IHCAE launches official website

GANGTOK, 12 Feb: The official website of the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure & Ecotourism [IHCAE], Chemchey in South Sikkim, www.ihcaesikkim.org, was launched by the Tourism Minister, Bhim Dhungel on Tuesday. The launch was also attended by the Tourism Secretary, C Zangpo and IHCAE Director, ST Bhutia [IPS] and other officials.
The website contains detailed information about the institute along with information on its campus, training courses and other activities along with the event calendar of the institute.
Speaking to media persons today, IHCAE Director, Mr Bhutia mentioned that the website has all details about the institute and its activities targeted mainly for the youth of Sikkim.  He added that the website would also help people from other states to take part in the various activities of the institute.
Mr Bhutia has urged the young people of the state to visit the website and promote the institute which mainly emphasizes on adventure and ecotourism.
The institute was formally inaugurated by the Union Minister for Tourism, Kumari Selja on 07 December 2009. IHCAE is located on a hill top at Chemchey Village, South Sikkim at an altitude of 6582 ft. covering an area of 21.2 acre. The institute is the first of its kind in the entire North East region.
IHCAE provides high standard eco-tourism and adventure related training courses while emphasizing on instilling the concept of adventure tourism without causing any environmental degradation.

First level checking of 1,200 EVMs underway

GANGTOK, 12 Feb: The State Election Department here in Gangtok today began the exercise of checking the Electronic Voting Machines. This is the first level checking of the EVMs being conducted by the Election Department and has been undertaken under directions of the Election Commission of India.
The checking of EVMs is being done in the Strong Room of the department situated at Vajra, Gangtok and will continue till 15 February.
As per an order issued by the department the offices of the election department will be out of bounds for the general public during the period of the EVM checking due to security reasons.
For attestation of photo electoral identity cards and other works the Election Department has requested the general public to approach the concerned district election officers at the District Administration Centres.
As informed by the CEO, D Anandan, a total of 1200 EVMs are undergoing the preliminary checking for which engineers from Electric Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) have come.
A total of 5 engineers from ECIL, which is the government designated company for manufacture EVMs in India, are here to conduct the checking.
Incidentally, the first level checking of machines was also done in September 2013 when, as per the CEO, a total of 2000 EVMs were checked under the same directives of the ECI. The checking of the machines involves cleaning and checking its buttons and other accessories.
The CEO reiterated that this checking is a regular feature at the time of elections and done on the directions of the Election Commission of India.
At the time of checking only recognized political parties, as per the directives of the ECI, are asked to send in their representatives to witness the checking exercise.
As informed by the CEO all recognized political parties have been intimated about the checking and asked to send representatives. Here again, the CEO, D Anandan made it clear that this is only the preliminary exercise and that there will be another checking of those EVMs which will be finally selected for use in the upcoming elections.
This subsequent checking will be done in front of the candidates by the respective Returning Officers.
It is informed that not all 3200 EVMs will be required for the elections in Sikkim and it is understood that the ECI may request the Election Department here to dispatch any number of EVMs as it requires to be used for polling in other states as well.
Therefore, the final selection of those machines to be actually used for the elections in Sikkim will be done later and these will undergo another round of checking which will be done in the presence of all candidates of all political parties contesting the elections.

Infusing Quality into Education

Editorial:-
Education has been billed as a priority focus area for governmental assistance, and ‘quality’ is the new watch word. It is heartening to learn that education, which has for long enjoyed arguably the largest workforce in Sikkim, has also been receiving the attention that is its due for a while now. Delivering quality education will always be a work in progress because improvements can always be made and since learning is an organic process, it cannot be allowed to stagnate because that would impede evolution itself. But we get ahead of the story here. Frontpaged in today’ edition is a report on the government’s redefining of Pre-Primary Levels I and II to align them with national standards. It is clearly a procedural matter which flows down from the Centre to the State, but is still a welcome move because in spelling out specifics in how toddlers need to be initiated into classroom learning, necessary focus is being directed on those all important growing up years which have for long received scant attention from governments. An ambitious National Policy on Early Childhood Care and Education has been structured, but it is still too early to judge whether it can deliver quality standards as aimed, but as mentioned, the attention that quality in the formative years of learning is receiving is welcome.
Let’s look at where Sikkim stands vis a vis school education at present. The density of schools in Sikkim leaves no room for complaint and the free textbooks and uniform scheme of the government ensures that at least the tools required to remain in school are in place. Schemes like the mid-day meal are also pegged as incentives to keep students in school and when delivered with care, are also supplementing the nutritional requirements of growing up years. But these are only tools, and the only effective incentive to keep children in school, or rather, keep them as keen learners, will be the quality of education that is imparted in the classrooms, not the quality of food served during breaks. Enrolment figures are handsome in Sikkim’s schools and kids here can complete education if they so desire. There is the concern over high drop-out rates, but that will require the involvement of more agencies than just a government department alone to redress. What is necessary now is to ensure that schools groom students, not just prepare them to pass their board exams. There is no prescribed set of do’s and don’ts by which this can be achieved, but a good place to begin would be to offer respect and provide inspiration. Respect for the students and their education and inspiration for the teachers and their responsibilities.
There is much in the education system of the country and the State that can be improved, but what is important to bear in mind is to first get everything that is already in place to perform to its potential. When one seeks respect for students, it is with the end result of these children growing up into self-respecting and confident citizens themselves. This possibility is denied them when their school infrastructure is allowed to waste away, when basic amenities like clean toilets and drinking water are either not provided or not maintained, when they are allowed to complete entire terms without adequate delegation of teachers. What is worrying is that is no embarrassment is felt by anyone even when obvious failures such as dangerously poor construction, not enough classrooms, inadequate furniture, missing libraries and short deployment of teachers is played out in public by protesting parents or students. It is obviously because the system does not prioritise respect enough and government officers see themselves as dispensing favours, not public service; a scenario in which people and students are expected to be grateful for whatever they receive. These attitudes need to change if quality is to be imparted in school classrooms. It is fine to lavish teachers with handsome salaries, teacher training is always welcome and with the right attention paid to physically developing and maintaining schools as centres of learning, the inspiration required to revitalise the teaching fraternity will be complete. Once what is possible with the existing infrastructure and resources has been achieved, the loftier aspirations of quality can be targeted. For that final aim, it would be advisable for the policy-makers to set a clear target on what they want government schools in Sikkim to become, then grade the schools so that once efforts to scale up ‘quality’ are rolled out, it is possible to return at regular intervals and measure the achievements. At present, ‘quality’ is a loosely defined and poorly understood term, this will simply not do; it needs to be quantified into measurable terms covering infrastructure, attendance, staffing patterns, co-curricular engagements, community participation, creative outputs etc.

Sikkim in semifinals of Dr. T Ao Memorial Football Tourney

GANGTOK, 12 Feb: Sikkim has reached the semi-final round of the ongoing Dr T Ao Memorial Football Tournament at Aizawl in Mizoram. In the quarter-final match played on Tuesday, Sikkim defeated Assam 4-2 to secure its place in the semi-final berth. The Sikkim team will now take on Mizoram in the semi-final on Thursday.

Training on incense-making begins at Lungchok

GANGTOK, 12 Feb: One-month Capacity Building training in Dhoop Making for 15 unemployed youth of Lungchok-Kamarey GPU in South Sikkim. The training was organized by the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Government of Sikkim sponsored under CSR component of Summit Online, Trade Solution Pvt. Ltd.
A press release informs that the training was inaugurated by Panchayat President of Lungchok-Kamarey GPU, R P Gurung as the chief guest today in the Yuwa Sunakhari Club, Lungchok Ward.
Mr Gurung while addressing the gathering and trainees, urged them to take full advantage of the training and become self-reliant. Further, he urged the trainees to be innovative as there is high demand for incense sticks especially at religious places like Samdruptse, Chaardham and Shakti Sthal which is under construction at Lungchok-Kamarey GPU. The chief guest also thanked the Government, department officers and Summit Online, Trade Solution Pvt. Ltd. for organizing and sponsoring such training in their area.
The departmental officers informed the gathering about the criteria of training and also informed about the Health and Life insurance policies provided to artisans. Information regarding regular admission was also disseminated, the release mentions.
The programme concluded with the vote of thanks by Assistant Director (South), DHH, Namchi, DK Rai.

Asst Electoral Registration Officer appointed for Shyari constituency

GANGTOK, 12 Feb: As per a notification issued by the Election Commission of India the Deputy Municipal Officer, Gangtok Municipal Corporation has been appointed as the Assistant Electoral Registration Officer for 23 Shyari assembly constituency. This constituency is a BL reserved constituency. This has been notified by the ECI under sub-section (1) of 13C of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 (43 of 1950). The ECI makes all appointments of Electoral and Assistant Registration Officers for the purposes of general and state Assembly elections.

ALL SMILES: Everyone likes a gift, especially when it is something as substantial as an allotment order for a construction under the CMRHM scheme which will deliver a pucca home to replace a kutcha dwelling. The smiles here convey such a joy. The Kitam-Manpur Gram Panchayat under Melli constituency completed distribution of allotment orders of various benefits at a programme held on Friday [07 February] at Kitam Haat Shed following the Gram Swaraj Mela [held on 04 February 2014]. 80 beneficiaries received allotment orders for CMRHM construction, 59 beneficiaries received GCI sheets, induction stove sets for 50 beneficiaries, house upgradtion grants for 79 homes and one beneficiary who completes a CMRHM home recently received a solar lamp.

Sikkim-TMC to contest 2014 elections

GANGTOK, 11 Feb: The Sikkim Pradesh Trinamool Congress has announced plans to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the State. Making this announcement today, the party also said that it plans to field a woman candidate in the Lok Sabha election and is on the lookout for a suitable candidate.

The announcements were made by the SPTMC general secretary, Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha during a press conference held today at the party’s office. Mr Lepcha informed that AITMC general secretary, Mukul Roy, in consultation with the party chief, Mamta Banerjee, has given the green signal to SPTMC president, PT Lucksom to contest Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the state.

He informed that this was decided during the central executive meeting ‘March to Brigade’ organized by AITMC in Kolkata recently.

For the Lok Sabha election, the party is looking for a suitable woman candidate this year, informed Mr Lepcha. He also stated that the party is looking for fresh candidates to contest all 32 Assembly seats.

The state-unit has been asked to submit the list of candidates to the central body in March. The party is also scheduled to release the party manifesto by the end of March.

Informing that the SPTMC will be holding a public meeting in Singtam on 14 February, Mr Lepcha stated that the party workers are interacting with the public across the state and listening to their grievances. He informed that the membership drive of the party has also been going on.

“SPTMC will follow the ‘One CM for one term’ rule, since being ruled by one CM for 20 years is not good for the state”, said Mr Lepcha. He mentioned that the party would like to bring about positive change in the system from the top to bottom.

The press conference also introduced the new office bearers of the state-unit; Tika Ram Gurung as vice-president, Navraj Chettri as publicity secretary, PT Lepcha as secretary for West Pendam and MB Rai as secretary for Rinchenpong. 

Strength-lifting team leaves for national tourney

GANGTOK, 11 Feb: A Sikkim Strength Lifting Association [SSLA] team will be representing the state in the 20th Junior Men & Women National Championship and 20th Senior & Master Men & Women National Strength Lifting and Inclined Bench Press Championship 2013-14, which started today at Howrah in West Bengal. The team left for the championship on Monday.
The seven-member team has Pema Dorjee Bhutia, Chandra Bahadur Dong, Phurba Tamang, Pem Dorjee Sherpa, Hishey Namgyal Bhutia, Bhai Chung Chung Bhutia and Karma Doma Bhutia. The championship is scheduled to end on 14 February.
SSLA general secretary, Pintso Namgyal informs that the team underwent rigorous training sessions in preparation for the championship. He informed that after formation of the state association last year the state team is taking part in this prestigious national championship for the second time. It is informed that in the last edition of the championship Pema Dorjee Bhutia had won a gold medal for the state.
SSLA hopes that this time as well, the state team will return with medals, expressed Mr Namgyal.
The association conveyed especial thanks to Rajya Sabha MP, Hishey Lachungpa, Chief Whip, Ugen T Gyatso and UDHD Minister, DB Thapa for supporting the team as well as Chewang Sangderpa and Sumeet Thirani for their voluntary support to the association.

Scientific Advisory Committee of KVK-South meets

GANGTOK, 11 Feb: The Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) South Sikkim was held at Zilla Panchayat Bhavan, Namchi on 10 February to review different on-going activities and to guide and support the KVK scientists in formulating need-based and relevant Annual Action Plan 2014-15.
A press release informs that the SAC meeting was chaired by Additional Director, FSADD, NT Bhutia while Additional Director South and West Districts, Horticulture & Cash Crops Development Department, BK Rai was the chief guest for the programme.
Reports of on-going activities along with perspective plan 2014-15 was presented discipline-wise by individual Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) namely Dr. RD Ghatak (Agronomy), Sangay Palmoo Bhutia (Horticulture), Pravesh Shivakoti (Plant Protection), Dr. Chewang Norbu Bhutia (Animal Husbandry) and IP Shivakoti (Agriculture Economics) and by Tshering Dorjee Tamang, Farm Manager.
The presentations covering On Farm Trials (OFT) and Field Level Demonstration (FLD) were in line with the mandate of KVK i.e., assessment, refinement and dissemination of proven technology to farmers in the fields of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, the release mentions.
Some of the problems being faced by farmers at present were taken up by the KVK scientists and different technologies in order to address the problems were suggested. The inventory of line of work included organic management of blight in large cardamom, organic management of pests and diseases in ginger, citrus trunk borer management, etc.
The chief guest praised the efforts of KVK scientists and advised them to work in convergence with the line departments where he said that both KVK and the line departments are working to achieve the same goal ie., increasing production and productivity of crops and animals and for betterment of the farming community, the release informs.
He mentioned that KVK should as far as possible conduct research and trials in case of all activities (crops and livestock) undertaken by the line departments. NT Bhutia appreciated the presentations and suggested to incorporate relevant, need-based and location-specific research and demonstration work covering the whole of South District and provide deliverable technologies for the farmers. He also directed conducting SAC meetings regularly and season-wise.
Dr. Kalita in his address stressed on the importance of continuous and regular monitoring in the field and commended KVK South Sikkim for the work being undertaken and assured to provide full support from ICAR for any technological backstopping. He mentioned that KVK should follow guidelines of National Agriculture Research System (NARS) while conducting different research work in farmers' field as well as in the demonstration farm of KVK.
The meeting ended with vote of thanks by Programme Co-ordinator KVK South Sikkim, Namthang, Tilak Gajmer.

Posts created in Power Deptt for temp employees disabled in harness

GANGTOK, 11 Feb: Temporary employees of the State government with disabilities have something to cheer about. The State government has sanctioned the creation of 5 posts in the Energy & Power Department for disabled temporary employees.

The state government has issued the order for the creation of 5 posts of Supervisor [Electrical] in the Power Department; these posts are exclusively for appointment of disabled temporary employees, more specifically, for those temporary employees who were disabled in the line of duty.

It is informed that the creation of the posts will be filled by those temporary employees who were electrocuted while on duty and suffered disabilities to the extent of 40% and above.

Furthermore, it is informed that these newly created posts will automatically stand abolished as and when vacated by the incumbents on account of promotion, resignation or retirement.

These posts were created with the concurrence of the Finance department.

Stakeholders Meet convened by Teesta-V Power Station

GANGTOK, 11 Feb: Teesta Stage-V Power Station, NHPC, convened a Stakeholders Meet on 11 February in an effort to exchange views with various stakeholders regarding its CSR&SD (Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainable Development) activities.
A press release informs that the objective of this Meet was to provide information of the CSR activities which is being undertaken by NHPC, to inform the community about the benefits, to know their needs and aspirations and to get feedback in order to improve activities under CSR initiative.
The dignitaries present in the Meet were Director (Handicrafts & Handloom), Govt. of Sikkim, Ganga Pradhan, SDM (East Sikkim), Dhiraj Subedi, CMO (East), Dr. T Laden, BDO, Khamdong, SL Cintury, BDO Rakdong/Tintek, Pema Wangchuk Bhutia. Also, a large number of other stakeholders viz Panchayat members, representatives of NGOs and educational Institutions, along with media persons and senior officers of NHPC were present.
A presentation, highlighting the CSR activities of the power station, was delivered by Manager (HR), RK Verma. On this occasion, a CSR booklet showing glimpses of the initiatives undertaken by Teesta-V Power Station during the F.Y. 2011-12 and 2012-13 was released, the release mentions.
The Meet was addressed by the dignitaries and thereafter, the delegates were given an open forum to give their opinions and suggestions regarding CSR&SD activities of NHPC Ltd.

National Research Centre for Orchids to host Kisan Mela in Pakyong REBYNA RANA

GANGTOK, 11 Feb: National Research Centre for Orchids, ICAR, Pakyong is all set to organize the daylong “Kisan Mela” [Farmers Fair] on 12 February 2014 here at the State Community Hall, Pakyong. This is for the fourth time that the NRC for Orchids, Pakyong is organizing this mela with joint sponsorship of National Horticulture Board [NHB].
Speaking to NOW!, Senior Scientist cum Convener of the event, Dr. Shyamali Chakrabarti, said that more than 250 people have been invited for this event which is basically for the benefit of farmers of Sikkim, especially orchids growers.
This event will also bring together all growers in the fields of floriculture, agri-business, entrepreneurs, resource persons, researchers and students on a single platform to enable direct access to new technologies in the various fields.
During the event, the technologies developed by the Centre will be exhibited and a number of indigenous orchid species and hybrids collected by this Centre will be displayed, said Dr. Chakrabarti.
She also informed that around 20 progressive Orchids Growers from Kartok, Assam Lingzey and other areas will also exhibit their produce at the mela. A set of garden tools will be distributed to the participating farmers from the National Agricultural Innovative Project [NAIP] fund by Director for National Research Centre for Orchids, Dr. RP Medhi.
Minister for Food Security & Agriculture Development, Horticulture and Cash Crop Development and Parliamentary Affairs Department, DN Takarpa, is scheduled to inaugurate the Mela as the chief guest, accompanied by MLA, Namcheybong Constituency, BB Rai, and Principal Director cum Secretary, HCCD Department, DK Rai as guests of honour.
The Centre has also invited Former Director, National Institute of Research for Jute and Allied Fibre Technology [NIRJAFT], Kolkata, Dr. KK Sathapathy along with many other dignitaries from Central Government Organizations and State departments.

RMDD Minister inaugurates new GPK at Chalamthang Pacheykhani

GANGTOK, 11 Feb [IPR]: The newly constructed building of Chalamthang Pacheykhani Gram Prasashan Kendra at Pacheykhani of Rhenock constituency under Pakyong Gram Vikas Kendra was inaugurated by Minister for Rural Management & Development Department, CB Karki, on 10 February 2014.
Divisional Engineer, EDZP, SS Timsina presented the technical report which explained that the construction of the GPK was funded from the 13th Finance Commission 2010-11.The construction was started in the year 2011 and was completed in December 2013 at a cost of Rs. 29.6 lakh. The contract work was done by ManavKalyan Contractors Co-operative Society, Rorathang, Pacheykhani.
Sona Ram Pradhan, who had donated the land for the GPK, was felicitated by the chief guest, Mr Karki on the occasion. In his address, Mr Karki emphasized on using the GPK to facilitate rural development. He dedicated the GPK to the people of the GPU and directed the Panchayats to strengthen the Gram Prashashan Kendra under Rajiv Gandhi Sewa Kendra Scheme.
Guests of honour, Minister for Tourism & Forest and MLA of Rhenock constituency, Bhim Dhungel and Zilla Adhyaksha, Bimal Dawari also addressed the gathering.

53 new posts created at HRDD

37 IN SSES AND 16 IN SSETS

GANGTOK, 11 Feb: The state government has gone ahead and created a total of 53 posts in the Human Resource Development Department. The Department of Personnel, recently issued the order sanctioning the creation of these posts in various posts in the HRD department.

A total of 37 posts have been created in the Sikkim State Education Service and another 16 posts have been sanctioned for creation by the government in the Sikkim State Educational Training Service. These posts, it is informed, have been created in concurrence with the Finance Department and also with the Austerity Measures Committee.

The additional financial expenditure for the 37 posts in the SSES is to be debited from

Budget Head: 2202-80.001-60.00.01-Salaries (Non Plan). Under the Sikkim State Education Service the posts created include that of Director, Additional Director (5 posts), Joint Director (2 posts), Deputy Director (3 posts) and 26 posts of Assistant Director.

For the 16 posts created in the SSETS the expenditure is to be debited from the funds provided by the central government on a sharing pattern of 90:10 Centrally Sponsored Scheme funding pattern for North East Region. For the Sikkim State Education Service the posts created include that of Director, Additional Director (3 posts), and 16 posts of Assistant Lecturer. 

Exit conference of Social Audit of MGNREGA held at North Sikkim

GANGTOK, 11 Feb: Social audit of completed works of MGNREGA at North Sikkim for 4 GPs under Passingdang GVK namely Lingdong Berfok, Lum Gor Sangtok, Sakyong Pentong & Tingvong GPU has been completed. The Exit conference of above 4 GPs was conducted on 17 January 2014 at the office of DPC under the chairmanship of TT Kaleon (DPC North).

A press release informs that the Social audit was started on 16 December 2013 by Social Audit Unit (SAU) of Sikkim, VHAS (Voluntary Health Association of Sikkim) for the financial year 2011-12 & 2012-13.

Jan Sunwai was conducted under the chairmanship of their respective Zilla Panchayat members. District Program Coordinator, North, concerned officials from GVK, Gram Panchayats, GRS & Mates were present during the Jan Sunwai of social audit to answer the queries. The main objective of the social audit is to bring transparency in MGNREGA schemes.

The social audit team of SAU directed the DPC to submit Action Taken Report (ATR) of all the facts and findings to SAU within one month of the Jan Sunwai, the release adds.

SKM observes Pratiwad Diwas to mark lathicharge anniv

GANGTOK, 11 Feb: Sikkim Krantikari Morcha [SKM] observed ‘Pratiwad Diwas’ today to mark the first anniversary of the police lathicharge on SKM workers at the party headquarters in Tadong here on 11 February last year.
Working president, Bharati Sharma read out the message of the party president, PS Tamang [Golay] who is under treatment in Siliguri. Present today were senior party functionaries including former Rajya Sabha MP, PT Gyamtso.
In a message to SKM workers, the party president has said that the state government’s “barbaric attempt to silence the ‘krantikari awaaz’ was not successful in suppressing the enthusiasm of SKM workers who will continue to raise their voices.
“11 February was the day our party headquarters was established and unfortunately on this day my brothers and sisters also suffered an inhuman attack by police personnel led by IGP Akshay Sachdeva. So, we will observe this day as Pratiwad Diwas from now onwards,” Mr Tamang conveyed.
Condemning the incident he has saluted the spirit of SKM workers some of whom were sent to jail while some were hospitalized. The ‘krantikari yuva’ have shown courage to uphold the democratic aspirations with the view to develop the state, adds Mr Tamang.
Addressing the gathering, working president, Bharati Sharma said that the day marks the beginning of SKM’s fight to overthrow the ruling SDF party. She urged party workers to stand united and work for a better Sikkim.

SECOND DIVISION I-LEAGUE PRELIMS UPDATE

Two matches, 5 goals, one winner

GANGTOK, 11 Feb: Aizawl FC and Bhawanipore FC shared a point each with a draw match today in the ongoing preliminary round of the Second Division I-League here at Paljor Stadium. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Eric Aningo scored the lead early on in the 8^th minute for Aizawl FC but soon Daniel scored the equalizer for Bhawanipore FC in the 16^th minute and the first half ended 1-1, a scoreline which held till the final whistle.

In the second match of the day, Hindustan FC outplayed Kenkre FC 2-1. With the help of OO Sola’s goal in the 29^th minute Hindustan FC ended the first half with 1-0 lead. Within three minutes of the second half, Kamson Kabui extended the lead of Hindustan FC to 2-0. In the 59^th minute, Yash Mhatre managed to score for Kenkre FC. However, the match ended in favour of Hindustan FC with the score of 2-1 adding 3 points to their point tally.

On 13 February, Kenkre FC will take on Aizawl FC in the first match which will be followed by another match between Eagle FC and Hindustan FC. 

End Hostility

Editorial:-
It took the death of a 19 year old from the Northeast to the vicious intolerance of Delhi for the mainstream to sit up and realize the insensitivity with which it engages people from the margins. Apart from the immediate requirement to ensure that the murderers do not escape justice, several measures, not all of them advisable, are being considered to ensure better security for people from the Northeast in Delhi and other cities of the country. Security is always welcome, and should be of priority not only for the people from the Northeast but also the nation’s women, children and those from the underprivileged section of the society who otherwise rarely receive the cushion of the law & order machinery. This aspect of prejudice and ignorance is being extensively addressed and hopefully something meaningful will come out of the exercise and that would be the best homage possible to Nido and others like him who experienced the irritant of ignorance and intolerance turn fatally ugly. And as that process continues, it is also perhaps necessary for people from the margins, like us living in Sikkim and the rest of Northeast to turn the mirror on our own attitudes, vis a vis the mainstream, as well.
A general dismissal, even some slight disdain, for the other is a common human trait. There is only so much empathy or understanding one can expect from people and there is nothing drastically wrong with such attitudes so long as they do not manifest in denials or, as one is now learning about Delhi, vicious physical violence. Much as what has happened in Delhi can never be justified, one needs to also accept that similar, perhaps even more worrying since it was organized and targeted, violence has been targeted on people from the mainland in the Northeast. Barely a week before Nido was attacked in Delhi, six “Hindi-speakers” were killed by extremists in Assam. This slaying did not make it beyond news-reports; no candles were lit for the dead, no processions held and no soul-searching undertaken. Killings cannot, and should not, be compared, but one is speaking of responses here, not suggesting that there has been an over-reaction to Nido’s murder, but wondering why the slaying of six received no societal response at all… As mentioned, as the mainstream works towards becoming more aware and more accommodating, it is also necessary that the margins too worked on what can only be called its own irrational hostility towards the mainstream. In the Northeast, the perpetrators are militant organizations, against the lay citizens who turned monsters in Delhi, and each is a worrying, nightmarish scenario. And where is this hostility born? A part of it is definitely born in the rather widespread feeling of having being victimized and the equally ingrained conviction of being somehow deserving of special treatment and status. Empathy, openness, reconciliation… traits necessary to end intolerance fly out of the window the moment the pursuit of privileges and sense of entitlement enters from the door.
Almost always, the more disturbing societal attributes are perpetuated by poorly informed celebrations of the past and all-consuming pursuits of purity. Let’s accept it, the present is always troublesome, the past rosy and the future uncertain. Being nostalgic is natural, but to dwell too much on it is unhealthy; it blinds the future. To contend that the past was better than the present is to reject the human race’s ability to learn and adapt. If the best things reside in the past, then what contributions have the subsequent generations made? The worst thing a people can do to themselves is stop the clock on the progression of ideas, changes of mindsets, attitudes and approaches. A generation does this and soon the next one starts aspiring backwards while everyone else passes them by. Hostility grows in such insecurities and then it does not matter where one is because once that nadir is reached, everywhere is disturbingly intolerant.

DHH opens retail outlet in Soreong

GANGTOK, 11 Feb: A Sales Emporium Retail Outlet of the Handicrafts and Handloom Branch Training Centre of the DHH was inaugurated on 10 February by Sub-Divisional Magistrate [Soreng], Gaayes Pega, at Soreong.
The programme was also attended by Panchayats, Officers of Soreng, Sub-Division, Officers of Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, local gentry, public, officials, staffs, weavers and artisans of DHH.
A press release informs that the Sales Emporium Retail Outlet was established under National Bamboo Mission Fund and has many varieties of handloom and handicraft products for sale. The outlet will serve as additional attraction to tourists visiting the area, the release mentions.
The Panchayats and public of Soreng were delighted to have a Sales Emporium Retail Outlet nearer to them and thanked the department and its officers for developing D.H.H. Soreng Branch Training Centre as one of the tourist destinations in their area, the release mentions.

AAP-Sikkim formed

GANGTOK, 11 Feb: After taking on political big wigs in the national capital, the Aam Aadmi Party [AAP] has now come to Sikkim after the Sikkim Liberation Party dissolved itself and merged en-bloc to form the Sikkim unit of AAP.
AAP North-Eastern States In-charge and National Executive Member, Habung Payeng informed reporters here today that an eight-member ad-hoc committee has been formed today with the sole agenda to provide an alternative to Sikkimese voters for a corruption-free platform to ensure true democracy.
“People are not happy with the present government headed by Pawan Chamling and we have substantial information that the present government is not free from corruption,” said Mr. Payeng. He added that AAP is the only alternative to the present government.
The new party also plans to contest the upcoming Assembly election and will come out with its manifesto soon.
Responding to questions relating to the ruling party and Sikkim Krantikari Morcha party, Mr Payeng alleged that SKM leader, PS Tamang is equally responsible for corruption as he was Minister for 15 years with the present government and MLA of the ruling party for the past four years. “How can he then deliver a corruption free government?”, he questioned.
Mr. Payeng further accused SKM of copying AAP.
The preparatory committee of AAP, Sikkim Unit has been constituted and will organize the formation of the state committee. This preparatory committee is temporary which will be automatically dissolved after the formation of the state committee, informed Mr Payeng.

1ST STATE LEVEL COOPERATIVE CONFERENCE HELD

Ceiling for work allotments for Contractor Cooperatives raised to Rs. 5 cr
GANGTOK, 10 Feb [IPR]: The ceiling for the allotment of work for Contractor Cooperatives will be enhanced from Rs 3 crore to Rs 5 crore and for the Labour Cooperatives it will be enhanced from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore, announced the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling at the 1st State Level Cooperative Conference 2014 today.
The conference was organized by Sikkim State Cooperative Union (SICUN) at Manan Kendra here in the capital today. This first of its kind conference was attended by members of various cooperative societies from all over Sikkim.
The Cooperative movement in India started on 25 March 1904 and in 1957 in Sikkim, but the movement really took off and got an earnest recognition in Sikkim in the year 2002 under the present government.
While addressing a huge gathering at Manan Kendra, the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling while giving a brief history of the cooperative movement stressed on the importance of cooperatives in our society and termed it as the movement of the people, without any personal agendas and vested interests but something which is for the state and the country.
“Cooperatives are of paramount importance for the up-liftment of the weaker sections of the society and our government has always worked for this section in particular and all the people in general; to empower and to make them self-reliant”, said Mr. Chamling.
The CM announced price support for those cooperatives who are dealing with agriculture and for those farmers who are involved in farming. This will allow them to get the price they deserve for their products, Mr. Chamling informed.
He also assured full cooperation and help from his government to cooperative societies and also appealed to the gathering to form Village Tourism Cooperative Society, Home-stay Cooperative Society, and above all Marketing Cooperative Society.
“Cooperative means unity and unity has power, so we should all work in tandem with unilateral goal of making Sikkim an exemplary state not only in India but internationally”, the Chief Minister urged.
Earlier SICUN also felicitated the Chief Minister with a memento on the occasion.
During the meet the Chief Minister also launched the official website of SICUN, Sikkim Milk Union and Denzong Agriculture Cooperative Society and also released the magazine Sahakari Sandesh.
Deythang Prarengaon MPCS from West Sikkim and Kadamtam Women’s Milk Producer’s Cooperative Society from East Sikkim won the state cooperative award for the year 2014 for credit and non-credit category respectively. Mr. Chamling gave away the prizes to the winners.
The meet was also addressed by the Minister, RB Subba, who credited the Chief Minister for his innovative and visionary plans, polices and programmes to uplift the poor and under privileged through the cooperative movement.
Secretary Cooperation Department, Government of Sikkim, Ujjwal Gurung, Chairman SIMFED, Girish Chandra Rai, Chairman Sikkim Milk Union, MB Rai, President SICUN, Ganesh Kr Rai, Vice President, SICUN, LP Kafley and President Aho Educated Unemployed Woman Cooperative Society Ltd East Sikkim, Tara Devi Sharma also addressed the gathering.

CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS FOR BIG BIRD DAY 16 FEBRUARY 2014

Sikkim is a well recognized birders’ paradise, and not just the historic Yuksam, holy Khecheopalri and other areas in West Sikkim, or the great valleys of Tholung, Lachen and Lachung in North Sikkim, or the high altitude areas of East Sikkim or the lowland forests and agricultural areas in the warmer South. Urban centres like Gangtok, even Melli Bazar, are often great bird watching areas.  One only needs to check the Facebook pages at Sikkim Ornithological Society, Sikkim Birds, Birds of West Sikkim and Khangchendzonga Area and see the fabulous young followers and photographs!

Big Bird Day 2014 is this year’s biggest pan-India birding event. On 16 February 2014, all across the country, birders, amateurs, experts, lay-persons will be bird-watching and compiling their lists from dawn to dusk, at different locations, preferably in teams. One could go birding throughout the day or part of the day depending upon interest and passion.  Birders must register at www.ebird.org and upload their lists of the day from different localities.  For the first time we have a smartphone app called Birdlog Asia downloadable free and available till one day after D-day, so that bird lists could be uploaded straight in the field itself!

Sikkim Ornithological Society calls upon all enthusiasts including amateurs anywhere in Sikkim to participate in this cross-country birding adventure and liven up Sunday the 16th of February 2014 in this unique adventure!

Sikkim Ornithological Society, Gangtok

Winter Fun concludes at Singhik School

GANGTOK, 10 Feb: The weeklong fun and learning “Winter is Fun” camp for 135 students of Singhik and nearby areas concluded at Singhik Secondary School on Sunday.
A press release informs that on the final day, students showcased what they had learned through the weeklong engagement. Painting, theatre performance and dance performances were presented by the senior and junior students.
During the weeklong program, guests including Kushal Gurung and Thinley Bhutia spoke to the kids on photography as a hobby, conservation of ecology, etc. A half-day session was also conducted by invited guest Senior Medical Officer, District Hospital Mangan, Dr. Tempo Kaleon, who stressed on the importance and benefits of cleanliness and general hygiene, the release mentions.  
The students said that they benefitted immensely from the weeklong program and thanked the area MLA, TW Lepcha, the school authorities and the Creative Craft team for putting together the Winter is Fun Camp, it adds.

Student commits suicide on eve new academic session

GANGTOK, 10 Feb: A 19 year old boy reportedly committed suicide at his home in Peku panchayat ward, under Temi police jurisdiction yesterday.
According to reports, the boy was a class VIII student. He was the youngest son in the family and as per reports, appeared depressed for the past month. The cause of this depression, it is being speculated, was unsatisfactory performance in the school exams. He had reportedly failed in three subjects in the last examinations.
The boy went missing on the morning of 09 February and it was only at around 3:15 p.m. later in the day that his body was found hanging from the neighbourhood mobile tower. The report to the police was made by the ward panchayat.
While students are now provided counseling on the kind of careers they can pursue and on what kind of options, in terms of subjects, they can take up, there seems to be some more intervention and counseling required for students to handle and deal with academic, peer and family pressures. A high number of youth are taking this fatal step and just the introduction of helplines does not seem to be working.

Janata Mela mere eyewash, SKM insists

GANGTOK, 10 Feb: Sikkim Krantikari Morcha [SKM] has asked the state government to distribute all the sanctioned benefits to the beneficiaries without any delay where it has alleged that large numbers of beneficiaries are running from pillar to post between the concerned area MLA, Panchayats to Gram Vikas Kendras.
In a press release, SKM has alleged that the state government has not released the actual list of beneficiaries and there is a lot of confusion among the people. “What has happened to the funds for the Janata Mela of the last three years?” the release further questions.
SKM has reiterated the allegation that the Janata Mela is only an eyewash and distributing tokens does not amount to fulfilling promises or delivering benefits.
The release also condemns Chief Minister Pawan Chamling’s statements during the Gram Swaraj Mela at Namprikdang, where he accused the SKM party of being full of non-Sikkimese. SKM has countered this allegation by accusing the ruling party of divisive politics and involving non-Sikkimese in the state’s politics instead.

Govt Primary School Sawney reopens with cleanliness drive

GANGTOK, 10 Feb: A cleanliness drive was carried out at Government Primary School premises of Sawney under West Pendam constituency today.

A press release informs that the cleanliness drive on the first day of this year’s academic session was coordinated by Regina Rai along with the volunteers of Bethsaida Christian Church of Sikkim. Headmaster of Sawney Primary School, Mohan Neeraj Pradhan and school staff also participated during the cleanliness campaign.

It may be recalled that Bethsaida Christian Church of Sikkim had cleaned Ayurvedic Orthopedic Hospital few days back. “Clean Sawney” is a cleanliness campaign being implemented by  

Bethsaida Christian Church of Sawney, the release informs. The school management also thanked the volunteers for today's initiative.

Rongli JHS begins academic year with distribution of textbooks

GANGTOK, 10 Feb: The new academic session 2014 began today with the opening of all the government schools after the winter break. The schools had closed for the winter break on 12 December last year.

A press release informs that Rongli Junior High School on its first day distributed books and copies to the students as committed by the state government. The state administration before the closing of the session had assured to distribute books and copies when the schools reopened.

The parents and students have expressed their gratitude to the state government for providing books and copies in time, the release adds.

Trials for ‘Search for more Bhaichungs’ to be held at Namchi

NAMCHI, 10 Feb: The Department of Sports & Youth Affairs is holding a three-day selection trial for footballers under the age of 12 years for admission into Namchi Sports Hostel, South Sikkim under the ‘Search for more Bhaichungs’ scheme. The trials will be held on 12, 13 and 14 February 2014 at Singhithang Ground, Namchi.

Joint Director, Sports Department, Kamal Chettri said that ‘Search for more Bhaichungs’ is a scheme envisioned by the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling to spot upcoming football talents and nurture them at Namchi Sports Hostel. 

He named some products of the hostel who have made a name for themselves like Sanju Pradhan, Nirmal Chettri, Asish Chettri, Uttam Rai, Nim Tshering Lepcha and others who are playing for renowned clubs of the country. He further urged the interested candidates to report at the said venue at around 9.30 AM with an attested copy of Birth Certificate and Father's COI.

The government will provide free education to the selected candidates under the scheme 'Search For More Bhaichungs' at Namchi Sports Hostel, he added.

Kickboxing team leaves for Senior Nationals

GANGTOK, 10 Feb: The state kickboxing team left for the WAKO India Cadet and Senior National Kickboxing Championship being held at Pune, Maharashtra from 13-16 February. The championship is being organized by National Kickboxing Federation of India and hosted by Maharashtra Kickboxing Association. Four Sikkimese kickboxers, Prabhakar Rai [54 kgs low kick, Fight], Rahul Chaudari [51 kgs low kick, Fight], Vikey Gupta [54 kgs k-1, Fight] and one female kickboxer, Anugraha Rai [46 kgs kick light, Fight] are participating in the championship. The team is led by Coach, Bikash Pradhan and Team Manager, Kundewa Hang Subba. This is the first time that the team is participating in this championship. 

Keeping things light

Atchars, the traditional jesters who form an integral part of religious dances at monasteries, liven up the somber motions of the Gutor Chaam at Sang Monastery in East Sikkim on Saturday. The pranks remain slapstick pantomime, but the costumes have modernized, like the slick masks the duo are wearing here. There were many laughs and giggles in the crowd on Saturday.

JNV Rothak Alumni meets

GANGTOK, 10 Feb: The Alumni Meet of Jawahar Navodaya Viyalaya, Rothak (JNVR), West Sikkim was held on 08 February at JNVR premises. Many of the ex-students were part of this program which was organized under the stewardship of Principal, Shilpa Herald Harry, informs a press release.
The program started with warm reception and welcome song by the students. The ex-students then introduced and shared their experiences and memories associated with the school. This was followed by cultural performances featuring Yoga Dance and Short Music Drama, the release mentions.
During the meet, the senior-most teacher, Kamal Basnett urged the students to learn from their seniors and highlighted the need to form an Interim Committee in order to address the various problems faced by the present students.
The release informs that an Interim Committee was set up under the president, Deepankar Lama [Assistant Director, UD & HD] and all the other members present. The Interim Committee urged all the ex-students to actively participate for the welfare of their Alma Mater.
Earlier, Vice-Principal, Purshottam informed about the various problems being faced by the Vidyalaya and its non-addressal by Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti.

A Wish-List for a New School Year Ahead

Editorial:-
Winter refuses to leave, but the winter break in schools across the State has ended. The rush for uniforms and textbooks is already underway, and by this time next week Sikkim should have a clear idea on whether the Department that is responsible for education in the State has done any learning while the students and teachers were away. The Department had announced that uniforms and textbooks would be waiting for students when schools reopen. Time to check and ascertain this claim. Also this session, moral science and disaster management will return and debut as independent subjects in classrooms. The embarrassment of copy-editing blunders in school textbooks is barely a year old and one hopes that the new syllabus has been more professionally put together and that the transition of these subjects into classrooms is smoothly handled. One also hopes that students are not made to waste time and energy awaiting the appointment of designated teachers for them. One also hopes that the new academic session will be more about students and schools and less about departmental hierarchies and ‘projects & schemes’ or the complaints of ad-hoc teachers or the pettiness of politics in teacher or student associations – a very plausible situation in an election year. One hopes that this year, the Department will busy itself more with improving the infrastructure in schools rather than occupying itself with arranging transfers [save when it is to fill vacancies]. This is election year and pressure tactics can be expected to be at its severest to unravel some of the bolder decisions [transfers and staring down the ad-hoc protests being some of them] taken by the Department in the recent past to staff rural schools more adequately. That said, the impact of the 18 September 2011 earthquake on government school infrastructure has still not been repaired to complete normalcy yet, and excuses are now truly running out. School infrastructure should be priority No. 1. It should already have been [through the winter break]. Many laudable and ambitious programmes and scholarships have been initiated in the recent past to attend to student aspirations, and while these have been path-breaking and heart-warmingly successful, these are still available only to students already strong in academics. As a new academic year begins, one hopes that similar efforts are also directed at the ‘average’ and even, for want of a better word, ‘academically underperforming’ students. One also hopes that the process begins to make school interesting so that fewer students drop out. One hopes that there are fewer schools this year which are short-staffed and more teachers who motivate learning.

Falling boulder claims one

GANGTOK, 10 Feb: One person has died after being hit by a falling boulder at Martam Nazitam under Singtam police jurisdiction. The victim, Ambika Sharma, a 40-year-old resident of the same area had gone to collect firewood at the Nazitam forest on 09 February. It was while she was collecting firewood that she was hit by a falling boulder and succumbed to her injuries. Her body was taken to the Singtam hospital.

One booked under SADA

GANGTOK, 10 Feb: One person was arrested by the Rangpo police on charges of illicit trafficking of contraband substances. The 22-year-old accused was allegedly trying to bring controlled prescription drugs into Sikkim when he was intercepted at the Rangpo check post during routine checking on 09 February at around 7:35 pm as he was coming in from Siliguri. The carry bag he possessed was found to contain 10 bottles of Eskuf, a cough syrup, and 280 tablets of Spasmo Proxvon. The accused, a resident of Rangpo Bazaar, has been booked under SADA.