YOUTH’S SUICIDAL TENDENCIES – CAUSES AND SOLUTION

Letter:
This refers to the editorial “Still Blind on Suicide” (Sep 3). The issue raised was really commendable and appreciable. In addition to this, I want to add something more in this. In my view, the cases of youth suicide in Sikkim are not individual acts but a social fact. Society is also responsible for this heinous act. Today, in the context of whole India, the state of Sikkim has a large band of unhappy youth. In the state, 45 per cent of suicide cases reported between 2000 and 2008 were of people less than 25 years of age (National Crime Record Bureau Report 2009). The experts say in Sikkim that, the effects of modernization have led the sweeping changes in the value system in the socio-economic, socio-philosophical and cultural arenas of people’s lives, which envelops several developments — including the breakdown of the joint family system, which add stress in the life of the younger’s mind. Rapid urbanization, industrialization and emerging family systems are resulting in social upheaval and distress. The diminishing traditional support systems leave people vulnerable to suicidal behavior. Depression is also caused by unfulfilled aspirations among the young who believe their life is not changing as much as they want it to. People who move from rural areas to urban zones find there is no upward mobility, for life in rural areas is not very different from that in the city. This leads to low self-esteem which in turn leads to alienation, depression and finally leaves people vulnerable to suicidal behavior.
Ironically, Sikkim is a state where most of the people are heavily dependent on the Government for fulfilling their basic chuck of life. So it would be better if the government makes its citizens self-dependent and unswerving by opening of various boulevards in the field of social and economic development in the state. Suicide is a multifaceted problem and hence suicide prevention programmes should also be on the multidimensional basis. It is a time for civil society to espouse proactive and leadership roles in suicide prevention and save the lives of thousands of young Sikkimese.
Binod Bhattarai, Doctoral Fellow, Department of Sociology, Pondicherry University [recvd on email]

Landslide claims 5 at Mangchek in South Sikkim

RALONG, 02 Sept: Five people perished in landslides triggered by heavy rainfall and poor drainage here at Mangchek under Namlung-Ralong Gram Panchayat Unit, South District on Friday night. Rolling debris from a hill piled on a house at around midnight on Friday night claiming four members of a single family and a guest.
The bodies of the five deceased were recovered from the debris on Saturday. The victims are: Chandra Bahadur Chettri (62) and his wife Manipuri Kanchi (50), daughters Duka Devi Chettri (13), Tika Devi Chettri (7) and one Lall Bahadur Rai (15).
The only survivor from the family was the son, Devi Lal Chettri (15) who sustained grievous injuries and was brought to Namchi District hospital. Lall Bahadur Rai was a friend of Devi Lall Chettri.
SDM Ravangla, PK Rai informed that a team from Ravangla Sub Division, Namchi DRM Cell, Police and IRBn personnel with the help of locals undertook a rescue operation and managed to rescue the 15-year-old Devi Lall Chettri. The team also recovered all the 5 dead bodies.
He further informed that the landslide had also damaged several houses including the Ralong Secondary School. Many families have also taken shelter in the houses of relatives at safer locations.
Meanwhile the incessant rain has caused several other landslides under Ralong-Namlung GPU and rescue operations are being carried out throughout the day informed DPO DRM(S), Pempa Norbhu Sherpa. The road to Ralong has been completely damaged by several landslides including many houses. Moreover all essential supply lines have remained disrupted in the landslide-affected areas and torrential rains have also hampered rescue and restoration operations, informed.
Area MLA Sonam Gyasto Bhutia also visited the affected areas. The public of Ralong contend that heavy rainfall and poor drainage caused the landslides damaging their houses along with their cattle and farm land. They further said that water overflowing from the drains along the road is to be blamed for this landslide.

Power Minister treks to Tholung to assess progress of restoration work at monastery and pathway

MANGAN, 02 Sept: Dzongu MLA, Power Minister Sonam Gyatso Lepcha, was on a three-day tour to Tholung which falls under Bey ward of Sakyong-Pentong GPU in Upper Dzongu, North Sikkim in order to take stock of the progress of restoration of the damaged pathway from Bey to Tholung and damages to the Tholung monastery caused by last year’s earthquake.
The Minister started his tour on foot on 30 August from Salim-Pakel to the CWC bridge near Passingdang and then onwards from 10th Mile Lingzya to Tholung via Bey crossing more than 15 landslides and a section where a log bridge has also been washed out. The entourage returned to Mangan on 01 Sept.
The Minister also visited the “Thigang”, a sacred spot an hour and a half trek from Tholung and offered prayers there.
The panchayat and public of Bey placed a demand petition to the Minister regarding the fencing of Tholung Gumpa compound and the provision for installation of solar light at the Gumpa premises.
Later, while speaking to NOW!, the Minister said that the path to Tholung from Bey will be upgraded with permanent log bridges across different kholas and nalas which have been washed out by landslides after last year’s earthquake for the convenience of the devotees and local people.
On restoration of the Tholung Monastery, the Minister said that work will begin after the report of the technical experts and engineers from the concerned department which will also determine whether renovation or reconstruction needs to be undertaken. He also informed that priority will be given to the genuine demands placed by the people.
The Minister also expressed his satisfaction over the progress of work of Khamsel Lhakang for which an initial amount of Rs. 1 crore was sanctioned. Here, he said that the construction work amounting to the sanctioned amount has been carried out so far. He also interacted with the Gumpa Committee.
The Minister was accompanied by panchayat secretary Bey ward, Nima Lepcha, panchayat vice president Sakyong-Pentong GPU, Phurba Lepcha, panchayat secretary Lum/Gor/Sangtok, Tshering Gyatso Lepcha, panchayat members Topgay Lepcha, Dawa Lepcha and Nimket Lepha along with youth.

More than 150 schools to buzz at Bee Fest

SIKKIM EXPRESS AND 24 HOURS INSPIRED TO HOST THREE-DAY SHOWDOWN TO CHOOSE SIKKIM’S BEE SCHOOL; Dr. KALAM TO GRACE GRAND FINALE
GANGTOK, 02 Sept: Sikkim Express and 24 Hours Inspired have come together to host the ‘Bee Fest 2012’, Sikkim’s first mega inter-school scholastic competition. This three-day event will be held from 29 September to 01 October here at Tashi Namgyal Academy.
More than 150 schools from across the state are expected to fight for the title of ‘Sikkim’s Bee School’ in the competition. The Bee Fest will have five events; Quiz Bee, Spell Bee, Turn Bee [Debate], Bee Innovate [Innovative Model Making] and King & Queen Bee, which would be judged on the smartness and IQ level of the students.
Addressing a press conference today, Sikkim Express Editor, Amit Patro informed that such a mega interschool scholastic competition and IQ related fest is being held for the first time in the state. He added that the fest is an endeavor to inspire students to enhance their IQ levels and also to boost their academic skills.
Mr Patro informed that more than 150 schools from across the state are expected to participate in the event. He added that at the fest, each school will have a group of students competing in all five events of the competition and the highest scoring school will be crowned with the title of “Sikkim’s Bee School”.
He informed that the grand finale will have former President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam as the chief guest.
24 Hours Inspired is a Bangalore-based personality and leadership enhancement firm with its operations in Sikkim.
Speaking on the event, 24 Hours Inspired chief learning officer, Diwakar Basnet informed that from tomorrow they will be visiting all secondary and senior secondary schools [private and government] at all four districts by 22 September to invite them to participate in the competition. However, he added that they have already talked to many government schools so far and received positive and encouraging response.
He informed that the competition will be judged by a panel of judges headed by Sikkim Government College English Department head, Pankaj Thapa, while Quiz Bee will have Namchi Government College Chemistry Department head, Satyadeep Chettri as the quiz master.
The preliminary sessions and quarter-final round will be held on 29 September followed by semi-final rounds on 30 September and the grand finale on 01 October.

South district police raid EIILM University office

EIILM CENTRES OPENED ILLEGALLY ACROSS INDIA INCLUDING SIKKIM AMONGST OTHER ALLEGATIONS
NAMCHI, 02 Sept: Eastern Institute for Integrated Learning in Management [EIILM] University at Jorethang is under the scanner of South district police for a number of allegations against it. A team led by SP South, Manoj Tiwari raided the University’s campus at Jorethang in the presence of SDM HQ Namchi, Karma R Bonpo.
The university has allegedly issued certificates to students from centres opened illegally in different states of India. As learnt from a reliable source, the university has been allowed to run its institute within the territory of Sikkim by the UGC, but has allegedly been running its centres illegally in different states of India as well.
The source further revealed that this was a high level complaint following which police raided the university’s office at Jorethang and sealed the office. Another round of investigation was carried out today by the South District Police team headed by SDPO, Namchi, Gegee Norbu. As learnt, police has sealed the computer, office documents and visas of Bangladeshi students.
The university is also allegedly running courses other than those approved by the UGC. Another allegation against the university is that they misguided the UGC into according them recognition claiming that the rented building from which they were running the institution was their own property. EIILM University was also allegedly issuing pass certificates to students who failed their regular courses.
A case under Section 406/ 420/ 467/ 120b/ 34 of IPC has been registered and is under investigation at Jorethang Police Station. Since the raid conducted by the South district police, the Registrar and Director of EIILM University are absconding, it is learnt. At present the university is shut down.

Under-construction Khamsel Lhakang at Tholung hosts Pang Lhabsol prayers

MANGAN, 02 Sept: Pang Lhabsol celebrations at Tholung Monastery in North Sikkim coincided with the annual “Zejhu” prayer at the monastery. Around 60 monks from Bey, Lingzya, Sakyong-Pentong and Tholung offered prayers which started a day earlier with the chanting of prayers Rigzing Chokpa initiated by the Tsultrimpha and Dorjee Lopon of the monastery.
Owing to the damages sustained by the monastery in last year’s earthquake, the Pang Lhabsol rituals were performed at the ground floor of the under-construction Khamsel Lhakang.
This year, the annual offering of “Zejhu” at Tholung was offered by Sakyong and Sangtok wards of Lower Dzongu as zindas (patrons) of the prayer. The next day “Zenshi” shapten was conducted and “tsog” (Prasad) was distributed to all the devotees.
The Tholung Gumpa committee expressed it gratitude to all the zindas and devotees for making the puja a success.
The celebration was also attended by the Power Minister, Dzongu MLA Sonam Gyatso Lepcha.

ASDLF demands proper enquiry into the Sun Pharma mishap

GANGTOK, 02 Sept: Following a visit to the Sun Pharma complex at Setipool where five labourers were crushed to death in a boundary wall collapse on Thursday night and Central Referral Hospital here [where one of the injured labourer is recuperating], the All Sikkim Democratic Labour Front [ASDLF] held an emergency meeting on 31 August.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of its vice president BM Ramudamu.
In the meeting, ASDLF condoled the demise of five workers in the mishap that took place at the Sun Pharma construction site on 30 August.
As per an ASDLF press release, the meeting resolved that while it is too early to comment on the exact cause of the mishap, heavy rainfall as a possible cause can be ruled out. The reasons given for this were that the wall was newly constructed [only around 6 months old] and was not hit by any flood or heavy boulders, it was not flooded or collapsed from the base, the foundation was still intact which points towards defective or poor quality work and the foundation/base is not displaced or flooded.
It was noted that the temporary sheds for workers, on one of which the wall collapsed, were obviously unsafe and should not have been kept at the present site. The release adds that it was also learnt that the workers were neither registered with the Labour Department nor with the Buildings and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board and alleges that “it is nothing but exploitation of workers and is a crime”.
The meeting finally resolved to request the concerned authorities/ departments for early and fair enquiry into the tragic incident to bring the culprits to book, the injured worker Hemant Kumar to be given satisfactory treatment and compensated accordingly and early justice delivered to the family of the 5 diseased workers of Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal with their rightful compensation as per Employees Compensation Act.

Sun Pharma assures compensation for wall collapse victims

GANGTOK, 02 Sept: Sun Pharma Sikkim has assured a sum of Rs 2 lakh as ex-gratia compensation for each of the deceased contract workers who lost their lives in the boundary wall collapse of 30 August.

A press release from Sun Pharma informs that in addition, injured workers have been offered Rs 20,000 each and appropriate arrangements have been made to take care of medical bills related to the mishap.

Arrangements were also made to escort the bodies of the workers to their village in West Bengal, the release adds.

Golay calls on supporters to prepare for final push for change

LIEUTENANTS HINT AT NEW PARTY BY 31 OCT
HEE BERMIOK, 02 Sept: Dissident SDF MLA, Prem Singh Tamang [Golay], today addressed his first major public meeting since going public with his dissidence, and addressing a gathering of youth and supporters here at Hee-Bermiok, Daragaon, called on them to prepare for a fight to change the system in Sikkim. Their movement, he stressed, was not just for a political change of government but a change in the system itself and how Sikkim is governed.
As for his political plans and strategy, light was shed on these aspects by his lieutenants with TN Dhakal, a retired government servant and now a close aide, hinting that the MLA will resign from the ruling party after Dussera and float his own party by 31 October next month. This announcement was also repeated by another close aide of Mr. Tamang, former MLA Bhojraj Rai in his address.
Continuing with his tirade against the SDF Government, Mr. Tamang alleged that Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has misled the people throughout his 18 years in government and contended that for all the development being claimed by the SDF Government, Sikkim and the Sikkimese people have instead been burdened with debt.
He also alleged that the people have been “emotionally blackmailed” by the present government and announced today that these “emotionally blackmailed” and overlooked people will figure prominently in his movement for change in Sikkim.
Encouraging the youth to come out openly in the move to change the system, he announced that he himself was now committed to effecting this change, assured that he would not abandon this movement and reiterated that he would make every sacrifice required to ensure success.
On change, he stated today that he was not presenting himself as an alternative to Chief Minister Pawan Chamling. “The alternative may not be Golay, but any of the large number of Sikkimese youth who are becoming the alternative,” he said.
He went on to accuse the Chief Minister of not only engineering political violence but also foisting nepotism at the cost of Sikkimese interests. These details, he said, he would reveal gradually with time. He also challenged the ruling party’s claims of having institutionalised democracy in Sikkim.
The dissident MLA also demanded that the State Government release all pending bills of contractors before Dasain.
Mr. Dhakal, who also addressed the meeting, delved on the Sikkim Subjects issue, contending today that a scrutiny had revealed 31,180 fake Certificates of Identification in circulation in Sikkim. Of these, some 5,000 fake CoIs were from the Chief Minister’s constituency in South Sikkim, he alleged.
He also underlined the need for a review of IAS, IPS and IFS cadre with State Civil Service Cadre while promoting for IAS and other cadres immediately. If the new government comes to power, the cadre review will be done accordingly, he said.
The meeting was also addressed MN Dahal, former minister Phuchung Bhutia, Bhojraj Rai, Avinash Yakha, Jacob Khaling, Roshan Pradhan and Shilu Lepcha also addressed the gathering.
After the meeting, a rally was taken out through Hee-Bermoik bazaar with Mr. Tamang’s raising slogans of support.

SCS Association thanks CM for reviewing cadre

GANGTOK, 02 Sept [IPR]: As per a press release received from the Vice President, State Civil Service Association, KS Tobgay, the State Civil Service Association has extended its gratitude to the Chief Minister for having reviewed the cadre of State Civil Service and for approving the same.
The cadre review will go a long way in the streamlining of the state administration and also help towards the objective of providing good governance. The Association has also pledged to work conscientiously with renewed vigour towards fulfilling the vision and objectives of the Government.  The association has further thanked the Chief Minister for the recent promotions of its cadre members.

Editorial: Still Blind on Suicides

When the suicide-rate spikes in the Vidarbha region of Maharastra or in southern Andhra Pradesh, the reasons are known – crop failure and mounting debt. When teen suicides climb in June-July, across the country every year, experts know the reason, they blame the board exam results and academic pressure. Across the country and the world, the reasons prompting suicides are understood in reasonable detail and it naturally follows that efforts are mounted to suppress the triggers. The massive crores released to waive farmer loans, the grading system introduced for board exam results and the no failures in schools polices emerged as corrective measures undertaken to curb suicides in the country. Suicides remain a worry in Sikkim and informed corrective measures cannot even been speculated upon because no enquiry has been invested into understanding why so many in Sikkim take their own lives. It does not take an expert to inform us that suicides are born from depression; that much is obvious. Everyone knows that untreated depression festers to manic levels triggering suicidal tendencies. We know that. What we do not know is what triggers are pushing an 10 year old to such levels of depression that he commits suicide after returning from school on a weekend, using his school tie as a noose. A suicide always makes disturbing news and the psychological health of a State dregs low when a State as small as Sikkim reports up to 5 suicides on the same day sometimes. If official records can be taken seriously, the suicide pattern is already changing in Sikkim. The number of suicides by senior citizens has noticeably fallen even as suicides by the very young [pre-teens and teens], as also victims in their thirties, are registering disturbingly high numbers. It is no longer enough to be told that psychiatric counselling needs to be reached to more people at more places. That should already have happened by now. Awareness camps will no longer suffice, the concerned agency should start investing more of its training in trying to understand and explain why depression is so pervasive in Sikkim and where Sikkim is failing, as a State and as a society, in trying to contain depression from turning morbid and fatal.

CM inaugurates Gyen Tashi Palding Monastery’s new building at Yangyang

YANGYANG, 31 Aug: On the auspicious occasion of Pang Lhabsol, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today inaugurated the new building of the Gyen Tashi Palding Monastery here at Yangyang, South Sikkim. Among the older monasteries of Sikkim, Gyen Tashi Palding Monastery is believed to have been established in the year 1787 as a Lhakhang and as a full-fledged monastery in 1841. The vagaries of time had not been kind on the physical condition of the monastery necessitating a new building.
Addressing the programme, the Chief Minister conveyed Pang Lhabsol greetings to all, stressing that the festival of Pang Lhabsol was not only the festival of the Buddhists, but of all Sikkimese since it celebrates the State’s diversity and unity.
He said that the State Government has consistently displayed respect for all religions and has ensured an environment of peace and security for all communities to prosper here.
“Religion should bind the people in brotherhood rather than divide. The present status of Sikkim is good so every individual should open their minds and make our society the best”, he added.
The CM also commented today that there were organisations seeking to mislead people in the name of religion, and advised such groups to instead focus on uniting the people and inspiring the youth to deliver Sikkim to an even more prosperous future.
Addressing the youth and the students, the CM rued that the younger generation takes every opportunity for granted and stressed that they should change their mindsets and develop a competitive attitude which is needed in the developmental process.
Further mentioning that the people’s government is trying its best to provide better education in the state he said, “We must encourage students in rural areas and belonging to underprivileged families towards education which will be their strongest weapon to achieve success in life”. Till they get better education they will always be suppressed and misled, he added.
He informed the people of Yangyang that with the Sky Walk project at Bhaley Dhunga and a Central University at Yangyang scheduled to complete over the next three years, the entire area will gain exposure at the national and international level. With these long-term developmental schemes and projects, the people of Yangyang must think of the changes brought by the government, said the CM.
Although the government has provided opportunities with these projects for the people of Yangyang, the CM stressed on the lack of human resource from Yangyang for these projects and urged the youth to come forward in this context.
Earlier, member of the Gyen Tashi Palding Gumpa Committee, Bhaichung Tsh. Tshechutharpa placed the report of the establishment and renovation of the monastery where he informed that Gyen Tashi Palding Gumpa is one of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim which was established in 1775. In view of the dilapidating condition of the monastery the state government had sanctioned Rs 42 lakh for the new construction with additional Rs 47.28 lakh as compensation for land by Sikkim University for the construction of this monastery, he informed.
During the programme, the Committee also felicitated the Chief Minister for his initiatives in the development of Yangyang. Earlier, the CM also visited the old monastery where he provided financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh to the Gumpa Committee. After inaugurating the monastery, the CM also offered prayers and attended the rituals performed by the Rinpoche and monks.
Also during the function, the contractor TT Bhutia who constructed the new monastery was presented a letter of appreciation by the Chief Minister. The programme was also attended by the area MLA, RMDD Minister CB Karki, MLA Binod Rai, Tulshi Devi Rai, Sangha MLA, Phituk Tsh. Lama, Zilla Adhakshya, Panchayats and officers from various departments.

CM meets families rendered homeless in Mangley eviction, assures alternate arrangements

GANGTOK, 31 Aug: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today met victims of a land dispute at Chipsu Saino Taar at Lower Tarku Mangley and apart from enquiring on their condition also assured to make alternative arrangements for them from the government’s side at the earliest. Three families from Chipsu Saino Taar have reportedly been rendered homeless following their eviction from a disputed private tract of land and have been living in a shed at Mangley ground for the past 20 days.

The families of Til Bahadur Limboo, 90 year old Seshmoti Limboo and Gautam Katwal, numbering 16 include a 4 year old baby and today petitioned the Chief Minister to look into their matter and initiate necessary action as soon as possible. The families, it may be recalled, have also been alleging intimidation by the landowner.

The Chief Minister, in his interactions with the homeless families, assured them all assistance even as he stressed that as far as the court case was concerned, they could not interfere in it since the Courts were independent entities; the government could, and will, however, take the initiative to provide the families with alternative arrangements at the earliest.

He also assured the family members that if they have been wronged or threatened, all efforts will be made to secure justice for them. 

He also reiterated his regret at what the families had to suffer and stressed that such things should not have happened.

Bhandari felicitated at Soreng celebration of Bhasa Manyata Diwas

SORENG, 31 Aug: The Nepali Bhasa and Sanskriti Committee of Soreng, West Sikkim, organized a Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas celebration today at the Soreng Community Hall and felicitated the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee president Nar Bahadur Bhandari for the role played by him in securing Constitutional recognition for Nepali language. Nepali was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India during Mr. Bhandari’s final term as Chief Minister. Today’s function was attended by Mr. Bhandari, dissident SDF MLA PS Tamang and litterateur Kedar Gurung.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Bhandari reminisced on the long journey from aspiration and demand to eventual Constitutional recognition of Nepali as a language of India.
Speaking on the movement that had started way back in 1956 from Dehradun, he spoke at length on the difficulties faced by him and others involved in the Bhasa Manyata struggle, sharing that because of these problems, they even had to shift the Nepali Bhasa Samiti office from Darjeeling to Dehradun. “It took us exactly 2 years, 2 months and 21 days to get the Nepali language into the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution,” he stated.
People can celebrate Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas on any day, he highlighted, even as he went on to contend that to celebrate it on 20 August [as is traditionally done] was not accurate since on that day the Bill was passed in Parliament. “It was on 31 August that the President of India signed the Bill and gave the actual recognition to Nepali language and so that is why it is being celebrated today,” he explained.
Speaking on why he did not accept the Bhanu Jayanti Puraskar on Bhanu Jayanti, he explained that since the award had been constituted by him during his tenure as the Chief Minister, it did not feel right to accept the award himself.
Thanking the Nepali Bhasa and Sanskriti Committee, Soreng for organizing the function and for felicitating him on the occasion, he further urged the committee to organize such social gatherings in the future where people from different organizations and politicians can come together under one roof and speak on common issues beyond the realm of politics.
Earlier in his address, the Burtuk MLA highlighted that today was an important day for the Nepali speaking people of India and added that it was an honour to have Mr. Bhandari present on the occasion as he was the person who had brought recognition to the Nepali language.
“People nowadays are going for materialistic development and are forgetting their language and culture and accepting western culture as their own, this is not good,” he said, adding that culture was not only meant for entertainment and dance, but was about one’s own identity.
Earlier, former MLA Til Bahadur Limboo from Rhenock and Kedar Gurung were also felicitated, while cultural programmes by school children were also performed. All speakers made a conscious effort not to speak or comment on politics today.

South Sikkim’s Ashish Pradhan selected for India U-14 Academy

GANGTOK, 31 Aug: Ashish Pradhan from South Sikkim has been selected by the All India Football Federation to be inducted in the India U-14 Academy which is also known as Pailan Academy in Kolkata. He has been shortlisted from the Gurgaon Trials.
A press release from Sikkim Football Association [SFA] informs that Ashish has been advised to report to the academy at Kolkata by 05 Septemer. The players of this academy will be fully looked after by AIFF including their education.
Ashish was initially selected under the scheme "Search for More Bhaichungs", thereafter he was picked up by the Indian Air Force and is currently based at New Delhi. General secretary, SFA, Menla Ethenpa has said that he is very happy for Ashish because this is a golden opportunity for him to show case his football talent as the Pailan Arrow Academy at Kolkata has been set up for India with the target to play in the qualifying round for the FIFA World Cup 2022, the release mentions.
Mr Ethenpa further informed that India is bidding to host the U-17 FIFA World Cup in India in 2017 while president, SFA, BK Roka has also sent his best wishes to Ashish

No contamination at Namchi water source, reassure PHE officials

NAMCHI, 31 Aug: The PHE department has dismissed rumours of the possible contamination of the only water source of Namchi at Bermali. There were rumors going around Namchi and its surrounding areas that a dead body had been found in the main water source leading to possible contamination.
In fact, due to this rumor, people here had started using bottled water extensively. PHE Department officials, it is learnt, conducted an inspection on 28 August and determined that the body was found 300ft below the main water source hence there was no possibility of contamination.
The body had been removed by the police on 26 August and sent for autopsy to Namchi District Hospital

Pilot project on “Mainstreaming Youth in Local Self Governance” gets underway at Melli Dara Paiyong GPU

GANGTOK, 31 Aug: A programme on “Mainstreaming Youth in Local Self Governance”, an initiative of the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Chennai being implemented in the GPU as a pilot project was officially launched at Melli Dara Paiyong GPU today.
A press release informs that the project seeks to get the involvement of youth in various planning and development process at various levels with an aim to tap the huge potential of the youth. Speaking on the programme, Project Coordinator, Suren Mohra highlighted the aims and objectives of the programme.
A short awareness program on Cyber Village was also conducted in which a brief presentation detailing the concept of Cyber Village was given and the benefits, roles and responsibilities were discussed. A five-member committee was also constituted to ensure proper and timely completion of the project headed by the Panchayat President, Ganesh K. Rai, the release mentions.
It is to be noted that Melli Dara Paiyong GPU has been selected for the implementation of Cyber Village conceptualized by the Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling whereby the village shall be fully covered with broadband internet facility along with numerous e-services.
The Gram Panchayat had invited one of the Board of Directors for Sikkim Milk Union, NB Pradhan who had recently visited Denmark and Switzerland on an exposure tour on Dairy Farming. In his address, he shared the good practices adopted in dairy farming. He urged dairy farmers to go for single high yielding breed rather than rearing three or four local breeds, the release adds.

‘United we stand, divided we fall’

MG MARG PANG LHABSOL CELEBRATES SIKKIMESE UNITY
ANUSHA GURUNG
GANGTOK, 31 Aug: Pang Lhabsol was celebrated here at the Statue of Unity premises on MG Marg today on the theme ‘United We Stand, Divided We Fall’. Organized by the Pang Lhabsol Celebration Committee, the function had Speaker KT Gyaltsen as the chief guest.
The celebration kicked off with traditional ritual offerings by monks and bongthings at the Statue of Unity complex. Addressing the celebration later, Speaker Mr Gyaltsen underlined that Pang Lhabsol is a festival that signifies brotherhood and unity. He went on to add that the existing peace, unity and bond of brotherhood between different communities in Sikkim reflects the essence of this festival.
Peace and unity has become the identity of Sikkim and it is the responsibility of the present generation to pass it on to many generations to come, Mr Gyaltsen added.
The programme was also addressed by HRDD Minister, NK Pradhan, Gangtok MLA Dorjee Namgyal who is also the Advisor PLCC, and president of the PLCC,  T Lachungpa where they collectively called on the people of Sikkim to continue to stay united and set an example for the world when it comes to maintaining peace and tranquillity.
Cultural competitions formed the heart of the Pang Lhabsol celebration here in Gangtok wherein the PLCC had organised interschool and open folk dance competition.  Sir Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School walked away with the winner’s trophy in the inter-school category followed by West Point Senior Secondary School and Tadong Senior Secondary School in the second and third positions respectively.
The top three schools were awarded trophies, certificates and cash awards of Rs.10000, Rs.8000 and Rs.6000 respectively. While in the open category, Danceshala Tibet Road emerged as the champions followed by Anmol Society and Sanskriti Sangrakshan Samiti, 5th Mile Tadong taking the second and third spots respectively.
The top three groups in the open category were also awarded with trophies, certificates and cash award of Rs.10000, Rs.8000 and Rs.6000 respectively. Similarly, the PLCC also gave away consolation cash prizes to all the participating groups apart from the winners.

Heavy rain damages houses at Phongla

NAMCHI, 31 Aug: Heavy overnight downpour has affected the residents of Phongla under Chuba Phong Gram Panchayat Unit (GPU) in South Sikkim. Due to the downpour, one kutcha house has been completely damaged, while two other houses in the same locality have also been severely damaged. Officials of the Disaster Risk Management Cell South District visited the spot today and with the help of the concerned panchayat the affected families were shifted to safer places.

Local talents to shine at MG Marg Pang Lhabsol

PRAYERS BEGIN AT STATUE OF UNITY
GANGTOK, 30 Aug: Gangtok is all set to celebrate Pang Lhabsol in a grand manner and a strong focus on cultural activities here at MG Marg on Friday. Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, KT Gyaltsen, is scheduled to attend the function as chief guest. Meanwhile, prayers at the Statue of Unity premises began this evening itself.
“This year the festival is dedicated to our local talents and we are giving more emphasis on prayers for peace in the state to ensure the wellness of people here in Sikkim. May this festival bring joy and happiness in their life always,” expressed Pang Lhabsol Celebration Committee president, T Lachungpa, while speaking to media persons today.
A total of 35 cultural troupes including schools, clubs and NGOs are scheduled to perform during the celebration tomorrow.
Mr Lachungpa added that Pang Lhabsol is one of its kind, celebrated only in Sikkim this festival represents unity, prosperity, peace and brotherhood of the people of the state. He further added that this festival is celebrated every year to bring peace, unity, prosperity and brotherhood in the state. This festival is not only of one or two communities but of every Sikkimese, said Mr Lachungpa.
On behalf of the celebration committee, Mr Lachungpa welcomed everyone to be part of the festival to promote peace, prosperity and unity among the people

HRDD South convenes coordination meeting

LOW ENROLMENT MAY LEAD TO 14 PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN SOUTH DIST SHUTTING DOWN
NAMCHI, 30 Aug: Human Resource Development Department, South District organized a coordination meeting with heads of different schools, chairpersons and School Managing Committees today here at Community Hall. Area MLA Binod Rai was present as the chief guest accompanied by Namchi Municipal Council vice chairman NH Ansari as special guest.
HRDD (S) Joint Director, Bimla Rai, explained that the meeting was organized to understand the problems in running of schools and the functioning of SMC and SMDC. She informed about the grants and aids from the government and said that these should be used in the proper manner.
She further informed that enrolment at the primary level of education in South district was decreasing by the year and that 14 primary schools of South district are on the verge of closing down due to low number of enrolments.
Though the government has provided every possible facility along with infrastructural development but the enrolment in primary level education is continuing to drop. This, she said is the biggest challenge for the school heads, teachers and the administration and the department needs full cooperation from the school heads, teachers and SMC members.
Chief guest MLA Binod Rai in his address said that the present state government has given high priority to Human Resource Development and is investing 20% of the state’s budget towards quality education in the state.
Speaking on poor enrolment in government primary schools, the MLA urged all teachers and administration to provide quality education at par with private schools. He further urged teachers to take their job seriously.
During the programme the heads of schools were also provided with grants from the department.
The programme was also addressed by VC NMC, NH Ansari, Adhakshya (S) BM Rai, Deputy Director HRDD (S), PR Bista while the programme was also attended by AEOs and officers from HRD Department.

Ravangla to crown 3-day event with Pangtoed chaam today

ANUSHA GURUNG
GANGTOK, 30 Aug: The 29th Pang Lhabsol Festival at Ravangla was inaugurated by the Tourism Minister, Bhim Dhungel yesterday. The festival is being celebrated from 29-31 August at Ravangla and after a series of sports and cultural events, the celebration will conclude Friday with the traditional Pangtoed chaam at the Maneychokerling complex there.
This year’s Pang Lhabsol celebration featured rural sports and cultural competitions besides the usual musical programmes.
Minister Mr Dhungel also inaugurated the Horticulture and Handicrafts and Handlooms stalls. One of the highlight of this year’s festivities is the volleyball tournament wherein a total of 26 teams participated.  The semifinal of the tourney was played on 29 August between Sumbuk Melli and Daramdin.
In the semi final, Daramdin outplayed its opponent 3-1 points to enter into the finals of the tournament. The winner of the tournament will be awarded with Rs. 50,000 while the runners up will receive Rs. 30,000 along with trophies.
On the occasion, the Minister in his address said that the Pang Lhabsol festival has become a tourist attraction giving visitors a taste of Sikkimese traditions like community lifestyle, food, rituals, etc. “May this festival bring peace and unity among us”, said the Minister extending his greetings to all the people of the state.

Eco-tourism service providers prepare for approaching tourist season

GANGTOK, 30 Aug: The Eco-tourism Service Provider Association of Yuksam conducted its Annual General Meeting 2012 here at KCC office, Yuksam on 29 August which was chaired by senior members of Yuksam and adjoining village.
A press release informs that the general secretary of the association presented a brief progress report for the year 2011-12 and also presented the financial statement. He further deliberated on the key issues that need to be discussed among the members during the AGM.
The association formed and registered with the Government of Sikkim in 2007 has been taking up various welfare programs of its members along with other initiatives like trail clean up campaign, trail repair and also runs a pack animal insurance scheme within its members. A total of 51 members who are all pack animal operators and are actively involved in tourism have decided to contribute Rs. 200 per member for the death of one pack animal, the release informs.
So when a pack animal of a member dies in an accident, members usually will have to bear a loss of close to Rs 25,000 while a small portion is recovered through the sale of meat. Hence in order to compensate the loss of a pack animal which supports their livelihood, each member of the association has agreed to contribute a premium of Rs. 200 per household for one animal casualty. So the owner of the dead pack animal gets a compensation amount of Rs. 10400 from the association. This idea of self help has been found useful by the members.
Since its inception more than 13 pack animal deaths have been compensated from the association’s fund. During the meeting the committee members also distributed a cheque of Rs. 10400 each to 7 members who have lost their pack animals during the last few months, the release mentions.
The Association has also been repairing trails and maintaining them every year and this year with the heavy monsoon and the last earth quake, the trail has suffered major damages from landslides and blockage. The Association decided to carry out repair work soon before the next tourist season.
Like the previous year, the Association has also decided to place forward the request for financial support to various Associations, Institutes and departments. All members of the association would voluntarily help in the trail repair while the financial support received would be utilized for purchase of hardware items, utensils, expenditure for food and logistic including expenditure to hire skilled carpenter. Thus the Association would approach various the department, TAAS, SAATO, HMI, DC (west) and other agencies for various kind of support. 
Further the members of the association also raised their concern about the fodder storage facility at Dzongri, Tshoka and Thangsing. The local communities have sacrificed a lot for conservation, be it the removal of grazing from KNP, relocation of village from Tshoka, ban on grazing, ban on use of firewood, ban on collection of medicinal plant, aromatic plants or helping check bio-piracy.
Thus lot of conservation efforts have been supported by the local communities over the past many years, now with the perspective of reducing further pressure on the natural resource, the pack animal operators purchase dry fodder and transport it all the way to Tshoka, Dzongri and Thangsing to feed their pack animals during tourist season. This is expensive and requires hard work but this fodder needs to be stored in a safe place to support the fodder need of their pack animals through out the season. The pack animal operators have managed to create small storage facilities at Dzongri, Tshoka and also use the existing facilities to store their fodder which the department claims as illegal construction.
The association thus decided to appeal to the concerned department and submit a memorandum to the Government to provide storage facilities at this campsite and look into their concerns. While in the past, more than 2000 herds of yaks grazed inside the National Park but today only about 400 Dzo / horse which are used as pack animals are grazed, the release states.
The association also decided to request the concerned department to provide them with facilities and also support in the endeavour. The department has been supporting various initiatives like cattle immunization, tourism promotion in various places around KNP / KBR. Grazing inside Sanctuary and Reserve Forest is still prevalent in North and East district of Sikkim and thus the association has appealed the concerned department to support such cause which are genuine and need based for the pack animal operators.
The association has further thanked the concern Area MLA, DC West, various departments, Zilla Adakshaya, West, KCC, TMI, WWF, TAAS for providing various kinds of support.

Panchayat polls will be completed before 05 Nov: RMDD Minister

NO NEED YET TO POSTPONE RURAL BODY ELECTIONS

AMEET OBEROI
GANGTOK, 29 Aug: Dismissing speculations that the Panchayat elections will be postponed beyond the expected schedule of sometime in October, senior government officials inform that there is no question of postponing the panchayat elections and that there is ample time for the required amendments concerning the reservation percentage of the Scheduled Tribe communities in the state to be completed in time.
Confirming this, RMDD Minister CB Karki, when contacted, said that the panchayat elections should be held within the projected time-frame.
“The first panchayat meetings of the new term panchayats are due to be held on or before 05 November, 2012, so the elections should be held before that,” he said. He also said that the State government has not yet taken any decision to postpone the elections and was trying to hold the elections as per schedule.
The only procedure left is for the amendment to the Sikkim Panchayat Act to be cleared by the Legislative Assembly finalizing the reserved seats share of the different ST communities in the State. There has been a demand that the Scheduled Tribe seats be categorized by the community [Limboo, Tamang, Bhutia and Lepcha]. The earlier proposal of the RMD department had clubbed all the STs together. This now requires to be modified and necessitates an amendment to the Panchayat Act itself.
The RMDD Minister also informed that percentage of seats reserved for the different ST communities will be according to the ratio of their population. Officially, STs make up just over 40% of the state’s population.
Although the poll dates have not yet been announced, the State Government has cleared the reservation pattern for the upcoming two-tier Panchayat election. This was passed by the Cabinet in a sitting held on 28 August.
The reservation pattern is to segregate the different segments of the Tribal community, namely the Bhutia, Lepcha, Limboo and Tamang, informed Secretary, Rural Management & Development Department, DR Nepal while speaking to NOW! today. Earlier under the Sikkim Panchayat Act all of them were clubbed together as Tribals, but with this segregation they will be clubbed in different tribal communities, he added.
The reservation has been done as per the population of each tribal community taking the census and population of each tribal community into account, he further stated.
Also, starting with the upcoming panchayat polls, 50% of the panchayat seats will be reserved for women of all communities. The nodal department, RM&DD, in consultation with the State Election Commission, had finalized the reservation distribution pattern, the Secretary informed and added that this was the first time this was being done.
The delimitation of seats was also carried out by the RM&DD as per the guidelines and under the supervision of the State Election Commission after the urban areas were carved out from the rural bodies and notified for local bodies.
The department has also decided to place the reservation system approved by the Cabinet in the forthcoming summer session of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly expected to be held in the second week of September, he added.
The RM&DD has proposed an amendment to the Sikkim Panchayat Act, 1993 to reflect the nature and extent of reservation of different segments of the Scheduled Tribe community - namely, Bhutia, Lepcha, Limboo and Tamang under the ambit of reservation for Scheduled Tribe community.

Persistent rainfall stalls work at Pakyong Greenfield airport

63% WORK IN PHASE-I COMPLETE

ANAND OBEROI
GANGTOK, 29 Aug: Continuous and heavy rainfall in Pakyong and surrounding areas has led the Airport Authority of India (AAI) to temporarily suspend works at the Greenfield airport. However, with 63 percent of the work in the first phase already complete, the same is slated to be completed by the 2013 deadline.  
Speaking to NOW!, GM, AAI, SP Yadav informed that the first phase work will be completed by 2013 and that tenders for the second phase of construction have already been floated. “At present heavy rains have made us stop work but we will resume the same by the first week of October. The first phase of works estimated at Rs 254 crore will be completed within the specified time and works on the second phase estimated at Rs 45 to 50 crore will begin within two months,” he assured.
While stating that construction of the Sikkim airport has been a true example of how new technologies can be used to minimize impact on environment, cutting costs as well as speeding up construction work, he says that the first phase of works that actually started in October 2009 was in the advanced stages. The works include the construction of runway, apron, taxi track, retaining walls etc.
“We started work only in October 2009 which is when the Forest clearances came through. However, our pace has not slowed down at all and we are actually working on war-footing. We are confident that the whole airport complex including the second phase that has the technical block, terminal building, fire station and car park will all be completed by December 2014 or March 2015,” he stated.
The airport located at an altitude of 1700 meters [5577 feet] is being constructed by Punj Lloyd which is also building one of the tallest RE walls of the world, as high as 80.38 meters. It is informed by the GM, AAI at Pakyong that while executing this project, all efforts have been made to present a masterpiece with utmost emphasis on quality and safe working practices which are comparable to international standards and are worthy of being emulated by others.
It may be mentioned that the 2156 metre long tabletop airport with a basic width (strip) of 150 meters is planned to have a 1700 metre long and 30 metre wide runway. The airstrip is expected to cater to small turboprop aircraft like the ATR 72s in the beginning. When completed, it will be among the five highest airports of the country. The entire airport which will have Asia’s biggest Geogrid Reinforced Retaining Wall, is being constructed on a landing which is being created by building an 80.38 metre high embankment.
Sikkim is mainly formed by the oldest Pre-Cambrian rocks of Daling series and Darjeeling gneiss. They consist of phyllites and schists which make the slopes highly susceptible to weather and erosion. Excavation works for the runway made by cutting the Pakyong hill range between a height of 70m to 100m while the reinforced soil structures range between 70m-80m.
Punj Lloyd’s scope of work includes earthwork in cutting & filling, geogrid reinforced retaining walls, drainage system including box culverts and aerodrome pavements including apron, runway & taxiway. The material for the special reinforced wall which forms a major part of the construction and is expected to check soil erosion on the hill slopes, has been supplied by Maccaferri.
The official says that construction of an airport in Sikkim requires huge cutting and filling work. "Considering the geological conditions in Sikkim including seismic and environment, it was essential to adopt a design which not only meets the safety requirement but also blends well with the surroundings which are totally green," he said. Accordingly, new design and technology using local stones, earth vegetation and high strength geogrid was adopted which has proved not only environment friendly but has also resulted in speedy construction, flexibility and saving. The retaining walls were already constructed up to a 52-metre height and withstood the September 18 earthquake.
“We have also got the required land clearance from one Chunki Bhutia who vacated an acre of land for the project in May 2012. We are not experiencing any hiccups now and from here we will ensure smooth sailing,” stated the AAI GM.
It may also be informed that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has bagged the Greentech Corporate Social Responsibility Award for its Greenfield airport at Pakyong in Sikkim. Greentech Foundation has selected AAI for Greentech CSR Award 2011 in Gold category in the aviation sector.

One Tribe Tour Live in Concert

GANGTOK, 29 Aug: With just a day to go before the One Tribe Tour Live in Concert plays out at Mayfair Resorts, Acoustic Traditional, the organisation behind the concert promise “A treat for music lovers, bringing together the best of rock in the hills with a touch of classic feel alongside the surreal and often guitar-led musical session of the storytellers”.
According to a press release, singer Neha Pradhan of ‘A-Live’ said, “Well, as a musician I’ve always believed that music speaks one language and it binds people together, no matter where they come from. Since Acoustic Traditional is an organisation which is bringing various musicians together to preserve our own indigenous heritage through music, I didn’t think twice! I just wanted to participate in this event. It'll be a great experience for me to learn stories about other cultures and also a chance to meet and perform with musicians from other regions.”
“This concert space we chose is comfortable. In fact, it accommodates just the size we felt we could cater to in terms of promotion and outreach, etc. As a small team, we have been studying, documenting and now engaging with artists from the region. We started out in a small way and it’s turning out to be great. The belief that we will find support along the way has been at the heart of our present work and it’s incredible how musicians of acclaim have come forward for this,” adds Abhishek Pradhan of Acoustic Traditional who has been filming the tour.
The concert, which is to be held on 31 August at Mayfair Hotels and Resorts, will witness performances from Adams Apple (featuring musicians from Mantra, Head Motif, Sinister Violence), Michelle Pradhan, A-Live and other independent artists, the release mentions.
The entry fee is priced at Rs. 550 for a single person, Rs. 1,200 for a single person with dinner and Rs. 2,200 for two with dinner. For booking please contact: 8972 313 930 / 95470 46200.

214 die of TB between 2008-10 in Sikkim

GANGTOK, 29 Aug: Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Sudip Bandyopadhyay in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha yesterday presented the state-wise figures of TB cases detected and deaths reported in the years 2008, 2009 and 2010 in the North Eastern Region.
In Sikkim, 1,641 TB cases were registered and 61 deaths reported in 2008. In 2009, 1,720 TB cases were detected and 87 deaths reported while in 2010, 1,646 TB cases were registered and 66 deaths reported. The figures total upto 5007 cases of TB being reported in the three years while the number of deaths reported totals to 214 for Sikkim.
According to the figures provided, in the North East, Assam has the highest number of TB cases detected and deaths reported followed by Meghalaya.

Fire-Wheel Tree blooms; late but flamboyantly

USHA LACHUNGPA
Has it really?  Here’s what Sikkim’s famous forester KC Pradhan said earlier:  “It is Stenocarpus sinuatus - Proteaceae-from Australia- Firewheel Tree- scarlet (orange-red) umbels of 12-20 flowers arranged like rays of a wheel. Watch the magnificent medium sized tree at Late PS Moktan's house in June or so. I was dazed to see the tree smothered with vibrant scarlet-red flowers some years back. Hope it is still there. It was he who got it planted at the Forest Secretariat. I sourced some 100 plants from LB Pradhan & Sons Nursery at Kalimpong in the late 1970s and asked HC Mukhia to get them distributed. I have two but being in a shady corner fail to bloom though they did well on earlier days. They like open sunny places. All garden grown plants are around 30 ft. height but in its native condition the tree attains as high as 100 feet. I wonder if it does flower at Deorali - looks like it is rather in shady place.  It is mostly grown as a pot plant for its ornamental value. All raised from seeds.”
The photograph is of one of the five young-looking trees planted by Late PS Moktan IFS PCCF/ Secretary Forests behind the Forest Secretariat at Deorali, Gangtok.  Yes, the area does not receive much sun.  However the flowering has happened in August, which seems late.  The unusual and large leaf was brought in for identification by an engineer under the SBFP-JICA project of the department during a survey of the complex last year. It was kindly identified by KC Pradhan.
This species is only one of many exotic (not indigenous) tree species imported to Sikkim to add further glamour to our biodiversity hotspot by well-meaning people. Some are planted along roadsides as avenue plantations by Forest Department and have grown into large stately trees such as the orange-flowered Streculias along NH 31A.  It would be good if a listing was made of others like it so as to spread awareness among the younger generation, during this International Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020.
Anyone with such information is requested to share it along with relevant data like locations, dates, photographs, any interesting observations, etc., so that it can be documented appropriately.

SENSATIONALISM AND ITS MISPLACED PRIORITIES

Letter:
Two recent developments have caught my attention. One was the distribution of a pamphlet by two people from West Sikkim. The duo alleged the Chief Minister of having meted out step-motherly treatment towards Limboo-Tamang community. They have posed a volley of questions to the Chief Minister regarding different issues right from reservation for Limboo community in the Assembly to reservation in jobs. They want to know why some people from their community were singled out for Vigilance raids and investigation. The Chief Minister has also been accused of trying to bring all the Limboo associations and organisations under one umbrella. But any sane person would know that it is always better to have one strong body than a number of less effective bodies. I do not see or smell any conspiracy in the intention of the Chief Minister.
It has also been mentioned that the number of Limboos working in higher posts is very few. But why do we forget that community or caste has nothing to do with such things. What matters is how much you can contribute to the state and the country irrespective of which community you belong to. The majority of the population in Silicon Valley is American, but it is the handful of Indian software engineers (in minority) who have made all the difference. The rest is history. I see no reason why any community should feel insecure about such things. We must unite and not divide.
With due apologies to the duo, I am a little tired, like most of you reading such pamphlets. There was a time when such things were taken very seriously. But now they just serve as a pastime. We read them and forget about them because we know that such mediums are being used to settle personal scores. Facts are distorted and statistics are twisted. All the ingredients are added to make it as sensational as possible. I have nothing against anyone. But what I would like to request you all is to strive to sift chaff from the wheat.
On the other hand, I read a news report in a Nepali daily regarding eviction of a Limboo family of an old mother and her only son in Sipsu in South Sikkim. The Court has ordered them to vacate the house in which they have been staying for decades. The family has nowhere to go. According to the report, they are awaiting intervention by the State Government. Unfortunately, none of the so called associations or the Limboo Association have come to their rescue, at least till now. Isn’t this the time when the community should raise their collective voice? Why is the Limboo community silent? Where are all the leaders? Why are they not raising any voice? Is it because the case does not have any political worth? Or is it that the case does not come under the ambit of their ‘agenda’? Anybody can print a pamphlet and malign someone. But it takes a lot of humanity to extend a helping hand without any expectation, especially when you know that your help will never make it to the front page of the newspaper, it will never find credit in any of the records nor will it be mentioned anywhere. A random, unplanned act of kindness is always better than a well planned, well designed conspiracy aimed at defaming someone.
Passang Sherpa, Sombarey, West Sikkim [recvd on email]

Editorial: Too Young to Die

A 10-year-old committing suicide is an aberration. An aberration which should be so rare that one never gets to hear of such incidents. Unfortunately, the aberration has occurred and made it to the news yesterday. The incident is too shocking to even allow speculations on what could have caused it; a suicide by someone so young can never be really understood, explained or settled. But does that mean that even this casualty is allowed to join the poorly maintained roll of statistics on suicides in Sikkim? That is probably what will happen, and it will be in this detached insensitivity that someone in the future will find the reasons why Sikkim lost so many to suicides. Admittedly, there was much chest beating here when Sikkim topped the nation in suicide rates last year and even politics sought to score some points off it. Shallow commentary followed for some time and some lip service was paid to the problem. And then, like always, nothing. Suicides continue being reported and the civil society, which can play an instrumental role in curbing suicides, continues to remain oblivious to its role. It is unlikely that the civil society will still respond. The death of a ten year old brings to focus suicides by the young in Sikkim [and it is not just the young who are ending their lives here]. For all that one may say about the confusion of growing up and befuddlement of hormonal changes, one does not associate such problems as depression and stress with the teen years. Yet, a disturbing number of Sikkimese teens have ended their lives; and there will be even more who have survived a suicide attempt. The situation is now so dire that it is already too late to work on theories to explain the trend; the situation is now critical and it is urgent to start caring more for the young. Sikkim has already wasted too much time waiting for experts to study the situation and offer explanations and solutions to its suicide challenge. It will be wasting even more time and sacrificing more lives if it waits for the civil society to measure up to the challenge. So, the only option left, like with most other challenges, is for the State Government to initiate a proactive policy intervention. To start with, the Health Department, perhaps in association with the Social Welfare Department, should prepare an effective awareness module to sensitise teachers on recognising and handling psychiatric symptoms triggered by stress, depression and trauma in school-going children. Something similar should also be prepared for the students so that there is peer support available to deter suicidal thoughts among the young in time. It is important that the stigma, still associated with psychiatric help is ended because that, at the end of the day, is the only defence against the rash of suicides in Sikkim. Instead of blindsiding the obvious, the society at large needs to recognise that the younger generation is growing in conditions much different from earlier times. They need special care and understanding. On our part, as teachers, parents and elders, we have to change our approach towards addressing juvenile issues.

Cabinet clears reservation distribution for Panchayat polls

AMENDMENT TO SIKKIM PANCHAYAT ACT PROPOSED TO REFLECT NATURE AND EXTENT OF RESERVATION FOR DIFFERENT SEGMENTS OF TRIBAL COMMUNITY

VISHNU NEOPANEY
GANGTOK, 28 Aug: The Cabinet, in its sitting today, cleared the reservation pattern for the upcoming two-tier Panchayat election due for later this year. The earmarking on various wards and territorial constituencies as per the reservation roster was thoroughly discussed.
Starting with the upcoming panchayat polls, 50% of the panchayat seats will be reserved for women. The nodal department, Rural Management & Development Department, in consultation with the State Election Commission, had finalized the reservation distribution pattern green flagged by the Cabinet today.
The delimitation of seats was also carried by the RM&DD as per the guidelines and under the supervision of the State Election Commission after the urban areas were carved out from the rural bodies and notified for local bodies.
The Cabinet has also decided to place the reservation system approved by the Cabinet in the forthcoming summer session of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly expected to be held in the second week of September.
The RM&DD has proposed an amendment to the Sikkim Panchayat Act, 1993 to reflect the nature and extent of reservation of different segments of the Scheduled Tribe community - namely, Bhutia, Lepcha, Limboo and Tamang under the ambit of reservation of Schedule Tribe Community.
This time, after the delimitation for Territorial (Zilla Panchayat) and Gram Panchayat Units, there has been a 10 percent increase in the number of rural seats. The territorial wards for Zilla Panchayat have increased to 110 from 93 [32 for East, 28 each for South and West and 22 for North District] in comparison to 2007. Nine seats have been added in East, 3 in South, one seat in West and four seats in North district.
SK Gautam, State Election Commissioner, while speaking to NOW! on Monday, informed that the Commission has completed the entire exercise with the help of nodal department, RMDD, “independently, and without any political or government interference”.
Earlier, Mr. Gautam had explained that “After carving out Bazaar areas into notified urban areas under Gangtok Municipal Corporation and the five Nagar Panchayats, the State Election Commission with the cooperation of RMDD carried out fresh delimitation for rural areas for both Territorial and Gram Panchayat Units in Sikkim.”
He said that State Election Commission is ready to hold the election in time, adding that once the reservation for reserved categories and 50 percent within the reserved and open categories for women, the poll date will be announced, Mr. Gautam said.

Cabinet meets and sanctions

GANGTOK, 28 Aug [IPR]: The State Cabinet meeting was held today at the Cabinet hall of Samman Bhawan, Gangtok, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.
The Cabinet passed the proposals pertaining to various departments of the state government.
LABOUR DEPARTMENT: The proposal seeking approval and en bloc sanction of Rs 1,080 lakh and Rs. 500 lakh to be transferred to SIDICO on quarterly basis to clear the committed liabilities with Manipal Institutes and Hotel Management, Sajong in respect of previously sponsored students. The proposal for seeking confirmation of the approval and sanction of Rs 450 lakh only to be transferred to the SICB, Karfectar.
HEALTH CARE, HUMAN SERVICES & FW DEPARTMENT: The proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs. 9,59,89,292 towards the annual procurement of medicines and consumables for the financial year 2012-13.
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND CIVIL AVIATION: The proposal for according en bloc sanction of Rs 1,11,19,105 for payment of land compensation for land proposed to be acquired  for construction of Tourism infrastructure for Ekantabas and Agyatabas in Sumick and Tumin blocks, East Sikkim.
DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL, ADM. REFORMS, TRAINING AND PUBLIC GRIEVANCES: The proposal seeking confirmation of the approval for enhancement of the post of Secretary from 07 to 12 and Special Secretary from 20 to 25 and identification of cadre posts for State Civil Services under various departments under Government of Sikkim as well as various Public Undertakings/organizations / offices.
HOME DEPARTMENT: The proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs 1.58 crore for payment of land compensation for land acquired for construction of 2nd and 3rd IRBn headquarter at Ben (Simchuthang Mangalay Dumra)block, South Sikkim.
WATER SECURITY AND PHE DEPARTMENT: The proposal seeking administrative approval of Rs 530 lakh and financial sanction of Rs 15.58 lakh for the work of Augmentation of Water Supply Scheme for Dikling and surrounding areas in East Sikkim.
The proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs 3,011.13 lakh for the work of Post Earthquake reconstruction of damaged infrastructure on Water Supply and Sewerage System in Urban Towns of Sikkim under Prime Minister’s Relief Special Package.
The proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs 50 lakh for the work of Augmentation of Water Supply Scheme to Saramsa Garden East Sikkim.
ROADS AND BRIDGES DEPARTMENT: The proposal seeking approval to award the work to M/s BSR Constructions Pvt. Limited, Hyderabad, India for an amount of Rs 69.68 crore for the work improvement, upgradation and reconstruction and development of Road sections (i) Melli (Manpur) – Nayabazar  (Section km 17.10) to Nayabazar (SK01) (ii) SK02 – Nayabazar to Namchi under ADB funded project.
The proposal seeking approval to take up drainage and protective works and premix carpeting along Reshi Mangalbaria road in West Sikkim to the tune of Rs 982.10 lakh only.
The proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs 32.69 crore for upgradation, widening and improvement of Budang-Chumbong-Chakhung-Soreong road in West Sikkim (22.36km) under ISC 100% CSS.
The proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs 25.90 crore for upgradation, widening and carpeting of Namchi Sikip Wok road in South Sikkim (22.80km) under ISC 100% CSS.
The proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs 29.52 crore for upgradation of single lane to intermediate lane from Ramam Bridge to Sombaria under Inter State Connectivity in West Sikkim (29 km).
LAND REVENUE AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT: The proposal seeking approval to create one post of Assistant Information Technology Specialist, four post of Assistant Disaster management Specialist cum training Officer, one post of Assistant Urban Planner and three post of Technical Assistant under Sikkim State Disaster management Authority (SSDMA).
RURAL MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT: The proposal seeking approval to place the draft bill for amendment of Sikkim Panchayat Act, 1993 to reflect the nature and extent of reservation of different segment of the Tribal Community namely, Bhutia, Lepcha, Limboo and Tamang under the ambit of reservation of Schedule Tribe Community in the next sitting of the Assembly.

Dentam’s Amar Subba runs in 9th at Hyderabad Marathon

GANGTOK, 28 Aug: Sikkim’s Marathon Man Amar Subba of Dentam, West Sikkim, secured the 9th place at the Airtel Hyderabad Marathon 2012 held at Hyderabad GMC Balayogi stadium on 26 August.
The 42-year-old father of two, completed his 42 km run in 3 hrs 19 min.
The first place was secured by an Indian Army’s Anil Thakur clocking in at 2 hrs 52 mins, followed by Scottish Richard McDowell at 2 hrs 59 min and another Indian Jagadeshan Munisamy finishing third place with a time of 3 hrs 1 mins.
“I am happy and proud to represent Sikkim at the national level,” said the Limca Book of Record holder. Before leaving Sikkim, addressing a press meet at Darap, West Sikkim, he had said that his aim was to be in the top-10 at the prestigious marathon.
“There was also an announcement prior to the race that a participant from Sikkim was also taking part in the run, which boosted me up further,” said Mr. Subba. Speaking over the phone from Hyderabad, Mr. Subba said that it was an honour to receive a medal and certificate at the closing function which also saw the presence of the Governor of Andhra Pradesh Governor ELS Narashimhan.
There were participants from all across the country and also from the US and UK. Participants from all walks of life and all age groups got medals he added.
Mr. Subba said that the marathon has encouraged him to compete with athletes of national and international repute. “It’s also a message for the youngsters of Sikkim that if a 42-year-old man can do it why not you,” said Subba.
Winning is not important but to involve oneself and to learn from such great event is much more important, he said.
Mr. Subba is now waiting for confirmation of his participation in Delhi and Mumbai marathons. His dream is to run a high altitude solo marathon from Gangtok to Gurudongmar (17800ft) next year. [from SILASH TAMANG]

10-yr-old commits suicide

GANGTOK, 28 Aug: In an unfortunate incident, a 10-year-old boy committed suicide by hanging on 27 August near Temi in South Sikkim. As per police records, on Monday, the deceased, a class IV student, hung himself with the help of his school tie from the ‘bhar’ above the fire place in the kitchen. His sister who was also at home, tried to save him by cutting the tie but it was too late. The deceased’s parents were not at home at the time of the incident.

Justice RK Patra’s tenure extended by 5 yrs

GANGTOK, 28 Aug: The state government has extended the tenure of Justice RK Patra, as Chairman, Law Commission for a period of 5 years. A notification to this effect has been issued by the Law Department which informs that the extension will be in effect from 25 August, 2012. Justice Patra has been given extension of 5 years as Law Commission, Chairman under the same terms and conditions as when he was first appointed as Chairman in the year 2004.

Sikkim Lokayukta Bill receives Presidential assent

GANGTOK, 27 Aug: The Sikkim Lokayukta Bill is now an Act. For the past nearly two years [20 months] since it was passed by the State Legislative Assembly, the Bill had been languishing and awaiting President’s assent. This nod has finally arrived and the State government can now establish its own Lokayukta. With the entire Lokpal/ Lokayukta issue in controversy for the past 2 years the Governor had forwarded the Bill to the President of India soon after it had been passed by the Sikkim Assembly in December, 2010. While the controversy over Lokpal raged on in other parts of India, Sikkim’s Lokayukta Bill was kept pending by the President. However, on 16 July, 2012, in what must be among her final orders of business, still the President of India Pratibha Devi Patil Singh cleared the Bill allowing it to become an Act.
The Sikkim Lokayukta Bill, Bill No. 21 of 2010, was passed by the Legislative Assembly on 29 December, 2010 and sent for the Governor’s assent the same day. The Governor, in turn, forwarded the Bill to the Union government on 13 January, 2011 where it was pending with the Public Affairs Department since.
The Bill deals with subject matters which come under the Concurrent List and that the approval of the Union government was thus felt necessary. Normally, if there are any inconsistencies noticed in a State Bill the Centre forwards its comments and suggestions to be accommodated in the Bill. However, no such comments were received in connection with the Lokayukta Bill.
Earlier, it had been informed that the long pendency of the Bill with the centre was due to the fact that the Central government was also in the process of formulating and passing a central Lokpal Bill. Had the Parliament passed such a Bill it might have required the Sikkim Assembly to reframe its Bill according to the provisions of the central Act. While the Lokpal Bill had been placed in Parliament last December, it could not be passed.
The opposition parties in the state will not be too happy with the President according approval to the Sikkim Lokayukta Act as both the State Congress and the State BJP had opposed the Bill. In fact, SPCC president Nar Bahadur Bhandari had petitioned the Governor not to accord his assent to the Bill. Mr Bhandari claimed that the bill had been motivated by wrong reasons. The state BJP had claimed that the bill was intended at erasing all evidence of corruption in the government departments.
The Sikkim Lokayukta Bill, now an Act, seeks to subscribe accountability on public authorities and check corruption. The primary motive of the Act is to take up and redress citizens’ grievances, especially those related to corruption in the functioning of public bodies or authorities including that of favouritism.
As per the Act the Lokayukta is to be appointed by the Governor and be given the responsibility to conduct enquiry and investigations after consultations with the Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court, the Speaker of the Assembly and the Leader of Opposition. It also provides that the Lokayukta initiate enquiry on the receipt of complaints and after the approval of a Minister, Chief Secretary or Secretary.