SDF revokes expulsion of Rangang-Yangang panchayats, RM&DD reinstates them

VISHNU NEOPANEY

The Sikkim Democratic Front has withdrawn expulsion orders served last September to the Zilla Panchayat of Rangyang Yangang constituency and 14 Gram panchayat members from there. They had been expelled for alleged anti-party activities in the wake of the assembly bye-elections which SDF lost from Rangang-Yangang. Nearly a year since, the party, on 11 August last week, issued an order stating that the expulsions stand cancelled.

Panchayats from Kerala and Tamil Nadu visit Melli Dara Paiyong

A team of 35 Panchayats from Kerala and Tamil Nadu recently visited Melli Dara Paiyong Gram Panchayat Unit in South Sikkim in a programme organized by Rajiv Gandhi National Youth Development and facilitated by the State Institute of Rural Development. Delegates from the two states interacted with the Gram Panchayats of Melli Dara Paiyong GPU on various initiatives undertaken by the Gram Panchayat and shared their experiences. Former Panchayat President of the GPU, Ganesh K. Rai conducted a session on Panchayati Raj Institutions in Sikkim. The delegates also visited the Solid Waste Management unit and appreciated this initiative of the GPU.

East panchayats welcome CM’s directions to strengthen PRIs

GANGTOK, 30 May [IPR]: During the state-level coordination meeting held on 29 May here at Samman Bhawan the Chief Minister reiterated the strengthening of Panchayati Raj Institutions in Sikkim. This, he said would be achieved by transferring all 29 subjects to the Panchayati Raj Institutions. The Zilla Adhakshaya, Upa Adhakshya, Zilla Panchayat and Gram Panchayat of East district have expressed sincere thanks and gratitude to the CM. 

Workshop held on central grants for PRI functionaries

GANGTOK, 01 Oct [IPR]: A workshop on Central Grants for Panchayat Members and PRI Functionaries of West and South Districts of Sikkim was organized by the Directorate of Panchayati Raj, RM&DD here at the capital today. Secretary RM& DD, DR Nepal in his address informed that Sikkim is among the leading states in the country to conduct regular panchayat elections. He also mentioned that Sikkim has had an efficient track record in terms of fund transfer to PRIs.
He maintained that the urgency with which the funds from the 13th Finance Commission are dispersed to the PRI functionaries shows the level of commitment of the Central Government to uplift the Panchayati Raj Institutions. He urged the functionaries to reciprocate this act through consistent good work.
The Secretary stressed on proper documentation of activities and timely submission of utilization reports to the Department to ensure timely disbursement of grants thereby maintaining an efficient level of functioning. While informing about the training being imparted to the PRI functionaries the Secretary informed that the State Institute of Rural Development, Karfectar is the third best amongst such institutes in the country.
He further mentioned that the Department had constituted Sikkim Legal Services Authority, the State Institute of Rural Development and the Hotel Management Institute Sajong as training partners for capacity building of the PRI functionaries.
Earlier, Joint Secretary Panchayat, Norzing Bhutia oriented the Panchayat members on the correct ways of compiling and submitting the Utilization Reports of activities carried out under the 13th Finance Commission Fund and the Backward Region Grants Fund. She stressed that the fund under the BRGF was exclusively for gap filling purpose and not for the routine activities under the PRI.
She informed about online applications like PRIASOFT, PLAN PLUS, and ACTION SOFT already in use in Sikkim to ensure transparency in accounting. The Joint Secretary also informed about the formation of a Ward Level Development Committee constituted by members of zilla and gram panchayat.
Earlier, Secretary RM&DD handed over installment cheques from the 13th Finance Commission Fund and the Operation and Maintenance Fund for Village Water and Sanitation Committee.
The workshop was also addressed by Director Panchayat RM&DD, HB Gurung, Deputy Secretary SIRD, Yangchen Bhutia, and Panchayat Inspector, Zomden Lachungpa.

Panchayat Director tours remote GPUs of West SikkimPanchayat Director tours remote GPUs of West Sikkim

Upper Mangnam, West Sikkim

GANGTOK, 08 May: Special Secretary, Rural Management & Development Department, LM Pradhan, who is also the Director, Panchayat Cell, toured GPUs under Chongrang and Yuksam BAC’s, interacting with the Panchayat members and checking on rural development projects there.
Starting the tour on 01 May, the Director sat in interactive sessions with the members of the Gram Panchayats of Tashiding and Arithang-Chongrang GPUs. The Director then visited the remote gram panchayats of Karjee-Mangnam, Dhupi-Narkhola, Kongri-Labdang and met the panchayats at their respective gram prasashan kendras, a press release informs. He visited the handicrafts and handloom unit at Karjee and also handed over four completed CMRHM pucca houses to beneficiaries from Karjee-Mangnam GPU.
The Director discussed tourism opportunities and apprised the panchayats of Gerethang, Yuksam, Thingling-Khecheoperi and Melli-Aching GPUs about the various avenues for fund procurement for potential tourism projects in the area. During his interactions, he also discussed at length the various schemes being implemented through the RM&DD with the panchayats.
He informed the panchayats about the recently-launched Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Shashaktikaran Abhiyan (RGPSA). He pointed out that gram panchayats can undertake a wide range of activities, including capacity building initiatives and strengthening of training infrastructure under RGPSA. He also urged the panchayats to initiate Bal Panchayat in their respective gram panchayats and delved on the benefits of doing so.
The District Project Manager (West), Lhendup Choekyi, in turn informed the gram panchayat members and other RM&DD field staff about e-Panchayat and laid especial emphasis on PRIASOFT.  She said there will be improved transparency in the workings of the panchayat with the Panchayat data made available online. The Director was accompanied by BDO Tashiding, Suraj Gurung.