Singtam truckers organize free computer course for children

SINGTAM, 06 Jan: A total of 36 students are undergoing a free computer training course at the Sikkim Truck Drivers’ Association, Singtam Branch office here at Mandi Bazaar.
This computer course for children of truck drivers is an initiative of president, HB Subba, vice-president, Lakpa Sherpa, secretary, Dilip Rai and other executive members of Singtam Branch of the association to keep children away from unproductive activities during the winter vacation.
The computer course, which started on 20 December, has Sisir Rai as the instructor.
The local people have expressed appreciation for this initiative of the association. [from NANDU DUTRAJ]

Drivers want truck owners to offer better employment benefits

GANGTOK, 04 May: The Sikkim Truck Drivers Association has decided to write to the truck owners demanding that henceforth, the truck drivers be paid minimum salary as per the Labour Department Notification [amended] vide No. 5/DL dated 1.7.2010. The notification also directs that duty be curtailed to 08 hours per day and medical benefits and life insurance cover be provided from the owner’s side.
A meeting of the Association held at its head office under the chairmanship of its president, Mingma Sherpa today, also fixed June 2011 as the final deadline for the implementation of the notification. During the meeting it was also resolved that appropriate steps be taken if the owners fail to fulfill their demands within the stipulated time frame.

Teesta Urja agrees to abide by Transport Minister’s instructions on use of local truckers

GANGTOK, 04 March: A tripartite meeting, convened yesterday between the Sikkim Truck Drivers Association, the Truck Driver Owners’ Association and the hydel developer Teesta Urja [which is working of Teesta Stage III] under the chairmanship of the Chungthang panchayat president, Chedup Lepcha, discussed the month old instructions of the Transport Minister, TT Bhutia, who also happens to be the president of the All Sikkim Drivers’ Front. As per the “instructions”, all hydel project-related carriage works in Sikkim should appoint local truck drivers and hire local trucks.