Trilok Subba to take part in 7th Asian Senior Poomsae Taekwondo c’ship

GANGTOK, 23 Apr: Trilok Subba, 6^th Dan Black Belt, has sent his confirmation to Taekwondo Federation of India (Bangalore) regarding his participation in the 7th Asian Senior Poomsae Taekwondo championship today. He will represent India in the 1^st Master Individual event.

A press release informs that Mr Subba was selected on the basis of his performance in the 6^th Senior National Poomsae championship 2013 at Imphal, Manipur where he won a medal. The 7^th Asian Senior Poomsae Taekwondo championship will be held on 25 May 2014 at Tashkent, Uzbekistan and the championship is to be organised by Asian Taekwondo Union (ATU) under the banner of World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), the release mentions. 

Tadong School wins East District Russ Quiz 2014

GANGTOK, 23 Apr: “Russ Quiz 2014” kicked off to a grand start at the Modern School Auditorium with 25 schools from East district battling it out to become the District level champions of the quiz competition. The quiz is especially for middle school students of the state.

A press release informs that the East District Russ Quiz 2014 competition was won by students from Tadong Senior Secondary School followed by Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary bagging the second prize and Bahai School, Saramsa bagging the third prize in a closely fought contest.

The joint fourth were Holy Cross School, Tadong and Daffodils Home. Rangpo Secondary School bagged the fifth position in the district level competition.

Russ Quiz competition is based on the “inclusive competition” format conceived and designed by 24hours Inspired, the release mentions. Schools instead of just “selecting” and sending students had been requested to take a 15 questions prelims for “all” the students of the middle school.

This gave all students a chance to participate and a level playing field when it comes to competition, it further adds.

The quiz will travel to Gyalshing next for the West District competitions scheduled to be held on the 26 of April. The state level competition is slated to be held on 10 May 2014. 

Samdong GPU bags Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar

GANGTOK, 23 Apr [IPR]: On the occasion of the National Panchayat Day, 24 April 2014 the Directorate of Panchayati Raj, under Rural Management and Development Department, Government of Sikkim has announced that the Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar, 2014 has been awarded to Samdong Gram Panchayat Unit, West Sikkim with a prize money of Rs. 10 lakh for holding the most effective Gram Sabhas during the year culminating in a host of other achievements.
24 April 2014 marks 21 glorious years of the inclusion of Panchayats in the Indian constitution as an institution of self-governance. Every year National Panchayati Raj Day is celebrated on this historic day.
On this occasion, National awards under the “Panchayat Empowerment and Accountability Incentive Scheme” (PEAIS) and the ‘Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar’ (RGGSP) are conferred upon the best performing States and Panchayats by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. These categories of awards fall under the umbrella scheme ‘Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan’.
The Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar’ is awarded to the Gram Panchayat that practices best Gram Sabha in the country and Panchayat Sashaktikaran Puraskar under PEAIS is awarded to the best performing Zilla Panchayat and Gram Panchayat Units in the country.
Further, 3 GPUs have been recognised under the Panchayat Sashaktikaran Puraskar (PEAIS), 2014. South District Zilla Panchayat has been awarded best performing District Zilla Panchayat with a prize money of Rs. 50 lakh.
Mellidara-Paiyong, South District has been declared the best performing GPU under category ‘A’. (Category “A” is competition between GPUs who have already won National Awards previously) and awarded prize money of Rs. 8 lakh.
Karmatar Gyaten, West District has been declared the best performing GPU under category ‘B’. (Category “B” is competition between GPUs who have never won any National Awards) and awarded a prize money of Rs. 8 lakh.
Under the Panchayat Sashaktikaran Puraskar the performance of Panchayats during 2012 -13 was assessed by the State as per the guidelines of Ministry of Panchayati Raj. The exercise started with customization of questionnaires received from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to make it more applicable to the State. These questionnaires were then distributed to all 176 Gram Panchayat Units and 4 District Zilla Panchayats after a daylong workshop with all Panchayats.
Evaluation and ranking were conducted by the Directorate of Panchayati Raj, Sikkim. Two State Field verification team were formed, consisting of members from well known NGOs in the State; ECOSS and VHAS. These Field verification teams were then sent to conduct field verification to top 6 GPUs and all 4 ZPs.
Finally, after detailed consideration based on the reports submitted by the State Field verification team final names of 2 GPs namely Mellidara and Karmatar, and South Zilla Panchayat was nominated from the State. On 07 February 2014 the Ministry of Panchayati Raj then sent the National Field verification team to visit the nominated Zilla Panchayat and Gram Panchayats after which the final results were declared.
Achievements of Samdong GPU
·      100% immunization of children between the age group of 0-5 years.
·      80% institutional delivery.
·      Timely distribution of supplies through PDS fair price shops.
·      Compulsory enrolment of children till the age of 14 to schools, hence there has not been any incident of child labour within the GPU.
·      Voluntary contribution from the public in the form of labour.
·      Bringing the ST/SC population at par by prioritizing them in all schemes/projects.
·      Enrolment of unemployed youths in Livelihood Schools across the State.
·      Through majority consensus during the Gram Sabha, the GPU has stated generating own sources through user changes for water and garbage disposed tax.

Two-day Circuit Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses

GANGTOK, 23 Apr: The two-day Circuit Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses is scheduled to be held at Sikkim Government College Auditorium, Tadong on 26 and 27 April.
A press release informs that the theme for this Assembly, taken from the Holy Bible is: “God’s Word Is Beneficial for Teaching.” The Assembly will begin at 9:40 am in the morning and end at 3:55 pm on Saturday and at 3:30pm on Sunday.
Through talks, demonstrations, symposiums and interviews the Assembly will help people understand the benefits that can be derived from the divine teachings found in the Bible. This assembly is one of a series of such gatherings organized by Jehovah’s Witnesses all over the world including many cities in India. As with all assemblies and conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses, entry is free and there will be no collections, the release mentions.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are known all over the world for their house- to-house witnessing. More information about their teachings and activities can be found on www.jw.org. This website is available in more than 600 hundred languages including Nepali and Newari, the release adds.

Sudden Death

Editorial:-
An eleven-year-old was brought dead to a hospital in Gangtok on Tuesday. The initial medical report on the death suggests that the child committed suicide. That is how the initial police report on the death was also recorded, reaching the crime beat reporters from there and finding its way into the newspapers. Another death by suicide was recorded in Sikkim. But wait, this cannot be considered the same as any other suicide. But that is probably how it will end up – a statistic. Sikkim has become so inured to suicides that even when a shocker like an 11 year old suspected of having taken his own life becomes news, it does not rile people into action.
When this newspaper took an editorial decision to try and report on every suicide that was recorded in the State, the idea was to convey the worry that was already being felt in some circles to the readers. News-reports on suicides are brief not because they are space-fillers, and never reported with accompanying photographs or graphic details [save information on the method used to commit suicide], because the idea is not to sensationalise the incident or cater to voyeuristic demands. The reason why these ‘unnatural deaths’ are reported with such regularity in this newspaper is to flag it as a situation that demands immediate social intervention. Unfortunately, the move does not appear to have succeeded, because even though there is a general acceptance around Sikkim that the number of suicides are too worryingly high, the next step, the social responsibility of understanding and addressing the situation is still awaited. What is worse, the only sections issuing public statements on suicides are political parties and they are poorly informed and definitely not the agencies that one would recommend for social commentary. Sikkim has had to suffer through such superficial attempts at political engagements on suicides as a claim some years back that suicides were caused by price rise. In the past, other political parties have claimed that unemployment was one of the reasons. Apart from being factually incorrect, these suppositions and statements are also disrespectful towards the lives lost to suicides in Sikkim. In the latest instance, it’s an 11 year old, at other times it has been housewives and grandfathers – neither of whom are the job-seeking types. The least that the cases of suicide deserve is a clear explanation on what caused them. Unfortunately, no academically sound study has been conducted in the State yet to explain to its people why so many suicides have been taking place here. Over the recent years, Sikkim has been averaging a suicide every second day - worryingly high number for a State as small as Sikkim since this average is for the officially reported suicides; and many suicides  go unreported. Until the reasons behind suicides are explained, the societal involvement required, cannot be nudged along in the right direction.
Sikkim has been thirsting for some positive news on this morbid situation, but none of any consequence have emerged. The professional and NGO-driven engagement which could have been the first steps in that direction have not come through because even “social service” and volunteer involvement works in an environment of donor-driven social interventions when what is required is situation-driven redressal.

State level consultation held on Model State Disaster Management Plan

GANGTOK, 23 Apr [IPR]: A state-level Consultation on Model State Disaster Management plan was held at a local hotel, today with a view of making Sikkim a model state on Disaster Management.
The participatory meeting was attended by VK Sharma [Executive Vice Chairman, SSDMA], CT Wangdi [Relief Commissioner cum Secretary for Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department], SDW Chankapa [Special Secretary],  TW Khangsarpa [Addl. Secretary], GC Khannel [Joint Director], NM Prusty [Founding chairperson –Sphere India/ Director CDDMASS], Dr. Ashish Sutar [Disaster Management Programme Manager WASPA], Nodal Officers from various departments, representatives from Non-Governmental Organizations.
The programme was organized by Land Revenue and Disaster Department in collaboration with Sphere India (National Coalition of Humanitarian Agencies) to develop and restructure Disaster Management Plan incorporating valuable inputs given by various stakeholders, sectors and departments for the formulation of final plan to ensure disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness and proper management in Sikkim.
Secretary, CT Wangdi addressing the gathering emphasized on the essential need of preparing proper plan to tackle any type of Natural Disaster in Sikkim. After the 18 September earthquake in 2011, the state has realized the requirement of appropriate mechanism to be developed through active consultation with different departments, he added. Highlighting that the population in the state is scattered in various parts he said that an effective plan is to be created which should be geographically relevant and applicable. Speaking about the post disaster situation he said, “If lot of materials come and these are not distributed or managed properly the entire effort will go in vain, so a concrete plan  needs to be formulated which can be submitted to the government for approval”.
Speaking at the programme, Executive Vice Chairman, SSDMA, Prof. VK Sharma stressed on importance of State Disaster Management plan and said that it is important that a dynamic document containing holistic components to address natural disasters be formulated. He informed tbat Sikkim has prepared a disaster management plan after the formation of Disaster Management Act 2005 and revision on periodical basis is needed for addition and deletion of elements. To have a plan in connection with the district plan is important in order for the state to go to every village at the subdivision and block levels, he further added.
NM Prusty, founding chairperson Sphere India shared his experiences in other states and said that it is a multi-sectoral and multi-structural subject. Disaster enhances migration and trafficking, so protection is important, he said.
During the programme Deputy Secretary, Pravakar Rai briefed on the existing draft plan and asked participants to give concise and appropriate suggestions to make it a model plan. He informed about the components and various subjects which were categorically specified in the plan. He further explained about the aspects like hazards risk and vulnerability profile of Sikkim, preventive measures, mainstreaming disaster management concern into development and preparedness measures. He spoke about the importance of the golden hour period where action has to be taken immediately in all situations. Rescue operation or rehabilitation work should be carried out without any discrimination of caste, creed, sex, religion, he added.
The Special Secretary also briefed on the State Disaster Management Programme and informed about its background for the consultation, risk reduction activities and achievements.

Five-day Academic Counseling cum Psychometric Test gets underway

GANGTOK, 23 Apr: The Directorate of Capacity Building is organizing a five-day Academic Career Counseling cum Psychometric Test for senior students of different schools from around the capital. The event organized in coordination with Info Young India kicked off here at TNSS Auditorium today with a session for the senior students of the same school.
The reason behind holding such a programme is to guide the students who will soon be completing their school education towards a better future.
Director of Directorate of Capacity Building, HK Sharma informed that the programme seeks to reach around 4500 students across the state. He also informed about various schemes and programmes of the state government in the field of higher studies and various other career options.
The technical session had a counseling team headed by Sumantha Sharma enlightening the students about career planning and options. The highly interactive session witnessed interesting queries from the students.
Furthermore, H.A. for capacity building, Sonam Gyaltshen Bhutia appealed to the students to make use of opportunities made available by the state government and also highlighted the various student oriented schemes and programmes like CMSES,CECS,CMFSS and many more.
Secretary HRDD, Dr. Thomas Chandy, in his address shed light on the opportunities in diverse sectors and urged the students to capitalize on such opportunities. However Dr. Chandy made it clear that it is only hard work and dedication that ensures success in the age of global competition. It may be mentioned that a total of 8000 students across the state were covered under this programme last year.

Workshop begins economic valuation of bio-resources for Access & Benefit Sharing

GANGTOK, 23 April: A two-day state-level capacity building workshop on “Economic valuation of Bio-resources for Access and Benefit Sharing” began here at the Forest Department conference hall today. The workshop aims to create awareness and build capacity among the key biodiversity stakeholders/ managers.
Sikkim is in the process of implementing its “Access and Benefit Sharing” [ABS] project with the objective to strengthen the implementation of the Biological Diversity Act & Rules. This implementation will facilitate researchers, local NGOs and user agencies for better assess to locally available resources for economic proposes and strengthen the management of the forest resources for better study and research analysis.
The workshop will be addressing key issues on Economic Valuation of Bio-resources for Access and Benefit Sharing project and is being organized by the Sikkim Biodiversity Board and National Biodiversity Authority. Representatives from the National Biodiversity Authority are the key facilitators for the workshop which will seek to bring Sikkim at par with the four other project implementing states - Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.
Delivering the keynote address today, Dr. Ishwar Poojar, Project Manager - UNEP-GEF-MoEF, ABS Programme, National Biodiversity Authority, Chennai, emphasized the need for better management and implementation of the bio-resources through proper channels.
He said that the project on strengthening the implementation of the Biological Diversity Act and Rules with focus on its Access & Benefit Sharing provisions deals with assessing and quantifying the economic value of biological resources, using appropriate methodologies to determine benefit sharing, which will help in better implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, and inform national decision makers on prioritizing conservative action.
SS Bhadauria, Additional Chief Conservator of Forests, while addressing the inaugural session said that the identification of bio-resources or genetic resources with potential for ABS from selected ecosystems such as forests, wetlands and agriculture and their valuation [estimation of the real value] is an important task in this project. The major activities coming under this head, include- developing standardized economic valuation methods for valuing bio-resources, organizing three national workshops and five state level workshops on understanding the valuation methodology, and using the same in decision making, developing a methodology for using the economic valuation in deciding ABS permits, and developing a data base covering the economic valuation information in finalizing the ABS agreements.
Former Principal Director, Animal Husbandry Department, Sonam Paljor Bhutia, who chaired the inaugural session, in turn said that Sikkim, because of its geographical attributes, enjoys the privilege of conserving, protecting and properly utilizing diverse resources.
Mr. Bhutia urged the preservation and proper utilization of the bio-resources adding that the large quantities of divergent bio-resources are collected or extracted from the ecosystems, which human beings can directly or indirectly use either as food, medicines or biomass. These goods are also involved in research and development, which lead to the innovation of new consumer products and trade, and act as the basic raw-material or input factor in manufacturing many products.

Highway mishap claims 7 near Melli ANAND OBEROI

GANGTOK, 22 Apr: A passenger jeep plying from Singtam to Siliguri flew off the road at Kirney on the West Bengal side of NH 31A near Melli today, tumbling more than 200 feet off the highway and claiming the lives of all seven on board the vehicle at the time. Among the dead are a minor and his mother. The accident occurred at around 2 p.m. at a spot around 2 kms ahead of Kirney towards Melli.
The ill fated taxi was plying from Singtam to Siliguri and is reported to have lost control at the narrow turning ahead of Bhalu Khola bridge around a kilometer short of Melli.
Eye-witness accounts suggest that the vehicle was speeding and that the diver was rashly overtaking other vehicles when he lost control at the spot.
Ranjit Rai and Gautam Chettri, two youth from Singtam who saw the vehicle lose control and fly off the road, were also among the first people to negotiate the steep slope and reach the vehicle from where they helped recover the dead bodies.
“The driver was speeding when he lost control. The vehicle smashed through small trees on its tumble down, so fast was it travelling,” recalls Mr. Rai. Fire rescue teams from Kalimpong arrived at the spot in around half an hour, he adds. Mr. Rai helped out as well and received injuries on his feet while helping recover the dead bodies.
He also informs that most of the victims were trapped under the vehicle and that the driver was crushed between the seat and the steering wheel. “There were around 100 bystanders but only around ten of us braved it down the slope as first respondents to the accident. Five bodies were recovered within an hour but then the dead body of the child and another victim was nowhere in sight which is why heavy machinery and manpower was needed to see if the two bodies were still trapped under the vehicle,” states Mr. Chettri.
Their fears proved correct and the two bodies were recovered from under the vehicle eventually.

Bear stays away, TNA reopens FOREST DEPTT INSTALLS CAMERA TRAPS TO KEEP WATCH ON WILDLIFE ACTIVITY ON CAMPUS SAGAR CHHETRI

GANGTOK, 22 April: The bear scare at Tashi Namgyal Academy is over and the school reopened on Monday after a nearly weeklong suspension after a bear was sighted at the campus within days of having attacked a cop posted there on security detail. While the Forest Department had initially laid traps on campus as a security measure against a return visit, it has now installed less traumatizing camera traps there. The Department installed 3 camera traps in the more forested patch of the TNA campus before the school reopened. The Wildlife Division of the Department will be checking the recordings of the camera traps on a daily basis.
Following the sighting of Himalayan Black Bear by a Chowkidar at TNA in the small patch of forest behind the under construction Principal’s bungalow on the night of 14 April, the school had shut down as a precaution till 20 April [Sunday].
Over the last week, the Forest Department set up two cages and carried out combing operations while closely monitoring the campus. The bear did not return and with the situation having eased, the school reopened on Monday.
DFO [Wildlife], East, Abhay Bhaskar, today informed that despite regular combing operations by Forest personnel, no trace of the bear was found. He informed that the department has removed the cage installed behind the Science Block of the school but will be keeping the cage beside the under construction bungalow [where the bear was reportedly sighted].
He reiterated that the school campus was safe.
The department has also submitted a detailed report on the incident to the District Collectorate [East].
The DFO informs that as a further security measure to preempt human-wildlife conflict, the department has now installed 3 camera traps in the campus. He further informs that the recordings of the first day have not shown any movement of wildlife in the area. He mentioned that the departmental team would closely and regularly monitor the recordings.
The Department also conducted an awareness programme for students from class IX and above on Monday. The senior students were also advised to watch out even more closely for juniors in the school.
The DFO informs that students were also advised do not enter the surrounding forest area and further advised against throwing food in and around the campus of the school.

Yodess felicitates Lower Mulukey AWW on national award

Rhenock, 22 Apr: Youth Development Society of Sikkim [YODESS] felicitated Aganwadi Worker (AWW) of lower Mulukey ICDS Aganwadi Center, Dilmaya Subba, at a special function hosted at its office on Sunday. Ms. Subba received a national award for running the Aganwadi centre under her charge so well. The award was given through Minister of State Krishna Tirath at an awards function held at the Rajiv Gandhi Sports Stadium in New Delhi recently.

The short felicitation programme organized to celebrate the recognition was attended by Yodess chairperson cum district programme officer (E/N) Narendra Chettri, executive secretary Mani kumar Gurung and board members, Dalapchand Gram Panchayat Sachin Rai and Rongli-Chagelakha Ward panchayat Goma Pradhan. [from BHANURAJ THAPA]

SAATHI begins campaign for new academic session with daylong Vipassana

GANGTOK, 19 Apr: Sikkim Against Addiction Towards Healthy India [SAATHI], in coordination with Padma Odzer Choeling School, Chongay organized a day long Vipassana meditation for students of Tadong Senior Secondary School on 19 April. Thirty-six students from standards IX and X participated, a press release informs.
Nekung Keepu Lepcha along with two other instructors carried out the daylong session, introducing the students to Vipassana.
The aim behind organizing the event was to help students achieve “real peace of mind and lead a happy, useful life”, the release details. The meditation was held at the Dhamma Hall at Chongay.
The next batch of student will be from Deorali Girls Sr. Sec School.
Vipassana means to see things as they really are; it is a logical process of mental purification through self observation.

NHPC Stage-V gifts furniture and classroom equipments to 26 schools

GANGTOK, 22 Apr: The Teesta Stage-V power station of the NHPC has distributed furniture and classroom equipment to 26 schools in East, South and North districts of Sikkim as part of its CSR & SD [Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainable Development] initiatives, an NHPC press release informs.  

The distributed items include computers, printers, LCD projectors, furniture and audio systems. These have been released to government schools in the three districts.

The items were formally handed over to representatives of the schools at a function held at the Stage-V Power Station conference hall on 21 April by the project’s GM, AB Saha, the release states.

My School- by DIPAN CHETTRI, class VII, Middle Gyalshing Secondary School

I go to my School everyday

I meet my friends on the way

I wish my friends Good Morning

who help me in my learning

I go to my school everyday

Teachers teach us there

Father, Mother pray for me

I want to grow everyday

I go to my school everyday

where my friends promise to help me in every way

want to be the best, of the best

so I learn everyday, in every way.

Justices tour North Sikkim

GANGTOK, 22 April: Chief Justice, High Court of Sikkim, NK Jain, and family, accompanied by Justice SP Wangdi, former High Court Judge AP Subba, SLSA member secretary Karma Wongchuk Bhutia, District & Sessions Judge Jagat Rai, JM (N) B Sharma, DM (N) were in Mangan on 18 April as part of a 3-day tour of North Sikkim.
On the afternoon of 18 April, an open interaction was convened with students, Principals, headmasters and teachers in an effort to promote awareness on legal issues and sensitize the audience on legal services and the recently launched legal literacy clubs and clinics.
The visiting legal luminaries were also scheduled to hold interactions with Pipons and members of the Lachung and Lachen Dzumsas and visit Yumthang and Gurudongmar further North.

Safe Journey

Editorial:-
There has been another mishap on the highway and lives lost, again. Given the terrain, the quality of the roads, the complete absence of any safety equipment in public carriers and the dodgy skills that too many drivers of passenger vehicles are allowed to get away with, news of an accident and fatalities come as no surprise. What is shocking though is that very little is being done to ensure safer travel for people using passenger vehicles. While nothing can be done about the terrain, a lot more could be done to improve roads, reinforce safety measures in vehicles and ensure that only drivers with proper skills, aptitude and attitude are allowed to ferry passengers.
Sikkim’s roads have been works in progress for far too long. Accepted that the roads need to be expanded, but now that some work is underway, the engineers should work on more aspects than just the width of the roads. More technology needs to be deployed to make the roads safer. Basic infrastructure like guard rails should be made mandatory because these alone could save countless lives given that almost every fatal mishap involves a vehicle flying off the road. Better warning systems like the very basic mirrors at least at blind turns would also help as would a more expansive deployment of highway patrols, of which there are inexcusably none at present. Traffic cops needs to realize that their job is about more than putting clamps on vehicles for parking violations. Vehicles left in no-parking zones are a nuisance at worse and taxis stopping out of turn are irritants; reckless driving on the highway however is life threatening. Highway checking, on the rare occasion that it is undertaken, checks the documents. This is an irritant. What is necessary though is routine checking of vehicle health and driver aptitudes. This could save lives. And this is necessary because no one is yet bothered about making the passenger vehicles any safer. Apart from breaks, these vehicles have no safety measures so it boils down to the driver and his skills to keep travel safe. Shouldn’t more stringent conditions be then exacted before drivers issued a taxi driving licence? An effort on these lines was made by Sikkim Police once in the past when its personnel would stop passenger vehicles on the highway and check on the condition of the tyres, the effectiveness of the breaks and enquire with passengers on the driver’s skills. The initiative had impressed passengers, both locals and tourists, but was unfortunately too short-lived. It needs to be revived and measures introduced to ensure that only the better drivers get Taxi Driving licences.
And while these initiatives are attempted, citizen groups need to come together and build pressure on the government to make it mandatory for vehicles to have better safety features before they are issued taxi numbers. Taxis, one must bear in mind ply for profit and not as social service, so some demands can be made [beyond the hilarious fire extinguisher rule] which make them safer. No government is going to proactively initiate such a measure, but if public opinion is built, something like this is possible. After all, a regular passenger jeep has a carrying capacity of nine passengers and one driver; shouldn’t a vehicle which travels with ten lives on board have better reinforcement?

Gunners collaborate with students to clean-up on Earth Day

GANGTOK, 22 Apr: The Black Cat Gunners undertook a cleanliness drive at Bojoghari today as a special gesture to observe ‘World Earth Day’.
The aim of this campaign was to spread awareness among locals and tourists to protect and preserve the natural heritage of Sikkim, an Army press release explains.
Children from Bojoghari Senior Secondary School and St John’s School volunteered participation in the event held on the theme, “Let’s protect the environment”.
The cleanliness drive was carried out along the road stretch from Tashi View Point to Swastik. Non-bio degradable waste was collected and disposed.

Anthems rock Darj, legends thrill TSHERING EDEN

DARJEELING, 21 Apr: “My name is Eric Martin and I want to be with you!” from the former Mr Big frontman got the crowd screaming at Darjeeling’s first ever international rock show titled ‘Anthems of Rock’ on Sunday at the Gorkha Stadium in Lebong.
Touted to be a mega event with names like Eric Martin, Robert Hart of Bad Company fame and Bobby Kimball of Toto including 1974AD of Nepal, the weather and disappointing crowd turn-out was a dampener. Kimball and 1974AD could not make it for the show, the former due to some visa hassles and the latter due to the avalanche at the Mt Everest base camp in Nepal. The chopper the band was supposed to travel in was apparently pressed into action for search and relief operations.  
Local band, Adam’s Apple filled in for 1974 AD as the opening act where the band covered popular classic rock numbers and pumped up the crowd. The crowd had to wait till 7 pm however, to see the legends they had come to see.
Robert Hart took to the stage first and belted classics like ‘Feel like making love’ and ‘Davy’s on the road again’. After his spirited performance, Martin finally got on to the stage and gave the audience what they wanted - Superfantastic, Wild world, To be with you and Daddy, brother, lover little boy amongst others. The two also jammed up for a bit to Cream’s ‘Crossroads’.
On the disappointing crowd turn-out, Hart said, “It doesn’t matter how many come for the show, they should enjoy the music. Darjeeling rocks!”
Martin highlighted on the reason behind his visit where he said that he was here to play music for a good cause. “It felt like it took forever to reach Darjeeling, with all the red tape and paper work hassles but I am happy to play for charity. I love playing for a good cause and we will party tonight!” he said.
Swedish band ‘Anthems of Rock’ was the backup band playing for Martin and Hart. “The event went off well with around 1500-2000 people attending the show even though the ticket sales were not very good”, said a member of the organizing team.
The event was funded by the Human Rights Watch, an international organization based in New York that works for the eradication of injustice and persecution throughout the world. It was organized by Canada-based Spread the Metal Records and Darjeeling-based DOM Events in association with VH1 and T2.

South adjudged best District Panchayat in state

RASHTRIYA GAURAV GRAM PURASKAR FOR SAMDONG GPU; MELLIDARA AND KARMATAR GYATEN ADJUDGED BEST IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CATEGORIES
NAMCHI, 21 Apr: The South District Zilla Panchayat was adjudged the best District Panchayat from among the four districts of the State under the Panchayat Empowerment, Accountability and Incentive Scheme and has bagged a cash award of Rs. 50 lakh.
Among the Gram Panchayats, Mellidara was adjudged the winner in category A and Karmatar Gyaten in category B with cash awards of Rs. 8 lakh each. A three-level evaluation was carried out for choosing the above winners.
Questionnaire specific to the state panchayati system was prepared and distributed to each of the district panchayats and GPUs. Filled up questionnaires were then evaluated at the department level by the State Panchayat Performance Appraisal Committee.
Field verifications were then conducted by members of VHAS and ECOSS of the selected GPUs and all the four district panchayats. A final round of evaluation was done by a team deputed by the Ministry of Panchayat Raj, GoI.
Samdong Gram Panchayat Unit has been chosen for the Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Puraskar. Various parameters like adult literacy, institutional deliveries, etc. were taken into account for this award. The GPU has won cash award of Rs. 10 lakh and will be will be honored at the national level on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day on 24 April in New Delhi.
In a meeting held at RMDD, Gangtok today the above awards were presented to the respective ZP and GPUs by Secretary RMDD, DR Nepal. The meeting was attended by Zilla Adhyaksha and Upadhyaksha, South, GP members of all the three GPUs, Director Panchayat, Jt Secy Panchayat, ADC Dev Gyalshing, ADC Dev Namchi, DPO South and GVA Sumbuk among others.

Repairs at STNM Hospital’s gynae OTs sends patients to CRH on referral ANAND OBEROI

GANGTOK, 21 Apr: For the past ten days, the operation theatres for gynecology related cases at STNM Hospital have remained shut causing much inconvenience to the many cases that come for treatment to the hospital from all over the state. The shutdown of these two OTs has led the STNM hospital authorities to refer all delivery cases and gynecological surgeries to Central Referral Hospital, Manipal.
“STNM is the only hospital for the majority of people who cannot afford other medical expertise since most cases are treated free of cost here. However, with the OTs closed we were asked to take our patient to Manipal [CRH] where for every single item we have to pay,” states a patient party from Daramdin who also added that his pregnant wife had to be taken to CRH, Manipal in the dead of the night when she was brought to STNM Hospital for delivery.
“Who would have been responsible if any complications arose when my wife was referred to CRH, Manipal in the night?” questions the patient party while speaking to NOW! today.        
The Medical Superintendent Dr. Yogesh Verma while confirming that the two operation theatres at STNM Hospital for gynecology related surgeries have been “temporarily closed” for the past 10 days explained that the inconvenience being faced by the patients was because of the repair and renovation works being carried out at the two OTs at the Gynecology ward in the hospital.
“The gynecology OTs had not been repaired for the past eight years and there were signs that the OTs could prove hazardous for the hundreds of patients because the operation theatres needed immediate general repairs and complete sterilization before it can be ‘safely’ used,” explained the Medical Superintendent.
He added that infections could be a big problem for patients since the OTs were in no condition to continue with any surgery. He said that since no other operation theatre at STNM Hospital could be used specifically for gynecology related complications, the hospital authorities had no option but to refer the cases to CRH.
He also said that the inconvenience was regretted and assured that the two gynecology OTs would be operational within 4 days and stated that at present the fumigation and sterilization of the repaired and renovated OTs was being carried out.
“As soon as the fumigation process is completed and the safety measures are all complete and in-place we will start operating patients at STNM Hospital itself and then the chances of referring patients will be done away with immediately,” stated the MS.
He also mentioned that as soon as the state government completes the new multi specialty hospital at Sokeythang there will be state-of-the-art instruments and equipment which will discourage referring patients outside the state to a great level.
“I request the patients and their parties to just wait for four more days after which this inconvenience will not be there. STNM Hospital was originally made for a population of around 10,000 and is now catering to a population of around 2 lakh and that too with more or less the same number of beds. Since gynecology cases are sensitive and are prone to severe infections for the mother as well as the new born, there was no option for STNM Hospital to cater to any such cases at the moment,” he stated.
He also added that BPL families however could obtain free treatment at CRH, while government employees and their dependents will be reimbursed their cost of treatment by the state government.

Trishakti Corps Commander calls on Governor

GANGTOK, 21 Apr: Trishakti Corps Commander Lt Gen KJ Singh today called on Governor Shriniwas Dadasaheb Patil at Raj Bhawan here. Lt Gen Singh was accompanied by Mrs Anita Singh.
A press release informs that Lt Gen Singh was on a visit to review the operational preparedness of troops deployed along the international border in Sikkim and briefed the Governor on the security situation in the area.
The Corps Commander visited forward areas and interacted with cross section of troops deployed in forward area.  The Corps Commander travelled to Nathu La and congratulated all ranks on their morale and motivation in performance of their duties in the exacting weather conditions on the border, the release informs.

19th Bn SSB treats families to picnic at campus

GANGTOK, 21 Apr: A family picnic was organized by 19^th Bn SSB-Gangtok on 19 April at the Battalion Campus here, a press release informs.

deputy Commandant Prafull Kumar, Asstt. Commandants Sanjeev Kumar Singh and RS Rawat and Romita Potsangbam, President of Sandiksha, 19^TH Bn SSB Gangtok and Ms. Debrati, Vice-President of Sandiksha as well as all the members of Sandiksha and children joined the picnic.

Stop coupon system for LPG distribution, SPCC demands

GANGTOK, 21 Apr: Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee [SPCC] has questioned the efficacy of the coupon system used in issuing LPG cylinders. The party has demanded that the concerned department take appropriate action and stop this practice. SPCC has further said that if the practice is not discontinued within a week, the party will lodge FIRs against the distributors across the state.

In a press release, SPCC has alleged that the coupon system is encouraging black marketing of LPG n the state. It has further alleged that many consumers are being refused their supply even though there is sufficient stock in the godowns on the pretext that their coupon is invalid and other such excuses. 

SHSC monthly meeting takes stock, sets targets

GANGTOK, 21 Apr: Sikkim Himalayan Sporting Club [SHSC] executive members interacted with parents of players during the monthly meeting of the club on Sunday at the club house at Tathangchen. The meeting also took feedback from the parents on the improvement of their respective wards.
On the occasion, SHSC president Tenzing Lamtha explained that the main motive of the meeting was to review the performance of the club’s footballers and to take feedback and suggestions from the parents for further improving the club. He urged parents to attend the meeting every month and to support their children so that they perform better.
Mr Lamtha said that the SHSC has been doing its best to prepare local footballers for I-League in coming years which is its ultimate goal. The club also wants to promote health and fitness among the children by engaging them in healthy activities through sports, he added.
At present, 25 players each in senior and junior teams of the club are undergoing rigorous training for the upcoming Sikkim Football Association Sikkim-League under the Technical Director, Karma Thinlay and coaches, Pranay Subba and Thupden Chophel of the club.
Mr Lamtha informed that a technical team of SHSC will be visiting all four districts soon to look for skilled and fulltime footballers for the club.
During the meeting, the lucky pick for the month of March was also drawn, in which Sonam Dadul Bhutia of Tathangchen bagged first prize, Pawan Subba of Deorali won second and Ramesh Tamang of Pakyong took the third prize.

SDF accuses SKM of kidnapping and arson

GANGTOK, 21 Apr: Sikkim Democratic Front party members of Gangtok constituency have filed an FIR against Sikkim Krantikari Morcha workers, accusing them of kidnapping and arson on 18 April. SKM Gangtok candidate, Pintso Chopel Lepcha and former Gangtok Mayor, KN Topgay have been accused of masterminding the incident.
The FIR alleges that six SKM party workers, acting under the direct orders of Gangtok SKM candidate and the former Mayor, torched a vehicle in DPH area on the night of 18 April. The vehicle, the FIR states, was used for campaigning by SDF.
On the same day, SDF workers Santosh Rai, Paul Darjee, Prem Kumar Tamang and Ritam Lepcha were allegedly “kidnapped” in a hotel room at DPH area by the SKM workers who threatened them and beat up one of the SDF supporters, it is alleged. The SDF workers later managed to escape, it is mentioned. The same SKM workers are then accused of torching the vehicle belonging to one Sonam Palzor later at night. The vehicle was parked at the bridge near the police booth at DPH. It is alleged that Chandra Chettri, one of those named in the FIR, was spotted on his motorcycle near the place where the vehicle was parked at around 1:30 a.m. in the morning of 18 April by a police patrol team.
The party has alleged that other complaints against some of the SKM workers have also been filed in the past where no action was taken. It has further demanded a detailed investigation into the alleged kidnapping and arson incident. SDF has demanded the arrest of all the accused. The party will also be filing a separate complaint to the Election Commission of India regarding the issue, it is informed.

2 ATTC students find placement in Maruti’s R&D wing

GANGTOK, 21 Apr: Maruti Suzuki India Ltd conducted a written online examination for the final year students at ATTC, Bardang, earlier this month and has selected Priyanka Sharma and Ashish Kumar Mishra, final year students of Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
A press communiqué received from Senior Lecturer Rinchen G Dorjee of ATTC, makes special mention of the fact that the two students have found placement in the Research & Development wing of Maruti Suzuki. This, the release underlines, has happened for the first time for Diploma students. The ATTC family congratulates them and wishes them the very best for a bright and successful future, the release conveys.
It is further informed that Harley-Davidson Motors India also conducted a written examination for final year students on campus at ATTC-Bardang followed by interviews of the shortlisted students last week. The results are awaited.

Outdoor art workshop by Oviya Art Circle

GANGTOK, 21 Apr: Oviya Art Circle, Sikkim, organized an outdoor art workshop for its members on 18 April. The workshop, held at the Ridge Park area, was held to create art awareness among the public and also to teach aspiring artists the basics of art, informs a press release. Members of the art circle and some other aspiring artists participated in the workshop.

Annual athletics meet at Mamring School

GANGTOK, 21 Apr: Government Senior Secondary School Mamring organized its annual athletic meet at the school’s playground from 27 March to 17 April. The finals were held on 17 April which was attended by Deputy Director, HRDD, BAC Pakyong, SD Sangderpa as the chief guest.
A press release informs that the athletic meet included events like Long Jump, High Jump, Relay race, Short put, Balloon bursting, 100mtr race, etc. The school's principal, Dushyant Tamang welcomed the chief guest and other invitees on the day. The chief guest, in her address, appreciated the school’s efforts in promoting co-curricular activities for the all-round development of the students.
All the winning athletes were presented attractive prizes and certificates. The whole day’s function was conducted by teachers, Mahendra Sharma and Rita Sharma, the release mentions.
Gram Panchayat, members, SMC members, senior citizens, staff and students were present on the occasion.

Boys’ Club wins Inter-Academy U-14 Football tourney

GANGTOK, 21 Apr: The final match of the Boys’ Club Inter Academy Football Tournament for U-14 Boys was played between Padma Odzer Choeling, Chongay and Boys’ Club, Gangtok here at Paljor Stadium on Sunday. In the nail-biting match, Boys’ Club emerged victorious after defeating Padma Odzer Choeling in a tie-breaker.
The full time score was 1-1 and the match was extended for the tie-breaker to decide the winner. In the tie-breaker, Boys’ Club won the match by 4 goals to 3.
The three-day tournament was organized by Boys’ Club from 18 April. The tournament had eight teams from Gangtok, Mangan and Pakyong. Boys Club has plans to make this tournament an annual feature, it is informed.

Confer & Collaborate

Editorial:-
Thirty-eight years as part of India, Sikkim has now clearly reached a stage where none of its problems - be they political or societal - can really be tackled piecemeal. An integrated approach is an overwhelming imperative for the task. By an integrated approach, one means an approach which should have always been the standard approach – the one involving policy-makers, the executive arm, law enforcement agencies, grassroots representatives and lay people, all engaging at an equal footing and not talking and implementing across hierarchies. Consensus should be pursued in earnest and delivery on ground should be without compromise. Sikkim now needs an administrative outlook which does more than just snuff out the odd bush fire and political philosophy needs to address the problems of society in the real sense. The stress of reckless consumerism and unbridled corruption is now telling and the strain is clearly nearing breaking point. Sikkim and its people need to close ranks and simply say, “enough”. But before that, as this section has often argued, Sikkim, and its people, need to accept that they face a problem. Once that is accepted, the enormity of the situation will sink in quickly as well and then the push back can begin. It is clear that there is near unanimous agreement that some things need addressing, but what rankles is that this comes in the form of acceptance and only the very superficial expressions of shock. A society that has lost its collective conscience is the most unstable. Sikkim needs to shake off its lethargy. There are still too many who will prefer excuses over involvement and ignore engagement on the pretence that the problem is too big. Take corruption for instances, there are too many “tainted” leaders, bureaucrats, social workers moving around with confidence and attitude. They feed on the indifference of the society too numbed to express itself. A “raid” is considered more an act of “victimisation” than at least some action even when it uncovers obscene amounts of disproportionate wealth. While it is true that only those who have fallen out of favour get “raided,” it still does not take away from the fact that they could be corrupt. It is not enough to say that a corrupt bureaucrat/ politician is unjustly harrassed while others in the same boat walk free. What one must consider is that even their time will come. No corrupt mind can remain in favour for always. And corruption is not even the biggest problem infecting the Sikkimese society – that position is occupied by addiction and suicides. Unfortunately, while corruption received the occasional attention even if via “victimization”, suicides and addiction [which is different from peddling] eat away without even this occasional attention…

Neighbourhood Trees Campaign starts today

GANGTOK, 21 Apr: Every tree has a name, every tree has a place and every tree has a story to tell. From Earth day (22 April) to 27 April join thousands of people across India to map, photograph and share stories of trees in our neighborhoods.

On the occasion of Earth Day, TreesIndia@IBP is organizing a 6-day neighbourhood trees campaign to document trees around us from 22-27 April 2014. You can participate in the campaign by logging on to http://treesindia.indiabiodiversity.org/ and uploading your tree observations. 

53-yr-old walks for world peace

MANGAN, 21 Apr: 53-year-old, Debasis De arrived on foot in Mangan, North Sikkim on 20 April. De has been travelling on foot since 1991 from New Delhi spreading the message of world peace under the flag of the United Nations. He has been on the world peace expedition “WOPEX” covering 151 countries, including 7000 schools, colleges, universities and other institutions.   

SPCC thanks AICC

GANGTOK, 21 Apr: An evaluation meeting of Indian National Congress candidates in this Assembly and Lok Sabha elections 2014 was held today at the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee head-office. The meeting was chaired by the SPCC president, Dr AD Subba.
An SPCC press release informs that the meeting discussed various issues and passed a proposal to send a letter of gratitude to the All India Congress Committee president Sonia Gandhi and Sikkim Incharge for the opportunity given to the state Congress committee to field candidates in all 32 assembly and 1 Lok Sabha seats.
The meeting also decided to write to the DGP, SP, CEO and other concerned officials seeking the security of voters, party workers and supporters in case of any rioting or violence after the results are declared on 16 May.
The release informs that the meeting also resolved to continue with its programmes even after the election process was over respecting the people’s mandate.

Test trials held for lightweight potato digger

GANGTOK, 19 Apr: The College of Agricultural Engineering and Post Harvest Technology (Central Agricultural University) centre of All India Coordinated Research Project on Utilization of Animal Energy conducted test trials of a lightweight potato digger using local breed of draught animals at Daramdin on Thursday.
Productivity in Sikkim is reported to be 4.2 tonnes per hectare, it is informed. West district produces 14,243 tonnes of potato from 3260 hectares of the planted area with average productivity of 4,325 kg/ha.
In Sikkim, potato is mainly grown for seed. About 90% of the total produce is used for seed purpose, a CAEPHT release details. The seed potatoes were grown in Ribdi, Bhareng, Okhray, Thembong, Tikpur, Buriakhop, Snakhu, Bega, Manebong, Sopakha and Yoksumblocks in west district; Zuluk, Phademchen, Gnathang and Tokche blocks in the East district; Ravangla and Damthang blocks in the South District and Dechung, Thangu and Lachen blocks in the North district.
The lightweight unit (size: 200 mm, weight: 10 kg, unit price: Rs 1,500) consisting of shank, mainframe, harvesting blade, extension rods, hitch, handle and beam was tested at average bullock speed of 1.7 km/h and depth of operation of 120 mm for digging Beti and Holland varieties of potato in 1,200 sq. metre area. The harvested tubers size varied between 40-60 mm.
The digging efficiency and field efficiency were 93% and 88% respectively. The draft was found to be 35 kg. The effective field capacity and cost of operation were found to be 300 sq. m/h and Rs 1250/ha. The labour requirement was 35 man-hours per hectare for digging and 150 mh/ha for picking of potato after harvest. It therefore showed saving of 60% in labour and 61% in cost of digging (including picking of potato) over traditional digging by kudal/ spade on terraces. The tuber losses in digging were found to be insignificant.
The digger is simple in design and no special skill is required in fitting and adjustment. The command area of improved digger was found to be 2 ha and the investment made may be recovered from 01 day work covering 0.2 ha. To mechanize total area (3260 ha) there maybe need of 1630 numbers of improved diggers with  total investment of Rs 24.45 lakh only in west Sikkim district.
Local artisans in the villages can also manufacture the digger after availing training at CAEPHT (CAU), Ranipool for commercialization. The artisans may fabricate at the village level to ensure the availability of equipment in harvesting season, the release states.
The development and test trials were conducted by Dr RK Tiwari, Principal investigator, UAE along with Er SK Chauhan, Assistant Agril. Engineer and other staff of the college, informs a press release issued by SK Rautaray, Head FPM, CAEPHT.

Army opens railways Passenger Reservation System at Gangtok

GANGTOK, 21 Apr: A Passenger Reservation System (PRS) was inaugurated at Gangtok today under the aegis of Black Cat Division. GOC Trishakti Corps Lt Gen KJ Singh inaugurated the system in the presence of GOC Black Cat Division, Maj Gen YVK Mohan.
A press release informs that the Army authorities at Gangtok, in collaboration with Indian Railways, have hired a 2 MBPS lease line connectivity for faster speed between Gangtok and Indian Railways Reservation Server at Siliguri.
The PRS will be open on all days and the facility will immensely benefit railway reservation for the around 3,000 soldiers and civil employees of Black Cat Division posted at Gangtok, Penangla and in border areas. The facility is open for civilians and will also benefit the local civil population of Gangtok, the release mentions.