HC directs STCS to frame proper rules for making supplies to state government

GANGTOK, 25 June: The State Trading Corporation of Sikkim has often received flak due to its ambiguous and vague practice in the matter of selecting suppliers – with their questionable rates - for supply of various articles and items to the State government.

It is surprising that the Corporation does not have, apparently, a proper protocol to follow in the matter of selecting suppliers; this bungling comes out starkly when considered in the context that the State Government has issued an order to the effect that all departments have to purchase their supplies from the STCS. Now, the High Court of Sikkim has ordered the Corporation to frame rules and notify them in order to regulate the process.

The High Court has directed the state government to frame appropriate rules and guidelines on the basis of which the STCS is to supply items to the state government.

The single bench of the High Court of Sikkim directed the State government respondents to frame proper rules and guidelines for the State Trading Corporation of Sikkim “…for procedure to be adopted for supply of articles to state government, as early as possible, but not later than a period of three months from today…”. The Court order was issued on 20 June, 2014. Furthermore, the rules are also required to be notified as per the directives of the Court.

This order comes in the wake of a writ petition filed by Tsheten Dorjee Bhutia last year.

It is informed that the primary contention of the petitioner is the irregular manner adopted by the authorities in the selection of suppliers for items required by the State for the Janta Mela distribution such as induction cookers. It was alleged in the petition that the government, including the Rural Management & Development Department and the STCS had issued order for supply of articles to TTK Prestige worth Rs. 13.20 crores. This was allegedly done without issuing of proper advertisements in local and national newspapers. Furthermore, it is also contended that the petitioners were ready to supply the same items at lower rates, whereas the state had placed order for supply at higher rates.

As informed by counsel for the petitioner, UP Sharma, there were a total of 6 articles to be supplied to around 16,000 beneficiaries with the cost of each set to be supplied coming to over Rs. 7,900 which, allegedly, was even higher than the retail price.

“We had sought a CBI inquiry into the matter but we are satisfied as the court has given a progressive direction to the state,” stated Mr. Sharma.

Disposing the matter, the Single Bench of the High Court comprising of Chief Justice NK Jain further ordered that henceforth supply of articles to the State government by STCS, where the tender amount is above Rs. 5 crores, advertisements are to be issued at least in one national daily news paper and two local news papers by the STCS.

A reasonable time period of minimum one month is to be provided for obtaining the tender forms and papers and for submission of the same by interested persons, the Order directs.

During pendency of this petition, the High Court had stayed the payment of 25% of the amount to be paid to the suppliers by the state government. This stay order was lifted with the above order issued by the court; this payment, as per the court ruling, is to be made within three weeks. 

Govt employees resign from SFA

GANGTOK, 25 June: A meeting of Sikkim Football Association [SFA] was held here at the Football House today. An SFA press release issued by its president, BK Roka, informs that in pursuance of the state government circular disallowing government servants from being part of any associations, all the state government employees who were members of the SFA, tendered their resignation to the SFA president.

The release informs that it was also decided to hold a General Body Meeting to fill up the vacant posts from the existing members of the Association. Till such time all activities of the association will be kept in abeyance. 

Amendment to Sikkim Police Act seeks to allow for extension of tenure of chairperson and members

GANGTOK, 25 June: Chief Minister Pawan Chaming, who also holds charge of Home Department, tabled the Sikkim Police (Amendment) Bill 2014 in the Assembly today.

The statement of objects & reasons accompanying the Bill explains that the government considered it expedient to amend the provision in Section 136 of the Sikkim Police Act, 2008 to lay down the provision for extension of the tenure of Chairperson and member as a speedy alternative to reappointment as provided under sub-section (2) of the Section 136 and the amendment in Section 169 has been proposed to lay down the ambit and scope of the said provision.

The Bill has been adopted by the House and will be put to vote after discussions scheduled for 27 June, Friday.

The amendment bill has proposed the insertion of a new section after the sub-section (2) of Section 136 of the Sikkim Police Act, 2008 with provisio – ‘Provided that where a Chairperson or Member has already completed a tenure of 5 years the State Government may extend the tenure of such Chairperson or a Member as the case may be, for such further period as it may deem fit.’

East SDMs and GVAs briefed on issuance of OBC certificates

GANGTOK, 25 June [IPR]: East District’s Sub Divisional Magistrates and Gram Vikash Adhikaris have been briefed on the new guidelines with regard to issuance of new Other Backward Class certificates in an orientation programme organized here at the conference hall of District Collectorate, East.

In the first round of interactive session held after the revocation of Most Backward Class certificate from the state, representatives discussed the issue of creamy layer on the person or sections excluded from reservation for Central List Other Backward Classes and State List Other Backward Classes in Sikkim.

During the orientation programme, resource person Additional Secretary, State Commission for Backward Classes, TB Chettri, and former Additional Secretary and OSD State Commission for Backward Classes Bina Kanti Pradhan highlighted the schedule-I, Schedule-II and Schedule-III under the notification issued by Department of Social Justice bearing No. 86/SJEWD/WD. Pradhan clearly stated that the criteria of Creamy Layer is applicable to OBC category in the state.

Creamy layer status of candidate is determined on the basis of status/income of his/her parents but not on the basis of income/status of his own and status/income of spouse, she added. 

An officer who is directly recruited in Class II or Grade II gets promotion to Class I or Grade I before the age of forty years, his/her, son/daughter comes under creamy layer. While an officer who is directly recruited in grade C and D and gets promotion to Class I before the age of 40 years will not be included in creamy layer.

As discussed in the interactive session, son(s) and daughter (s) of persons who come under the category of constitutional post rule of exclusion from reservation for Central and State OBC will be applied.

As per the newly designed creamy layer criteria, the income, service status and land holding are the three main factors which will be strictly monitored before declaring the creamy layer to a particular person. Besides service category of Group 'A'/ class-I officers of the All India Central Services and in the State Govt. Services and Employees in Public Sector Undertakaings, category of the few Armed Forces including Paramilitary Forces, Professional Class and those engaged in trade and Industry and Property owners may perhaps fall under creamy layer if they do not meet the criteria of reservation for Central List Other Backward Classes and State List Other Backward Classes.

It is mentioned that the rule of exclusion will be applied to son(s) and daughter(s) of

A) Parents, both of whom are class I/Group A officer.

B) Parents, either of whom is a class I/Group A officer in the state govt.

C) Parents, both of whom is class I/Group A officers in the state govt., but one of them dies or suffers permanent incapacitation while in service.

D) Parents, either or both  of whom are class I/Group A officer in the state govt. and such parent dies or suffers permanent incapacitation  while in service and before such death or such incapacitation has had the benefit of employment in any international organization like UN, IMF, World Bank etc. for a period of not less than five years.

E)   Parents both of whom or either of whom is directly recruited to Group B officer and who gets into Class I/Group A at the age of forty yrs.

F)   Parents who are included in the creamy layer on the basis of service  status of their  parents, shall continue to be treated in creamy layer even if their parents have retired or have died after retirement.  It is noted that the rule of exclusion shall not apply in few specific cases.

Regarding the income/wealth Test, persons having gross annual income of Rs. Six lakhs  or above or possessing wealth is one criteria to be combined under creamy layer.

It may be mentioned here that the declaration of the service status, income and  property by the applicants for Central List Other Backward Classes and State List Other Backward Classes has to be true and correct.

The programme began with the welcome address of  SDM Gantok, Mr. BC Rai and concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by SDM Gantok KL Lepcha. It was attended bySDMs & GVAs from East District and other officials.

South plants through its 10 Minutes to Earth

Namchi, 25 June [IPR]: The “10 Minutes to Earth” initiative was observed here in South Sikkim at the District Zilla Panchyat Bhawan today. The program, organized by the Forest Department was attended by DC (South) Prabhakar Verma, South Zilla Upadhakshya DM Baraily, ADM (South) Kapil Meena, DFO (T) MK Rai, ACF (T) Deepshika Sharma, ADC (Dev), Namchi Benu Gurung, DPO Yangchen Tamang along with the staff and officials of Forest, Irrigation and RM&D Departments and South District Zilla Panchyats. The plantation drive was conducted in the RM&DD compound here.

The DC, sharing the importance of the program, asked the participants to ensure thorough follow up every three months to provide proper care and nurture of all the trees and flowers planted by them in their respective areas.

He further underlined the significance of ‘Paryavaran Mahotsav’ and its three imperative components - Cleanliness Drive, Awareness Campaign and Plantation Drive - which should foster collective responsibility from all the participants.

In addition, the DFO briefed the officials present on the steps to be followed by them while carrying out avenue plantation in their respective departments. With regard to this he asked the officials to execute systematic follow up plan so as to nurture the plants and trees planted by them during the years to come.

Similarly, government departments like IPR, HRDD, Irrigation, Health and Namchi Municipal Council with Namchi Gram Vikas Kendra as well as school students took park in the ‘Ten Minutes to Earth’ program today. Flowering & Medicinal plants, Ornamental tree/ plant saplings and local tree saplings like pine, fir were planted during the program.

Kabi MLA brings up desolation of North roads in Assembly

GANGTOK, 25 June: Kabi Lungchuk MLA, Ugen Nedup Bhutia, raised the issue of the poor road conditions of North district in the Legislative Assembly today during the Budget Session. He highlighted how the deplorable condition of the North Sikkim Highway was posing real danger to the life and property of the people. In this regard, he pointed out the death of three teachers from Tanek Primary School when an entire rock face collapsed on their moving car on NSH on Tuesday.

All members of the House joined the MLA in extending condolences to the bereaved families of lives lost in yesterday’s mishap at Dhamala Bhir on North Sikkim Highway.

The MLA stressed that because of the poor connectivity and apparent lack of urgency in improving the roads, the people of North district are almost alienated due to frequent blockage of roads.

The up-gradation and widening of the roads begin more than a decade back but the pace of the work is so slow that they do not appear anywhere near completion, Mr. Bhutia said, urging the State government to take up the matter with the Central government on priority basis.

While replying to the point raised by the MLA, the Roads & Bridges Minister GM Gurung assured the House that the State government will take up this issue with the concerned authorities in New Delhi.

Teacher and lecturer recruitments within a year, HRD Minister assures

GANGTOK, 25 June: The State government will fill all the vacant posts of teachers, both in schools and at the college level, in another year’s time and this recruitment will follow all prescribed procedures and norms. This was assured by the Human Resource Development Minister RB Subba in the Legislative Assembly today and supplements what the Chief Minister announced yesterday that the government will not compromise in imparting quality education and appointments of the teachers in college and school level.

The HRD Minister told the SLA that the recruitment of lecturers and teachers for colleges and schools was being processed and that the State Public Service Commission is holding the recruitment examination to meet the demand of teachers in the state.

The Minister informed the House that while more than 400 vacancies exist for teachers in elementary education, government colleges require more than 300 lecturers at present.

He went on to state that ad-hocism will be completely ended in the State once the procedures for appointment of regular teachers and lecturers was completed. The State government has appointed teachers and lecturers on adhoc basis to meet the current demand.

He also assured that the state government was prepared to accommodate all the students who have scored more than 55 percent marks in SGC-Tadong, and student who have secured less than 55 percent will accommodated in Namchi, Gyalshing and Rhencok Government Degree Colleges.

He also informed that House that the government has also initiated a process to empanel colleges outside the State to accommodate students who have secured less than 55 percent marks and will soon sign agreements with those colleges empanelling them with the state government.

Minister Subba also said that the State government is also planning to come up with a National Youth Policy by next year to create the state’s own human resource, adding that livelihood schools have already been established in constituencies to create the necessary human resource to meet the demands.

Football clubs boycott SFA hosted league

GANGTOK, 25 June: The “Football Club Association of Sikkim” today announced its decision to boycott upcoming tournaments being organsied by the Sikkim Football Association. The FCAS and SFA had been in a stand-off for a while now, and the clearly, the issue has boiled over now. FCAS, which had been threatening such stand, today announced that the “unsporting and non responsive” attitude of SFA had driven FCAS to take this decision. Interestingly, even as the announcement comes on the eve of the 2nd Division League, the SFA, after all its government employee members resigned from the association, has put all its activities in “abeyance”.

Be that as it may, the FCAS, which had reiterated its stand at  meeting held on Sunday, today announced the boycott since SFA continued to ignore points raised by it.

FCAS has raised a set of eight points. It wants the U-19 Criteria imposed by the SFA for the 2^nd Div League to be repealed. It also wants SFA to conduct U-14 and U-19 football tournaments separately. It also wants SFA to provide proper basic facilities to the teams during tournaments and matches and also appoint a selection/ spotter committee comprising of ex-footballers, members from SFA and FCAS for every match so that the talent can be spotted and promoted in time.

The FCAS also wants SFA to depute qualified referees during tournaments provide at least to and fro taxi fare to clubs from other districts and teams participating in tournaments in Gangtok and also give Rs. 5,000 per match to the participating teams as an match money. They also want an organizing committee comprising of SFA and FCAS members for every tournament.

These issues were taken up with SFA through official letters, but FCAS did not receive any response from SFA and hence the decision to boycott SFA-organised tournaments.

Burglary in Rangpo

GANGTOK, 25 Jun: Some unknown miscreant(s) broke into a mobile phone shop at Chanatar Road, Rangpo in the intervening night of 23-24 June and stole Rs. 15,000 in cash, mobile phones and other accessories. A case has been registered at Rangpo Police Station and efforts are on to trace out and apprehend the accused.

Teen found with ‘drugs’

GANGTOK, 25 Jun: The Namchi police on 24 June apprehended an 18 year old teen in possession of contraband substances. He was found roaming “in a suspicious manner” at the Mainline Taxi Stand, Namchi Bazaar. 19 capsules of Spasmo Proxyvon and a small packet of marijuana [ganja] was found in his possession. The teen was sent to Juvenile Observation Home, Gangtok after completing all the legal formalities.

booked for assault

GANGTOK, 25 Jun: A 36 year old man is reported to have been assaulted by two others at Perbing Dong, South Sikkim on 24 June. Both the accused have been arrested by the Namchi police and the case is under investigation.

Driver killed in Tinzerbong road mishap

GANGTOK, 25 Jun: A 27 year old driver was killed and one other injured when a truck bearing registration no. WB-11-C-2510 met with an accident at Tinzerbong, West Sikkim on 24 June. The truck fell off a cliff about 150 feet below at Mangalbaria-Reshi Road. The injured occupant who was the brother of the deceased driver was evacuated to Namchi District Hospital for medical intervention and the dead body of the deceased was sent to Gyalshing District Hospital for autopsy. The deceased driver was a resident of Patmani Purba Subsit Bagman, Uluberia, Howrah [WB].

Suicide in West Sikkim

GANGTOK, 25 Jun: A 50 year old woman committed suicide by hanging herself in a store hut of her residence at Gairigaon, Dodak in Soreng, West Sikkim, on 24 June. The body was discovered by her husband who informed the police.

Sidelined beneficiaries from Kadamtam allege political victimisation

GANGTOK, 25 June: A section of beneficiaries of Green House scheme from Kadamtam under Namcheybong constituency in East Sikkim has alleged that even after the meeting all required criteria they have not received any payment from the concerned department so far.

Addressing a press conference here today, they alleged that out of 26 beneficiaries in Kadamtam, 18 have already received payments of Rs 10,000 each but the payment for the remaining 8 beneficiaries remains denied without any reason.

Durga Prasad Mangar, Laxman Mangar, Mani Kumar Mangar, Sukraj Mangar, Binod Mangar, Subash Mangar, Prakash Mangar and Amrit Mangar have not received their due payments, they detail.

They informed that being unemployed youth from Kadamtam, they had submitted applications for green houses for Gerbera cultivation with the Horticulture Department in the area. It is added that 26 beneficiaries from the area were selected for the same.

“After completion of the works, out of 26 beneficiaries  18 received payment of Rs 10,000 each from the Horticulture Department on 21 May but the remaining 8 remained denied,” they alleged.

They alleged that area MLA and some Horticulture Department officials were behind this denial. They further allege that even as they remain ignored, some beneficiaries who have not fulfilled the criteria have received the payment already.

Regarding the same, Laxman Mangar has also filed an RTI query with the Horticulture Department today seeking details on the list of beneficiaries and other details of the supply of Green House under Namcheybong constituency.

They also asked the area MLA to explain the reason on stopping the payment and urged the concerned Minister to step in and resolve the matter. 

Road widening works end up constricting traffic, imperiling commuters ANAND OBEROI

GANGTOK, 25 June: Complaints of falling boulders and shooting debris at various spots along the national highway have been making news for quite a while now with damages to plying vehicles and traffic snarls being reported as well. The unpredictability of the road formations claimed three lives yesterday on the North Sikkim Highway when an entire rock face collapsed on a moving car at Tanek in North Sikkim above Dikchu. The incident reiterates the worry and danger that the road travel presents under the combined assault of monsoons and exposed and incomplete road widening works.

With the BRO workforce claiming to be carrying out back cutting and road widening works on “top priority” at the moment, the brunt of the incomplete works littered throughout the highway is borne by commuters especially now that the monsoon has broken over Sikkim.

Speaking to NOW! The BRO Director informs that the roads where the slides occur are cleared by the work gangs immediately as their top priority is to keep the roads open. Speaking on the Tanek incident the Director stated that the area where the slide had occurred required “time” for GREF manpower to reach and added that GREF personnel were now at the spot and working to clear the heavy debris that crushed a vehicle killing all of its occupants.

While refusing to comment directly on the manner in which BRO was executing its back cutting and road widening works here in the state he stated, “We are doing our duty.”

Meanwhile, apart from many cases of damages to vehicles, a few severe injuries reported on civilians and indiscriminate traffic jams due to the frequent road blocks along the highway because of the falling boulders, the local populace and those who ply along the highway on a daily basis have raised questions regarding their safety.

Tourists missing flights and trains due to the frequent blocks have become a common feature with the taxi operators stating that it is the “irresponsible and unsystematic” manner in which different sections of the highway have been excavated that is causing this dilemma amongst travelers at the moment.

“The BRO has excavated around five to six major portions between Gangtok and Rangpo alone and more on the national highway from Rangpo to Siliguri. This they do indiscriminately without actually completing one spot. Even if we negotiate one or three trouble spots safely, there are many such spots which are equally unpredictable with the rains now falling continuously,” complain members of the Sikkim Mainline taxi drivers association who also claim that this indiscriminate back-cutting works have given the tourism industry negative publicity in the past few years because of the inconvenience it causes commuters.

“Tourism can be hit severely if this continues as it is the people visiting the state who say that Sikkim is beautiful but the roads are just the opposite. Locals plying everyday on these roads could in time learn to live with this danger looming over their heads but the case is different for the people who come visiting,” state members of JN Road Taxi drivers association.

Speaking to NOW! earlier this week, stranded people along the highway between Singtam and Ranipool who had to wait for a huge boulder to be cleared by the BRO personnel that took almost two hours complained, “This is no way BRO should be allowed to leave these fragile rock faces scratched out like this. It is a dangerous proposition to travel in Sikkim during the monsoons as the hills above are giving way as the rains keep falling. If these works were carried out in a phased manner, this unpredictability of the main highway and other important roads like JN Road and the Mangan-Chungthang axis could be reduced to a huge extent.”

Similarly, drivers and passengers alike who ply along North Sikkim highway and JN Road  on a regular basis also highlight their resentment with the back cutting works being executed by BRO which as per them is proving to be a deterrent for tourists to visit Sikkim.

And the complaints don’t end here, there are many vehicles that have been either damaged partially or heavily by falling boulders, many of which have rolled straight into the vehicles below injuring passengers like incidents reported along the JN Road- Tsomgo- Baba Mandir axis. It may be informed that in some cases these injured individuals had to be rushed to the army hospitals, STNM Hospital, CRH, Tadong and Singtam District Hospital for emergency treatment for injuries sustained from the unstable and fragile rock face left exposed due to road widening works.

However, BRO officials contend here that every back-cutting and road widening works being carried out throughout the highway are being executed by different executing officers who as per the BRO will “continue with the works on priority basis.” The task is to keep the roads open and that the BRO will ensure, its officials state.

BRO officials also maintain that every project site has its own schedule of completion and will have to be completed as it is the BRO’s job to actually keep the highway open even after such instances of road blocks.

Day-3 of First Session of Sikkim’s Ninth Legislative Assembly

Gangtok, 25 June [IPR]: The third day of the First Session (Part-II) of the Ninth Assembly began with the question hour today.

Minister for UD&HD, NK Subba, while replying to the question raised by a Member of the House during the question hour said that there is an approved and sanctioned project under the UDHD to develop the Old West Point School complex into a multipurpose building with car parking shopping centre and recreation facilities to be executed in the public private partnership mode. The objective of this endeavor is to create world class urban infrastructure in important towns of the state which would give a boost to Tourism industry and also enhance the quality of life of the urban dwellers.

The Ministry for Urban Development as well as the Planning Commission have been encouraging states to take up such projects and these have been conceived and prepared as per the Planning Commission's guidelines. The present proposal is the first major urban infrastructure in the state to be implemented on PPP mode.

The Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Ugen T Gyatso, while replying to a question said that though the time of completion of the Greenfield Airport at Pakyong was originally fixed for 2011, due to many reasons like rehabilitation of the affected people and the disastrous earthquake that hit the state, completion has been rescheduled for the year 2016.

He further informed that against the original projection of 17 houses being affected by the construction of the airport, the number now stands at 143. The government has already submitted a request for Rs. 13.77 crore as compensation for the 17 damaged houses and is considering the proposal to put up the demand for compensation of all the 143 houses to the Airport Authority of India.

As of now, the construction work has been suspended and the department is working to start the work as soon as possible, he informed.

Next, the Minister for Rural Management & Development Department SB Subedi while replying to the questions raised during the question hour said that in view of the largescale protests, and also to honour the sentiments of the people, the government has decided not to take up the Kabi-Longstok Beautification Project funded by DoNER.

He further stated that as the government has decided not to take up the work, therefore contemplation of the DoNER funds to be utilized in some other projects in the vicinity is not there and further the funds so received shall be surrendered to the Ministry of DoNER.

The Minister for Health Care, Human Services and Family Welfare Department, Arjun Kumar Ghatani while replying to the question raised by a member of the house said that two Community Health Centers and three Primary Health Sub Centers has been increased in the state as compared to the status on 1994. Further, five Primary Health Sub Centers in Rangrang, North Sikkim, Lingzay, North Sikkim, Mangshila, North Sikkim, Mabong Sengeng and Chotta Samdong has been recently approved by the State Government for the construction of additional centers.

He further said that as far as health infrastructure and manpower is concerned the state is far ahead of the National norms as prescribed by the Government of India. The District Hospitals, PHCs and PHSCs cater to far lesser population than the norms prescribed by the Government of India, he added.

Chief Minister Pawan Chamling also the Minister-in-Charge of Home Department introduced the Sikkim Police (Amendment) Bill, Bill No. 9 of 2014 in the House, today.

During the financial business, Minister for Energy & Power and Labour Departments, DD Bhutia presented demands for grants under his departments where after comprehensive discussion the grant was passed by the august house.

During the discussions, MLAs PS Tamang, Timothy William Basnet, Ugen Nedup Bhutia and others raised questions on the revenue generation by the power sector and also raised the question on the free electricity to the poor section of the society and on various issues like installations of new transformers and street lights in various areas in around the capital where are still not illuminated.

The concerned minister answered the questions and queries placed by the MLAs.

Similarly, Minister for Roads and Bridges and Cultural Affairs and Heritage Departments also placed demands for grants under his charge which was passed by the august house after comprehensive discussion.

During the discussion, the Minister, Garjaman Gurung, also informed the house that henceforth, National Highway 31A will be called NH 10 and also replied the questions and queries raised by the MLAs on repairs of existing roads, conditions of various roads around the state as well as around the capital, and also on the pending bills of the contractors.

Similarly, Minister in charge of Human Resource Development, Sports & Youth Affairs, Law, Legislative & Parliamentary Affairs Departments, RB Subba, placed Demands for Grants under his charge. The Demands for grants was put to vote, and were convincingly passed by the House after discussion.

During the discussion, a question was raised as to why teachers regularized under Sarva Siksha Abhiyan were not given similar allowances and benefits enjoyed by other regular teachers. Replying to this query, the HRD Minister clarified that SSA being a centrally sponsored scheme has not kept any provision for reimbursements and other benefits. As such, the State Government can do very little to redress this issue, he stated.

With regard to a query raised by a Member about inadequate financial aid in the form of grant-in-aid to sports and youth associations, and the ensuing difficulties to be faced by these associations after the Government's recent notification to prohibit Government employees from being part of any association or union and its implications on the financial condition of the these bodies, Minister-in-charge of Youth & Sports Affairs Department clarified that the Government has been giving grant-in-aid to several of these organizations, but due to limitations in the Government treasury some of these organizations are invariably left out. He further stated that the Government by issuing the recent notification has not taken a new decision but has revisited an already existing rule which is part of the Sikkim State Service Rules. He added that the working members of these associations should give way to new individuals to take their work forward

Members of the House PS Tamang, Hemendra Adhikari, Dr. Mechung Bhutia, Pintso Chopel Lepcha, Kunga Nima Lepcha, and Gopal Baraily also participated in the discussion.

Similarly, Member of the House and Minister in charge of Urban Development & Housing Department and Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Departments NK Subba placed the Demands for Grands under his charge. The demands for grants was put to discussion and voting after which they were unanimously passed by the House. Members Shyam Pradhan, Hemendra Adhikari, Pintso Chopel Lepcha, Kunga Nima Lepcha, Timothy William Basnet and Gopal Baraily participated in the discussion.

SKM Legislators take protest to the Well of the House

GANGTOK, 25 June: The third day of the Budget Session started on a stormy note today when Opposition MLAs of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha, demanding that the Leader of the House explain or apologise for the use of the word “anti-national” while referring to some SKM MLAs yesterday, stormed into the Well of the House and disrupted the proceedings.

Assembly proceedings were held up for 7 minutes in the ruckus until Speaker KN Rai brought order back into the hall. He assured the SKM members that he would examine their demand and take action accordingly.

The SKM MLAs have demanded an unconditional apology and clarification from the CM on his comment. The SKM MLA from Martam-Rumtek, Dr. Mechung Bhutia moved a notice demanding the apology and also sought that the statement be withdrawn and also expunged from the records of Assembly proceedings.

Former Speaker, KT Gyaltsen, who handled one instance of disruption by Mr. Tamang in the House during the last term, in a press communiqué issued on today’s incident, said: “What we saw today was unfortunate. The disruption was wholly unwarranted and violated the established Rules of Procedure and Conduct of the Assembly. When SDF had first come to power in 1994, and returned in 1999, there was a sizable opposition and even they used to raise issues. But the kind of disruptions we saw today is unprecedented and should be condemned by all Sikkimese. We are for peace and we want to set an example for the rest of the Country. That is the kind of message that should be going out from our Legislators.”

He also had some advice for the SKM legislators. “I’ll suggest that they should look at the larger interest of Sikkim and give up disruption tactics and opposing for the sake of opposing. Most of them are first time MLAs and they should focus on having a positive impact within the framework of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct. I’m sure that the Leader of the House, Hon’ble Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, will take their views positively.”

The Question Hour was held after the melee had subsided. The remainder of the day saw no disruptions and featured smart debate and discussions.

After the Question Hour, SKM’s Prem Singh Tamang sought time for zero hour to raise questions on priority basis. This request was turned down by the Speaker who adjourned the House for tea.

CHAMLING CONFIDENT OF MARSHALLING INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT, ANNOUNCES HE WILL TAKE OPPOSITION INTO CONFIDENCE AS WELL AND WILL NOT IGNORE THEM

Not without the Opposition
THINK FOR SIKKIM FOR FIRST 4 YEARS, THE LAST ONE YEAR IS ENOUGH FOR POLITICS: CHAMLING

VISHNU NEOPANEY
GANGTOK, June 24: The discussions saw some sharp exchanges and strong words in the Assembly today, but the takeaway after the motion of thanks on the Governor’s address was passed by voice vote was the positive pose struck by Leader of the House, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling. Although he was blistering in some of his retorts to points raised by SKM MLAs, Mr. Chamling concluded his remarks striking a pleasant chord, offering to reach across the aisle to the Opposition bench and promising to engage SKM members in the House in decision making and taking them into confidence in development planning and delivery. In the “march of prosperity” for Sikkim, he stressed, he would not like to progress without the Opposition’s support.
Gesturing to the packed Treasury bench in the Assembly, Mr. Chamling said, “Whatever be the numbers here, I do not want to move ahead without you (the Opposition). I don’t want to proceed on the basis of the mandate given to SDF party alone... I want to move ahead on the strength of consensus.”
Highlighting that the MLAs have now graduated from being candidates to becoming “ambassadors of hope”, Mr. Chamling, in his two hour five minute long speech, assured that he was open to criticism and willing to learn - whether about world-class organic production in Sikkim or a well-run public distribution system has to be put in place.
“If we have your support, we can make Sikkim the best state. Think of the state for the first four years, the last year is enough for politics. The duty of all MLAs is to work for the state,” he said.
Positive and constructive opposition, he shared, will help achieve the Missions set for the State to become the best in the country and went on to urge them to shoulder their responsibilities well and deliver responsibly on their duties in public interest.
He also invited the opposition MLAs to bring what they consider priority undertaking to him to be addressed in public interest. The elections, he pointed out, are over and now legislators will have to deliver for the public without differentiation.
The Chief Minister, as mentioned, was replying to points raised by the Legislators in the Motion of Thanks on the Governor’s address.
While replying to the points raised by the members of MLAs from both the treasury and opposition benches, Mr. Chamling said that while the status of the health sector has improved, the government continues investing its best efforts towards overcoming the shortage of human resource in medical and paramedical field. He also urged the opposition MLAs to bring up issues whenever they see the government slacking.
He also assured the House that the State government will not politicise teachers and called on the teachers to deliver quality education to students, a task for which they will receive all required assistance.
MLAs Dr. Michung Bhutia, Ugen Nidup Bhutia, Pintso Chopel Lepcha, Chandra Maya Subba, BB Rai, KN Lepcha, Prem Singh Tamang, Sonam Lama, Bikram Pradhan and Shyam Sundar Pradhan took part in discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the Governor’s address.

3 teachers from Tanek School killed in North Sikkim Highway collapse

MANGAN, 24 June: Three teachers of Tanek Primary School in North Sikkim were crushed to death when the car they were travelling in was caught in a crash of boulders at Dhamala Bhir under Ramthang-Tanek GPU of Kabi-Lungchok constituency on the North Sikkim Highway. The teachers were returning home from school this afternoon, when the vehicle, a Maruti A-Star [SK-03P-0853], was caught in the slide.
28 year old Dichen Bhutia from Kabi, Sonam Doma Bhutia, 31, from Ramthang and Karma Thinley Bhutia 41, also from Ramthang were killed in the mishap.  The car belonged to Ms. Dichen Bhutia who was driving herself, it is informed.
Upon hearing of the incident, people of the area and police personnel headed by SP North RN Yadav rushed to the spot along with the police personnel from Mangan and Phodong Police Stations and teams from District Disaster Management and NDRF.
The extraction proved a major challenge and two excavators and one JCB provided by hydel project developer Sneha Kinetic Power Project Ltd had to be plied for more than three hours before the boulders could be cleared from the spot and the dead bodies recovered.
Needless to add, the people and panchayats at the spot were vocal in expressing their dissatisfaction with the Border Roads Organisation, under whose watch the North Sikkim Highway comes, highlighting that no representative from BRO was at the spot today.

Rangpo students paint for environment

GANGTOK, 24 June: More than 300 students of Rangpo Mining Senior Secondary school took part in a painting competition organised by the Marwari Yuva Manch, Rangpo, and Hindi daily, Dainik Jagran, today. The competition was held to spread the message of environment conservation, informs a press release. Winners of the competition are Arun Mangar of class IX, Dhiraj Kumar of class IX, Swati Kumari of class X, K Shubham Singha of class IX and Pratima Pradhan of class X in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th place respectively. 

Assembly remembers two former Members who have passed on

GANGTOK, 24 June [IPR]: The second day of the Budget Session 2014 began with obituary references on the passing away of Til Bahadur Limboo, former Member, Sikkim Legislative Assembly and Bhim Raj Rai, also a former MLA. The Obituary Reference was read out by Speaker KN Rai.

The Leader of the House, Pawan Chamling, in his Obituary Reference remembered the late Mr. Limboo, as an active social worker, environmentalist and a politician committed to the cause of the people. Mr. Limboo had served as a Member of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly from 1979 to 1984 and was also Chairman of the Rajya Paryavaran Board.

Born on 18 January, 1937, Mr. Limboo hailed from Hee Gaon in West Sikkim, and made a significant contribution in the fields of environment and education. He was known for his commitment to the cause of Limboo language and culture and had consistently raised his voice for the upliftment of the Limboo community in the State.

The Chief Minister also made a mention of the ‘Save the Forest campaign’ led by Mr. Limboo in Hee Bermiok in West Sikkim. The former Legislator passed away on 12 March 2014.

On the passing away of Mr. Bhim Raj Rai, Mr. Chamling remembered him as a political contemporary who was sincere and committed to the cause of the poor and downtrodden.

Born on 31 December, 1935, Mr. Rai initially served the Forest and Wildlife Department as a Range Officer and was later elevated to the rank of Assistant Conservator of Forest. He subsequently resigned from government job and joined politics. He was elected as a Member of Sikkim Legislative Assembly from Jorethang constituency under the Sikkim Sangram Parishad Party. He breathed his last on 03 June 2014 at Central Referral Hospital.

MLAs PS Tamang and SB Subedi also participated in the Obituary Reference.

Assembly remembers two former Members who have passed on

GANGTOK, 24 June [IPR]: The second day of the Budget Session 2014 began with obituary references on the passing away of Til Bahadur Limboo, former Member, Sikkim Legislative Assembly and Bhim Raj Rai, also a former MLA. The Obituary Reference was read out by Speaker KN Rai.

The Leader of the House, Pawan Chamling, in his Obituary Reference remembered the late Mr. Limboo, as an active social worker, environmentalist and a politician committed to the cause of the people. Mr. Limboo had served as a Member of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly from 1979 to 1984 and was also Chairman of the Rajya Paryavaran Board.

Born on 18 January, 1937, Mr. Limboo hailed from Hee Gaon in West Sikkim, and made a significant contribution in the fields of environment and education. He was known for his commitment to the cause of Limboo language and culture and had consistently raised his voice for the upliftment of the Limboo community in the State.

The Chief Minister also made a mention of the ‘Save the Forest campaign’ led by Mr. Limboo in Hee Bermiok in West Sikkim. The former Legislator passed away on 12 March 2014.

On the passing away of Mr. Bhim Raj Rai, Mr. Chamling remembered him as a political contemporary who was sincere and committed to the cause of the poor and downtrodden.

Born on 31 December, 1935, Mr. Rai initially served the Forest and Wildlife Department as a Range Officer and was later elevated to the rank of Assistant Conservator of Forest. He subsequently resigned from government job and joined politics. He was elected as a Member of Sikkim Legislative Assembly from Jorethang constituency under the Sikkim Sangram Parishad Party. He breathed his last on 03 June 2014 at Central Referral Hospital.

MLAs PS Tamang and SB Subedi also participated in the Obituary Reference.

Woman murdered in Temi

NAMCHI, 24 June: A woman was found murdered at Katel Dhura, Temi Tea Garden in South Sikkim on 23 June.
According to police reports, a neighbor found Manju Darjee dead in a pool of blood in her house with cut injuries from a bamphok. While police have not mentioned any accused in the FIR registered at the Temi Police Station, they are suspecting the victim’s partner, Mani Kumar Rasaily at the moment.
Police are trying to trace Mani Kumar Kami who has gone missing. The couple were living in Rongli and had come to Katel Dhura on 19 June. The police have found the weapon of offence and also taken blood samples.

HRDD holds orientation workshop on E-Billing for mid-day meal scheme

GANGTOK, 24 June: HRDD East District organized an orientation workshop on Mid Day Meal Web Portal under Green Channel on 23 June.
A press release informs that the main objective of this training was to appraise the school heads about the new mechanism which aims to revamp the system by facilitating smooth implementation of MDM scheme in schools. The Green Channel system seeks to facilitate timely and effective mode of payment of cooking cost, honorarium to cook cum helpers under MDM Scheme.
The Director MP Subba, Director MDM, Dy. Director MDM [HQ], Dy. Director [East], Dy. Director Pakyong, ADs/AEOs from all GVKs of East District attended the program. Principals from 24 senior secondary schools,  HMs from secondary schools, JHS and Primary schools along with teachers and in-charges from Monastic and Sanskrit Pathshalas were oriented on the modalities of operating the Green Channel System, the release mentions.
The welcome speech was delivered by Chimi Donkar [Assistant Director, Gangtok GVK] while Pema Thinley [APC, MDM] briefed about the new system and the change in the mode of payment of MDM Bills.
An interactive session was also held to discuss the problems faced by the schools in the implementation of the scheme. In this regard District Mid-Day Meal in-charge, CS Subba assured  to support and solve the minor problems faced by the schools within the district level.
Workshop/Orientation programme concluded with vote of thanks given by Kabita Moktan [Deputy Director MDM cell].

Awareness programme on Leprosy reaches Lingmoo

Lingmoo, 24 June [IPR]: An awareness programme organised by the Namchi District Hospital on Leprosy was held at Primary Health Sub-Centre (PHSC), Lingmoo, South Sikkim today. Residents of Lingmoo Gram Panchayat Unit, ASHA workers, Aaganwadi workers, VHSNC members and people from surrounding areas attended the program chaired by CMO (South) Dr Bimal Rai accompanied by Director (IEC), CL Pradhan; Senior Non-Medical Leprosy Officer BK Rai and DPNOs (District Public Health Nursing Officers).
The awareness programme began with a welcome address by Deputy Director (IEC) who highlighted the importance of the program.
Addressing the session, the CMO emphasized the reason of why the Health Department has taken such a serious initiative to spread awareness in remote areas like Lingmoo. Dr. Rai discussed the ill-effects and negative stigma associated with Leprosy and how utmost care should be taken to combat the disease though early diagnosis with proper treatment and timely dosage of Antileprosy drugs (MDT).
He advised and instructed the public, rural health representatives and panchayats as a whole to encourage and support patients to undergo proper treatment and take collective responsibility to make their region as well as Sikkim, a disease free state.
In conclusion, he also spoke about Tuberculosis and how it bears similarities to Leprosy and notified the gathering about the free treatment provided by all the Government Hospitals in the state for all kinds of communicable diseases.
The CMO also informed that there are a total of 153 ASHAs at present in South district who are also trained to provide awareness regarding such diseases. He accordingly directed the ASHA workers to make home visits to identify such cases and coordinate with the hospitals to provide immediate treatment to the patients.
The Leprosy Officer explained various signs, symptoms and forms of Leprosy. Also, in the course of the program, medical revelations of cases detected in Melli and Jorethang were also discussed.
DPHNO, Ms. Vijay Laxmi Rai spoke on Mother & Child Health, particularly the weekly distribution of Iron and Folic Acid supplements which she informed is given to children both boys and girls between 10-19 years of age as well as to married/ unmarried/ pregnant females in the villages with a dose on every Monday of a week. She notified that the dosage prevents and checks conditions like anaemia in women. She also spoke on health issues like measles, child mortality due to measles and in turn, asked the ASHA and Aaganwadi workers to monitor child growth charts.
Another important awareness which was discussed during the programme was promotion of institutional child delivery in the hospitals instead of delivering at home. The SDPHNO, Tarun Rai who addressed the gathering on this issue.
The Health Department informed that 2 Leprosy cases have been detected in Koltang Tokdey and Lingmoo Paiyong GPUs under South District. These patients were provided with immediate treatment and are still undergoing treatment, it was informed.

Construction of Teesta Stage-III transmission lines stalled for more than a month

MANGAN, 24 June: Setting up of high tension transmission lines of the 1,200 MW Teesta Stage-III hydel project has been stalled for more than a month now with no labor being deployed at any of the sites. The work has been awarded to Abir Infrastructure Pvt Ltd (AIPL).
No work has taken place at the sites located in North, East and South districts since 09 May.
At present, the transmission line cables and other materials are lying idle at different sites. It is learnt that the construction of the 400 KV D/C transmission line was supposed to be completed by the end of May this year.
Now, the farmers on whose land the materials have been kept are asking for compensation for the problems they are facing due to the construction materials lying on their land.
On the other hand, the Central and State governments will have to bear a loss of more than Rs 1 crore if the work is not completed on time. The power project is to supply 200MW of power to neighbouring state of West Bengal by December 2014.

Golay’s proposal to make amendments to Governor’s address turned down

GANGTOK, 24 June: Sikkim Krantikari Morcha’s Prem Singh Tamang [Golay] proposed two amendments to the Governor’s address saying that the data that was reflected in the Governor’s address had mentioned a growth rate of 22.8 percent, which, he argued, did not match figures in recent documents published by the Planning Commission of India. The GSDP Growth Rates of Sikkim, he said was 11 percent instead.
However, replying to the motion for amendment, Leader of the House, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, rejected the counter figures as incorrect and stated that the figure of 22.8%  was reflected by Planning Commission in its 13th Finance Commission Report.
Mr. Tamang also moved an amendment for another figure- that of IMR, MMR, which was also turned down by the treasury bench.
Mr. Tamang also spoke out against imposition on Section 144 of the CrPC in the vicinity of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, claiming that this was “unreasonable and unwarranted”. Mr. Chamling responded by saying the Assembly Secretariat was an autonomous body and that he would not interfere in it.

Against Drug Abuse

 Editorial:-
Thursday, 26 June, a day after Sikkim has devoted 10 Minutes to Earth, is the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and hopefully, the State will spare some time thinking about this deadly combo as well. Sikkim is under assault from both fronts and going by the way it is handling the situation, it has very slim chances of succeeding. Agreed, there are many working diligently to curtail substance abuse and improve rehabilitation facilities, but good intentions are not always enough. To begin with, there are no figures available on the extent to which addiction has seeped into the Sikkimese society. In the absence of any data, it would impossible to gauge the success or failure of the anti drug abuse initiatives in the State or the efficacy of the Sikkim Anti Drugs Act. The focus will be diffused if the field workers don’t even know whether addiction is on the rise or fall in Sikkim. This is not to suggest that all efforts will prove futile. It is an accepted fact that addiction is a problem in Sikkim, and true to its international trend, is cutting across caste, social and economic barriers and infecting every section of the society. The obvious need is to launch a concerted drive against addiction, but just how wide and how focused this drive has to be can be decided only after the planners know what they are up against. But then, that is typical of Sikkim – to go up against a problem without even an inclination of the strength of the enemy.
An impossibility though it is, let’s continue on the premise that Sikkim has to continue battling drug abuse till it is completely wiped out. Addiction is essentially a young person’s disease [at least the affliction stage]. The youth are inclined to experiment and rebel. This is perfect hunting round for substances of abuse which, with their psychotropic trips, also provide release. Money is not a factor because even the poorest of families have their children caught in addiction. In Sikkim, the most conducive factor leading the youth into addiction is time, they simply have too much to spare. The State has consistently prioritized youth initiatives and has undertaken some remarkable schemes for them, but most of these are for the exception children, those who figure in merit lists. A majority of the kids are, well, “average” [for want of a better word]. There is precious little in the public domain for them, and even the public spaces where they could have played and interacted in a safe environment have been robbed from them to make car parks and new buildings. One has to realize that prevention alone is no defence against addiction. Every addict, even before his/ her initiation into drugs knows that it is not the most healthy habits. They still experiment, are snared and then seek escape only to find themselves trapped. A stronger focus has to be on rehabilitation, or treatment as some prefer to call it. This is why knowing what we are up against is so important. The relapse rate for rehabilitated addicts is high because they spend months in sanitized and regulated environments only to return to an environment which pushed them into addiction. Substance abuse is not a solitary indulgence, it is mostly a peer thing and rehabilitating only a section of the group leaves the recovering addict exposed to chances of relapse. Rehabilitation is also a social process and the whole society has to get involved. People have to understand addiction as a disease and a rehabilitated person as a recovering patient. The society also has to stop putting a moral quotient on addiction as this pushes addicts away even when they want to reach out for help.
The process is simple, celebrated recovered addicts and their love for life, reach out to those who are still trapped. And act fast, the youth today form the largest chunk of the Sikkimese population, their health should be everybody’s concern.

PIL in High Court alleges misappropriation of Earthquake relief funds

GANGTOK, 24 June: State government functionaries including the Chief Minister, other ministers of the previous government and officials have been accused of misappropriating huge sums of money from the funds released by the Central government for Earthquake Relief [in the wake of the 18 Sept 2011 earthquake].
The public interest litigation [PIL] has been filed in the High Court of Sikkim by Sonam Tshering Bhutia alleging misappropriation at the behest of the Chief Minister and other ministers namely RB Subba and DB Thapa, of the disbursed amounts from the Rs. 1,000 crore sanctioned by the Prime Minister. The filing of this PIL was also referred to by the CM in the Assembly discussions today when he detailed the status of funds and also highlighted that the matter was also sub-judice.
Meanwhile, as for the PIL, misappropriation has also been alleged from the National Disaster Response Fund, the State Disaster Response Fund and also from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. The PIL seeks a CBI inquiry or establishment of a Special Investigating Team under the high court considering the range of misappropriation and fund diversion.
Following the hearing in court, Justice SP Wangdi recused himself from hearing the matter as a relative of his also stands accused by the petitioner in the PIL. The PIL will now be taken up by the Chief Justice and a date of hearing has been set for 30 July.
In the mean time the state respondent has been asked to file its counter affidavit.  
The petitioner accuses the state government of misrepresenting facts to the Centre and presenting an inflated expenditure requirement for relief and rehabilitation for damages and compensation to be paid in the wake of the earthquake, particularly to the Planning Commission and the Ministry of Home Affairs, both of which have been made respondents in the petition.
The state government has been charged of presenting expenditure on dubious and nonexistent grounds.
Among the more pertinent illegalities which the state government has been accused of is the supposedly arbitrary manner of ex gratia payment; these, the PIL alleges were made to the acquaintances and supporters of the Chief Minister and other public officials. Ex gratia payments are also alleged to have been made in excess of the prescribed limits.
Where the guidelines stipulate ex gratia payment of Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 1.5 lakh to kin of deceased, there were payments up to Rs. 5 lakh in Sikkim, it is alleged. The scheme of reconstruction of earthquake damaged houses has also been brought under the scanner for irregularities.
The PIL alleges irregular transactions and misappropriations of funds as shown by the White Paper such as collection of funds in violation of banking norms, high rates of interest on the funds provided by the national banks etc. It has also been brought to notice that these banks are also bankers for the state government.
The Prime Minister’s Office has also been made a respondent to the PIL; representations had been made by the petitioner to the PMO highlighting the irregularities but there was no reply as yet, it is claimed.

Two suicides

GANGTOK, 24 June: A 27-year-old woman has reportedly committed suicide at her residence at Jorethang. The deceased was found dead at home. According to reports the deceased had attempted suicide once before as well.
In another case, a 40-year-old lady, residing in lower Sichey committed suicide by hanging on 23 June. The body was discovered by her neighbours who informed the police.

Youth swept away by Rani khola

GANGTOK, 24 June: A 23-year-old youth was swept away by the waters of the Rani khola on 18 June. The dead body was later recovered from 31 Mile, under Singtam police jurisdiction. The deceased, Bikash Pradhan, was a resident of Zoom; he was swept away by the raging Rani khola while he was fishing.

Village Resource Centre ‘Disha’ inaugurated at Lower Samdong

GANGTOK, 24 June: ‘Disha’, a Village Resource Centre, was inaugurated by Lok Sabha MP PD Rai at Lower Samdong in the presence of Gram Vikash Adhikari, Pema Wangchuk and Gram Panchayat Members on 22 June.
Mr Rai spoke on the importance of data management at the village level and need for promotion of the state’s flagship programmes. Mr Wangchuk welcomed the establishment of the Centre which is being done on an experimental basis and assured all possible assistance from the Gram Vikash Kendra, informs a press release.
The Panchayats of Samdong Kambal in turn whole heartedly welcomed the Centre which would work in close coordination with them as its statistical wing.
Mentor of the Centre, Dinesh Bhattarai informed that the Centre would prepare sound and reliable data base of Samdong Kambal GPU, appraise the stakeholders and locals about the progress made by the panchayats periodically, act as a first responder of data, equip panchayats with data from time to time, document progress of state flagship programmes, appraise students about facilities provided by the government, etc.
Mr Bhattarai sought cooperation from all departments operating within Samdong Kambal GPU to furnish data on specific fields so that a centralised data and focal point for data management could be established. Sikkim Himalayan Green Group, a registered voluntary Organisation of Namcheybong and Lower Kambal Village Tourism Development Society is managing the Centre, the release mentions.

Cleanliness drive at RM&DD complex

GANGTOK, 24 June: A cleanliness drive was conducted by the RM&DD at its office complex on 23 June. The cleanliness drive was led by Minister RMDD, SB Subedi, Secretary RMDD, DR Nepal along with all officers and staff of the department, informs a press release.
During the cleanliness drive which started at 3:00 pm, the drains and the area around the RMDD complex were cleaned. This was done as part of the week-long Paryavaran Mahotsav 2014 to generate awareness on importance of cleanliness, zero waste and sanitation, the release informs.
In keeping with the theme of environment conservation, tea was served in earthen pots [matka] instead of styrofoam or paper cups on the day.
Earlier on 20 June, a plantation drive was also conducted by the department at RMDD Store complex at Lumsay, it is informed.

GOC Black Cat Division felicitates Sikkim’s latest faujis

GANGTOK, 24 June: General Officer Commanding Black Cat Division felicitated Lieutenants Rohit Chamling and Ankit Madan on their being commissioned into the Indian Army and also Cadet Myang Hang Kulung Rai for having successfully graduated from the National Defence Academy and joining Air Force Academy at Hyderabad for further training.
While Lt. Chamling hails from Darjeeling and has been staying in Sikkim for many years, his father, Ranjit Chamling, being a Central Govt employee, Lt. Madan’s father is currently posted as Deputy General Officer Commanding of Black Cat Division.
Cadet Rai hails from Assam Lingzey in East Sikkim and his father, RS Rai, is serving in Income Tax department.
The GOC congratulated the young officers on becoming part of one of the finest organisations of the nation known for its rich traditions of gallantry, professionalism and dedication. He urged the young officers to uphold the ethos of the Armed Forces of ‘Service Before Self’. He also hoped that the youth of Sikkim will emulate their example in joining the Indian Armed Forces, an official press release conveys.

Archery Assc calls GBM for 05 July

GANGTOK, 24 June: Sikkim Archery Association [SAA] has called a general body meeting on 05 July at 2 pm at the Conference Hall of Paljor Stadium, Gangtok. As per a press release, the meeting will discuss the formation of an adhoc committee and fix the date for election of the new executive body of the association. SAA has requested all its members to attend the meeting.