CM FLAGS OFF SIKKIM CONTINGENT ON SSB-SPONSORED STUDY TOUR:

 As part of the events for Sashastra Seema Bal’s [SSB] 50th anniversary, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today flagged off a study tour for 16 Sikkim girls to New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and an educational excursion cum agricultural training for 24 farmers to Pusa Agriculture University, New Delhi. SSB is organizing the tour as part of its “Discovering India” initiative. The function, held at White Memorial Hall, was also attended by Speaker KT Gyaltsen.

SBTSO forms Ranipool branch

GANGTOK, 16 Dec: Sikkim Bihari Trade and Social Organisation [SBTSO] formed its Ranipool branch in a meeting held on Sunday. A press release informs that around 42 new members from the area were present in the meeting.
The Ranipool Branch committee has Upendra Jaiswal as president, Dinesh Prasad and Dharmendra Prasad as vice presidents, Shakti Prasad as general secretary, Bijay Prasad as joint secretary, Ranjit Byahut, Raj Kishore Prasad and Arun Thakur as publicity secretaries, Subodh Jaiswal as treasurer and Subash Prasad as assistant treasurer.
Birendra Shah, Ajay Prasad, Manan Prasad, Arun Sharma and Chathdhari Prasad are the advisors of the committee.
The release states that a new organization of “educated, young and energetic people” has been formed to work for the development of the society “since the Sikkim Bihari Jagran Manch has failed in functioning properly”.

22nd Sikkim Half Marathon on X-Mas eve

GANGTOK, 16 Dec: Sikkim Amateur Athletic Association [SAAA] has announced plans to hold the 22nd Sikkim Half Marathon on 24 December in collaboration with the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department as part of the Winter Carnival celebrations here.
The event has three categories - Open Category [21 Kms Men & Women], Under 15 yrs [15 Kms. Boys & Girls] and Under 12 yrs [10 Kms for Boys & Girls].
An SAAA press release issued by its president DIG-Range, Dr. MS Tuli, informs that cash prizes of more than Rs. 1.5 lakh will be given out to the winners of the various categories.
The marathon will take off from Paljor Stadium. The reporting time has been set for 6:30 AM at the venue on 24 December 2013. The entry forms are available at Oswal Corporation, New Market, Gangtok and the last date of submission of entry forms is 21 December 2013.

More Pictures of WindStorm that hit Sikkim on 15th December 2013

Windstorm kills child in her sleep in Gangtok

GANGTOK, 15 Dec: Gangtok, last night, got a taste of a different type of natural calamity, a windstorm. The heavy windstorm last night brought down the mercury along with trees, branches, electric poles, sheds and houses. In a tragic incident, the strong winds also claimed the life of 11-year-old Savitri Chettri [also known as Marina Chettri, as she is referred to in official updates] who was killed in her sleep when a gigantic tree crashed on her dwelling at Indira Byepass.
The wind started picking up at around midnight and was in full force by 2 a.m., howling in a sinister fashion throughout and it was apparent that the morning would bring news of some disaster.
Come morning, the first responders, the police along with SAP and Forest personnel were seen in action clearing off debris, branches and tree trunks from the roads at different locations especially the highway. Apart from trees, the windstorm also brought down electricity poles at Swastik and Burtuk as a result of which the area was plunged into darkness for most of the night.
The winds also blew away corrugated sheet roofs from several houses. People could be seen trying to salvage the material or put up a makeshift arrangement for a roof.
Among the damaged dwellings was the house of Jagat Kumar Chettri, grandfather of the deceased Savitri Chettri. This was a kutcha house just below the Indira Byepass a few metres from the SDF party office. Here, a huge tree against which the house had been constructed was toppled over by the winds and collapsed on top of the house, crushing it completely. While Savitri was fatally injured, three others of the family managed to escape with injuries. Jagat Kumar, 85 years of age, is reported to be in critical condition with a head injury and is presently under treatment at the STNM Hospital.
The incident occurred at night; there were 4 family members in the house; however one of the other children awoke with the noise of the tree collapsing and immediately ran out and thus was saved. Savitri was still alive when they rushed her to the hospital.
At Swastik, another tree came down and crashed on a parked vehicle. Two electric poles have also been flattened. A linesman from the Power Department at the site informed that the poles were flattened by crashing trees. As a result, all the areas to which the poles transmitted power are now without electricity. These areas include, Swastik, Burtuk, Bojoghari and Selep Tanki as well as the local army establishment.
As informed by the linesman, it would take up to a week to get the poles up and transmitting again. The residents of the area may be supplied power from another line. One of the electric poles was near Man Bahadur Biswakarma’s workshop which has also collapsed. This was also a kutcha shed where he made khukris and other items.
At Hospital Dara, below the High Court a tree came crashing down causing a traffic pile up in the morning. Police personnel were seen organizing the clearing with the help of labourers.  Another house at Bye pass belonging to Lobsang Lepcha was also damaged. A tree fell on his multi storey house at around 4:30 a.m. and has damaged the roof. SAP personnel along with their Deputy Commandant, R Bhutia were seen assisting the clearing process. The Dy Commandant and his team of SAP personnel were engaged in clearing the Bye pass road of trees and branches and other material the entire morning and afternoon thus making it motor-able.
A full assessment of the damages caused by the windstorm is awaited.
Meanwhile, one platoon of Sikkim Disaster Relief Force has been deployed from early morning which has been working in full swing for managing the calamity. Disaster District Control Room is functional 24/7 and any person affected can contact 03592-204995 or 03592-221566 Ext 700. The State administration has appealed to the public that everything is under control and public are requested not to panic.
Total 48 houses in Swastik, Bojoghari, Lingdok, Tashi Viewpoint, Taktse, Lower Burtuk are reported to have sustained damage.

Power supply takes severe hit in East and North Sikkim

GANGTOK, 15 Dec: The severe windstorm of Saturday night disrupted power supply to parts of East and North district and could take up to a week to restore in some areas, confirmed Power Secretary PB Subba today, adding that the high velocity windstorm lashed not only the capital but also areas as far north as Lachung.
The exact scale of damage to the power supply infrastructure is yet to be ascertained for North district with the concerned officials being to venture out on the field only after wind subsided around noon.
The officials are now working on a war footing to normalize power supply. The Power Secretary informs that a 66/11 KV transformer at 5th Mile Tadong was damaged last night and this has affected power supply to Deorali, Tadong and Gangtok town areas. The Department is working to repair the transformer and this process is projected to take two more days.
Power supply to North Sikkim from Gangtok has been completely disrupted due to a fault in the 66 KV transmission line and will be restored only after rectification of fault, the Power Secretary states.
Additional District Collector [North], Raj Yadav, when contacted, informs that the windstorm disconnected the entire North district from power supply which will take another three days to restore.
Officials details that extensive damage has been caused to the 11 KV transmission line and LT distribution across North District. Most of the damage  was caused due to  collapse of trees   over power transmission and distribution lines damaging conductors, poles and insulators. Damage to power lines has been reported from Mangan, Pentok, Singhik, Manul, Ringhim, Upper Dzongu, Lower Dzongu, Lachen and Lachung.

Northerly winds with speeds upto 60 km/hr: Met Deptt

GANGTOK, 15 Dec: High speed winds last night took everyone in the State by surprise. Such weather is not expected at this time, or for that matter, at any other time of the year. There was no rain accompanying the winds which shook everything with a ferocity rarely seen before.
The reports that have started coming in speak of quite a lot of damage that the winds have brought with it which could be more when the dust finally settles.
State Meteorological Centre In-charge, Dr GN Raha explains that such windstorms allow only a few hours of lead time and make advance [24 hours or more] warnings impossible. The winds last night reached speeds upto 55 to 60 km/hour, he informs.
He adds that it was the northerly winds that caused the storm last night due to which there has been some increase in the temperature while the relative humidity has also dropped.

CS leads quick response to storm emergency

Gangtok, 15 Dec [IPR]: An emergency meeting was convened at the conference hall of Police Head Quarters here this morning to take the stock of the situation arising from the high velocity winds which hit parts of East and North Sikkim, including Gangtok.
The meeting was chaired by Chief Secretary R. Ongmu and was attended by the Director General of Police, Secretaries of Roads & Bridges, PHE, IPR, Special PCCF, Commissioner, GMC, Special Secretary, LR&DMD, District Collector and Superintendent of Police, East, and the officers from line departments and took stock of the situation arising out of the wind and storm, and the actions taken to restore normalcy.
During the meeting the Chief Secretary took detailed report from all the concerned departments like Power, PHE, Health, Forest, GMC, PWD and directed them to start the restoration work immediately.
Immediately after the incident, the state administration swung into action and the District Collector visited the damaged site and the STNM Hospital, and have assured victims that all necessary assistance will be provided by the state Government as per norms.
The district administration also declared an ex-gratia compensation of Rs. 1.5 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased child [killed when an uprooted tree collapsed on her house last night]. The State Disaster Response Force along with officials of the Police and Forest Department immediately took action to evacuate the people from the affected area and cleared the road from the early morning.
The state administration has assured that due the timely intervention of the state administration, normalcy has been restored. The State administration has further appealed to the public that everything is under control and there is no need for the panic. The District Control Room is functional 24 X 7 and any incident may be reported to the control room in the number 03592-204995, 9434041007 and 8900527997.

North receives severe lashing

MANGAN, 15 Dec: Last night’s windstorm has caused damages in several parts of North District as well. Shops at Mangan Bazaar remained closed till 11:30 a.m. this morning.
The District Collector’s official residence was damaged as the winds brought down a tree on the house.
Meanwhile, according to GVA Chungthang, Karma Thendup Bhutia, one kutcha house at Lachung was totally damaged, the Gor-Sangtok GPU road blocked due to fallen trees, local approach road to Kazor village also blocked and a classroom of Mangan Senior Secondary School damaged when a tree fell down on the roof.
At Lower Mangan bazaar, a parked vehicle was damaged and electricity poles damaged at several places between Chungthang and Rangrang.
At Malling village above Mangan bazaar, 2 houses, 5 green houses and a poultry farm have been totally destroyed.
In Namok, a school was damaged while near Mangan BAC a house has been damaged. One house belonging to Singhi Bhutia and a green-house belonging to Passang Lhamu has been damaged in Kabi block.
At Pakshep, a house belonging to Phurba Sherpa was damaged while at Nampatam village of Ringhim-Nampatam GPU a cremation shed and a cow shed have been totally damaged.
A district administration emergency coordination meeting was conducted by ADC, North, RK Yadav today which was attended by SDM Mangan, PW Lepcha, SDPO Magan, P Bhutia, Disaster Management staff, Police department, Power department, Forest department staff and Roads & Bridges department.
Meanwhile, the road to Lachen has been blocked and traffic was expected to resume by this evening while traffic along the highway from Gangtok to Chungthang has been restored.
The North district administration has issued an advisory to all citizens to stay alert and also reassured that there was no need to panic.
The DC North has projected the scale of damage to government property alone to be in the vicinity of Rs. 1 crore. Status report has been dispatched to higher authorities and Revenue Supervisors and the Department will prepare a detailed damage report by Monday evening and compensation will then be released as per norms.

Windstorm wreaks havoc on Project Swastik campus

GANGTOK, 15 Dec: As per information received from Chief Engineer SS Porwal of Project Swastik, the high speed winds which lashed Gangtok on the intervening night of 14 and 15 December, caused extensive damage at the Project Swastik campus here at Burtuk and moderate damage to 758 BRTF /129 RCC of BRO.
The windstorm blew away corrugated sheets off many roofs and as they whipped about in the air, coming out of homes became dangerous. Hundreds of such sheets were blowing around in the campus, the CE informs.
A number of tress were uprooted and fell on buildings and electricity lines, with the damage so severe that the entire line will have to be laid afresh, the officer informs.
The officers mess building was devastated as the entire roof was blown away and several other houses in the camp were damaged by falling trees. CGI sheets were blown off the Chief Engineer’s office as well, along with the langar, NCO mess and living barracks.
The Project Swastik Chief Engineer inspected the campus and all available manpower was pressed into clearing the area on a war-footing. Chief Engineer promptly got in touch with State and army authorities and despatched parties to check the road sate in and around Gangtok, an official release further informs.

U-14 SNOW LION CUP FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

Boys’ Club to take on Sanju Pradhan FA in finals
GANGTOK, 15 Dec: Boys’ Club will take on Sanju Pradhan Football Academy, Sombaria in the final match of the U-14 Snow Lion Cup Football Tournament here at Paljor Stadium on Monday afternoon. A total of 11 teams participated in the three-day tournament, which is being organized by the United Sikkim Football Club [USFC].
Boys’ Club emerged as the champions of Group A, while Sanju Pradhan FA has topped Group B. The final match will kick off tomorrow at 12:30 PM.
USFC senior manager, Arjun Rai informed that the eleven teams were divided into two groups, who played league matches in their respective groups. A total of 25 matches were played and toppers of each group will now play the final match, he informed. He further added that the organizers also provided food to participating teams along with lodging and transportation cost to teams from outside the capital.
This tournament is like a mini football festival with around 200 children participating, said Mr Rai. The tournament was kicked off on Saturday morning.

Voice of Sikkim’s VOSBuzz bags Northeast ICT Award

 GANGTOK, 15 Dec: Popular online news website, the Voice of Sikkim’s Android phone application – VOSBUZZ- bagged the eNews & Media award at the 4th North East ICT Award 2013 Summit held in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, on Friday.
Amir Bhandari, who developed this application, is quoted in a VOS press communiqué as stating that this application was the best fit for the latest technology from Google- Google Cloud Messaging GCM. This application, he adds, has immense potential in terms of communicating with a much wider audience unlike SMS where the number of characters is limited and sometimes did not reach users on time.
“We have incorporated GCM technology in VOSBUZZ application to adhere information to vast users in their mobile instantly, it supports more character than SMS, it can even support Media broadcasting. There’s still vast use of this application which are very vital for crucial reporting apart from News like Natural Disaster, Emergency, Health, Traffic, Education, Agriculture, Social cause, Notifications etc,” the VOS team adds.
The 4th North East ICT Award 2013 Summit, themed “Connectivity & Access for All in North East India”, was attended by finalists in all 12 categories from all the North Eastern states.
The event was inaugurated by the Arunachal Chief Minister.
Dr. Monica Banerjee, Program Director, NFI & Dr. Geeta Malhotra, Country Director, Read India handed over the ICT Award 2013 to Mr. Amir Bhandari. The Sikkim Information Technology Department also bagged the ICT Award 2013 for RMDD-based REDRH Information Management System software in a separate category.

High Court directs Madhya Bharat to comply with State Govt recommendations

HYDEL PROJECT DEVELOPER TO UNDERTAKE DETAILED SURVEY AND MAPPING OF TUNNELING AREA
GANGTOK, 15 Dec: The villagers of Sumin have won a major victory over the Madhya Bharat Company with the High Court of Sikkim issuing an ad interim order in their favour. After months of having to live in the wake of environmental degradation and threat of erosion of their way of living primarily due to what they see as irresponsible and careless construction and tunneling works by the company, the villagers now have got an order from the Court by which they can feel relatively safe and secure.
The Single Bench of the Court comprising Acting Chief Justice NK Jain has directed the company developing the 96MW hydroelectric project on the Rongni Chu at Sumin in East District to comply with the terms and conditions of the environmental conditions; further it has been directed to comply with the recommendations of the State government as made through the SPDC and also adhere to the recommendations and findings of the Mines and Geology department.
In the last hearing on the matter on 12 December, counsel for the petitioners Dr. Doma Bhutia had submitted that the company had violated the conditions of environmental clearance for which alone the works were liable to be stopped. She also presented a parallel with the natural calamity recently in Uttarakhand where irresponsible muck dumping by a company undertaking a hydroelectric project was alleged to have been a factor; here the muck has reportedly been dumped on khasmal lands of the villagers. This would take a very long time to clear out apart from it being a violation of forest laws of the state.
While the application for a Stay has been kept pending till after the vacation of the Court, the Single bench took note of the urgency of the matter and passed the ad interim order.
Apart from degradation of their lands due to muck dumping the villagers feel threatened by the tunneling works. A supposedly wrong contour map drawn up by the company has already led to the collapse of the tunnel roof at one location near Adit 2. Further, since the map indicates the tunnel to be passing under some dwellings including a monastery constructed in the 1920s the people are apprehensive that their houses could be in danger. In fact the report of the Mines & Geology Department apprehends water seepage at the site of the collapse. Already these houses and the gumpa have suffered damages due to unsupervised blasting works, it is contended.
Following apprehensions of the villagers, the SPDC as well as the Mines and Geology deptt had conducted a survey and their findings clearly find the project developer to have been casual and faulty. The company is now required to follow their recommendations.
As per the recommendations of the SPDC there needs to be a detailed topographical survey and geographical mapping of the area only after which the tunnel can be re-aligned. This, it says, has to be done by Design Consultants and a report on this has to be forwarded to the government as well. The place where the tunnel roof has collapsed needs to be filled till at least 20 m. The company is also now required to identify depressions and nallah crossings and surveyed afresh.
For blasting works it is recommended that the company employ government reputed agencies the findings of which need to be forwarded to the government. The SPDC has finally stated that the project developer should have the entire reservoir area geologically mapped and critical locations along the rim identified for suitable treatment. In fact the SPDC in its report has also stated that there was a major error on the part of Madhya Bharat in the Topographical survey. The contour topographical map, it says, is incorrect which led to the collapse of the tunnel in Adit 2. The report also finds lack of sub surface geological investigation by the company.
The report of Mines and Geology, which is also to be complied with, opines that the contour map appears to have been manipulated without proper ground truthing. This report recommends immediate sealing where the tunnel has collapsed and also total realignment survey of the tunnel. Significantly the report raises the concern of the sudden disappearance of a perennial jhora and investigation into the matter. It advises the construction of proper retaining structure below the Adit 2 where the tunnel collapse has occurred. In an interesting observation it has noted that there is no monitoring authority and therefore urgent need for one particularly in view of the fragile environment. Now it needs to be seen how the project developer complies with these recommendations and findings and to what extent it can alleviate the apprehensions of the villagers, if at all. Needless to say, construction work continues.

SKM’s student front rally protests ‘druggist’ tag

GANGTOK, 15 Dec: Sikkim Krantikari Vidyarthi Morcha, the students’ wing of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha, took out a rally here on Saturday. SKM supporters carrying banners and placards, shouted slogans against the tagging of the party youth as ‘druggists’ and ‘rowdies’ by the Chief Minister and the Sikkim Democratic Front as they walked along the National Highway 31A from the SKM head-office to Zero Point.
The rally was participated in by a large number of youth from different parts of the state along with SKM leaders and workers.
Speaking to media persons, the SKVM chief co-ordinator, Dr. Mechung Bhutia, said that the Chief Minister has been constantly referring to the SKM party youth as “druggists and rowdies” and added that such language by a person occupying a constitutional post was totally unacceptable.
“Through this rally, on behalf of the youth of Sikkim, the student’s wing demands an apology from the CM failing which we will take the matter to the courts,” he said.
The student’s wing chief convener, Karma Tashi Bhutia, in turn alleged that the Chief Minister was trying to misinform the public by calling the youth and students supporting SKM “rowdies and druggists”. Condemning the CM’s comments, he reiterated the demand for an apology from the CM to all the youth and students of the state.
Apart from this, the rally also raised slogans against the high suicide rate in the state, drug addiction and protection of Article 371 F. The rally concluded at Zero Point after some SKM leaders addressed the gathering.

SDF’s student wing rejects SKM appeal

GANGTOK, 15 Dec: Sikkim Democratic Front’s student wing has accused the Sikkim Krantikari Vidyarthi Morch, the SKM’s student wing, of carrying out false propaganda to defame the State and its youth-centric programmes and efforts towards educational reforms. A press release issued by the SDF students’ front secretary, Kabita Subba, contends that the SKM was trying to create confusion among the youth and trying to spread panic among the people.
The release goes on to state that an “appeal” released by the SKM on 12 December “has crossed the limits of falsities and misinformation” in a bid to garner some publicity for the SKM.
The release warns the SKM party not to spread rumors which could spread panic in the society. The release warns that legal action will be initiated to curtail SKM’s “propensity to dabble in rumours”.
The release goes on to state that the CM has consistently displayed love and affection towards the children and has never sidelined their interests. SKM’s claims that the CM has branded the youth as “druggists and rowdies” was false and mischievous, the release adds.
The release also mentions that the SDF party has been working for the protection of the Article 371F and Sikkimese people for the past 20 years and also strongly condemns SKM’s comments on computer teachers, adhoc teachers and other related issues.

SDF mourns life lost to storm

GANGTOK, 15 Dec: The Sikkim Democratic Front has conveyed deep condolences to the family which lost its 11 year old daughter to Saturday night’s gale-force winds when a tree toppled over the storm crashed into their home had crushed the child to death. In a press release issued today, the SDF has also recorded concern for those whose houses took damage due to the freak weather.

SAMA grooms students as trekking guides trained for mountain rescue

GANGTOK, 15 Dec: Thirty Tourism students from different schools of East Sikkim, namely Sang Secondary School, Lingdok Senior Secondary School and Rhenock Senior Secondary School - completed a seven-day Trekking Guide-cum-Mountain Rescue Training  at Pangthang Junior High school on 13 December .
A total of 15 resource persons were engaged for the training, drawn mostly from Sikkim Amateur Mountaineering Association, and from Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, Travel Agents Association of Sikkim TAAS and Sikkim Armed Police.
On completion of the training, the participants were awarded with certificates and trophies by the Tourism & Civil Aviation Secretary, T Zangpo, who was present as chief guest for the valedictory function. The function was also attended by Pangthang GPU president and School committee members.
Sagar Rai, the SAMA treasurer, made a brief presentation on the life of Roger Payne and his love for the mountains of Sikkim. The Late Mr. Payne was an ambassador of Sikkim Mountaineering in the western world and held a dream to organize and provide such trainings in Sikkim for the young, he informed. Mr. Payne died aged 55 in an avalanche on Mont Maudit in July 2012.
In his valedictory address, the Tourism Secretary mentioned that such training programmes will help the youth become self employed and create more human resource for adventure tourism. Students of Tourism are the future of this sector, he commented, adding that students should put such training to good use in life and practice regularly and attend more such camps to become adventure tourism experts of Sikkim.
SAMA general secretary, Barap Namgyal, presented a technical report on the training. He expressed hope that the trainees would practice the knowledge gained. He further expressed hope that the guide training cum mountain rescue training would open up more opportunities for local people in income generation directly and indirectly.
He further informed that SAMA has also been encouraging youth towards adventure tourism activities in a bid to open more avenues for them and develop better human resource for the sector in Sikkim.
The course had Barap Namgyal Bhutia of SAMA as Course Director; Deepak Kumar Chettri of SAMA as Chief Instructor; Sagar Rai, Samdup Kazi, Bikash Sharma, Bhaichung Yonzon, Karma Bhutia, Sumit Chettri, Bhoj Raj Rai, Binod Gurung and Dawa Bhutia, all of SAMA, as instructors. Monoj Chettri of Tourism Department, Dawa Sherpa from Sikkim Armed Police and Madan Gurung  and Bikash Sunar of TAAS were present as resource persons.

RTI Forum protest appointment of non-local at SIMFED

 GANGTOK, 15 Dec: The Sikkim RTI Forum has alleged that SIMFED has employed a non-Sikkim Subject without either advertising the post or considering a local for it.
In a press release, general secretary of the Sikkim RTI Forum, DK Chhetri, states that as per information received in response to an RTI application, a non-Sikkimese [who possesses only a voter’s ID and not a CoI] has been appointed at a managerial post at SIMFED. He claims that no interview was called for the said post and that the appointee was a petty supplier for SIMFED a few years ago.
“Since Employment Exchange is not implemented in Sikkim all jobs in Government or Semi-Government establishments belong to bonafide Sikkimese,” Mr. Chhetri contends.
On behalf of “educated and qualified Sikkimese”, Sikkim RTI Forum has demanded that that the said person be terminated from the job and a fresh Interview called for the post.

Books on Chamling’s poetry and philosophy released

GANGTOK, 15 Dec: Three books, each focused on different aspects of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling’s personality were released here at a somber function hosted at Mannan Kendra on Saturday. The books included an anthology of poetry by Mr. Chamling, and two titles on his political ideology and philosophy.
“Pavitra Kranti: Aadhargat Bhawbhoomi,” by Jagadish Sharma encapsulates Mr. Chamling’s political ideology and details the new dimension he has added to politics here, while “Pawan Chamling ‘Kiran’ ka Kabita”, published by Kathmandu’s Sajha Prakashan is, as the name suggests, an anthology of the CM’s poetry, and “Chamling’s School of Thought”, by Mahesh Prasai and Damber Giri fleshes out the CM’s philosophy.
“Pavitra Kranti” was released by noted litterateur Mahananda Poudyal who stated that Mr. Chamling has initiated a new dimension of political thought in the region and invited the younger generation to engage in academic exercises and deliberations on the book.
The book release function was also attended by IPR Minister CB Karki.
Rudra Poudyal, a respected writer, presented a detailed review of the book while Mr. Karki explained that the SDF Government has made consistent efforts to document and publish different aspects of history, ideology and literature of Sikkim in a bid to serve the need of the society and the youth for information and knowledge.
The programme was also addressed by Prof. Ramesh Koirala of Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, and member of Nepal Planning Commission who said that Sikkim has the political leadership along with vision and environment for development to boost progress with modern concepts and thoughts.

Awareness program on mediation organized for referral judges and trained mediators

GANGTOK, 15 Dec: A two-day [14 and 15 December] awareness and sensitization programme for referral judges and trained mediators was organized by the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority [SSLSA] in association with Mediation & Conciliation Project Committee [MCPC], Supreme Court of India, New Delhi here the High Court conference hall.
It is informed that in India, there is only Court annexed mediation for which there is no charge. Mediation is an informal and confidential way for people to resolve disputes with the help of a neutral mediator who is trained to help parties resolve dispute amicably. The mediator does not decide who is right or wrong, or issue a decision; instead, the mediator helps the parties work out their own solutions. The benefits of mediation include, saving cost, time, confidentiality and relationship amongst others.
The cases pending in the courts are referred for mediation under the provision of Section 89 of the Civil Procedure, 1908. In Sikkim, there is High Court of Sikkim, Civil Procedure on Mediation Rule, 2006 and Sikkim Sub-ordinate Court Civil Procedure Rule, 2006.
Since the introduction of mediation as Alternative Dispute Redressal Mechanism in the State, the SSLSA, under the directions of its Executive Chairperson, Justice SP Wangdi, who is also the Chairperson of High Court Mediation Monitoring Committee, has established Mediation Centres in all the four district headquarters.
So far, 40 hours training under the aegis of MCPC have been conducted by Sikkim SLSA. Four Judicial Officers of the Subordinate Courts along with 50 Advocates have been trained as Mediators till date.
Since 21 May, 2009, on which date the first mediation was taken up, 540 mediation sittings have been held by trained Mediators in all the four districts of Sikkim. Out of 217 cases taken up, 105 cases have been settled.
One of the success stories of settlement through process of Mediation is a Civil Suit which was pending for 31 years! This “chronic case” was settled at the Mediation Centre, East district at Gangtok on 24 May, 2012 much to the relief of the litigating parties and the Referral Courts, it is informed.
Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee, Supreme Court of India has observed that due to lack of awareness of Mediation amongst the lawyers and inadequate references being made by the Judicial Officers, MCPC decided that henceforth programme would comprise of awareness programme for the advocates and mentoring of the Mediators and awareness-cum-referral judges programme for the judicial officers with the purpose to increase the numbers of referral to Mediation Centres from the Courts.
With these objectives, the Sikkim SLSA has commenced the above programme which was conducted by Resource Persons comprising of Neena Krishna Bansal [Additional District Judge and trained Mediator] and Nagina Jain [Advocate and trained Mediator] deputed by MCPC, New Delhi.

EMRS-Gangyap thanks founding members Health Minister and CS

GYALSHING, 15 Dec [IPR]: Health Minister, DN Thakarpa and Chief Secretary, R Ongmu attended a ‘Thanksgiving’ programme at Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), Gangyap in West Sikkim on 13 December organized by the first batch of EMRS, ‘Phoenix’ students.
The special programme to thank founder members of EMRS, the Health Minister and Chief Secretary was also attended by SP(West), SDM, Yoksum, WO, DE(Zilla), Zilla member, Panchayats, SMC members and locals.
The Minister, in his address, lauded the efforts of the school in providing all round development of its students. He also shared his experiences and hardships in establishing this school and thanked the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling for all his support in developing the school.
He informed that the grants for further improvement of the school have been approved and work would soon begin.
The Chief Secretary in her address expressed her satisfaction over the performance of EMRS students and teachers and assured to provide every possible support to the students for higher studies.
Mr Thakarpa and Ms Ongmu were also felicitated during the programme for their support by the ‘Phoenix’ students. Also on the day, the edited version of the musical ‘Across the Universe’  was presented while the School Song and video CD of ‘Across the Universe’ was also released followed by poetry recitation by students.
Earlier, Principal, S Yonzone presented the school’s annual report and highlighted some of the achievements made by the school in the state and national level.
Later, Minister, Mr Thakarpa and the Chief Secretary also had a brief meeting with the SMC members in the office of the principal to discuss the major issues viz additional 6 class rooms for next session, toilets, teacher’s quarter, boys’ hostel, drinking water, games & sports equipments, furniture of the school.
The CS directed the DE (Zilla) to immediately take up the construction work of 6 additional class rooms and toilet. She also directed the principal to submit all the immediate requirements to DC (W) and send a copy of the requirements to her as early as possible. She directed the minor works to be carried out under MGNREGA.

DACS finds fauji market for Sikkim’s oranges

GANGTOK, 15 Dec: The Denzong Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd [DACS], the apex body of Primary Co-operative Societies here, has taken up marketing local oranges in bulk from Neh Manzing, Turuk, Ramyang and Melli Dara, South Sikkim for supplying to the Indian Army, informs a press communiqué received from DACS Managing Director MT Sherpa.
This initiative is part of the DAC effort to undertake local marketing of fruits, vegetables and broilers in bulk for Army consumption as well as local retail sales.
The effort has been well received by local growers.
This Orange season, from mid-November to mid-December, DACS marketed a staggering 22,192 Kgs (approximately 2,70,000 pieces) of oranges from local orchards, Mr. Sherpa informs. This has protected them from exploitation in the hands of unscrupulous fly by night middlemen and traders as well as ensured gainful income opportunities among farmers, he underlines.
All marketing is done through farm-gate collection that is by way of door-to-door collection reaching every farmer/producer and payments are also being made promptly, he adds.
Over the past four to five years, the marketing of local produce by DACS has seen a quantum jump benefitting both the local farmers as suppliers and the Army as consumers. DACS has disbursed Rs. 86.45 lakh and Rs. 92 lakh for October and November 2013 alone respectively among farmers on account of broiler marketing, for instance. From April to November 2013, the Society marketed 4.58 lakh kg of local broilers. In addition to this, DACS has recently started marketing of local broilers produced by Poultry Estate Mangalbarey, West Sikkim initiated as pilot project by State Government.

Silver Jubilee Losoong Archery tourney begins

GANGTOK, 15 Dec: Ten teams from different parts of the state are participating in the Silver Jubilee Losoong Archery Tournament 2013-14 which started today here at Archery Range, Tathangchen. The traditional archery tournament is being organized by Yargay Association of Tathangchen [YAT] to mark the festival of Losoong.
The inaugural match was played between Crouching Tiger, Tathangchen and Sichey Mavericks. Sichey Mavericks won the match by 42 to 33 points and moved to the next round of the tournament. Now, Bayul Demazong will take on Kabi Lungstok in the next match on 17 December. The final match is scheduled to be played on 04 January.
The inaugural day of the tournament had senior citizen of Tathangchen, Mingma Tshering, as the chief guest.
YAT general secretary, Karma Sonam mentioned that YAT has been organizing this traditional archery tournament every year on the occasion of Losoong. He added that the main objective of the tournament is to preserve the traditional form of archery in Sikkim and to promote it amongst the younger generation. He has invited all the people of Sikkim to witness the matches in the tournament to encourage archers and to preserve the traditional form of archery.
Mr Sonam mentioned that this year being the silver jubilee year of the tournament, there are some added features like the Mini Olympic for children at Guards Ground on 26 December along with a veterans football match, tug of war and other activities. He further added that the inaugural ceremony was to celebrate the silver jubilee in a grand manner but was toned down owing to the loss of life and damages that the state has sustained in last night’s windstorm.

Winter’s here

GANGTOK, 13 Dec: Woolen caps and heaters have been forced out of hibernation as the cold has finally arrived. Maximum temperature remained 2 degrees below normal today while minimum temperature remained normal over most of the stations in Sikkim.
The last 24 hours [as of 8:30 this morning] recorded maximum temperature of 12.2 degree Celsius and minimum temperature of 7 degree Celsius in Gangtok.
Mangan recorded a maximum temperature of 13.4 degree Celsius and minimum temperature of 7.1 degree Celsius. In Namchi, maximum temperature recorded was 16.4 degree Celsius while minimum temperature was 8.7 degree Celsius.
In West Sikkim, the maximum temperature recorded today was 14.7 degree Celsius while minimum temperature was 7.2 degree Celsius.
The Met department’s forecast for the next 24 hours indicates generally cloudy skies with light rain. Valley fog could occur in some areas while the maximum and minimum temperatures will be around 09°C and 06°C respectively.

Four students receive Tulasha Devi Memorial Award in Tumin

DIKCHU, 13 Dec: Four students were conferred the Tulasha Devi Memorial Award today at a special function held at Tumin Barang in East Sikkim.
Among the awardees, two students are from Vidhya Bharati School, Lower Tumin. Ritika Sharma was the class V topper of the year 2012 and Rajesh Chettri was the class V topper of the year 2013. The other two students are from Tumin Barang School; Jigmee Wangchuk Lepcha, class V topper of the year 2012 and Yogita Chettri, class V topper for the year 2013. The chief guest presented certificates of merit and cash prizes to the four students.
Geeta Path competition was held during the day wherein Saraswati Vidhya Niketan stood first followed by Tumin Barang School and Raley JHS in second and third positions respectively.
In the morning session, the function had Zilla member, Hemraj Adhikari as the chief guest while in the second session, former Secretary, LB Chettri was the chief guest.
Delivering the welcome address, Secretary RMDD, DR Nepal who is also the president of Tulasha Devi Memorial Trust underlined that the trust was started to give students a platform and encourage them in academics.
“Since the government is doing a lot to provide quality education and improve literacy in the state, we should also contribute for such a good cause”, he added.  Mr. Nepal further appealed to local NGOs to conduct such debate competitions for children and added that the trust will sponsor such programmes.
It may be mentioned here that the Tulasha Devi Memorial Trust, established in the year 2007 has been conferring awards on students since then. The trust was instituted in the memory of Late Tulasha Devi Nepal, wife of Shriman Dharmananda Nepal and in honour of the sacrifices she made for the education of her children. The award seeks to encourage students in academics at the elementary level and also to motivate teachers and guardians of pupils of the two Primary schools of Barang ward of Tumin, East Sikkim. The trust also supports events like poetry writing and recitation, painting, traditional music and dance, etc.
Zilla member Hemraj Adhikari in his address highlighted the importance of education and appreciated the initiative. A colourful cultural programme was also presented by children of different schools. The function ended with a vote of thanks proposed by Daddhi Ram Nepal and was attended by students, teachers, guardians, representatives of NGOs, committee and local gentries.

Former DSP joins SKM

GANGTOK, 13 Dec: Former Deputy Superintendent of Police, Adup Tshering  Bhutia has formally joined Sikkim Krantikari Morcha today here at the party headquarter as a primary member of the party.
An SKM press release informs that Mr. Bhutia submitted a joining letter to the party working president and was accepted and admitted into the party fold. The SKM party has alleged that the ruling party continues to suppress retired bureaucrats and government employees. This, the release states, is why retired employees are joining hands with SKM to oppose the SDF government and bring about a change.
Another SKM release claims that former Zilla Panchayat of Kungsola under Gyalshing-Bermiok constituency, Gyanendra Thapa has also resigned from the primary membership of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front party and joined Sikkim Krantikari Morcha.
He sent a copy of his resignation letter addressed to the SDF president before joining SKM, it is informed.
Mr. Thapa was Zilla Panchayat of Kungsola from 2002 to 2007 and has served the ruling party in various positions till now, the release mentions.

Resettlement & Rehabilitation Committee constituted for SSB HQ land acquisition in West Sikkim

GANGTOK, 13 Dec: The state government has issued a notification constituting a Resettlement & Rehabilitation Committee in West Sikkim for establishing Sashastra Seema Bal’s 52nd Batallion Head Quarter.
As per the National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy 2007, under  the Resolution F No. 26011/4/2007-LRD of the Government of India, Ministry of Rural Development, Department of Land Resources a committee for Resettlement and Rehabilitation is required to be constituted which shall include representatives of project affected persons for effective implementations of Resettlement and Rehabilitation Plan for Establishment of 52nd Battalion Head Quarter by Sashastra Seema Bal in Melli and Melli Aching block, West District of Sikkim.
In view of this Resolution and Policy of government of India, the state government has constituted a two-tier committee consisting of Supervisory body and Implementation body. Under the Supervisory body, Secretary, Land Revenue & Disaster Management Department is appointed as the Commissioner and Commandant, 52nd Battalion Sashastra Seema Bal has been appointed as Member of the Committee. Similarly under the Implementation body, District Collector, West, Gyalshing is the Administrator while Commandant, 52nd Battalion, Sashastra Seema Bal, Member of Legislative Assembly, Yoksum Tashiding Constituency, all members of Melli and Melli Aching, Panchayat President of Melli-Aching GPU, Desu Maya Rai, Prem Kumari Rai (women’s representative), Man Bir Kami (Scheduled Caste representative), Sonam Wangdi Bhutia (Tribal representative), Phur Tshering Bhutia (representative of Voluntary Organization, Himalayan Environment and Tourism Development Organization),  Branch Manager, State Bank of India, Pelling, Revenue Officer-Cum-Assistant Director, Gyalshing Sub Division, (Government representative) are the Members.
Further, the State Government has also declared Gyalshing Sub-Division as a project affected zone and Melli and Melli Aching blocks as project affected villages.

Cabbie arrested for rash driving

GANGTOK, 13 Dec: Gyalshing police arrested a taxi driver [SK-04J-0266] Ghanshyam Chettri on 12 December for rash and negligent driving and later released him on bail. The arrest was made on the complaint of Pema Choden Lepcha, resident of Gangyap, West Sikkim. As per the complainant, on 12 December around 3.30 p.m. the above said vehicle with eight passengers was going towards Gangyap from Tashiding Bazaar. On reaching Yoksum Road, the vehicle skidded back on an uphill road and fell into a drain. The occupants sustained some minor injuries.
The Gyalshing police have seized the documents and the vehicle. A case under section 279/ 337/ 338 [rash driving or driving on a public way, causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others and causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others] of the Indian Penal Code has been registered against the driver at the Gyalshing Police Station.

Exposure trip treat for North MPCS members

MANGAN, 13 Dec: The SISCO Bank in association with the Cooperation Department, North Sikkim, organised an exposure trip for members of Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society of North Sikkim.
Eleven members from Hee-Gyathang, Passingdang, Tingvong, Sankyong-Pentong, Tingchim-Mangshila, Namok, Mangan, MPCS of North district were taken on an exposure tour to South and West districts from 10-12 December.
The main objective behind the tour was to motivate the MPCS members towards learning better managing systems and replicate them so that their MPCS can also achieve success. The tour was sponsored by SISCO Bank led by Vice Chairman, SISCO, Bank, Tashi Ongdup Lepcha along with PT Lepcha, DRCS, Chungthang.
During the tour, the team visited Polok-Borong in South Sikkim and Deythang-Pareng in West Sikkim, where they got an opportunity to learn about Dairy co-operative, computerized management system, etc.
At Melli Dara, the team was exposed to the rural banking system such as wage payment of MGNREGA, old age pension and other payments related to governmental schemes. Marketing of agro-products, public participation in MPCS were other lessons learnt by the team.
On the second day of the tour, an Interaction session was held at Namchi which was chaired by president, SICUN, Ganesh Rai. During the session, NB Rai, Manager, MPCS, Namchi and PK Rai & Binod Gurung from JRCS, Namchi gave a lecture on management of MPCS. The team also attended the Annual General Meeting of SISCO Bank at Karfectar, Jorethang.
On the last day of the tour, the team visited Melli-Dara, village administrative centre which is one of the best in the state, Melli-Dara MPCS, private poultry farm and government piggery farm in the area.

Jorethang preps up for Maghey Sankranti 2014

JORETHANG, 13 Dec: The first meeting for Maghey Sankranti Mela 2014 was held today here at Jorethang Playground. Zoom Salghari MLA, Madan Cintury, presided over the meeting.
The meeting dissolved the old mela committee to form the new one for 2014 Maghey Mela at Jorethang. Area MLA Madan Cintury was unanimously elected the chief patron while DC South, Pravakar Verma will be the president and Chewang Lhamu Bhutia was elected as advisor of the new committee.
This year as well, the venue for the Maghey Mela will be the Jorethang riverside (Majhigaon).
The meeting also decided to launch a new website for Maghey Mela 2014 for wider publicity.
Apart from the mela festivities, cultural events, sports and many other activities will add to the charm of Maghey Sankranti. The committee has also fixed the rate of Departmental Stalls at Rs. 5,000 each.
While addressing the meeting, Mr. Cintury stated that the upcoming Maghey Mela will be celebrated with a unique flavour and in a festive manner. He also thanked all concerned for their support in making the Chief Minister’s Gold Cup Football Tournament 2013 a grand success.
He further stated that the Maghey Mela is not an event for Jorethang alone but for entire Sikkim. He also informed that the sub committees shall be formed soon to oversee the minute details. The second meeting will be held on 21 December. The meeting was also attended by the members of Jorethang Nagar Panchayat and the officials from Namchi and Jorethang.

Hunting expedition ends in fatality

HUNTER SHOOTS COUSIN BY MISTAKE
GANGTOK, 13 Dec: A hunting trip turned tragic today with the death of one of the hunters in what is believed to have been an accident.
Rajen Rai, around 30 years old, was accidentally shot by his older cousin, 53-year-old Bir Bahadur Rai as they were hunting deer in the forests below Khamdong, East Sikkim. The incident took place at around 11:30 a.m. this morning. Bir Bahadur Rai is reported to have surrendered and is now under custody of the Singtam police.
According to reports, the two, both belonging to Beng Thansing under Singtam police jurisdiction, set out on a deer hunt at Repti Khola; deer is said to be found in the jungles by the khola and in all likelihood this was not their first hunting trip. This is suggested by the fact that on spotting a deer, Bir Bahadur Rai with the gun went after the deer from one side and Rajen Rai came in from the other side to trap the deer.
However, the plan turned fatal as Bir Bahadur Rai, the older of the two, mistook Rajen, coming in from the other side, to be the prey. He shot at what seemed to him was the deer through the shrubs and undergrowth and the bullet hit Rajen Rai on his left shoulder. It is reported that he succumbed on the spot.
The Singtam police led by SHO, Chundi Chophel, rushed to the spot in the afternoon on news of the incident and arrested Bir Bahadur Rai and seized the weapon of offence. The weapon is said to be an unlicensed country-made single barrel gun. The accused has been charged under section 302 of the Indian Penal Code as well as under relevant sections of the Arms Act for possession of an illegal weapon.

Sikkim students flee Himachal Institute, reach New Delhi

GANGTOK, 13 Dec: According to reports, the group of Sikkim students till now at the Himalayan Group of Professional Institutions, Himachal Pradesh, is now in New Delhi. Despite assurances of security and followup on their complaints, the group decided to flee Kala Amb where they were studying.
They reached New Delhi on 12 December after having decided to part ways with the institute where they were studying till a few days ago. There are around 46 students, it is reported. A bus was hired from Nahan to Dehradoon which they reached at 1:30 a.m. and from there they boarded another bus for Delhi.
All the way they were provided with an escort by the Himachal Pradesh police.
The students have thanked the HP police for their support; in fact it is reported that the police kept inquiring after their safety till they reached New Delhi. At present, they are at Sikkim House. They have also been in contact with Sikkim’s Member of Parliament, Hissey Lachungpa and have recorded their gratefulness on being allowed to stay at the Sikkim House.
The group of students is short on funds, which is another issue for them, it is informed.
However leaving the college was not all that easy; in fact they had been wanting to leave the college but were not allowed by the management it is alleged. Finally they had to submit an affidavit to the college in order to be permitted to leave the premises. They are now looking forward to get admission or migrate to other colleges.
Most of the students were enrolled at the Kala Amb institute on government scholarship, it is informed, and are now still looking forward to the state government to assist them in their ‘migration’. A few days ago the State government had also deputed Social Justice Deptt Secretary, G Upadhyay to take stock of the situation and the concerns of the students; the Secretary had gone to the institute and also interacted with the students.
The Sikkim students thought it fit to leave the HGPI at Kala Amb, Himachal Pradesh after trouble brewed with a group of Haryana students and they received threats. Kala Amb is a border town with Haryana.

Governor calls on DoNER Minister

GANGTOK, 13 Dec [IPR]: Governor Shriniwas Patil called on the Union Minister of State for Development of North East Region (DoNER), Paban Singh Ghatowar in New Delhi on Thursday.
A press release informs that during the meeting, the Governor discussed various developmental issues pertaining to Sikkim, as well as the North Eastern Region. The proposal for a project amounting to Rs 2 crore for construction of tourist amenities along Jawaharlal Nehru Marg for tourists visiting Nathu la was also submitted.
The Governor is on an official visit to Delhi, it is informed.

Five-day training for weavers and artisans concludes

GANGTOK, 13 Dec: A five-day capacity and skill development training programme for weavers and artisans organized by the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom concluded today.
A press release informs that the training which started on 09 December had five batches of 100 weavers and artisans. The training was conducted by Empanelled Designer, Chemi Ongmu Bhutia and was funded by the office of the National Centre for Design and Product Development, (NCDPD), set up by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
The five-day training covered topics like Entrepreneurship Development Programme, Design and Product Development, Manufacture Processes and Technological Developments, Marketing, Compliance, Trade Terms and Payments, Packing Techniques and Trade Show Participation, it is mentioned.
The valedictory programme today was attended by Director, Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Ganga Devi Pradhan as the chief guest. Also present were officials from Marketing , Service and Extension Centre (MSEC), Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Deorali, Gangtok, Sikkim and officers from the  Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Government of Sikkim.


     

AJKS chief convener conferred Mahatma Jyotiba Phule National Fellowship Award

GANGTOK, 13 Dec: Chief Convener of Anushuchit Jati Kalyan Sangh, Sikkim, Binay Gazmer, has been conferred the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule National Fellowship Award in the field of social service by the Bharatiya Dalit Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi on the occasion of 29th National Conference of Dalit Writers, held in New Delhi on 12 December 2013.
A press release informs that Mr. Gazmer was conferred with this prestigious award in recognition of the services that he has rendered to his community. The award carries a certificate and a gold medal.
President of AJKS, Gopal Mothey, Zilla member, Khamdong, East Sikkim, Bina Lamichaney and JS Darnal from Bardang, East Sikkim were also conferred with Dr. Ambedkar National Fellowship award in recognition of the commendable services rendered by them for the upliftment of Dalits, the downtrodden and oppressed people of the State, it is informed.