Sikkim Govt to assist GTA’s capacity building initiative

VISHNU NEOPANEY

Sikkim will support the Gorkha Territorial Administration of Darjeeling in its developmental activities by providing intellectual support and providing technical inputs for Capacity Building activities, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling said while addressing a joint press conference with the GTA chief Bimal Gurung here in Gangtok today.
He said that Sikkim will provide the human resource to train GTA officials on improving capacity building measures to provide job security in the Hills.

Cabinet meets, sanctions

GANGTOK, 23 Sept [IPR]: The Cabinet meeting held on 21 September at the Cabinet Hall, Samman Bhawan, passed various proposals pertaining to various departments of the State Government.
TOURISM & CIVIL AVIATION DEPTT: The Cabinet passed the proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs. 434 lakhs for construction of Modern Wayside amenity with Park and Tourist Huts at Naga-Namgor in North Sikkim.
The Cabinet also passed the proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs. 800 lakhs for development of Tourist Circuit along Sleeping Budha site at Singhik connecting Chungthang-Lachen-Lachung in North Sikkim.
DEPTT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, LIVESTOCK, FISHERIES & VETERINARY SERVICES: The Cabinet passed the proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs. 1 crore for distribution of 242 high yielding dairy cows, mineral mixture etc along with the proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs. 33,39,100 as final payment for the construction of Piggery shed at Assam Lingzey. It also passed the proposal seeking en-block sanction of Rs. 22,96,900 for 3rd phase distribution of piglets to the beneficiaries of four district and the proposal for according approval and sanction of Rs. 64 lakhs for implementation of 3rd phase Poultry Mission covering 86 beneficiaries for Broiler Farming and 150 beneficiaries for Backyard Poultry Scheme.
ROADS & BRIDGES DEPTT: The Cabinet passed the proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs. 195.69 lakhs only for construction of link road from Yangang Makha road to Yangang Rangrang road in South Sikkim.
The Cabinet passed the proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs. 5,793.63 lakhs for upgradation and carpeting of Namchi-Phong-Mamring Road in South Sikkim.
The Cabinet passed the proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs. 606.14 lakhs for upgradation and carpeting of Link Road from Kaluk Dentam Road to Bermoik Legship Road (Shivalaya Mandir) in West Sikkim.
The Cabinet passed the proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs 2,867.56 lakhs for implementation of 10 projects sanctioned under NABARD.
The Cabinet passed the proposal for according administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs. 1,775.03 lakhs only for the work up-gradation of Rongli to Rorathang road in East Sikkim.
The Cabinet passed the proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs 163.02 lakhs for the work construction of road from Ranipool to lower Samdur in East Sikkim.
The Cabinet also passed the proposal for according approval and financial sanction of Rs. 738.06 lakhs for the work construction of roads from Namphok Sirisire Dara (Kalung dara) to Niya via lower Baram in South Sikkim.
SOCIAL JUSTICE, EMPOWERMENT AND WELFARE DEPTT: The Cabinet passed the proposal for according post facto approval and sanction of Rs. 39.32 lakhs and fresh sanction of Rs.31.67 lakhs for implementation of Post Matric Scholarship to the Other Backward Classes for study within the state and outside the state.
HEALTH CARE, HUMAN SERVICES AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT: The Cabinet passed the proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs 427.02 lakhs for construction of TB Hospitals each at Mangan, North district and Gyalshing, West district, Sikkim.
The Cabinet passed the proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs 250 lakhs only for implementation of Mukhya Mantri Jeewan Raksha Kosh Scheme.
WATER SUPPLY AND PUBLIC HEALTH ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT: The Cabinet  passed the proposal for according administrative approval  and financial sanction of Rs. 3,35,34,000 for the supplementary works at Selep Water Treatment Plant.
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT: The Cabinet passed the proposal for according administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs. 1,009.36 lakhs for construction of Model School in Sikkim which is to be constructed at Assam Lingzey, East Sikkim.

Govt service made possible till age 50 for more employees

DoP NOTIFICATION EXTENDS UPPER AGE RELAXATION FOR GROUP C AND D EMPLOYEES SEEKING GOVT SERVICE TO MORE ORGANISATIONS

VISHNU NEOPANEY
GANGTOK, 05 Dec: The State Government has notified the policy decision to extend the upper age limit of 50 years for Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ employees for the purpose of recruitment in Government service to more organizations. This relaxation was thus far in practice for Muster Roll, Adhoc, Substitute, Contract and Work Charge employees of State Government Departments and undertakings and has now been extended to more organizations, with these organisations now clearly spelled out.
A Department of Personnel Notification issued on 23 November 2012 expands the upper age limit of 50 years “for the purpose of Government service” to now also extend to Group C and D employees working under “the State Government Departments and under NHPC, other Central Government Establishment or Undertakings in the State of Sikkim, local employees who are working in Banks, Sikkim Manipal, Sikkim University, Vinayak Mission and employees engaged by IT in Common Services Centres as Computer Operator on Muster Roll/ Adhoc/Substitute / Contract/ Work Charge basis”.
The Governor has given his consent to this policy initiative and the Notification has been issued in his name by the Department of Personnel, Administration Reforms, Training & Public Grievances.
The Notification records that it “supersedes earlier notification issued on this behalf”.
It may also be recalled that the State Government has established a one-man Commission headed by Justice (Retd.) Malay Sengupta formerly of Sikkim High Court on the regularization of Muster Roll, Adhoc, Substitute, Contract and Work Charged employees. The Commission had recommended regularization in a phased manner along with 50 percent reservation in regularization for such workers in regular government service.

Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in Sikkim

STATE SETS UP SIKKIM INNOVATION COUNCIL

GANGTOK, 19 Oct: The state might just experience a spurt in innovation and entrepreneurship in various fields now that the state has a Sikkim Innovation Council for the promotion of inclusive innovation and entrepreneurial talent of the Sikkimese people.
This council has been constituted under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister with the Minister, Department of Science and Technology as vice chairman. This is a 17-member multidisciplinary body with heads of various departments as well. The Council will function under the Department of Science and Technology.
Primarily charged with promoting innovation in various fields the council is also to identify and reward talents who display innovation. At the same time it is envisaged that there will be special research fund created to encourage innovation outside the formal structure.
Taking the state to the next level in entrepreneurship there will be innovation ecosystems created along with seminars, workshops, conferences etc on innovation; besides there is also to be a state innovation portal. Interestingly, the Council will also look into aspects of encouraging and identifying avenues for innovation in governance.
The focus will be on inclusive growth which will serve as the basis for the state model of innovation. The state is to come up with special schemes and policy measures as well as to drive this in rural as well as urban areas.
The policy measures, it is informed, will cover social sectors including agriculture, horticulture, education, health, ecology, rural and urban development, water resources, renewable energy, etc,.
Other members of this Council include Secretaries, Forest, Health, Horticulture, RMDD, Animal Husbandry, Industries and Science & Technology. Also in the Council are officials of GB Pant Institute of Himalayan and Environmental Development, ICAR, Micro Small Medium Enterprise Development Institute, National Research Centre for Orchids and Spices Board. Also included are Principals of Tadong College and the Law College.

Multidisciplinary committees constituted to monitor Dikchu and Bhasmey power projects

GANGTOK, 16 July: The State government has notified the constitution of multidisciplinary committees for monitoring the two hydro electric projects of Dikchu and Bhasmey being developed by Sneha Kinetic Power Ltd and Gati Infrastructure respectively. These were recently notified by the Forest Department following directions issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and also as per the agreements signed between the State government and the two power developers. 
These multidisciplinary central level committees are for monitoring of environmental safeguards of the project development and to monitor issues arising during the implementation of the projects. Besides, the committees will also draw up the methodologies to regulate payments to be made by the respective companies to the various departments of the state government in connection with the implementation of the projects.
The 96 MW Dikchu hydroelectric project is being undertaken by Sneha Kinetic Power Projects Ltd in East and North districts and the company is based in Hyderabad.  The direction for the formation of the committee was issued by the central Ministry in April 2008.
On the other hand the 51 MW Bhasmey hydroelectric project is being undertaken by Gati Infrastructure Bhasmey Power Private Ltd and the company itself is based in Secunderabad. The multidisciplinary committees are also as per the conditions laid out in the Environmental Clearance of the MoEF.
The nature and content of monitoring will be as per the conditions of Environment Clearance and are to be communicated to the members of the respective committees from time to time after due consultation with the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests-cum-Secretary, Forests, Environment and Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim and Director, Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India.
The multidisciplinary committee for the 96 MW Dikchu HEP has the Chief Conservator of Forests, Land Use as Chairman and includes representatives of the central MoEF and also north east regional office of the MoEF at Shillong.
The committee for the Bhasmey project has the Additional PCCF (Planning and Administration) as chairman and same central government representatives. Other members in the committees include the respective SDMs under whose district jurisdiction the projects comes under, officiasl of Power, Land Revenue, State Pollution Control Board, Fisheries and the respective company Project Heads as member secretaries.

Govt issues another reminder directing submission of tour reports on outstation travels by officials

GANGTOK, 05 July: Outstation tours, including foreign tours, by State Government officials are a normal occurrence as part of official culture and practice; in fact, officials are required to go out of the State or even abroad to attend meetings, seminars, workshops etc quite often. However, rules prescribe that all government servants and officials, on their return from official tours, file a ‘tour report’ of their time and work when out of the state. Adherence to this particular norm has not been satisfactory; in fact, the non-compliance, rather lackadaisical, attitude of state government officials to the various norms regulating outstation travel has become more of the norm. 
This has led the state government to issue a directive regarding outstation travel for government employees. Some years ago as well the State government had issued a reminder to employees of the need to adhere to the norms regarding outstation travel but apparently there was not much change.
This time, there is an official directive issued by the Chief Secretary that henceforth all Chairpersons, Chairman, Secretaries/Head of Departments, Officers and employees of the State Government shall strictly adhere to the norms as and when they travel out of the State to attend any conferences, workshops or training programmes.
All such officials are to seek permission and approval of the competent authority mandatorily with all relevant details including agenda, venue, dates etc. Details are also to be provided regarding the programme content such as workshops, training programme, conferences etc. Finally and most importantly a tour report of the programme is to be submitted to the government on return of the officials. Heads of departments are to submit the tour reports to the Chief Secretary while Chairpersons will submit such reports to their respective Ministers. Other employees and officials are to submit it to their departmental heads.
Though there is no given time frame within which the report is to be submitted it should be within a reasonable time period. It has been noticed that officials usually forget about and submit such reports after a prolonged period.

Promotions

GANGTOK, 04 June: The state government recently put into effect a series of promotions where the state’s officers have been re-designated to different posts.
Additional Director General of Police (Special Branch & Home Guards), Abhijit Datta, has been promoted and re-designated as Special Director General of Police from 01 June.
Three other Additional Director Generals of Police - Oma Hang Subba of Police Headquarters, T. Norbu of CID and Janga Basnett of Training Branch - have also been promoted and placed in the Pay-Band of Rs. 80,000 (fixed) on ex-cadre basis. They have been designated as Special Director Generals of Police on charges currently held by them.
Similarly, seven Sikkim State Civil Service cadre special secretaries have been promoted to the Supertime Grade-I as Secretary. Amongst them are KT  Gyaltshen, currently posted as Special Secretary, Land Revenue &Disaster Management Department, CT Wangdi currently posted as Secretary, Labour Department, Ms. DL Topden, currently posted as Special Chief Electoral Officer, Election Department, KL Gyaltshen currently posted as Secretary, Sikkim State Electricity Regulatory Commission, KS Topgay currently posted as Secretary, IPR Department,  Jemima Pradhan currently posted as Secretary, Food Civil Supplies &Consumers Affairs  Department and Tsegyal Tashi currently posted as Secretary, Transport Department.
Consequently, K T Gyaltshen and D L Topden, SCS have been transferred and posted as Secretary, Printing &Stationery department and Secretary, Housing Board, respectively.
Arvind Kumar, IFS currently posted as Principal Resident Commissioner, Sikkim House, New Delhi has been promoted as Principal Chief Conservator of Forest in the rank, status and posted as Principal Secretary-cum-Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Forests, Environment &Wildlife Management Department. Similarly, Anil Kumar Mainra, IFS, Additional PCCF and Thomas Chandy, IFS both of them returned from their long term study leave abroad have been promoted as PCCF in the rank and status on the ex-cadre basis and posted in the rank, pay and status as that of the PCCF(Environment) and PCCF(JICA) under Forests, Environment &Wild Life Management Department respectively.

Sonam Lachungpa serves legal notice to Govt in follow-up to police GD against Minister

GANGTOK, 18 April: Following the lodging of a police complaint with the Sadar police alleging misappropriation of public funds by Minister RB Subba from the Sombaria branch of the State Bank of Sikkim during his first term in office, Sonam Lachungpa and others have now issued a legal notice to the State government seeking details on the action taken on their police complaint.
Earlier, the body calling itself the “Fact Finding Team on Corruption” had released a book alleging that the Minister was behind the SBS Sombaria branch scam. Armed with this publication, Mr. Lachungpa had approached the Sadar police and lodged a complaint. A general diary was registered by the police. Subsequently, the complainant had also approached the Director General of Police with his complaint and allegations.
Now, seeing that no action has been initiated, a legal notice was issued by Mr. Lachungpa today to the DGP and the Chief Secretary to explain the action or inaction on the complaint lodged with the police. The legal notice has been issued by advocate Udai P Sharma and it is informed that a week’s time has been provided for a response.

High Court issues notices on petition challenging allotment of plots in Setipool

GANGTOK, 11 March: The High Court has issued notices to the State government over a petition filed by the Sikkim BJP president, Padam Chettri, alleging illegal allotment of government land to certain individuals for construction of private structures.
Chief Justice Permod Kohli has directed the 5 state government respondents to respond to the notices while the other parties made respondents in the case, about 15 of them, have been directed to produce the relevant land records before the court.
The petition was filed in the High Court by the Sikkim BJP president a few weeks ago and came up for hearing last week. The main allegation leveled against the State government is that it has allotted land at Setipool in East Sikkim, which belonged to the Energy and Power Department and which had been marked for government purpose, to certain individuals, allegedly SDF party workers.

State Govt now has to comply with landmark Apex court order on sexual harassment in workplace including private companies

STATE TO IMPLEMENT GUIDELINES IMMEDIATELY
ANAND OBEROI
GANGTOK, 09 Feb: In what considered a landmark judgment against sexual harassment against women at the workplace, the Supreme Court on 3 February has directed the government of Sikkim to immediately constitute Complaint Committees in all the workplaces in public, public undertakings, private companies and hotel industries in compliance with this judgment and more importantly give wide publicity on the steps being taken by the government in compliance with the order. A few years ago the order of Supreme Court in Visakha’s Case had also observed the necessity to protect women from sexual harassment in the workplace.
In fact in the order dated 3 February observes that the court is satisfied “…that the state government has taken the steps necessary for implementing the guidelines and norms laid down by this court in Vishaka’s case and the directions given in Medha Kotwal’s case”. It further directed the state government give wide publicity to notifications issued by it in compliance with the court’s order and the same to be aired through Doordarshan station; further the Social Welfare department and the Legal Service have also been directed to give wide publicity to the notifications and orders of the government.
The SC order comes after a PIL which was filed by a victim from Sikkim in the Supreme Court of India against the issue of sexual harassment at Workplace which is considered one of the biggest concerns for working women here and that every woman who enters a workplace has a right to be protected and freedom granted from hostile work environment as gender equality includes protection from sexual harassment and right to work with dignity which is also a universally recognized basic human right.
Addressing a press conference here at the Press Club of Sikkim today, Dr.Doma Bhutia who represents the petitioner from Sikkim welcomed the decision and highlighted that the state government now had to observe guidelines to ensure that this violation is not carried out here which was not followed strictly in the state.
The guidelines which need to be implemented soon is that it will now be the duty of the employer or other responsible persons in workplaces and other institutions to prevent and deter the commission of acts of sexual harassment and to provide the procedures for the resolution, settlement and prosecution of acts of sexual harassment by taking all steps required.
The definition of sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexually determined behavior like physical contact and advances, a demand or request for sexual favours, sexually- coloured remarks, showing pornography and any unwelcome physical, verbal or non- verbal conduct of sexual nature. That this acts are committed in circumstances where the victim of such conduct has a reasonable apprehension that in relation to the victim’s employment or work whether she is drawing salary, honorarium or voluntary, whether in government, public or private enterprise such conduct can be humiliating and may constitute a health and safety problem.
“It is discriminatory for instance when the women has reasonable grounds to believe that her objection would disadvantage her in connection with her employment or work including recruiting or promotion or when it creates a hostile work environment. Adverse consequences might be visited if the victim does not consent to the conduct in question or raises any objection,” informed Dr.Doma.
Under the preventive steps which are now mandatory all employers or persons in charge of workplace whether in the public or private sector should take appropriate steps to prevent sexual harassment, they should now express prohibition of sexual harassment which should be notified, published and circulated in appropriate ways.
Along with the formation of complaint committees, the public and private establishments have to generate awareness of the rights of the female employees. In this regard, the state government has to adopt suitable measures including legislation to ensure that the guidelines laid are observed by the employers in private sector.
The state government shall give comprehensive publicity to the notifications and orders issued, wide publicity has to be given every month on Doordarshan Station, Sikkim about various steps taken by the state government for implementation of the guidelines.
That now the Social welfare department and the legal service authority of the state of Sikkim shall also give wide publicity not only for government departments of the state and its agencies but also for private companies.
“We have full faith in the Government of Sikkim to implement all directions in letter and spirit for which I shall continuously follow for the implementation of the same which if not would be contempt of court. I also hope that the state will go an extra mile to amend the Sikkim Shops and Commercial Establishment Act, 1983 like they have done in the Sikkim Government servants Conduct Rules, 1981 and extend and notify industrial employment [standing orders] Act, 1946,” she stated.

India Press handed over to State Govt

GANGTOK, 19 Jan [IPR]: The India Press, established in 1960, has been formally handed over to the State government. At a simple official function today, Director AK Sinha signed the documents transferring the India Press building along with 8 acre plot to the State Government.
The State government was represented by IPR Secretary, KS Tobgay. The transfer of land was free of cost. Officials of the Land Revenue and Buildings Deptt were also present on the occasion.

Govt amends Pension Rules

GANGTOK, 08 Dec: The State government has amended the Sikkim Government Servant (New Contributory Pension) Rules, 2006. As per the amendment, any government servant retired on invalidation shall be entitled to pension as per Rule 27 of the Sikkim Services (Pension) Rules, 1990.

Local Taxi Drivers and Owners Assoc prepare memorandum of demands for CM

GANGTOK, 02 Dec: The Central Joint Action Committee of Local Taxi Drivers and Owners Association has decided to submit a nine-point memorandum to the Chief Minister soon through the Chairman, All Sikkim Truck and Taxi Jeep Owner’s cum Drivers Joint Action Committee, TT Bhutia.

Govt Employee promotions linked to clearance of utility bills and taxes

GANGTOK, 09 Nov: All government employees are now required to produce clearances of utility bills and taxes at the time of their promotion.

State government amends Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2001

GANGTOK, 08 Nov: The state government effected some amendments in the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and   Full Participation) Rules, 2001, with the amended section connected with application of Disability Certificate by those who are disability and on the mode of appointment of the State Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities and procedures to be followed by him.

Sikkim seeks Rs. 2,811 crore under NCCF for repairs and rehabilitation

GANGTOK, 24 Oct: Finally, and at long last, and after much confusion, the actual repair estimates [for immediate restoration and rehabilitation] for the damage suffered in 18 September Earthquake for the State have been ascertained and this figure is just under Rs. 3,000 crore. The estimate for immediate, short term repairs and rehabilitation is Rs. 2,811.99 crore.

Govt formalises modalities for land for landless scheme

GANGTOK, 18 Oct: While the state government has been allotting land to the landless people of Sikkim, the “Sukumbasis”, in the rural areas at 0.25 acres per landless family for a number of years now, the government has only recently formulated a scheme prescribing the method and manner of implementation of the Land Bank Scheme in the state.

High Court upholds State Govt’s power to remove panchayats from office

GANGTOK, 14 Sept: The High Court of Sikkim has upheld the removal of two panchayat members – a president and secretary - of Gyalshing Omchung Gram Panchayat Unit who had been removed from their offices by the RMD Department on 22 March, 2011. The two removed panchayat members are MB Thatal [panchayat president] of Legship and Tara Kumar Sigdel [panchayat secretary] of Lower Gyalshing.
The notification for their removal and subsequent notification for re-election to the posts made vacant came about after the DC West issued the two a show cause notice for alleged abuse to power and for causing obstruction of performance of legal duties by a government servant.

Change of guard at administrative top-spot

GANGTOK, 01 Aug [IPR]: The State Government organized a special function to bid farewell to the outgoing Chief Secretary, ND Chingapa, and welcome the new Chief Secretary of the State, Karma Gyatso, at a local hotel here in the capital yesterday. The function was also attended by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.
At the outset the Chief Minister offered Khadas with warmth and affection to both officers.
Addressing the function, the Chief Minister said that he had a very good working experience with Mr. Chingapa. Terming Mr. Chingapa as an able administrator, honest and hardworking person, the Chief Minister said that his relationship with Mr. Chingapa was very comfortable and cordial and the he saw Mr. Chingapa always committed towards the welfare of the people.

CM condoles death of Arunachal CM

GANGTOK, 04 May [IPR]: The Chief Minister of Sikkim, Pawan Chamling and Mrs. Tika Maya Chamling have condoled the untimely and tragic demise of the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Dorjee Khandu. The Chief Minister has expressed his deep sorrow and anguish on the demise of Dorjee Khandu and has sent a condolence message to the bereaved family on behalf of the people of Sikkim. The Arunachal Chief Minister, it may be recalled, was killed in a helicopter crash in his State.