Paryavaran Mahotsav at Gyalshing

GYALSHING, 29 June [IPR]: Gyalshing Nagar Panchayat, in coordination with Forest Department and State Pollution Control Board, organized a cleanliness and plantation programme on Saturday at Gyalshing bazaar as part of Paryavaran Mahotsav.
Officials and staff from UD&HD, Sikkim Police, SSB and Fire Service along with Chamber of Commerce and locals participated in the plantation drive. The drive was also attended by Additional Director, KNP, Udai Gurung.
SDM, (HQ), Hemmant Rai urged every individual to participate in the drive and highlighted the government’s vision to make Sikkim green and clean.  ‘Go Green’ themed stickers and posters were also distributed to the public.

Training on Organic Agriculture held for field staff

GANGTOK, 01 July: SRESTA National Bio-Products ICS Service Pvt LTD, under the Sikkim Organic Mission organized a daylong field staff training program on “Organic Agriculture” here in the capital today.
A total of 60 field staffs and field supervisors of SRESTA National SSWYA, Teesta Tendong ICS took part in the training program.
Sensitizing the participants on organic farming, MK Pradhan [Joint Director, Sikkim Organic Mission], who chaired the program as the chief guest, said that the service providers as well as field staff need to build their capacity for the organic mission to be successful.
During the program, Deputy Director for Agriculture Department, SD Sharma spoke on Integrated Pest Management while Dr. AK Vijaya [Deputy Director, India Cardamom Research Institute, Spices Board] spoke on organic Cardamom cultivation. Similarly, Hoshiyar Singh [Project In-charge, IPL] also addressed the training program.
Manager, SRESTA National Bio-Product, Deepak Gautam was also present on the day.

Lower Rakdong blames road damage on Teesta Urja excavation works

DIKCHU, 01 July: The public of Lower Rakdong in East Sikkim are convinced that excavation works by the Teesta Urja company have damaged portions of the road and land at Lower Rakdong on the Dikchu-Gangtok road. Excavation work for the installation of a high voltage tower triggered a landslide on the road, according to the people of the area.
The road near Elim Church at Tamsay has become a trouble spot now disrupting traffic on a daily basis. The main reason for the slide was the excavation work undertaken by the company, said a local resident, Nesh Lall Gurung. The company had earlier assured to undertake protective measures on the road and nearby land but now they have abandoned the work without any protective work, it is informed.
The local people also pointed out that excavators were used on both sides of the road disrupting the flow of water which now flows all over the road. The local people also demanded that the concerned Roads and Bridges department look into the matter and direct the project developer to undertake immediate protective measures before there is more damage.

Paryavaran Mahotsav at Nazitam Agri Farm

GANGTOK, 29 June: Paryavaran Mahotsav 2014 was observed by the officials and the staffs of Food Security and Agricultural Development Department at Nazitam Agricultural Farm, East-Sikkim, under Martam Rumtek constituency on Saturday.
Plantation of Bamboo saplings (Bambusa Bambos), locally known as Karay Baans as line fencing was carried out on the day. Around 150 to 200 saplings were planted around the farm covering an area of about 2.5 Ha, informs a press release.
This variety of Bamboo generally propagates through rhizobuim, clum cutting, brench cutting, and through seeds. This kind of bamboo requires an altitude of 300-1200metre for better growth.
Karay Baans is mainly used in construction of houses, making handicrafts, preparing furniture and in the paper industries as well. Furthermore it also contains calcareous deposit in the clum having medicinal values, the release mentions.
The programme was attended Asha Lama [Joint Director-East, Agriculture], CM Upreti [Deputy Director-East], Dr. Pratap Subba [Agriculture Development Officer], BTMs, Village Level Workers, Teachers and Students of Nazitam Livelihood School and local public.

Folk theatre & dance performance at Mangan

MANGAN, 01 July: A two-day programme on Folk theatre and Folk dances of Sikkim was organized at Mangan Community Hall by North East Zone Cultural Centre Dimapur (NEZCC) in collaboration with Cultural Affairs and Heritage department Sikkim (CAHDS). The programme was attended by Up Adhyaksha (N), NT Lepcha as the chief guest along with OSD, CAHDS, Jagdish Sherma.

Gangtok Mechanical Subdivision celebrates Paryavaran Mahotsav 2014

GANGTOK, 29 June: Paryavaran Mahotsav 2014 was celebrated at the Office of the Assistant Engineer (Mech.), Roads & Bridges Department, Lumsey, Tadong on 27 and 28 June.
A press release informs that on the first day of the celebration, officials along with the staff of Gangtok  
Mechanical Subdivision carried out various activities like cleaning of the surrounding jhoras and channels, beautification and weeding at the garden located at the office premises and landscaping.
Weeding around the saplings planted last year and marking and recording of sapling details was also carried out.
Awareness address on Paryavaran Mahotsav 2014 and on topics like waste management and carbon footprints was given to staff and public by Lawrence Lepcha, Assistant Engineer (Mech.), followed by interaction session.
Assistant Engineer (Mech.), Lawrence Lepcha addressed the staff and public on topics like waste management and carbon footprint which was followed by an interaction session, the release mentions.
The second day had Principal Chief Engineer (M/S), KB Gurung as the chief guest while other officials and retired officers of SMES also joined a plantation drive around the campus. Saplings were also planted in memory of loved ones in the garden.
On the day, a hand written chart paper was used as a banner instead of a flex printing banner to carry the message of environment conservation.
The concluding day also marked the reunion of High Ranking Officers, retired High Level officials, retired staff of the subdivisions, local public & staff and the Gangtok Mechanical Subdivision.

Human Resource Mismanagement

Editorial:-
Human resource management at the Department of Human Resource Development has always confounded. While one can appreciate that the staffing of 530 government schools can be a complicated task due to which some oversights could happen, the consistent irresponsibility with which HRDD manages schools, leads one to believe that the condition is chronic. For those who suspect that the mismanagement was due to an absence of directives or clear guidelines, the latest Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on Social, Economic, Revenue and General Sectors for the year ended March 2013, provides some clarifications. In a short comment on “irregular expenditure” by the HRDD, the CAG auditors have unraveled the situation.
It appears the HRDD has been equipped with a very clear “Manpower Management Guidelines”, a document put together after the 2009-10 embarrassment and shock over the gross imbalance in how teachers are deployed to schools. The guidelines were issued in February 2010 and this document, as per the CAG Report, very clearly enumerated teacher strength against each school. What one has then is a very specific strength determination for government schools. But this was always known even if not clearly spelled out, and it was clearly a disinterest in following human resource management prescriptions that was ailing education in government schools. How can this be corrected? Apparently, the “guidelines” had a prescription for this as well and while stressing that teacher strength numbers be strictly adhered to, it reiterated that excess staffing not be allowed under any circumstance. An interesting clause was included to discourage over staffing and the “bounden duty” was placed on Heads of Schools and Drawing and Disbursing Officers who were ordered to ensure that the salary of “non-existent” or “excess” teachers over and above the prescribed strength were not issued. In case the officers did not hold-back such salaries, the same was to be realized from their monthly salary. There were two ways that condition could have worked – one, the ‘excess’ teachers, when they did not receive their salary and learned why, would have sought redeployment to understaffed schools so that they could receive their salaries, and two, the Heads of schools and the drawing and disbursing officers, when they learned that they were paying for the excess staff from their own pockets, would have enforced the rules instead of ignoring the violations. But then, it is rarely the efficacy of guidelines or rules and almost always an endemic disinterest that comprises delivery. Should the prescribed rules be endorsed, a clutch of heads of schools and drawing and disbursing officers at 254 schools [out of 530] owe the state exchequer Rs. 6.48 crores for having continued to issue salaries to excess staff. As per the CAG Report, as of February 2013, there were 648 excess teachers in 254 schools at a time when there was a shortage of 198 teachers at a sidelined segment of 78 government schools. This shortfall could have been easily ‘adjusted’ even without having to resort to any drastic measures like withholding of salaries or deductions; provided the rights of children to receive proper education were more respected.
It is obvious that guidelines, rules, directions and orders, while necessary, are not enough. For effective administration and proper delivery, the priorities will have to change from dishing out favours to delivering on chalked out responsibilities. Fixing accountability is not always the answer, especially not when compromises have become the norm, what could work better would a reintroduction to job descriptions and an inspiration to perform. Start rewarding merit and this reality could be quickly achieved. Now imagine – if even with such sloppiness, Sikkim can rank among the top-5 performing states in the country when it comes to elementary education, what levels it could achieve if it got its act even better together?

Man arrested for attempted murder

GANGTOK, 01 July: Ranipool Police arrested one person on charges of attempted murder at Palum basti, Naitam on Monday. Police investigation revealed that following a heated altercation the accused had stabbed the victim in the abdomen with a knife. Both were reportedly in an intoxicated condition at the time of the incident.
The victim was rushed to STNM Hospital, Gangtok and then referred to CRH, Tadong where an emergency operation was carried out. He is in the ICU in a serious condition at present. Both the victim and accused are residents of Toribari District, West Bengal and had come to work at Naitam. A case u/s 307 IPC has been registered against the accused and is under investigation.

Heavy rain damages houses in Rongli

GANGTOK, 01 July: Heavy rainfall on Monday night severely damaged a house at Dalapchand and another house at Pam Basti, Chujachen. A police team from Rongli Police Station was sent to assess the damage. There were no reports of any casualties from the incident.

Hit & run at Duga

GANGTOK, 01 July: A 70-year-old man was hit by a Maruti van at around 4 pm on Monday at Duga. The victim was left on the roadside grievously injured and bleeding. The vehicle was later identified and traced at Jitlang. The driver Binai Rai [aged 23] of Jitlang, East Sikkim and the owner Sakar Tamang [aged 26] of Duga, East Sikkim were in the vehicle at the time of the accident. Both have been arrested by Rangpo Police and the vehicle has been seized.

Peon and Home Guard at IPR Deptt charged with peddling ‘drugs’

GANGTOK, 01 July: Senior officers of the Department of Information and Public Relations caught an employee of the department with a cache of drugs and handed him over to the police today.

Ganesh Chettri, employed as a peon at the IPR department, was reportedly caught red-handed by senior officials of the department today and apart from being handed over to cops, has been terminated from his job.  

Home Guard Dal Bahadur Chettri, who was also posted in the IPR department as a security guard was also found to be an accomplice and was handed over to the police. The IPR department has also informed the Directorate of Home Guards about the matter.

Both have been booked under the SAD Act and handed over to Tadong Police. 

NCC cadets at DAV School plant saplings

GANGTOK, 29 June: NCC cadets of DAV Public School in Rangit Nagar carried out a plantation drive in the school premises on 27 June. A press release informs that around 100 cadets participated in the plantation drive who planted a sapling each. The school Principal, SK Nayak appreciated the efforts of the NCC cadets in this initiative and encouraged them to spread awareness regarding the environment among the people. 

Nirman Samaj cleans and plants around Dambudara

NAMCHI, 29 June: Nirman Samaj of Dambudara carried out a cleanliness drive along Dumbudara-College Road and Pasupatinath Mandir as part of its contribution to the state’s Paryavaran Mahostav. A drive, led by the organisation’s president MS Pandey accompanied by general secretary DK Chettri, was joined by 65 members of the samaj.

The cleanliness drive was followed by post-plantation works of saplings planted earlier in an around Dambudara. Also today, the Samaj members segregated degradable and non degradable waste and disposed them accordingly.

“Nirman Samaj of Dambudara is making continuous efforts to conduct such programmes to participate in the state government’s programme for protecting and saving our environment,” said the organisation’s president.

Department files soaked in the office flooding being dried-out on tables [higher than the ankle-deep inundation.

Health Deptt office in new building flooded
GANGTOK, 30 June: Ankle-deep water welcomed the staff of the state Health department when they entered their office at the new annex building here at the old Tashiling Secretariat Complex on Saturday morning.
Rain water had flooded the ground level of the new building damaging office infrastructure including huge piles of files that were found floating in the water. Heavy rains which the capital received this weekend aggravated by clogged drains and overflowing water tanks from the Tashiling Secretariat project site just next to the newly constructed annex building is said to have caused water to accumulate in the office.
It may be informed here that the ground level offices of the old Health Department building had recently been shifted to the new annex that is still under construction as renovation works are scheduled to be carried out at the main building soon.
As soon as the flooding was reported, the Buildings & Housing Department officials sprung into action clearing the heavily clogged drains behind the new annex from where the water is said to have entered the ground level of the building. Soon after the drains were cleared, the water level at the office started to decrease.
In the meantime, the Civil engineering cell of the health department has stated that the new annex building project was under the Buildings & Housing department which had also cleared the ground and first floors of the new building for occupancy since renovation works at the main building had to be started immediately.
While stating that the Health department had no say in what had actually caused the flooding, department officials stated that water overflowing from water tanks at the Tashiling Secretariat project was being cited as the cause by officials of the Buildings and Housing department.
The officials of the Building & Housing department confirmed this and informed that orders to immediately shift the water tanks have been given. It was also stated that the department had immediately worked on the situation and cleared the clogged drains below on Sunday itself.
The Health Department staff had a huge drying out the soaked files amidst the slush and stench in the new office.

SUSA team meets HRD officials regarding college admissions

GANGTOK, 30 June: While the process of college admissions almost completed, there are still some students in the state who have not been able to get admitted into any college due to their low marks.

In order to discuss the matter, a team from the Sikkim United Student Association (SUSA) met with HRDD officers today, informs a press release. The HRD Department has assured to get such students admitted into colleges within July, the release adds. 

SSB hosts declamation contest on ‘Building stronger families’

GANGTOK, 29 June: Sandiksha members of SSB-Gangtok, comprising the 19th Bn, Sikkim area and SHQ, conducted sector-level declamation contest on the topic “Building Stronger Families and Role of Parents in the Same” here in Gangtok at the battalion campus on 27 June.
The function aimed at sensitizing parents about their role in building a strong family by nurturing children with values which in turn not only make a good family but also help in building a strong nation, informs a press release.
Simpi Singh was placed in first position followed by Yojana Sharma and Archana on second and third positions. Asha Latha presented the vote of thanks where she expressed her happiness on organizing such family based functions.

Sunanda K Datta-Ray to deliver SU’s Foundation Day Lecture

GANGTOK, 30 June: The 7th Foundation Day of Sikkim University will be celebrated on 02 July with a special lecture at Sikkim Government College Auditorium here at Tadong.
HRD Minister RB Subba is scheduled to attend as chief guest while former Editor of The Statesman and the author of “Smash and Grab: The Annexation of Sikkim”, Sunanda K Datta-Ray will deliver the 7th Foundation Day Lecture on “The ‘Near Abroad’ concept for big countries like the US, Russia, China and India.”
The lecture will be followed by cultural performances by University teachers and students, which will be followed by Odissi dance by the renowned Mrs K. Pattanaik and group. Mantra, a rock band from Darjeeling, will perform in the evening, a press release informs.

Shamar Rinpoche’s kudung to be brought to Kalimpong today

GANGTOK, 30 June: The mortal remains of Shamar Rinpoche will be flown in to Bagdogra on 01 July from where they will be taken to Kalimpong where devotees can pay their respects for a further 2 weeks, it is informed.
It is expected that a large number of devotees from Sikkim will be travelling to Bagdogra and Kalimpong to pay their last respects. Shamar Rinpoche had passed away on 11 June in Germany. The Rinpoche’s kudung had been kept at the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute [KIBI], New Delhi for around a week. It had then been decided to take the mortal remains to Kalimpong to the Rinpoche’s institute there for further prayers and possibly the funeral.

Sangha MLA unhappy with rejection of 2 private member resolutions

GANGTOK, 30 June: Sangha MLA, Sonam Lama has expressed displeasure over rejection of two private member resolutions submitted by him to the Secretary, Sikkim Legislative Assembly on 11 June.  Mr. Lama had submitted three private member resolutions, only one of which was admitted in the House.

In a press release, the MLA has expressed gratitude towards all members of Sikkim Legislative Assembly for having considered and passed his private member resolution seeking early arrival of the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje to Sikkim.

The two other resolutions seeking restoration of Sikkimese Nepalese Seat in the Legislative Assembly of Sikkim and scrapping of the 97 MW Tashiding Hydro Electric project in West Sikkim were not admitted in the house.

“It is most unfortunate that matter of utmost public urgency could not find mention or admitted in the just concluded Budget Session of the 9th Sikkim Assembly,” Mr. Lama states.

He has further expressed that he will continue to pursue the matter and propose these resolutions again. 

RBI reaches Blind School with financial literacy programme

GANGTOK, 29 June: Reserve Bank of India’s Gangtok office reached out to the visually impaired children in Namchi and organized a Financial Literacy Programme in Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Institute (JNMI) for the benefit of the blind children in Boomtar, Namchi (South Sikkim) on 27 June.

The programme was part of the Institute’s 135th Birth Anniversary Celebration of Helen Adams Keller, who was deaf and blind but overcame all her handicaps by sheer grit and determination and contributed immensely towards society and humanity at large, informs a press release.

Shanta Pradhan [ex-Secretary, Agriculture Department, Govt of Sikkim] was the chief guest on the occasion. RBI, Gangtok DGM, Anil Kumar Yadav along with his colleagues DP Lepcha and Tenzing Namgyal conducted the financial awareness programme for the blind children of the Institute. Senior officers from Sikkim Govt., teachers, social workers and the children of JNMIH were also present during the programme.

Mr. Yadav while addressing the visually impaired children motivated them by citing the achievements of many famous blind men and women such as Helen Keller, Stevie Wonder, Galileo Galilee, Louis Braille, Sur Das etc. He stated that these children are equally capable of achieving their dreams. He also highlighted the concern of the RBI towards these children.

He further informed the gathering about the RBI guidelines towards setting up of Talking ATMs with Braille enabled Keypad by the commercial banks for the visually challenged population. He said that as per the RBI directives one-third of new ATMs being set up by the banks should be “Talking ATMs”, the release mentions. He said that all the banking services available to normal persons are equally available to the blind people also without any discrimination.

Mr. Yadav also informed the school children and the teachers about the different intaglio symbols which have been incorporated by the RBI on the currency notes so as to help the blind people in identifying the various denominations of the notes from Rs. 20 onwards till Rs. 1,000.

He further advised State Bank of India and Central Bank of India branches located in Namchi to organize an accounting opening camp in the Institute to enable the students and the teachers in opening their bank accounts. RBI, DGM further cited that nowadays there are plenty of job opportunities in the banking sector even for the blind candidates, as the recruitments are conducted using Braille system.

RBI, Gangtok also donated RBI Comics in Braille, especially prepared for the blind children, to Mr Jiwan Rai, Head Master of the Institute along with one Braille Typewriter and two Hollow-Body Guitars for the benefit of the Institute and the children. The chief guest and the school authorities thanked the RBI for contributing towards this noble cause, it is added.

RM&DD to host state-level International Plastic Bags Free Day

GANGTOK, 30 June: In its bid to bring about wider awareness about the ill effects of plastic bags and in its endeavor to find sustainable alternate solutions in collaboration with community stakeholders, the Rural Management & Development Department has announced plans to observe a state level International Plastic Bags Free Day on 03 July 2014.
An official press communique quotes the RM&DD Secretary DR Nepal as saying, “In a world where plastic and plastic packaged products may seem convenient and indispensable, the observation of Plastic Bag- Free Day is a symbolic gesture worldwide to say that there are alternatives to plastic and that if we turn to better alternatives, we could easily do away with plastics, be it in our state, nation or the world at large.”
The RM&D Department, in its endeavor to reduce waste, is observing the International Plastic Bag-Free Day, district wise at tourist hotspots. Despite the government’s declaration of Sikkim as a plastic free state, there’s no denying that plastic is being used in the form of carry bags, in packaged forms and several other ways. “Through this event, we are attempting to sensitize people to actually support the government’s mission practically. Through our campaign across the four districts in Sikkim, we are keen to bring together community participation to find zero waste solutions for the future,” the Secretary adds.
As per Joint Secretary- Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan, YD Yongda, “The program designed for this day is very hands- on with minimal bhashan and more of activity-based sharing with the main stakeholders. Since schools have closed for the summer break, the programmes are being held at tourist destinations for it is there where the maximum garbage is generated. So we are involving tour operators, students, taxi drivers, hoteliers who directly deal with tourists and with their participation we hope to get the message of zero waste across. The daylong session through activities, competitions and quizzes would aim at reinforcing the need to Stop Single-Use plastic bags, and encourage alternatives like reusable bags with the theme ‘Carry your own bag’. We hope to get the participation of as many people because without the involvement of civil society, we cannot hope to achieve zero waste in our state”.
The International Plastic Bag-Free program is being facilitated by 24hours Inspired on behalf of the RM&D Department, the release adds.

Online photography club starts monthly contest

GANGTOK, 30 June: The Photography Club of Sikkim, an online club created by a group of photographers of the state, has been working towards promoting photography and encourage young photographers. Just a year-old, the club’s Facebook page now has more than 2,000 members from Sikkim and the neighbouring hills.

To encourage member photographers, the club started a monthly theme based photography competition around three months ago. This time Praveen Chettri has been adjudged as the winner of the 3^rd theme competition on 'landscapes', who was awarded with a cash prize sponsored by Karma Tenzing and Dr Karma Loday.

Addressing a press conference today, founding member of the club, Karma Tempo shared that the club was started 10 months back when some likeminded photographers discussed and floated an idea to create a page on Facebook. He informs that initially the page had only 10 members but in a short span of time the numbers grew to 2066 which includes around 300 from the neighbouring hills.

“Our main idea is to promote photography in Sikkim and to give a platform to young budding photographers to showcase their talent,” Mr Tempo shared. He further added that the club has also been trying to promote Sikkim tourism through photography. The club also plans to conduct workshops and exhibitions in photography in the near future, he stated.

Another founding member, Pempa Tshering Bhutia informs that in this competition the members upload photos based on a given theme. He further informed that earlier the club used to just congratulate the winner on the Facebook page but from this time two persons have come forward to sponsor the prize for the winner. On the same, he urged corporate houses to come forward to sponsor prizes to encourage photographers.

It is informed that the winner of the competition has also decided the theme for next month. Mr Chettri has announced the theme ‘Decisive Moment’ for next month's competition.

A member of the club, Tshultrim Norbu Wangdi expressed that photography is a creative field that provides a constructive way to spend time for the youth.

Mass Cleanliness and Plantation Drive at DAC South on concluding day of Paryavaran Mahotsav

NAMCHI, 30 June [IPR]: On the concluding day of the Paryavaran Mahotsav celebration today, a Mass Cleanliness and Plantation Drive was organized by the Office of the District Collector, South in collaboration with Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department in the DAC premises today.
The program had the presence and participation of DC (South) Prabhakar Verma, ADM (South) Kapil Meena along with the officials of DAC and employees from government departments situated in the DAC building UD & HD; Land Revenue & Disaster Management; Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management; IPR; Elections and HRDD.
Speaking on the Paryavaran Mahotsav or ‘Environmental Festival’ celebrated throughout Sikkim from 15 to 30 June every year, the DC (South) laid down the responsibilities of each department and individual to ensure extensive success of the People Centric program with the theme ‘Each One Plant One’.
So far, Paryavaran Mahotsav has been observed in a successful and efficient manner with enthusiastic and active participation from government employees, officials, NGOs, school children, panchayats and the civil society in South district. The Mahotsav which has components like Sustainable Plantation, Cleanliness drive, Mass Awareness, Greenathon (Harith Daud), Rally & Eco-Competition with the observation of Ten Minutes to Earth as its plan of action has garnered huge support and  involvement of people from all walks of life here in South district.

Meeting on 200th Bhanu Jayanti celebration and departmental coordination at Namchi

NAMCHI, 29 June [IPR]: DC-South, Prabhakar Verma, today chaired the 200th Bhanu Jayanti celebration meeting along with the departmental co-ordination meeting at DAC conference hall. In attendance were ADM (South) Kapil Meena, SDM (Jorethang) Tenzing Denzongpa, SDM (Yangyang) PK Rai, Senior AO Sunil Sharma, Namchi Municipal Council Chairperson NH Ansari and NMC Councillor Tarkeshwar Prashad.
The conference drafted a detailed plan for the upcoming 200th Bhanu Jayanti celebrations and was also called to provide a detailed progress/ status report of all the ongoing works and schemes and the same awarded during the visit of South District by the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling in the past.
The DC gave directions for Bhanu Jayanti celebrations to all the departments including schools by delegating responsibilities like cleanliness drive, reception of guests, decoration & invitation etc.
With regards to the OBC/ MBC certificate, DC South informed that a district level workshop from the social welfare department will be held soon and that the BDOs and SDMs and other concerned officials should attend to get the format and a brief idea concerning the certificates.
He further reiterated the instructions given by the government recently which are, office decorum to be maintained, files to move faster within the stipulated time given and all HODs to inform the DC with reference to wearing of uniform for group C and D employees.
Additionally, Mr. Verma interacted with all the HoDs of various departments who provided a brief report that included essential information about the ongoing activities and successful implementation of various developmental schemes being executed by the departments of South district. Furthermore the HODs also discussed subject pertaining to inter departmental issues during the meeting.
Moreover, DC (South) asked the officials present to avoid duplication of work with other departments and hence urged for better coordination. He also spoke on the issues which need immediate attention. He also requested the HODs present to scrutinize the attendance of their concerned department staff and also asked the BDOs and SDMs to visit the schools under their jurisdiction to check on the smooth functioning of the school and share the report on the same.
Earlier, the Bhanu Jayanti meeting started with Revenue Inspector, Thiru Prasad Nepal's address followed by Deputy Director, DK Rai who initiated and closed the district level co-ordination meeting.

Editor charged, arrested, released under Section 66A of IT Act

GANGTOK, 30 June: In a move which is bound to attract condemnations from most quarters and receive round criticism, Sikkim Police today arrested, and subsequently released, a woman journalist for posting material on the social media perceived to be defamatory and malafide by the ruling front.
Mita Zulca, Editor, Talk Sikkim, was arrested today by the Sadar Police on a complaint filed by a Central Executive Committee member of the SDF, Ramesh Thapa. The complaint was made with the police on 13 April, 2014, over 2 months ago, and registered by the police under Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
The complaint alleges that Ms. Zulca, a senior journalist, had made posts on her social media page for Talk Sikkim which went against the Representation of People’s Act as she had posted exit polls, which are banned by the Election Commission.
A related complaint is the post made by the journalist on 12 April mentioning that the SDF candidate from Daramdin, DN Sherpa, had been disqualified by the ECI. This, the complainant states, apart from being wrong, was defamatory and malafide and had harmed the prospects of the candidate in the elections.
SDPO, Rangpo, who is the investigating officer in the case, and who “questioned” the Editor, has asked Ms. Zulca to hand over her mobile phone, laptop and computer [which she used to upload the said posts] to the police within two days.
Meanwhile, Ms. Zulca, who has been at the receiving end of several defamatory and malicious posts online, has also decided to file an FIR on such online attacks on her with the police. It will be interesting to see how this return FIR is handled by the cops.
The widely panned Section 66A of the IT Act deals with punishment for sending “offensive messages” through “communication service” which are/is “grossly offensive or has menacing character; or is information which s/he knows to be false, but for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred or ill will, persistently by making use of such computer resource or a communication device; any electronic mail or electronic mail message for the purpose of causing annoyance or inconvenience or to deceive or to mislead the addressee or recipient about the origin of such messages”.

Dr. Michung endorses Organic Mission, wants Deptt to end insincere implementation

CHEMICALLY TREATED SEEDS AND CONTINUING USE OF CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS REVEAL INEFFECTUAL PURSUIT OF ORGANIC MISSION, MLA CONTENDS

GANGTOK, 30 June: Sikkim Krantikari Morcha’s Martam-Rumtek MLA, Dr. Michung Bhutia, who, during the recent Budget Session, had raised doubts over the organic credentials of seeds being distributed by the Agriculture Department, today reiterated his claim that these seeds were chemically treated, an addition which could compromise Sikkim’s Organic Farming credentials.
Speaking to NOW! today, the MLA informed that he collected some packets of seeds [provided to farmers under the Sikkim Organic Mission] from the Agriculture Department’s godown and noticed that a section of these packets were blacked out. A little bit of nail polish remover and the black ink washes away and reveals that the ingredient being “covered up” is a chemical which is marked as poisonous. That could mean that it was chemical pesticide which is not allowed under the Organic farming regime.
He adds, that he also sent these seeds for testing at a medical lab in Kolkata and the report revealed that from the seeds were laced with moderate to severe degree ‘poisons’. The MLA expressed concern that such intentional oversights revealed insincerity towards the State’s Organic Mission.
He stressed that he himself endorsed the Organic Mission as novel venture and practiced it on his own 5 acre patch of agricultural land as well. It is because of the obvious benefits of organic farming that he was speaking out against activities which were sabotaging the organic mission, he explained.
Regarding the same, the MLA also met the Principal Secretary and Additional Director at Horticulture Department today and demonstrated to them how the seeds were chemically treated. When asked about the response of the officials, Dr. Bhutia stated that while they insisted that the seeds were not treated with chemicals banned under organic farming, they admitted that some packets of such seeds might have come in.
“I suggested to them to send these seeds to the Plant Pathology Lab under ICAR to check whether these seeds contain ‘poison’ or not and they said that they would do so,” Dr. Bhutia said.
He also alleged that during his visit to fields in Lower Martam, Mamring, Tareythang and other surrounding parts, he found rampant use of urea and DAP, chemical fertilizers banned under Organic Farming.
He questioned how these were being brought in and how they were being used in farms. The fact that farmers still bring in these chemical fertilizers despite knowing that Sikkim wants to go Organic by 2015 shows that the awareness, orientation and persuasive efforts of the Department has failed.
The stated that the government should be honest in its approach by rectifying the mistakes instead of trying to defend mistakes or sweeping them under the carpet. The farmers and panchayats, he believes, have not been taken into confidence effectively and this was holding back Sikkim’s organic efforts
He reiterated that SKM was all for the Organic Mission and keen on its proper implementation. On his part, he informed that he has been explaining the advantages and other related issues of organic farming to all Panchayats and farmers in all the 39 wards under his constituency.

MGNREGA Social Audit held for two GPUs in West Sikkim

GANGTOK, 30 June: MGNREGA Social Audit was held in Dentam GPU and Segyang Chombong GPU of West Sikkim from 23-27 June. The Social Audit process concluded with the Jan Sunwai on 27 June.
DS Gurung chaired the Jan Sunwai at Dentam GPU while Zilla Panchayat, Darap Chumbong Territorial Constituency, Ongdila Bhutia chaired the Jan Sunwai of Segyang Chombong GPU, informs a press release.
In Dentam, 39 completed works were audited while total amount audited under this GP is Rs. 94,49,688 out of the sanctioned amount Rs. 1,06,43,413.
For Segyang Chombong, 28 completed works were audited with total amount audited being Rs. 54,51,388 out of sanctioned amount Rs. 81,15,142. Similarly, 04 ongoing schemes were also audited in this GP where total audited amount is Rs. 16,29,654 out of sanctioned amount Rs. 34,37,890.
The overall Social Audit process and Jan Sunwai of Dentam GP was witnessed by Manas Mishra [Social Audit Consultant MoRD]. On 24 June, Mr Mishra interacted with the villagers of Dentam regarding the MG-NREGA scheme and its benefits. He visited Dentam Gram Vikash Kendra as well as some Gram Panchayat units of West District, the release informs.

North Sikkim runs for Green & Clean Sikkim

MANGAN, 30 June: As part of Paryavaran Mahotsav 2014, an Open Half Marathon for Men and Women was organised by the Forest Department in collaboration with the Sports & Youth Affairs Department on 28 June in North Sikkim.

The Marathon was flagged off by North District Magistrate, TN Kazi from the Community Centre to Ambithang and back covering 12 kilometers.

More than 300 men, women, girls and boys from all over the district, Gangtok, Army and NDRF Jawans participated in the marathon.

In the Men’s category, Gokul Neopaney of Gangtok bagged the first prize while Surya Subba, Mangan Senior Secondary School (MSSS) and Man Bahadur Subba, MSSS stood on second and third positions respectively.

In Women’s category, Dawkit Lepcha from Dzongu claimed the first prize while Bhagi Maya Limboo of Mangshila and Chandrika Subba, MSSS were placed in second and third positions respectively.

The DM-North, along with ADC/N Raj Yadav, DFO (T) Mangan Division, S. Saring, AD-Sports, Janim Lepcha gave away the trophy, certificates and cash prize of Rs 5000 each to the winners and Rs 3000 each and Rs 2000 each to the first and second runners up respectively. Besides this, those who were in the top ten were also provided cash prizes and certificates. 

EPYF organises Zonal 4 Competition

GANGTOK, 30 June: The Zonal 4 Competition was organised by EPYF (East Presbytery Youth Fellowship) at Tadong EPCS Church on 29 June. Poetry, Bible Quiz, Praise and Worship Songs, Bible verse recitation and dance competition was held on the day.

A press release informs that the motive of the competition is to involve the church youth in constructive activities and help the youth stay away from problems like drug and alcohol abuse.

Tadong EPCS Church won the poem competition while the Bible Quiz was won by Ranka EPCS Church. Gangtok EPCS Church were the winners in the Praise and Worship Songs competition, Tadong EPCS Church in Bible verse recitation and Ranka EPCS Church won the Dance Competition. 

Dzongu MLA thanks public of Lum-Gor-Sangtok GPU

MANGAN, 30 June:  Deputy Speaker and MLA Dzongu, Sonam Gyatso Lepcha thanked the people of Lum-Gor-Sangtok GPU of Lower Dzongu for reposing their faith in the SDF party by casting high number of votes in its favour in the recently held elections.

Speaking during a function held at Sangtok JHS on 28 June, Mr Lepcha said, "I have come here to offer my sincere thanks to the people for extending support during the time of election".

Spelling out the action plan for the development of the area, he urged the people to place the developmental schemes in the upcoming gram  sabha. He further underlined that homestays and other tourist attraction points will be coming up in the GPU.

Mr. Lepcha further appealed to all the people to be more proactive for the development of Dzongu and be a part of the process. He also stressed on the importance of education since the government has provided all kinds of facilities in this sector.

The MLA also spoke about orange cultivation in the area where he said that oranges of Lum, Gor and Sangtok are the best in the state.

The function was welcomed by Zilla member, Chedup Lepcha and ended with the vote of thanks by Panchayat Sagyong ward, Topgay Lepcha.   Also present in the function were Gyan Ongrub Lepcha, Chung Chung Lepcha, Panchayat President, other panchayat members and general public.

Man assaults brother in West Sikkim

GANGTOK, 30 June: One person has been arrested on charges of assaulting his brother in Upper Lingchom, West Sikkim.

As per the police, an altercation between the brothers led to one of them attacking the other with a bamphok inflicting injuries on the head and hand of the victim. The victim was immediately taken to Gyalshing District Hospital from where he was referred to STNM Hospital, Gangtok for further treatment.

A case under section 307 of the IPC (attempt to murder) has been registered at Gyalshing Police Station against the accused who has been arrested and the case is under investigation.

Mobile phones worth Rs 1.79 lakh ‘missing’

GANGTOK, 30 June: A package of brand new mobile phones worth Rs 1.79 lakh has been reported “missing”” by GATI-KWE Tambutar Transport Agency and FIR has been lodged at the Ranipool Police Station on Sunday.

According to the FIR, while unloading the shipment from one of the transport vehicles at Setipool on 25 June, two boxes with brand new mobile phones were found missing.

It was subsequently learnt that the two boxes had fallen off from the truck at Setipool and could have been picked up by some passersby. Efforts are on to identify those involved.

Construction Workers board meets, discusses past activities and plans ahead

GANGTOK, 30 June: The 17th bi-monthly meeting of the Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board (BOCWWB), Sikkim, was held today under the chairmanship of Labour Minister DD Bhutia who is also the ex-officio chairman of the Welfare Board 

The Board has been constituted for the welfare of registered workers engaged in different projects and establishments and carries out welfare measures for the benefit of such workers from the 1% welfare cess collected in the State, an official press communiqué informs.

As per the guidelines of the Union Ministry of Labour & Employment and directives of the Supreme Court of India, the collected Cess has to be utilized in education and health sector for the construction workers and their families.

The meeting informed that the Board had conducted more than 40 health camps in co-ordination with the Health Department at all major construction sites across the State and has also provided hostel accommodation for children of the registered workers in Gangtok for their higher education. 

The Minister expressed satisfaction with the overall activities of the Welfare Board and suggested that a full-fledged school with complete infrastructure be opened for children of registered workers.

He also stated that the since construction workers were very important for state and nation building, there should be no compromised allowed in the proper welfare of the workers and their families.

He has requested all the workers and manpower agencies to ensure that every worker is registered with the Sikkim Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board and the  Department of Labour.

He also emphasized that even all migrant workers should be registered for the duration that they are engaged in Sikkim and the agency which is bringing them here should also take the responsibility of ensuring that they return.

He also suggested that a guest house be established in Gangtok where workers registered with the Board can stay at minimal rates when they come here for the treatment or other purposes. He instructed that the Inspectors/ Cess collectors perform their duties more diligently.

He further requested the Secretary, Labour Department, to verify whether Cess is being paid by all the construction worksites and follow up the matter strictly as per the provisions of the Act.

AKRS east district committee dissolved to release govt employee members

GANGTOK, 30 June: A meeting of the Akhil Kirat Rai Sangh, Sikkim’s East District committee held under the chairmanship of DK Rai at Sichey today, dissolved the committee following the resignation of members employed with the State Government.
During the meeting, an ad hoc committee was formed with DK Rai as president, NK Rai as vice president, Ashit Rai as general secretary cum publicity secretary and Ashok Rai as treasurer. The ad hoc committee will manage the affairs the district unit until the central committee is dissolved and re-formed, a press release informs.
Among those who resigned from AKRS-East Distrct are its president Binita Rai (employed as CEO, STDC), treasurer KR Rai (employed at Animal Husbandry Department), joint secretary Bhulen Rai (employed under Health Department), culture secretary Narayan Rai (employed under Power Department) and executive member Hiran Rai (employed under HRDD).

Cleanliness drive at 6th Mile Tadong

GANGTOK, 30 June: As part of Paryavaran Mahotsav 2014, a cleanliness drive was organised at  6th Mile, Tadong on 29 June under the guidance of BK Tewari [IFS Retd], RP Sharma [DFO], GB Chhetri [Technical Officer] of the Forest Department.
A press release informs, members of “Pragati” social organization, local residents of the area and officials from Gangtok Forest Territorial Range headed by Tenzing Norbu Bhutia [ACF] and Anuj Gurung [Range Officer] along with Forest Guards participated in cleaning the premises of the proposed community centre, Lamichaney Jhora and portion of NH31A at 6th Mile Tadong. Despite the rains the cleaning programme was carried out with zeal and enthusiasm by all participants, the release adds.