That said, the ban on construction during monsoons was always a short-term measure that Sikkim had been taking for the last more than one decade; it is time that its officers prescribed and monitored the construction habits better. That will make the town safer than a row of incomplete construction sites awaiting the dry winters.

Admittedly, the original ban was necessitated by the obvious dangers of excavation works during monsoons and also the roadside dumping of construction material which would get washed away with overnight downpours, clogging drains and adding dangerous volume to surface runoff. While construction material appears to be more responsibly managed nowadays, most of Gangtok is already built-up to leave any more spaces for excavation. So maybe a blanket ban is not an urgent requirement, but one could still be notified and relaxations considered on case to case basis. This comment is not to promote unbridled constructions, but a suggestion that Sikkim, especially its more urban locations, start discussing monsoon worries in a more engaged manner. A ban closes all discussions, whereas the laying of specific conditions opens dialogue. And the capital and other towns of Sikkim could do with some conversations when it comes to policy framing and decision-making. Since almost all the representatives were elected unopposed, they have rarely shown any interest in communicating with the people. The urban bodies will be going to polls in the not very distant future and it is unlikely that uncontested sweeps will return; a contest will require winning favour and there is no better way to win the people than hearing them out and taking them into confidence. The monsoons open such an opportunity because the surface runoff, poor drainage and the problem of too much water in the drains and too less in the taps is a common situation of all urban dwellers. Including them in deliberations on how to address the situation and manage the problems will make them feel more empowered and less ignored.

Such an environment is a good place to be for the cold calculations of politics, but more than that, it’s a healthy progression for democracy. This is how things should have always been when it comes to urban planning and now that the arrival of monsoons has created an opportunity, it should be explored. The urban representations should invited feedback and suggestions from the residents on the monsoon-related problems being faced by them and possible solutions. Neighbourhood meetings could be called and one would be surprised at how easy solutions for some vexed civic problems can be. And the towns could do with some collaborative efforts given the anxious unease that appears to have settled in after the elections. 

MLA convenes coordination meeting at Regu BAC

RONGLI, JUNE 17: Chujachen MLA, Bikram Pradhan, on June 15convened a coordination meeting at Regu GVK with the sub-division level officers, Panchayats, Headmasters and Principals of schools in the area. East Zilla Adakshya Bimal Dawari, SDM-Rongli, BDO Regu, SDPO Rongli and others attended the meeting which saw discussions on different issues related to the development of Chujachen constituency.

This was the MLA’s first official meeting at Regu BAC since being elected to the Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Pradhan assured to look at all the matters that were discussed and expressed hope that all the people of the constituency will join hands to make the constituency the best in Sikkim. [from SHITAL PRADHAN]

Admission process begins for ATTC Bardang

GANGTOK, 17 June: The last date for submission of forms for admission into ATTC Bardang has been postponed to 23 June. A press release informs that the sale of prospectus forms is currently underway while the merit list will be declared on 25 June.

Admission counselling will be held on 03 and 04 July and the new session will begin from 07 July.
ATTC Bardang is one of the oldest polytechnics established since 1999 and has been setting exemplary standards in the field of education each year till date. The three year diploma the institute offers is jointly certified by State Board of Technical Education and NTTF, Bangalore and all of its 5 courses are approved by AICTE. 

Football Clubs Assoc condemns police removal of World Cup team flags from vehicles

GANGTOK, 16 June: Traffic cops insist that they are following established protocol rules and enforcing safety clauses, but football fans are seeing it as a wet blanket being thrown on their World Cup spirit when they are denied the chance to fly the flags of their favourite teams on their vehicles. The Football Clubs Association of Sikkim [FCAS] has strongly condemned the removal of flags of different countries participating in the FIFA World Cup 2014 from vehicles by Sikkim Police.

A Traffic Police PI on duty meanwhile clarified that not all flags are being taken down and that only those which are being flown from the bonnet [which only representatives of the respective countries are allowed to sport] or are obstructing the view of the driver [and thereby posing a danger to all] are being checked. People are free to fly the flags on the hoods of vehicles or other such places which do not pose a safety risk, the traffic cop stated.

While extant rules might frown on hoisting country flags on vehicles, and the original Traffic Police order may even have factored in World Cup spirit and directed that only flags from “unauthorised” and dangerous positions be taken down, the implementation on ground might not be as considerate.

Meanwhile, an FCAS press release informs that the association convened an emergency meeting regarding the issue in Gangtok today. The meeting strongly condemned the practice of preventing people from hoisting flags of their favourite teams on vehicles by the police.

“We have also come to know that even vehicles plying from outside the state with such flags are being removed by the Sikkim Police personnel and we should think about what message and impression they will be taking back,” the release states.

The people of Sikkim celebrate this beautiful game as a festival and this very game has brought pride to our state which has produced many outstanding national level players, the FCAS has said.

The association has termed it an “unsporting act” by the Sikkim Police when the whole world is celebrating and supporting their favorite teams in this mega event.

FCAS has further asked the authorities to explain the reason behind the removal of flags.

Korean Culture Centre opens auditions for Korean pop contest

GANGTOK, 16 June: The much-awaited contest for Korean pop fans in India has been announced by Korean Cultural Centre India on Friday. Unlike previous years, this time the auditions will be held in four Indian cities (Mumbai, Dimapur, Chennai and New Delhi) for the first time and the grand finale is scheduled to take place at Sirifort Auditorium, New Delhi on 30 August.

As per a press release, the Northeast round of live auditions will be held on 26 July at IMC Hall, Dimapur with 12 participants (6 singing teams + 6 dance teams) from the region selected via the preliminary online round.

The contest entries will run until the 13 July. This will be the period to submit and upload videos of contestants performing a song or dance cover of any Korean artists within the video-length of 5 minutes each on the official contest website kpopindia.com starting 05 June onward.

The winning team will be taken on an all-expenses-paid trip to South Korea sponsored by Korean Cultural Centre India and an opportunity to perform in the K-Pop World Festival in Changwon, the release informs.

Last year, New Delhi-based Crazy Freaks Dance Crew won the contest and went on to perform at the K-Pop World Dance Festival 2013 in Gangwon, South Korea where dance teams from all over the world competed.

K-pop is a musical genre originating in South Korea that is characterized by a wide variety of audiovisual elements. Although it comprises all genres of "popular music" within South Korea, the term is more often used in a narrower sense to describe a modern form of South Korean pop music covering mostly dance-pop, pop ballad, electronic, rock, hip-hop, R&B, etc.

First gaining popularity in East Asia in the late 1990s, K-pop entered the Japanese music market towards the turn of the 21st century. In the late 2000s, it grew from a musical genre into a subculture among teenagers and young adults of East and Southeast Asia. Currently, the spread of K-pop to other regions of the world, via the Korean wave can be easily seen, in India.

Due to the persistent efforts of Korean Cultural Centre, K-pop which forms the integral part of the current Korean Culture has marked its success and popularity in India during the K-pop festival held back in 2012 and 2013. Now K-Pop - short for Korean Pop - is a genre of music that the Indians are finding attractive. For other Indians, Psy and his iconic Gangnam Style worked as an initiation into the genre, so much so that even in a Punjabi wedding in North India, you see people grooving to the beats of the song.

Korean Cultural Centre in association with their partners is organising this big festival again this year.

Yangang signs up for Paryavaran

GANGTOK, 15 June: The Forest, Environment and Wildlife Department, South Sikkim under Yangang Circle, South Sikkim flagged off Paryavaran Mahotsav with a day-long programme at Yangang Bazaar today.

Zilla Adhyaksha, South CL Gurung was present as the chief guest on the occasion. Assistant Conservator of Forest, Ravangla, Kamal Subba, Sub Divisonal Magistrate Yangang, PK Rai, BO Yangang, Jigdal Bhutia, Panchayats, other forest officials, representatives of local NGOs, people of different villages in and around Yangang, representatives of Dans Energy, Jorethang, lANCO, Teesta HEP, SICPA, Rangpo took part in the programme.

Forest officials distributed different saplings of plants to the villagers during the programme which was also funded Dans Energy, Jorethang, lANCO, Teesta HEP, SICPA, Rangpo.

Speaking on the occasion,  Zilla Adhyaksha, CL Gurung said that Sikkim has achieved much success in conservation of forests and protection of green cover in the state. However, he underlined that until we change our mentality we cannot achieve huge success.

“Since 2006, we have planted lakhs of saplings in the state but we have never looked back to check if these plants have survived”, he said. He emphasized in planting more ornamental and flowering plants especially in bazaar areas and road sides.

He also stressed on organizing quiz competitions, painting, debate competitions among the students to raise their awareness level. He also urged NGOs to take up mass awareness on the importance of ecology and environment. Forest officials and panchayats also spoke on the importance of clean and green environment and mass awareness.

The day ended with cleanliness drive at Yangang Bazaar which was participated by all. 

Seminar on role of SSB in invigorating Indo-Nepal relations

GANGTOK, 16 June: A daylong seminar on Role of the Sashastra Seema Bal [SSB] in “Invigorating Indo-Nepal Relations” was organized by the 19^th Bn SSB Gangtok today here at the Sector Headquarter in Development Area.

The main objective of the seminar was to create better understanding between SSB and media persons on Indo-Nepal Border and to inform about the various facilities provided by SSB to the people living along the border and various developmental and social activities of SSB with the border population. The seminar, which had PIB Gangtok Director, CK Dorjee as the chief guest, was attended by senior and other officials of SSB, ex-SSB personnel and media persons.

In his address, Mr Dorjee stated that Indo-Nepal is a big subject and has multiple dimensions as India shares a long border with Nepal. He further encouraged media persons to play an important role in furthering the good relation that these two nations and its people share.

Mr Dorjee mentioned that India has always been looking forward to improve its relation with neighboring countries. On the same, he added that SBB has been doing a great job in not only guarding the borders but also helping out people living in the border areas. SSB has been playing an exemplary role with its initiatives in health, education, social and other sectors, he stated.

Earlier, in his welcome address, 19^th Bn Officiating Commandant, Manoj Kumar Singh mentioned that the seminar is an annual event to interact with media person to create better understanding between SSB and media persons. He added that the event also seeks to inform people about the various facilities provided by SSB to people living along the border and about the developmental and social activities of SSB with the border population as well. 

Sector HQ Staff Officer [Adm], AK Nath also spoke about the SSB and its activities in the border areas. He informed that the SSB has established good relations with the people of border areas and has been working in small sector development and other welfare activities in the area.

Likewise, SAO Sikkim Area, DK Thongon explained thoroughly about the objectives, activities and achievements of SSB. He informed that SSB has been working in the state since 1976 and listed out the various welfare activities of SSB in different sectors in the state.

An ex-SSB personnel, Oswin Kumar Subedi shared his 30-year experience as an SSB personnel in the Indo-Nepal border areas. It was mentioned that Nepal has already brought road to the border areas but SSB personnel have to walk for many hours in hilly terrain to reach their posts due to absence of road connectivity on the India side.

He also highlighted that SSB personnel have been facing problems like lack of phone connectivity and drinking water supply. However, he mentioned that despite all odds the personnel are committed to guard the country's borders.

The seminar also witnessed an open discussion session between the participants and SSB Officials. 

Hostel warden accused of sodomy

GANGTOK, 16 June: A Hostel Warden cum Teacher at a private school in rural East Sikkim has been accused of raping five of his students by way of sodomy. The crime came to light when one of the victims, a 10-year-old boy of the same school, disclosed this to his father and refused to study in the school or stay in the hostel.

Investigations revealed that another four boys, aged between 8 to 16, residing in the same hostel were also being sexually abused by the said teacher [a trauma which is reported to have played out for a long while now]. The accused had further threatened the victims that he would fail them in the examinations and punish them if they disclosed the facts to anybody.

While speaking to NOW! over the phone, Arun Thatal [PI, Pakyong Police Station] today informed that a case under section 377 [unnatural offences] of the Indian Penal Code read with section 10 POCSO Act has been registered against the accused who is originally a resident of Pani House, Deorali, at present residing at Nimtar. The accused is currently under police custody.

When the accused learned that the parents of the victim had brought the matter to the notice of the police, he attempted suicide, the PI informed and added that the police reached in time and he was immediately evacuated to CRH, Tadong in the evening and was later discharged to police custody.

The accused has been remanded to one week judicial custody. All the five victims along with the accused have been taken to the STNM Hospital for medical examination. The hostel has been shut down and the principal of the school has agreed to postpone the school examinations of the five victims to a later date. The case is under investigation.

Singbel bans liquor sales, will also penalise drunk revellers

GANGTOK, 16 June: The panchayat and public of Singbel, East Sikkim, near Singtam here have decided to put a ban on sale of liquor in the village. In a meeting held today, it was decided that the ban would come into effect after one week, following which any shop found selling liquor will be fined Rs 5,000.

Apart from this, any person found creating nuisance in the village under the influence of alcohol will be fined Rs 1,000, it is informed. These steps are being taken as a move against the effect of alcohol consumption on the society, “mostly amongst the young generation”, informs a press release issued by HL Adhikari of Singbel.

The meeting was conducted at Singbel Milk Cooperative Society Bhawan and was chaired by Singbel Gram Panchayat, Malati Kharka and was organised by the youth of Singbel and attended by panchayats, ex-panchayats, senior citizens and youth.

Other issues discussed during the meeting were panchayat recommendation and police verification of tenants, ensuring the safety of women in the village, ensuring that only locals are allowed to open shops in the village, etc.

The release informs that ‘Singbel Sudhaar Samiti’ has also been formed to implement the decisions taken during the meeting. The committee has Malati Kharka [Gram Panchayat] as president, Harka Bdr Subba as vice president, Hom Prasad Adhikari as secretary, Pavitra Tirwa as treasurer I and Bhuwani Shanker Gautam as treasurer II.

25 other active members including advisors are also in this committee. 

Singbel bans liquor sales, will also penalise drunk revellers

GANGTOK, 16 June: The panchayat and public of Singbel, East Sikkim, near Singtam here have decided to put a ban on sale of liquor in the village. In a meeting held today, it was decided that the ban would come into effect after one week, following which any shop found selling liquor will be fined Rs 5,000.

Apart from this, any person found creating nuisance in the village under the influence of alcohol will be fined Rs 1,000, it is informed. These steps are being taken as a move against the effect of alcohol consumption on the society, “mostly amongst the young generation”, informs a press release issued by HL Adhikari of Singbel.

The meeting was conducted at Singbel Milk Cooperative Society Bhawan and was chaired by Singbel Gram Panchayat, Malati Kharka and was organised by the youth of Singbel and attended by panchayats, ex-panchayats, senior citizens and youth.

Other issues discussed during the meeting were panchayat recommendation and police verification of tenants, ensuring the safety of women in the village, ensuring that only locals are allowed to open shops in the village, etc.

The release informs that ‘Singbel Sudhaar Samiti’ has also been formed to implement the decisions taken during the meeting. The committee has Malati Kharka [Gram Panchayat] as president, Harka Bdr Subba as vice president, Hom Prasad Adhikari as secretary, Pavitra Tirwa as treasurer I and Bhuwani Shanker Gautam as treasurer II.

25 other active members including advisors are also in this committee. 

Sneha Kinetic organises medical camp at Lingdok

MANGAN, 16 June: A free health camp was organised here at Lingdok in East Sikkim by Sneha Kinetic Power Project Ltd. (SKPPL), project developer of the 96 MW Dikchu Hydel Project on 13 June.

251 patients from different villages of Lingdok-Namphing GPU were examined for diseases like tuberculosis, diabetics, Blood pressure etc and were provided free medicines. The medical team comprised of nine specialists and other medical staff from Central Referral Hospital Tadong.

The camp was inaugurated by Joint Commissioner, Labour Deptt, KR Limboo accompanied by AGM SKPPL, Tilak Raj Sharma, Zilla and Panchayats of Lingdok Namphong GPU, Students of Lingdok SSS and the local public. 

SAMETI trains on “Strategic Research and Extension Plan”

GANGTOK, 15 June: State Agricultural Management Extension and Training Institute (SAMETI-Sikkim) organized a five-day (09-13 June) Training Programme on Revisiting Strategic Research and Extension Plan, (SREP) for the Extension Functionaries of Agriculture,  Horticulture Department and the Line Departments as well.

As per a press release, the training had Dr. MA Kareem [Deputy Director, Extension, MANAGE, Hyderabad] and Guru Prasad Tripathy [Deputy Director, IMAGE, Odissa] as the resource persons. 50 Extension Functionaries from Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Krishi Vigyan Kendra and ICAR took part in this Training Programme on SREP.

The resource person informed participants on Strategic Research Planning, which included Farming System Analysis, Steps for analysis of farming situation for each crop, Identification of Agro-eco-situation (AES), Collecting  Primary and Secondary Data through PRA, transect work, Venn diagram, etc.

The participants were taken to Aho village in East Sikkim for hands-on practice on collection of data as part of the training on 12 June. During the interaction with the farmers, Director SAMETI informed that the officers are being trained for effective planning which will have beneficial effect in future and urged the farmers  to provide correct information to the officers, the release mentions.

On the concluding day of the Training Programme, the participants presented their report of their Field Visit and the same was analyzed and synthesized by the resource persons.

SL Dorjee [Director SAMETI]  thanked Director General, MANAGE [Hyderabad] for accepting her request and providing knowledgeable Resource Persons for the training, it is added.

Masked men assault Samdruptse Ropeway construction workers

NAMCHI, 16 June: Nine labourers engaged in the ropeway project at Samdruptse in South Sikkim were allegedly attacked by a group of masked men at 9:30 p.m. Sunday night.

The labourers are employed with Kolkata-based Damodar Ropeway & Infra Limited which is constructing the ropeway connecting Namchi bazaar to Samdruptse.  The labourers were attacked by the group of masked men at Rock Garden near Chaam Gaon, Namchi where they are camped.

As learnt from the company officials, the attack was reported to Namchi Police which reached the spot with the company officials where they found the injured workers. They were immediately rushed to District Hospital Namchi.

Some of the labourers have suffered grievous injuries and may not be able to work for an indefinite time said one of the company officials. The attackers fled from the spot after the incident and since they were wearing masks they could not be identified, it is informed.

The incident took place at the labor camp of the company at Rock Garden where a ropeway station has been constructed; the miscreants also damaged the building, it is informed. All the laborers were shifted to the Namchi construction site of the company for their safety. Most of them have suffered fractures or head injuries. The motive behind the attack is still not known.

Among the injured are Biranche Pradhan, Bidesh Pradhan and Mithun Malik of Ashatarang village, Orissa, Santune Behara, Prakash Kandey and Bhappi Kandhi of Kakatpur village Orissa, Santanu Das and Rajesh Behera of Jaralingay village, Orissa and Indrajeet Golla of Ramachandra Pura village, Orissa.

As per the company, they do not have any dispute with anyone. Police have registered the case against unknown persons under section 448/323, 427/34 of IPC at Namchi Police Station and investigation has begun. No arrest has been made so far.   

Paryavaran to the fore at Ravangla as well

GANGTOK, 15 June: The SDM Ravangla today officially launched Paryavaran Mahotsav 2014 for the Sub Division at Ravangla Bazaar. Heads of offices, Sub Divisional level government officers, employees, Panchayats, JFMCs, EDCs, NGOs and bazaar committees as well as representatives from Dans Co. Pvt Ltd. attended the launch, informs a press release.

According to the government direction and notification, TB Subba [ACF Territorial Ravangla] announced the different activities of clean and green Sikkim to be carried out by all the people of Sikkim.

It has also been made known to the general public that mass cleanliness drive will be carried out for Ravangla Bazaar on 18 June. All the public of Ravangla Bazaar will have to take active part in cleaning and keeping Ravangla Bazaar Green.

Cleanliness drive will also be carried out for every government office and residential premises, private institutions. Greenathon and clean Sikkim will be held at Ravangla on 23 June. The Greenathon will start from Ravangla Bazaar to Rayong Gaddi and back to Ravangla, the release informs.

It was also announced that on 25 June from 10.30 to 10.40 each and every person of Ravangla sub division will have to contribute Ten Minutes to Mother Earth by planting a sapling.

A signature campaign was also conducted at Ravangla Bazaar where many people of Ravangla pledged to conserve the earth's resources wisely.

A Seedling Distribution booth was set up at Ravangla and Kewzing bazaars from where many people received saplings for planting.

Dans Co Pvt Ltd and Microlabs Co. have joined hands with Ravangla Sub Division for this mission of Paryavaran Mahotsav 2014, the release mentions.

Holy Cross School donates Rs 3.4 lakh to Lucknow-based NGO

GANGTOK, 16 June: Principal of Holy Cross School, Tadong, Sr. Celine Antony today handed over an amount of Rs. 3,40,264 to Caring Souls Foundation. Chief coordinator of the Foundation, Prashant Dube received the amount on behalf of the organization.

Caring Souls Foundation was established in the year 1999 and has its head office in Lucknow. It is dedicated to the cause of HIV/AIDS and Cancer prevention and providing support to patients.

A press release informs that the amount collected from the schools by the students will be used for providing support to the cancer patients.

Mr. Prashant thanked the students, parents and teachers for their support. The students with the highest collection also received trophies from the Chief coordinator of the Caring Souls Foundation. 

Paryavaran Mahotsav at Bojoghari

GANGTOK, 16 June: Paryavaran Mahotsav was organised at Shri Shri Shivalaya Mandir, Bojoghari on 15 June. The function was attended by devotees and public of 3rd Mile Bojoghari, Tashi View Point, Takse, Mangar Gaon, Lower Bojoghari and Sirik, informs a press release. About 100 saplings provided by the Forest Department were planted on the day. 

Melli Bazaar celebrates Paryavaran Mahotsav with cleanliness drive

GANGTOK, 15 June: As part of Paryavaran Mahotsav 2014 celebration a cleanliness drive was carried out at Melli Bazaar, South Sikkim today. The drive was jointly organized by Melli Dara-Paiyong GPU and Forest, Environment & Wildlife Management Deptt.

A press release informs that all the residents of Melli Bazaar, Police personnel, members of Bazaar Management Committee (BMC), Aaryan NGO actively participated in this drive. During the cleanliness drive of over three hours, people collected non-biodegradable materials from the entire Melli Bazaar area.

Melli Bazaar Panchayat, Milan Chettri on behalf of Gram Panchayat and Forest Department has thanked all for their participation and also urged all to keep Melli Bazaar clean, the release adds.

Jorethang cleans up for Paryavaran

JORETHANG, 15 June [IPR]: On the occasion of Paryavaran Mahotsav 2014 that focuses on sustaining the mission of developing Sikkim into a Model Green State, a mass cleanliness drive was organized by Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department in Jorethang bazaar today. 

SDM Jorethang, Tenzing Denzongpa presided over the event as the chief guest which was also attended by ACF (WL) cum BAC Jorethang, Tilak Kumar Mukhia: R.O (T) Jorethang, Sabi Gadaily; R.O(WL) KBS, Pravin Gurung; R.O Social Forestry, Joseph Lepcha; C.D.P.O, Meena Rai; B.D.O Sikip, Milan Rai and Gram Panchayat Presidents of South district, as per a press release.

The drive saw active participation from employees of various departments of Jorethang namely Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management, UD&HD, IPR, PHE, Social Justice Empowerment & Welfare, Police, Excise, PWD, Land Revenue and Disaster Management as well as NGOs Purva Mazigaon Sudhar Samaj (Majhi Gaon) and Garib Utthan Sewa Samiti.

SD M Jorethang initiated the cleanliness drive and signature campaign at 10 am by briefing the gathering about the objective of the program. He briefed them about the implication of observing Paryavaran Mahotsav throughout the state.

Further, Mr Denzongpa laid down crucial guidelines to ensure extensive success of this people centric programme with the underlying theme ‘Each One Plant One’ and briefed the gathering about the forthcoming Paryavaran Mahotsav  programmes and activities such as plantation drives under the State Government initiatives i.e. State Green Mission and Ten Minutes to Earth; Greenathon; eco-competition in schools; awareness campaigns, among others that will be observed from 15 to 30 June 2014 in South district including Jorethang bazaar.

The cleanliness drive set off from Gandhi Park after which the participants in the drive moved to Bhanu Salik area where the entire premise was cleaned thoroughly. The department officials and members of the Jorethang NGO contributed in the mass cleanliness drive with great enthusiasm.

The host department and S.D.M Jorethang have both expressed their appreciation and gratitude to all the departments, Panchayat members, NGOs as well as the public for their active involvement in the cleanliness drive. The cleanliness activity that commenced in the early hours of morning came to an end at noon on the same day, it is added.

F&CS plants in Pakyong

GANGTOK, 15 June: A day-long plantation drive was conducted by the Food & Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department [FCSCAD], East Sikkim at Pakyong Food Godown complex in East Sikkim on Saturday. More than 250 saplings of different varieties were planted during the drive.

Secretary, DP Sharma, Additional Secretary, Deepa Rani Thapa and other senior officials of FCSCAD along with Panchayat members, Fair Price Shop owners and local people of the area participated in the drive.

A press release issued by FCSCAD Deputy Director [East], Pintso Namgyal informs that the main objective of the plantation drive was to create awareness towards preserving the environment and also to encourage the general public towards planting greens in their locality. The release also states that the plantation drive was carried out for the beautification of the Food Godown complex. 

Japanese Lessons

Editorial:

There is much that the world can already learn from Japan, and yet the Land of the Rising Sun continues to serve up new examples that the rest can emulate. Japan’s prowess on the soccer field continues to impress and while football is notorious for its rough fans, the Japanese have announced that this need not be so. The Ivory Coast versus Japan clash in World Cup 2014 at Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil, was a keenly contested battle, but it has become memorable for what transpired after the match, outside the ground. After their side lost to Ivory Coast 2-1, Japan fans were seen cleaning up their section of the stands. They had come prepared with huge plastic bags, and after the match, cleaned up the entire section, packed the litter into the bags and left their section of Arena Prenambuco as tidy, perhaps even tidier, as they had found it when they arrived to cheer their team. And this was not a staged for a photo-op effort like the ones which have become sorely too routine nowadays; this was a gesture which became public only after some photographs taken on smartphones went viral online. What makes the Japanese fans unique and worth celebrating is that they displayed such civility at a moment when even if they had turned unruly and even smashed some seats in their section, few would have held it against them and would have explained it as a sign of their passion for the game. They have already established their passion for the game by having travelled halfway around the world to cheer their team, but with their clean-up act, they have established themselves as perhaps the most cultured fan-guests and definitely the most gracious in defeat. There is much that even Sikkim could learn from the Japanese gesture in Brasil because being gracious in defeat is a virtue which appears to be in very short supply here at present. And yes, one is talking politics here. The Opposition blaming their loss on money and muscle power, to the Ruling going into a sulk despite having won [but perhaps unhappy with the scale of its victory], is keeping the general environment as vitiated as it was in the run-up to the elections. Where one had hoped for the air to clear up after the results were declared, there is still too much negativity from all sides. Sikkim is too small a family to remain so sore for so long. It should learn from the Japanese fans – they travelled all the way to Brazil, were backing a good team and despite having played well and hard, were on the losing side when the final whistle blew. They must have been disheartened and dejected, but they did not let defeat strip them of their civility. They did not allow bitterness to cheat them of their love for the game, instead, they celebrated their passion for football and their national team by ensuring that just as the fighting spirit of them team on the field won them praise, the conduct of the fans on the stands earned them accolades as well…

DHH celebrates environment with a plantation

GANGTOK, 15 June: Paryavaran Mahotsav 2014 was organized at the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom complex today.

As per a press release, Director, Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Ganga D. Pradhan along with senior officers, staffs and trainees planted more than 150 new saplings in the complex.

Speaking to all participants during the occasion Ms Pradhan informed about the importance of Paryavaran Mahotsav and the state government vision to make Sikkim Clean and Green with the motto “Each one Plant One”, the release adds. 

Power Minister makes surprise inspection of Lagyap Power House

GANGTOK, 16 June: Power Minister DD Bhutia paid a surprise visit to the Lagyap Power House site at Jali Pool, Gangtok today.

A press release informs that the Minister has directed that all maintenance work should be completed by the given deadline as per the norms of the contractors failing which they will be liable for the loss incurred in revenue by the department. He said that maintenance work has to be completed on time so that the power house starts to generate power and earn revenue for the state at the earliest possible.

The Minister also asked the concerned authorities to submit details of the manpower deployed in the power house. The release further mentions that many illegal encroachments in the power house area were noticed.

Rhododendrons planted in Dentam

GANGTOK, 16 June: The commencement of 9th Phase of State Green Mission was observed at Dentam with a plantation drive where more than five hundred rhododendron saplings were planted at Gurasay Dara at Shanku here.

As per a press release, the programme was jointly organized by Gram Vikash Kendra-Dentam ; SDM Office-Dentam ; Shanku Radhu Khandu GP ; Forest, Environment and Wild Life Management Department, Dentam.

The plantation work was carried out by all the Panchayat Members of Shanku Radhu Khandu GP, Sabitri Thapa [Zilla Member], Dawa Jangmu Sherpa [Zilla Member], Heads of Schools of Dentam, Gram Vikash Adhikari Dentam, Bindhya Subba [RO, WL], Lalit Rai [RO, T], Gram Vikash Kendra officials and local gentries of Dentam. More than seventy persons participated in the plantation drive.

The release informs that the observance of Paryavaran Mahotsav from 15-30 June in Dentam is being monitored by the Gram Vikash Kendra, Dentam and SDM Office Dentam in collaboration with GPUs here. More areas will be identified for such plantation drives during this Paryavaran Mahotsav, the release adds.

              

Fortnight-long Paryavaran Mahotsav launched

GANGTOK, 15 June [IPR]: Paryavaran Mahotsav for the year 2014 was officially launched by Minister, Forest Environment &Wildlife Management Department, Tshering Wangdi Lepcha, at MG Marg here today.
A Poster on the birds of Sikkim was released during the programme which also included the distribution of dustbins and garbage bags. Symbolizing the launch of the programme seedlings vans were flagged off by the Forest Minister followed by a ceremonial plantation.
To commemorate the event “Paryavaran Mahotsav” [from 15 to 30 June] this year various activities such as massive plantation drives, cleanliness drives, Greenathon (Run for Green and Clean Sikkim on 22 June), signature campaign, eco-competitions at schools, release of Go-Green stickers and dustbin for garbage at selected places, awareness campaigns, etc. are being organized throughout the State.
The Minister has appealed for participation of all sectors from Panchayats to local people, private entrepreneur, Government agencies, private and public sector institutions, school, colleges, NGOs, Self Help Groups, Joint Forest Management Committees, Eco Development Committees, Pokhari Sangrakshan Samities, Press, Media to render their proactive role in achieving the objectives of  Paryavaran Mahotsav.
Bimal Dawari [Zilla Adyaksha East], Shakti Singh [Deputy Mayor], Arvind Kumar [Principal Secretary cum PCCF], Anil Mainra [PCCF Environment], S B S Bhadauria [Special PCCF Cum Project Director], senior officers and staff of Forest department were present during the launch programme.

NSS volunteers from Soreong and Namchi at NE Youth Festival in Kohima

GANGTOK, 15 June: The NSS Volunteers of Soreng Government Senior Secondary School [boys] and Namchi Girls Senior Secondary School are participating in the North East Youth Festival at Kohima, Nagaland. The festival started on 13 June and will go on till 17 June. The team had left Sikkim on 11 June.

Speaking to NOW!, PET, Soreng School cum program officer, Pintso Bhutia said that this is for the first time that both schools have been invited for the said festival. It’s an annual program where a large number of schools of the North East region participate, he added.

30 volunteers [boys and girls] from the state are taking part in the festival. The boys team is led by program officer, Pintso Bhutia and TR Karki whereas the girls team is led by program officer, Nisha Rai and Phurba Lhaki Bhutia.

Speaking on the main purpose of the festival, Pintso Bhutia informed that the program aims personality development of students with the Youth Culture Exchange and Youth Leadership training as highlights.

The Sikkim team is scheduled to return home on 18 June.