Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Pledged to national integration
WASTE NOT:
IndiGo to land at Bagdogra
GANGTOK, 19 Nov: IndiGo, India’s largest and fastest growing airline, has announced the addition of Bagdogra as its 30th domestic and 35th overall destination in its winter schedule. An IndiGo press communiqué informs that the new schedule sees introduction of new non-stop daily flights to Bagdogra from Guwahati and Kolkata and onwards connection to Mumbai (via Guwahati) and Bengaluru (via Kolkata).
Speaking on the launch of the new flights and the addition of Bagdogra, the release quotes the IndiGo president Aditya Ghosh as saying, “We are extremely pleased about adding Bagdogra as our 35th destination of operations as it is a landmark moment for us. Bagdogra is going to be an important part of our destination network because it holds good prospect for commercial business apart from the region of Darjeeling, Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri. We are committed to providing maximum connectivity from Bagdogra on our network by catering to various segments and we are confident that these additional services will prove immensely popular with our passengers. We are planning to increase the connectivity to and from Bagdogra and expand our operations with additional flights.”
Speaking on the launch of the new flights and the addition of Bagdogra, the release quotes the IndiGo president Aditya Ghosh as saying, “We are extremely pleased about adding Bagdogra as our 35th destination of operations as it is a landmark moment for us. Bagdogra is going to be an important part of our destination network because it holds good prospect for commercial business apart from the region of Darjeeling, Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri. We are committed to providing maximum connectivity from Bagdogra on our network by catering to various segments and we are confident that these additional services will prove immensely popular with our passengers. We are planning to increase the connectivity to and from Bagdogra and expand our operations with additional flights.”
Make Sikkim Easier to Holiday In
Editorial:-
The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of an ambitious 5-star luxury resort in Barfung, South Sikkim on Tuesday. About a week back, he had inaugurated a 5-star luxury resort in Pelling, West Sikkim. These are ambitious projects, which even a few years ago would have been considered ill-advised even in Gangtok, which incidentally now has a range of high-end hotels already in operation. Tourism has marched strong in Sikkim, its infrastructural and locational disadvantages notwithstanding. Living in Sikkim, one tends to overlook just how handsomely this sector has grown in the State in the very recent past and it is on occasions like the latest foundation stone laying ceremony that this growth is brought into focus. Sikkim, after all, now gets more visitors annually than it has people residing here! The recent Lonely Planet endorsement of Sikkim as the No. 1 destination to visit in 2014 is further reiteration of the State’s still growing appeal. The State can expect a substantial hike in the number of visiting Sikkim the next season, and since it is still grappling with the Sept 2011 earthquake setback, should work even more concertedly to ensure that visitors enjoy themselves here, impressed as much by the State’s hospitality as by its obvious natural beauty. And when one speaks of hospitality, it is about more than just the smiles of taxi drivers and the hotel staff, it is also about the facility with which the guests can arrive and travel here – the rules and paperwork they need to negotiate. Needless to add, this sector needs some working, but that falls in the policy-framing domain and one hopes wider consensus is developed to make Sikkim more tourist-friendly in how easily it can be accessed. Before one proceeds, one needs to add that this process has improved manifold in the recent past as well.
Not so long back, tourism in Sikkim was essentially about catering to the spillover from Darjeeling; hosting tourists who were left with a day or two left on their Darjeeling itinerary. Some of the older hoteliers will attest to this. That is clearly no longer the case now. Apart from two Casinos which are trying to develop a whole new clientele for tourism in Sikkim, the State’s traditional strong points have been in focus for some years as well. Sikkim’s potential for alpine style climbing escapes continues to be explored and developed and is being promoted by intrepid climbers. The appeal of its landscape, the significance of its religious history and the diversity of its indigenous cultures are well recognized and continue to mesmerize guests, making repeat visits an easy sell. It routinely figures among the recipients of tourism industry-related awards and Lonely Planet crown is the latest in what is now a long list of awards. Tourism-specific infrastructure, from hotels to foot trails to village homestays, is being developed across the State and village tourism has been announced as a mission pursuit by the State Government. Impressive additions have been made to the places to visit list, starting from Guru Rinpoche’s statue at Samdruptse a decade back to Char Dhaam at Solophok and Tathagatha Tsal at Rabongla since. All these investments and achievements are impressive and welcome, but also an unfortunate fact is that policies and rules governing travel to and within Sikkim are regressive and tourist unfriendly. The fact that foreign tourists require a special permit to be able to enter Sikkim delivers the first stumbling block. Admittedly, from a time when this permit had to once be applied for at embassies in their respective countries to now arriving at the border checkposts here and getting their travel documents stamped, is a substantial forward leap. Acquiring the permit is a token formality now, but the fact that it still needs to be acquired stretches out the infamous Indian red-tape that every foreign tourist is instinctively wary of. Extra paperwork discourages tourists, and since information is never very clear, not everyone knows that this is a mere formality and that it takes only minutes to get stamped into Sikkim. And after that is the dampener that awaits every foreign tourist on a Sikkim visit – news that the more exciting and appealing destinations in the State remain out of bounds for foreigners. And then there is the frustration of realising that even travel within Sikkim has its unique complications which make impromptu changes in plans and itineraries nearly impossible.
One could go on and on, but the point has been made. For a State investing so much as Sikkim is on tourism and harbouring aspirations as high as the State does from this sector, the policy interventions required to make it more accessible and tourist friendly need to be more forcefully voiced. No amount of promotion and publicity the tourist traffic it has potential for unless guests can holiday without worries of documents and logistics weighing them down. Commission agents can afford to live in the moment and not bother about long-term ramifications, policy makers and the stakeholders, however, cannot afford such slackness and need to constantly work at refining policy and rules to make holidays in Sikkim as hassle-free as possible.
The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of an ambitious 5-star luxury resort in Barfung, South Sikkim on Tuesday. About a week back, he had inaugurated a 5-star luxury resort in Pelling, West Sikkim. These are ambitious projects, which even a few years ago would have been considered ill-advised even in Gangtok, which incidentally now has a range of high-end hotels already in operation. Tourism has marched strong in Sikkim, its infrastructural and locational disadvantages notwithstanding. Living in Sikkim, one tends to overlook just how handsomely this sector has grown in the State in the very recent past and it is on occasions like the latest foundation stone laying ceremony that this growth is brought into focus. Sikkim, after all, now gets more visitors annually than it has people residing here! The recent Lonely Planet endorsement of Sikkim as the No. 1 destination to visit in 2014 is further reiteration of the State’s still growing appeal. The State can expect a substantial hike in the number of visiting Sikkim the next season, and since it is still grappling with the Sept 2011 earthquake setback, should work even more concertedly to ensure that visitors enjoy themselves here, impressed as much by the State’s hospitality as by its obvious natural beauty. And when one speaks of hospitality, it is about more than just the smiles of taxi drivers and the hotel staff, it is also about the facility with which the guests can arrive and travel here – the rules and paperwork they need to negotiate. Needless to add, this sector needs some working, but that falls in the policy-framing domain and one hopes wider consensus is developed to make Sikkim more tourist-friendly in how easily it can be accessed. Before one proceeds, one needs to add that this process has improved manifold in the recent past as well.
Not so long back, tourism in Sikkim was essentially about catering to the spillover from Darjeeling; hosting tourists who were left with a day or two left on their Darjeeling itinerary. Some of the older hoteliers will attest to this. That is clearly no longer the case now. Apart from two Casinos which are trying to develop a whole new clientele for tourism in Sikkim, the State’s traditional strong points have been in focus for some years as well. Sikkim’s potential for alpine style climbing escapes continues to be explored and developed and is being promoted by intrepid climbers. The appeal of its landscape, the significance of its religious history and the diversity of its indigenous cultures are well recognized and continue to mesmerize guests, making repeat visits an easy sell. It routinely figures among the recipients of tourism industry-related awards and Lonely Planet crown is the latest in what is now a long list of awards. Tourism-specific infrastructure, from hotels to foot trails to village homestays, is being developed across the State and village tourism has been announced as a mission pursuit by the State Government. Impressive additions have been made to the places to visit list, starting from Guru Rinpoche’s statue at Samdruptse a decade back to Char Dhaam at Solophok and Tathagatha Tsal at Rabongla since. All these investments and achievements are impressive and welcome, but also an unfortunate fact is that policies and rules governing travel to and within Sikkim are regressive and tourist unfriendly. The fact that foreign tourists require a special permit to be able to enter Sikkim delivers the first stumbling block. Admittedly, from a time when this permit had to once be applied for at embassies in their respective countries to now arriving at the border checkposts here and getting their travel documents stamped, is a substantial forward leap. Acquiring the permit is a token formality now, but the fact that it still needs to be acquired stretches out the infamous Indian red-tape that every foreign tourist is instinctively wary of. Extra paperwork discourages tourists, and since information is never very clear, not everyone knows that this is a mere formality and that it takes only minutes to get stamped into Sikkim. And after that is the dampener that awaits every foreign tourist on a Sikkim visit – news that the more exciting and appealing destinations in the State remain out of bounds for foreigners. And then there is the frustration of realising that even travel within Sikkim has its unique complications which make impromptu changes in plans and itineraries nearly impossible.
One could go on and on, but the point has been made. For a State investing so much as Sikkim is on tourism and harbouring aspirations as high as the State does from this sector, the policy interventions required to make it more accessible and tourist friendly need to be more forcefully voiced. No amount of promotion and publicity the tourist traffic it has potential for unless guests can holiday without worries of documents and logistics weighing them down. Commission agents can afford to live in the moment and not bother about long-term ramifications, policy makers and the stakeholders, however, cannot afford such slackness and need to constantly work at refining policy and rules to make holidays in Sikkim as hassle-free as possible.
Luing-Perbing MPCS celebrates cooperative week by moving into its own building
The inauguration had the Secretary, Cooperation Department, Ujjwal Gurung, as the chief guest, accompanied by Upper-Burtuk constituency in-charge of the SDF, DR Thapa, as special guest, Principal Registrar [Cooperation Department] D Dadul, JRCS [East] Tulshi Pradhan, officials of the Cooperation Department, SISCO Bank, SICUN and local people.
In his address, the Secretary informed the gathering that the cooperative movement in India was more than 200 years old, having started in 1904, and that in Sikkim, the cooperative movement came after it became a part of India [in 1975]. In 2002, 169 MPCS were opened all over the state and the year was declared the Year of Cooperatives by the state government, he added. Then in 2010, the state government gave permission to open more types of MPCS’s in the state, he added.
“It is heartening to see the opening of the Luing Perbing MPCS in its own building and all this has been possible because of the hard work and progressive nature of the people of the area,” he remarked and shared some ideas on what the people of the area could do to further improve their economic status.
Earlier, in his address the special guest Mr. Thapa thanked the people for inviting him to the inauguration and stated that he was happy to learn that the Luing Perbing MPCS was doing very well and congratulated the people for the inauguration of the new MPCS building.
“The problem of unemployment in the state can be solved through cooperatives as cooperatives give sustainable employment, along with binding and bonding the people together,” he said and added that people need to work together for the upliftment of a cooperative.
The state government, he informed, was constructing a Cooperative Bhawan.
The programme started with the inauguration of the new building, the land for which has been donated by Badri Lall Gautam [a member of the MPCS] followed by reading of the messages of the Governor, Chief Minister and Cooperation Minister on the occasion of 60th Cooperative Week Celebrations.
A brief history of the MPCS was given by a member of the MPCS, after which the chief guest handed over the RKVY cheque of Rs. 15 lakh to the president. Distribution of KCC share certificates to members was followed by distribution of best member awards to three people from the GPU by the special guest.
BLPF resolves to convene national BL convention
GANGTOK, 19 Nov: The Bhutia Lepcha Protection Force [BLPF], at a meeting held here today, decided to convene a national BL convention in Gangtok in the near future. A BLPF press release issued by its president Phigu Tshering Bhutia informs that a preparatory meeting for this convention has been called for 24 November. Today’s meeting, which was chaired by the BLPF president, was coordinated by the organisation’s vice-president Loday Lepcha and also attended by Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia and the National Sikkimese Bhutia Organization president Sonam Lama, the release adds.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
King’s Harvest reaps award for author CHETAN RAJ SHRESHTHA WINS TATA LITERATURE LIVE! FIRST BOOK AWARD FOR HIS MAGICALLY GRITTY DEBUT
GANGTOK, 18 Nov: Chetan Raj Shreshtha of Sikkim has won the Tata Literature Live! First Book Award 2013 in the fiction category. Chetan’s debut book ‘The King’s Harvest’ published by Aleph Book Company was released in June earlier this year.
The Tata Literature Live! First Book Award is an annual award to encourage, recognise and celebrate first-time writers in English in the Indian literary space, across the fiction and non-fiction genres. Works were judged for excellence, originality and accessibility, as well as promise.
The winners were announced and presented the award at the Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest 2013 on Sunday. However, Chetan could not attend the function and sent a message saying, “I know how to write but I don’t know what to say. I would just like to thank everyone who has given me this prestigious award”.
The winner in the non-fiction category was Ananya Vajpeyi, a senior fellow with the American Institute of Indian Studies, for her book, ‘Righteous Republic’, published by Harvard University Press.
The Tata website describes Chetan’s book as “Magical, gritty, nerve-wracking and stylish in equal measure, this is an exceptional debut. His literary skills make the picturesque region of Sikkim come alive, and the thrill of human emotions are so well etched out in the story, that readers live vicariously as they read the story”.
Dr Mukund Rajan, brand custodian, Tata Sons, presented the award along with cash prize of Rs 1 lakh each. This year the jury comprised veteran author Sir Mark Tully, social commentator Santosh Desai, senior journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, Landmark COO Ashutosh Pandey, and festival director Anil Dharker.
Other authors shortlisted in the fiction category were Shovan Chowdhury, a Delhi-based amateur humorist, for ‘The Competent Authority'; and Srikumar Sen, ex-journalist from The Times for ‘The Skinning Tree’.
Last year, there was only one category, where the author of ‘Breakout Nations’, Ruchir Sharma, won the Tata Literature Live! First Book Award.
iN Conversation WITH CHETAN RAJ SHRESTHA
“…unreal and intimidating, but in a pleasant sort of way”
NOW: The award within six months of the book release. How does it feel?
CHETAN: It feels unreal and intimidating, but in a pleasant sort of way. The more people read the book the better it is for the writer in me, and this is one of the ways in which that will happen.
After years of literary marginalisation, Sikkim appears to have exploded in the publishing scene. Being one of the products of this coming of age of sorts, do you have any theories on how this has happened and why this is happening now?
I wouldn’t call it an explosion, but yes, there is a presence. It has a lot to do with the language we’re writing in i.e English, and also a fair debt is owed to the number of weeklies, dailies and monthlies there are in Sikkim, which gave and continue to give a lot of young writers opportunities and practice.
And what do you feel the future holds?
I wish I knew.
How have the months since the book release been like?
It’s been quiet really. My friends have stopped looking at me with strange expressions. The book continues to sell in steady dribbles but otherwise things are the same.
What should your readers prepare for next?
I’m working on a collection of stories. We’ve kept the tentative date of release as March 2015. So that gives me time.
Some words for the people at Tata Literature Live First Book Award:
I thank the jury for considering The King’s Harvest good enough to merit a prize. It is strange that something written alone should find such resonance, but it is a clamour for which I am grateful. It began in 2011, when Ravi Singh read and liked some stories that came his way. After I wrote the novellas, the book was midwifed with care by the folks at Aleph, who ensured that my debut was a stylish one. The book would not have been possible without the gentle people of Sikkim, none of whom have accused me of slander. And it owes everything to Sikkim’s landscape, for it is the fount from which all our stories spring.
The Tata Literature Live! First Book Award is an annual award to encourage, recognise and celebrate first-time writers in English in the Indian literary space, across the fiction and non-fiction genres. Works were judged for excellence, originality and accessibility, as well as promise.
The winners were announced and presented the award at the Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest 2013 on Sunday. However, Chetan could not attend the function and sent a message saying, “I know how to write but I don’t know what to say. I would just like to thank everyone who has given me this prestigious award”.
The winner in the non-fiction category was Ananya Vajpeyi, a senior fellow with the American Institute of Indian Studies, for her book, ‘Righteous Republic’, published by Harvard University Press.
The Tata website describes Chetan’s book as “Magical, gritty, nerve-wracking and stylish in equal measure, this is an exceptional debut. His literary skills make the picturesque region of Sikkim come alive, and the thrill of human emotions are so well etched out in the story, that readers live vicariously as they read the story”.
Dr Mukund Rajan, brand custodian, Tata Sons, presented the award along with cash prize of Rs 1 lakh each. This year the jury comprised veteran author Sir Mark Tully, social commentator Santosh Desai, senior journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, Landmark COO Ashutosh Pandey, and festival director Anil Dharker.
Other authors shortlisted in the fiction category were Shovan Chowdhury, a Delhi-based amateur humorist, for ‘The Competent Authority'; and Srikumar Sen, ex-journalist from The Times for ‘The Skinning Tree’.
Last year, there was only one category, where the author of ‘Breakout Nations’, Ruchir Sharma, won the Tata Literature Live! First Book Award.
“…unreal and intimidating, but in a pleasant sort of way”
NOW: The award within six months of the book release. How does it feel?
CHETAN: It feels unreal and intimidating, but in a pleasant sort of way. The more people read the book the better it is for the writer in me, and this is one of the ways in which that will happen.
After years of literary marginalisation, Sikkim appears to have exploded in the publishing scene. Being one of the products of this coming of age of sorts, do you have any theories on how this has happened and why this is happening now?
I wouldn’t call it an explosion, but yes, there is a presence. It has a lot to do with the language we’re writing in i.e English, and also a fair debt is owed to the number of weeklies, dailies and monthlies there are in Sikkim, which gave and continue to give a lot of young writers opportunities and practice.
And what do you feel the future holds?
I wish I knew.
How have the months since the book release been like?
It’s been quiet really. My friends have stopped looking at me with strange expressions. The book continues to sell in steady dribbles but otherwise things are the same.
What should your readers prepare for next?
I’m working on a collection of stories. We’ve kept the tentative date of release as March 2015. So that gives me time.
Some words for the people at Tata Literature Live First Book Award:
I thank the jury for considering The King’s Harvest good enough to merit a prize. It is strange that something written alone should find such resonance, but it is a clamour for which I am grateful. It began in 2011, when Ravi Singh read and liked some stories that came his way. After I wrote the novellas, the book was midwifed with care by the folks at Aleph, who ensured that my debut was a stylish one. The book would not have been possible without the gentle people of Sikkim, none of whom have accused me of slander. And it owes everything to Sikkim’s landscape, for it is the fount from which all our stories spring.
Shillong’s Royal Wahingdoh shortlists 10 from Sikkim for final trials
The final trials will be held in Shillong.
The top 6 players out of the 10 selected will travel to Shillong on the club’s expenses while the remaining 4 will have to bear their own expenses, it is informed.
Those who get selected in the final trials will be provided free education and boarding by the club in Shillong. Their skills will be nurtured further by the club making them more professional in the game of football, the team management informs.
CM’S GOLD CUP 2013 UPDATE MMC-Nepal knocks out Manipur team to enter semifinals
In an interesting quarterfinal match played today, MMC Nepal defeated Manipur in the tie breaker. The full time match ended in a draw with the score level 01-01 and went into the tie breaker.
The first goal of the match was netted by Yogesh Gurung (9) of Nepal in the 25th minute giving his team a lead of 1-0 but soon Pao Khong Gang (14) of Manipur scored in the 40th minute leveling the score 1-1. Both the teams made several attacks in the second half of the match but failed to score and with the final score of 1-1 the match ended in a draw.
The players of Nepal proved themselves in the penalty shoot-out and won the match with the final score of 5-3. It may be mentioned here that Manipur played the inaugural match against SAI India and defeated United Sikkim Football Club in the pre quarter round but they were knocked out of the tourney today by Nepal.
On Tuesday, Air India will take on Bhutan XI. Organized by the South District Football Association the final of the tourney will held on 25 November at Jorethang play ground.
Cleanliness drive by at Upper Syari
Army raises eco-awareness in East Sikkim
GANGTOK, 18 Nov [PIB]: Trishakthi Corps personnel held an ‘Eco Awareness Campaign’ at Zuluk, Kupup and Gnathang villages, all on average elevations of 12,000 feet in East Sikkim, on Sunday. They interacted with the villagers and explained the harmful effects of imbalance in the ecosystem.
Conserving the ecosystem has become the main concern of this small state. The area gets littered with waste and plastic items thrown by the tourists who visit this state in large numbers.
The Indian Army undertook efforts to make the local people more conscious about preservation and maintenance of ecological balance. The area being prone to landslides, it is important that ecological balance and harmony with nature is preserved.
The troops also collected all the waste thrown around the area.
The villagers displayed keen interest and enthusiasm towards the campaign on ecological awareness and also expressed their views on maintenance of ecological balance.
Conserving the ecosystem has become the main concern of this small state. The area gets littered with waste and plastic items thrown by the tourists who visit this state in large numbers.
The Indian Army undertook efforts to make the local people more conscious about preservation and maintenance of ecological balance. The area being prone to landslides, it is important that ecological balance and harmony with nature is preserved.
The troops also collected all the waste thrown around the area.
The villagers displayed keen interest and enthusiasm towards the campaign on ecological awareness and also expressed their views on maintenance of ecological balance.
Sunrise Children’s Home celebrates 27th anniv
The chief guest in his brief address lauded the owner of the Home, Rebika S Lepcha’s efforts and said that, “Service to humanity is the greatest service”.
He further urged and encouraged every individual to come forward and extend every possible help to the Home. He also assured that the District Administration would extend all possible support to the Home.
On the occasion, Dr. Smriti Rai, Dr. Shachika Sherpa, Shabina Rai, Lakpa Sherpa, Surnim Subba, Laki Doma Sherpa, Nirmala Rai and Simon Subba were felicitated for rendering help and support to the Home.
Earlier, Rebika S. Lepcha in her address shared the bitter and good experiences in setting up the Home and extended her gratitude to all those who supported her. She informed that the Home had started with seven children in the year 1985 and now has twenty five children. “I enjoy serving the needy but I will be happier if the kids of my Home become good and successful citizens of the society”, added Ms Lepcha.
The programme also saw a colorful cultural programme performed by the children of the Home.
SKM women’s wing chief clarifies on Namthang-Rateypani convenor
GANGTOK, 18 Nov: Sikkim Krantikari Nari Morcha chief, Mingma Lhamu Bhutia has stated that Binu Tamang was never appointed as Namthang-Rateypani constituency convenor and that she was not an active member of the party either.
In a press release, Ms. Bhutia has clarified that SKM had appointed Kabita Sapkota as its Namthang-Rateypani constituency Nari Morcha convenor. Ms. Tamang had joined the SDF yesterday and was reportedly introduced as SKM’s Namthang-Rateypani women’s wing convenor.
In a press release, Ms. Bhutia has clarified that SKM had appointed Kabita Sapkota as its Namthang-Rateypani constituency Nari Morcha convenor. Ms. Tamang had joined the SDF yesterday and was reportedly introduced as SKM’s Namthang-Rateypani women’s wing convenor.
SDF Cheli Morcha begins GPU level meetings in South
NAMCHI, 18 Nov: The Cheli Morcha of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front for Poklok Kamrang constituency in South Sikkim started its Gram Panchayat Unit level meetings today at Poklok Nandugaon GPU.
The meeting was held in preparation for the 2014 assembly polls. The aim of the meeting is to interact with the women party workers of the constituency and to prepare them for the upcoming election.
Today’s meeting was chaired by Man Rani Rai, a senior party member of the village and was also attended by the Cheli convenor Poklok Kamrang, Sanju Rai, vice president South District Cheli Morcha, Soma Dolma Tamang, South District Cheli Morcha publicity secretary Laxmi Gurung, active party member South, Kala Subba, Zilla and ward panchayat members along with around 400 women of the GPU.
Discussing the future action plan, the meeting decided to start door-to-door visits in the constituency with the main aim of making the people aware of the party policies and also to inform them about the various developments brought by the SDF government in the constituency and state as a whole. They also decided to form an active unit of Chelis to oversee party activities in the constituency.
Later, an open discussion was also held. Party supporters placed suggestions and expressed their satisfaction with the development of the GPU under the SDF. They also promised their support to the SDF party in the upcoming polls.
The meeting was held in preparation for the 2014 assembly polls. The aim of the meeting is to interact with the women party workers of the constituency and to prepare them for the upcoming election.
Today’s meeting was chaired by Man Rani Rai, a senior party member of the village and was also attended by the Cheli convenor Poklok Kamrang, Sanju Rai, vice president South District Cheli Morcha, Soma Dolma Tamang, South District Cheli Morcha publicity secretary Laxmi Gurung, active party member South, Kala Subba, Zilla and ward panchayat members along with around 400 women of the GPU.
Discussing the future action plan, the meeting decided to start door-to-door visits in the constituency with the main aim of making the people aware of the party policies and also to inform them about the various developments brought by the SDF government in the constituency and state as a whole. They also decided to form an active unit of Chelis to oversee party activities in the constituency.
Later, an open discussion was also held. Party supporters placed suggestions and expressed their satisfaction with the development of the GPU under the SDF. They also promised their support to the SDF party in the upcoming polls.
SDF refutes SKM allegations, plays back some
Addressing the press here at Gangtok this afternoon, the two sitting MPs from Sikkim PD Rai and Hissey Lachunga and former MP Bhim Dahal rubbished allegations of nepotism and distribution of defamatory booklets and CDs leveled by SKM against the ruling party. They advised the opposition to use the Right to Information Act and come up with stronger arguments instead of basing such allegations on hearsay.
SKM’s agenda has nothing to do with development or the people, they alleged.
Lok Sabha MP, Mr. PD Rai said, “In terms of development and especially in terms of distribution of development across the state, Sikkim is ahead of even Gujarat”. Sikkim has already received accolades from within and outside the country which is proof enough, he added.
“Under the leadership of Pawan Chamling, the SDF Government has initiated a number of mission mode programmes since it came to power in 1995 to change Sikkim in terms of development and up-gradation of lifestyle of the Sikkimese people,” added Mr. Dahal. The party will go to poll next year on the basis of developmental issues and agendas to take Sikkim to new heights, he added.
The developmental agendas include that of making Sikkim poverty free, achieving cent percent literacy and youth and job oriented growth.
“SDF party and its leader will celebrate silver jubilee of running a democratic and constitutional government,” claimed Mr. Dahal, further contending that 99 percent of the Sikkimese see and want Chamling as their leader.
On allegations contained in the CD containing of Gopal Gurung’s interview, Mr. Dahal turned the allegations around and said that the nature of the CD suggested that former SDF MLA PS Tamang [Golay] now with SKM enjoyed the endorsement of Gopal Gurung’s Mongol National Organisation. SKM is looking to upset sections of the Sikkimese society along caste and community lines and then prey on their fears, he further alleged.
“SKM party itself hatches conspiracies and then pretends to be victims. The most important thing is that the involvement of a foreign national in Indian politics itself is an anti-national activity and should be investigated by both state and national premier agencies”, said Mr. Dahal continuing with his comments on Gopal Gurung’s interview for SKM.
He further added that the SDF party strongly condemns allegations leveled against it.
Save Kabi Longstok Committee questions police presence at Neysol prayers
GANGTOK, 18 Nov: Save Kabi Longstok Committee has expressed displeasure over the presence of armed police personnel at the Sikue/ Neysol prayers held by the organization at Kabi Longstok yesterday.
In a press release issued today, the committee’s president, Sonam Tshering Bhutia, states that ‘fully armed’ police personnel entered the prayer complex, which, he contends, goes against dharma. “We felt hurt and insulted when such people entered the prayer complex armed with equipments”, he writes.
Meanwhile, the organizing committee of this year’s annual Sikue / Neysol prayers has extended gratitude to all the concerned, particularly the community members, Monks and Bongthings for the successful conduct of this annual puja. The committee has also thanked the co-convenors of Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee [SIBLAC] Tseten Tashi Bhutia and Chewang Ringzing Lepcha for attending the prayer ceremony.
In a press release issued today, the committee’s president, Sonam Tshering Bhutia, states that ‘fully armed’ police personnel entered the prayer complex, which, he contends, goes against dharma. “We felt hurt and insulted when such people entered the prayer complex armed with equipments”, he writes.
Meanwhile, the organizing committee of this year’s annual Sikue / Neysol prayers has extended gratitude to all the concerned, particularly the community members, Monks and Bongthings for the successful conduct of this annual puja. The committee has also thanked the co-convenors of Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee [SIBLAC] Tseten Tashi Bhutia and Chewang Ringzing Lepcha for attending the prayer ceremony.
Sanskar Bharati members call on Governor
A press release from the Raj Bhawan informs that members of the organisation apprised the Governor about the invitation received from Sanskar Bharati-Poorvottar, an NGO, to participate in the said mega cultural programme at Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. The said NGO works for the promotion of art and culture of various ethnic communities in India.
Around 55 participants under various categories are participating in the said event. In the singing category, Nirmal Subba will be presenting the song ‘Aye mere Vatan ke Logon’; in the painting category, Passang Sherpa and Dhiraj Pradhan; and under the folk dance category, Ujjal Kala Kendra, Tadong, Ekta Dance Academy Tadong, Denzong Phoenix Indira Bye Pass and Untied Progressive Organisation of Sikkim.
The Governor spoke on the importance of their participation and as a mark of encouragement handed over a cheque of Rs 10,000 to the participants, the release informs.
All the members expressed gratitude to the Governor for his kind gesture and for having spared his valuable time.
High Court directs Prof Lama to file individual affidavit on PIL allegations
GANGTOK, 18 Nov: The High Court of Sikkim has directed former Vice Chancellor of Sikkim University, Prof Mahendra P. Lama, to file a separate affidavit with regard to various allegations, including those of malpractice and misuse of University funds during his tenure as VC at Sikkim University.
The High Court passed a directive to the former Vice Chancellor after hearing a PIL filed by Bishnu Rai and members of the executive body of Rabongla Youth Association petitioning the Court to pass an order to have the alleged malpractices and misuse of SU funds during Prof Lama’s tenure as Vice Chancellor investigated.
After hearing the parties at length, the Court observed that several allegations were on a personal level and not related with the University, therefore Prof. Lama should file an affidavit response to those allegations.
Earlier, Sikkim University had filed an affidavit on behalf of the university, the former Vice Chancellor and the then Registrar; however, the petitioners have challenged that since Prof. Lama is no longer in office, and some allegations are at a personal capacity to respond as to why an investigation should not initiated against him for his tenure as VC for grossly misusing the position and post.
Rabongla Youth Association has alleged that during his tenure as VC, Prof Lama spent more than Rs 88 lakh on foreign visits and accused the former VC of malpractices in appointments in third and fourth grade posts at the university.
The High Court passed a directive to the former Vice Chancellor after hearing a PIL filed by Bishnu Rai and members of the executive body of Rabongla Youth Association petitioning the Court to pass an order to have the alleged malpractices and misuse of SU funds during Prof Lama’s tenure as Vice Chancellor investigated.
After hearing the parties at length, the Court observed that several allegations were on a personal level and not related with the University, therefore Prof. Lama should file an affidavit response to those allegations.
Earlier, Sikkim University had filed an affidavit on behalf of the university, the former Vice Chancellor and the then Registrar; however, the petitioners have challenged that since Prof. Lama is no longer in office, and some allegations are at a personal capacity to respond as to why an investigation should not initiated against him for his tenure as VC for grossly misusing the position and post.
Rabongla Youth Association has alleged that during his tenure as VC, Prof Lama spent more than Rs 88 lakh on foreign visits and accused the former VC of malpractices in appointments in third and fourth grade posts at the university.
Sikkim Police make it to quarterfinals of All India Police Meet
GANGTOK, 18 Nov: Continuing its winning streak, Sikkim Police is now through to the quarter-final round of the ongoing 62nd BN Mallick All India Police Meet Football Tournament 2013 at Secunderabad in Andhra Pradesh.
With the help of a lone goal from Pradeep Gurung in the second half of the pre quarter-final match played today, Sikkim Police edged past Himachal Pradesh Police with 1-0.
Now in the quarter-final match on Tuesday morning at 7:30 AM, Sikkim Police will take on SSB.
With the help of a lone goal from Pradeep Gurung in the second half of the pre quarter-final match played today, Sikkim Police edged past Himachal Pradesh Police with 1-0.
Now in the quarter-final match on Tuesday morning at 7:30 AM, Sikkim Police will take on SSB.
Work on Schools this Winter
Editorial:-
The final examinations at schools are now very close. The end of the year exams come with their attendant features of reduced attendance in government offices [with parents keeping busy preparing their wards] and a sudden increase in the number of complaints against erratic power supply and how that affects preparations, but that is not what we are getting into here. But before we change track, one cannot help but wonder about the still continuing strike and dharna by a section of adhoc teachers of the State and of how that must be affecting students. If the students are being affected, more pressure must be exerted on the adhoc leaders and the government to resolve their difference; and if the strike is not affecting the students adversely, then one needs to ask the adhoc leaders and government why teachers whose presence or absence does not affect students have been kept around, even for a pittance by way of wages. Or forget it, don’t waste too much time worrying about this issue and turn the focus instead on schools and students and ensure that they are not forgotten during the winter holidays.
This fag end of the academic session is that time of the year when the School Management Committees and the Human Resource Development Department should be at their busiest. If they are not, then parents with children who will be returning to what remain essentially poorly-provided-for schools next year, should start applying some pressure. Schools will be closed for more than two months and the dry winter months are a good time for repairs and renovation. It is no secret that there are many government schools which could do with some repairs and renovation. Added to this mix in post September 2011 Sikkim is the need for rebuilding. Many schools, two years since that mega temblor, are still holding classes in GI Sheet rooms. Infrastructure at government schools were not the best ever, but are uneasily poor at present. This aspect of school management should not even warrant reminding because this activity should be automatic. That does not necessarily happen, so this serves as a reminder. What is even more important and necessary is for school management committees to take stock and table a wish-list with the Department which controls the purse-strings. It is possible that this [tabling of requirements] is a routine which is played out every year before the winter vacations, it is after all a logical thing to do, but this year, for a change, maybe it should rise above the annual tokenism. SMCs should make the concerned headmasters and principals forward a precise enumeration of what is required at their institution by way of infrastructure for the next academic session. Probably the tension of resolving adhoc standoff will keep the Department busy and by the time this is taken care of, the holiday mood will have kicked in and the concerns mentioned earlier will get carried forward to the next session. Let us not allow this to happen. It would be a good idea to prioritise upkeep of the schools for a change this year. The Department should organise meetings at the district level to discuss the requirements, budget provisions and priority lists in consultation with the in-charge of schools and the management committees; even set up a monitoring committee and announce another meeting for the week before the schools reopen to take stock. If things go well, students might actually enjoy the first day in school next year, as definitely would the teachers and the staff. Worth giving it a shot, isn’t it?
The final examinations at schools are now very close. The end of the year exams come with their attendant features of reduced attendance in government offices [with parents keeping busy preparing their wards] and a sudden increase in the number of complaints against erratic power supply and how that affects preparations, but that is not what we are getting into here. But before we change track, one cannot help but wonder about the still continuing strike and dharna by a section of adhoc teachers of the State and of how that must be affecting students. If the students are being affected, more pressure must be exerted on the adhoc leaders and the government to resolve their difference; and if the strike is not affecting the students adversely, then one needs to ask the adhoc leaders and government why teachers whose presence or absence does not affect students have been kept around, even for a pittance by way of wages. Or forget it, don’t waste too much time worrying about this issue and turn the focus instead on schools and students and ensure that they are not forgotten during the winter holidays.
This fag end of the academic session is that time of the year when the School Management Committees and the Human Resource Development Department should be at their busiest. If they are not, then parents with children who will be returning to what remain essentially poorly-provided-for schools next year, should start applying some pressure. Schools will be closed for more than two months and the dry winter months are a good time for repairs and renovation. It is no secret that there are many government schools which could do with some repairs and renovation. Added to this mix in post September 2011 Sikkim is the need for rebuilding. Many schools, two years since that mega temblor, are still holding classes in GI Sheet rooms. Infrastructure at government schools were not the best ever, but are uneasily poor at present. This aspect of school management should not even warrant reminding because this activity should be automatic. That does not necessarily happen, so this serves as a reminder. What is even more important and necessary is for school management committees to take stock and table a wish-list with the Department which controls the purse-strings. It is possible that this [tabling of requirements] is a routine which is played out every year before the winter vacations, it is after all a logical thing to do, but this year, for a change, maybe it should rise above the annual tokenism. SMCs should make the concerned headmasters and principals forward a precise enumeration of what is required at their institution by way of infrastructure for the next academic session. Probably the tension of resolving adhoc standoff will keep the Department busy and by the time this is taken care of, the holiday mood will have kicked in and the concerns mentioned earlier will get carried forward to the next session. Let us not allow this to happen. It would be a good idea to prioritise upkeep of the schools for a change this year. The Department should organise meetings at the district level to discuss the requirements, budget provisions and priority lists in consultation with the in-charge of schools and the management committees; even set up a monitoring committee and announce another meeting for the week before the schools reopen to take stock. If things go well, students might actually enjoy the first day in school next year, as definitely would the teachers and the staff. Worth giving it a shot, isn’t it?
Suicide
GANGTOK, 18 Nov: In West Sikkim, a 69-year-old resident of Sopakha basti, West Sikkim committed suicide by hanging from a tree on Sunday. The Uttarey police were informed about the suicide by his son. No foul play has been detected in the death by the police.
Homeless man dies in Majitar
GANGTOK, 18 Nov: The dead body of a 40-year-old homeless man was found at an abandoned kutcha house at Majitar, East Sikkim on Sunday. The deceased was reportedly a Nepal national who used to beg for survival.
The body of the deceased has been kept in the morgue and message sent to all SHOs and ICs for any information on his relatives.
The body of the deceased has been kept in the morgue and message sent to all SHOs and ICs for any information on his relatives.
MP’s reassure that provisions related to Sikkim in Companies Act 2013 not notified yet
GANGTOK, 18 Nov: Although the Central government notified the Amendment of Companies Act 2013 last month, provisions relating to Sikkim in the Act have not been notified thus far and the President has given his assent only to sections not related to Sikkim.
The Sikkim MPs have forwarded the amended Companies Act which also contains the repealing of the ‘The Sikkim Companies Act 1961’ to the Assurances Committee of the Parliament.
Rajya Sabha MP from Sikkim, Hissey Lachungpa, informed NOW! that the Centre will consult the state government before extending the Companies Act to Sikkim. The centre has assured the state government that the amended Act will not be enforced in Sikkim without its consent, he reiterated.
Lok Sabha MP, PD Rai, in turn said that the provisions and portions relating to Sikkim have not been notified yet and only certain provisions included in the amendment were notified.
The state government is consistently pursuing the matter with the centre, he assured.
The Sikkim MPs have forwarded the amended Companies Act which also contains the repealing of the ‘The Sikkim Companies Act 1961’ to the Assurances Committee of the Parliament.
Rajya Sabha MP from Sikkim, Hissey Lachungpa, informed NOW! that the Centre will consult the state government before extending the Companies Act to Sikkim. The centre has assured the state government that the amended Act will not be enforced in Sikkim without its consent, he reiterated.
Lok Sabha MP, PD Rai, in turn said that the provisions and portions relating to Sikkim have not been notified yet and only certain provisions included in the amendment were notified.
The state government is consistently pursuing the matter with the centre, he assured.
Monday, November 18, 2013
STATE LEVEL SAMMELAN HELD FOR PANCHAYATS AND LOCAL URBAN BODIES
“VILLAGES NOW ‘MADE’, NEXT CHALLENGE IS TO MAKE THEM BETTER”
GANGTOK, 17 Nov: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has directed panchayat members to constitute a ward level committee consisting of a representative from every household in their respective wards. This committee must be formed immediately and the list of the committee members submitted to the respective MLAs within a month.
This direction was given by the CM at the State Level Sammelan for Panchayats and Local Urban Bodies 2013 held here at Manan Kendra on Saturday. This committee, Mr. Chamling said, will be tasked with the responsibility to ensure selection of genuine beneficiaries for the upcoming Janata Mela.
“There need not be any limit on the demands, but the panchayat members and the members of the committee must ensure that the demands are need-based and beneficiaries are genuine,” the Chief Minister underlined.
The Chief Minister also announced a change in the government’s slogan from ‘Afno gaon aafai banau’ [Make our villages ourselves] to ‘Aafno Gaon, Ramro Banau’ [Make our village nice] as Sikkim has almost achieved the original target, he stated.
Further, Mr. Chamling urged the panchayats, urban body representatives and Government officials to work for the benefit of the people with utmost dedication and take individual responsibilities.
“Sikkim has achieved overall development in the past 20 years under the SDF Government but there is still work to be done by all concerned to make Sikkim the best among the best states,” Mr. Chamling said.
Regarding some of the demands placed by the village level public representatives, the Chief Minister said that his government is looking at increasing the monthly emoluments of the panchayat members. He also urged Government officials to treat panchayat members with respect as they are elected representatives.
The Chief Minister informed that his government has decided to provide Rs. 2,000 per month as grant to the members of the trans-gender community, local folk singers and unmarried women above 45 years of age.
“The Social Welfare Department should send the respective forms to all the panchayat members within a month and filled up forms should be submitted to the government immediately,” he directed.
Mr. Chamling also informed the gathering about the government’s plan to pay unemployment grant to the unemployed youth and urged the panchayat members to begin the process of scrutiny in their respective wards and GPUs.
Speaking on the newly formed opposition party, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha, Mr. Chamling branded the party as a collection of “rowdies” and alleged that it was supported by Gopal Gurung’s Mongol Liberation Organization of Nepal.
“In India, for a political party to get support from a foreign organization is illegal and anti-national and this party has proven during their Paljor Stadium meet that they are getting support from a foreign organization,” Mr. Chamling claimed.
On a recent drug bust by Melli Police involving a vehicle allegedly belonging to SKM supporters, he claimed that SKM is distributing drugs to the Sikkimese youth and urged the panchayat members to keep youth from their respective wards and GPUs safer from such influence. Finally, the Chief Minister urged the Director General of Police to reward the police personnel who made the Melli drug bust.
VHAS organises health camp
GANGTOK, 17 Nov: Voluntary Health Association of Sikkim (VHAS) organized a health camp at its North-East Clinic, Syari Road Deorali, on Saturday.
A press release informs that Dr. Kanti Sharma of VHAS and her team treated 36 patients suffering from Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) and Reproductive Tract Infection (RTI) cases.
The VHAS team through mobile Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre (ICTC) from Sikkim State AIDS Control Society provided HIV and DRL test for the public. Free medicine was also distributed to the patients after check-up, the release adds.
A press release informs that Dr. Kanti Sharma of VHAS and her team treated 36 patients suffering from Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) and Reproductive Tract Infection (RTI) cases.
The VHAS team through mobile Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre (ICTC) from Sikkim State AIDS Control Society provided HIV and DRL test for the public. Free medicine was also distributed to the patients after check-up, the release adds.
Temi Tea at NE Fest in Delhi
GANGTOK, 17 Nov: Temi Tea Estate participated in the North East Festival organised in New Delhi on 08 and 09 November along with other North Eastern States. All the brands manufactured from Temi Tea Estate were kept on display.
SKM complaint lands Zilla Panchayat in custody
GANGTOK, 17 Nov: The Zilla Panchayat of Bermiok-Namphing territorial constituency along with one Jagannath Sharma were taken into custody by Temi Police after Sikkim Krantikari Morcha workers filed an FIR against them accusing them of circulating defamatory pamphlets today, an SKM press release informs.
The pamphlets are said to contain defamatory statements against SKM leaders.
The party, in a press release issued today, has said that party workers caught Jagannath Sharma red-handed and handed him over to Temi Police and also put pressure to book the Zilla Panchayat who had allegedly asked Mr. Sharma to circulate the booklet amongst the people.
Following pressure from SKM party workers, Temi Police arrested Bermiok-Namphing Zilla Panchayat, DR Khatiwara, the SKM release informs.
The party has expressed regret over the state administration’s inaction regarding the distribution of such defamatory booklets despite repeated requests. It has further urged the administration to take strong action against the accused.
Another release informs that the party held a meeting at Linchung in West Sikkim with the view to expand the party in rural areas. A meeting was also held at Maneybong–Dentam constituency under the leadership of Laxuman Gurung who is also the constituency level president of SKM. A large number of people of the area have hoisted the SKM party flag in their respective houses, the release claims.
The pamphlets are said to contain defamatory statements against SKM leaders.
The party, in a press release issued today, has said that party workers caught Jagannath Sharma red-handed and handed him over to Temi Police and also put pressure to book the Zilla Panchayat who had allegedly asked Mr. Sharma to circulate the booklet amongst the people.
Following pressure from SKM party workers, Temi Police arrested Bermiok-Namphing Zilla Panchayat, DR Khatiwara, the SKM release informs.
The party has expressed regret over the state administration’s inaction regarding the distribution of such defamatory booklets despite repeated requests. It has further urged the administration to take strong action against the accused.
Another release informs that the party held a meeting at Linchung in West Sikkim with the view to expand the party in rural areas. A meeting was also held at Maneybong–Dentam constituency under the leadership of Laxuman Gurung who is also the constituency level president of SKM. A large number of people of the area have hoisted the SKM party flag in their respective houses, the release claims.
National Press Day celebrated with grants and award
The function chaired by the Vice Chancellor, Sikkim University, Prof TB Subba had Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Bhim Dhungel as the chief guest of the function.
Information and Public Relations Department has been presenting positive journalism grant to 5 journalists every year since 2004. This year, the recipients of the grant are C Samling Lepcha [freelance photographer], Seema Chettri [editor, Himali Yougantar], Bhanu Raj Thapa [editor Rhenock Purva], Rudra Kausik [West District Correspondent of Samay Dainik] and Wangchuk Bhutia [North District correspondent of NOW! and Nayuma Cable TV].
They were presented with a cash award of Rs. 10,000 and certificate.
The PCS had initiated the Gramin Patrakarita Puraskar for best rural reporting last year, and this year, the award went to Namo Dixit, the Namchi Correspondent of Sikkim Express. Vice Chancellor, Sikkim University, Prof. TB Subba, handed over the award.
Legal awareness programme held in Phodong
The basic aim of the programme was to disseminate information on the legal assistance provided by State Legal Service Authority and to make local residents aware of some of the flagship schemes of the government.
Justice Narendra Kumar Jain, Acting Chief Justice, High Court of Sikkim-cum-Patron in Chief, SSLSA attended the programme as the chief guest along with his wife Mrs. Jain.
Justice Jain in his short address expressed his happiness on being part of the programme and stated that SSLSA has been performing well since its inception.
Highlighting the three basic objectives of SSLSA – Legal Awareness, Legal Aid and ADRs centers he added that all these facilities are meant for the common people in order to instill legal awareness among them and settle disputes at the ADRs centre free of cost.
Justice SP Wangdi, Judge High Court of Sikkim-cum-Executive Chairman, SSLSA gave a background of SSLSA and stated that the fundamental objective of the authority is to make legal services accessible to those who have been deprived of their legal rights and to deliver speedy justice through the help of Taluk Legal Services and Para-legal Volunteers.
Minister Water Security & PHE/ Transport Department-cum-Area MLA, TT Bhutia, in his address expressed his happiness at SSLSA organizing such a pro-public programme in his constituency and hoped that the programme will create more legal awareness among locals. He urged the gathering to make use of the information given by the resource persons.
District Magistrate, North, CP Dhakal thanked SSLSA on behalf of the District Administration and appealed to every individual of the district to join hands in promoting tourism in the state.
During the programme, resource person, Mahesh Sharma [Assistant Controller, Food & Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department] informed about issues related to consumer rights.
GD Sharma [Social Justice, Empowerment and Welfare Department], Parim Linzerpa [HEO, Health Care & Human Services & Family Welfare Department] and Tenzing G. Kaleon [ ADC (Dev), RMDD] spoke on their respective subjects.
Tashi Rapten Barfungpa [Panel Advocate, SSLSA] spoke on Protection of Women under Domestic Violence Act 2005 and Legal Rights of Women. Ujwal Kala Kendra, Gangtok also presented a skit on consumer protection Act and Legal services.
New Born Care Week at STNM Hospital
A press release informs that this year’s theme is ‘Quality Issues and Accreditation in Neonatal Health Care Delivery System’ and the week-long programme is being organised by the Urban & Family Welfare Centre, STNM Hospital.
Health care providers of STNM Hospital were oriented on the theme by Dr. R.N. Deokota [Head of the Department, Gynaecology, STNM Hospital] while different aspects of new born care will be covered on subsequent days till 21 November, the release adds.
‘Blessed Evening’ at Kitam
NAMCHI, 17 Nov: Himalayan Free Church, Namchi organized a religious programme ‘Blessed Evening’ on Saturday evening at Kitam Bazaar, South Sikkim. Melli MLA, Tulsi Devi Rai was present as chief guest accompanied by Zilla Panchayat Member, Kitam Manpur Territorial Constituency, KN Pradhan, as guest of honour. The main speaker of the evening was Rev. CP Sharma.
Children paint in Bank on their Day
94 students from five schools of Namchi and Jorethang took part in the competition. Among them were St. Francis School, Jorethang, Tendong Educational Institute, New Light Academy, Namchi Public School and Tinzir Primary School. The competition was conducted, supervised and judged by the Branch Manager and the staff of Axis Bank, Namchi Branch.
Reepal Rai of Tendong Educational Institute was adjudged the winner of the competition while Shristika Rai of Namchi Public School won the second prize. Sujata Limboo of NPS secured the third position.
The painting by Binisha Rai of Tinzir Primary School was given the award of Special Recognition. The winners were awarded with gift hampers.
Road mishap claims one in South Sikkim
NAMCHI, 17 Nov: One person was killed in a road accident on Saturday evening on the Namchi-Jorethang stretch.
At around 6:30 PM Saturday evening, a Hyundai Eon car bearing registration number SK-04P-3269 met with an accident at Denchung, Namchi-Jorethang stretch, killing 54-year-old Ongchu Lepcha of Namchi on the spot. Three others were injured. Among the injured are Meshak Rai, PurnaTamang and Dorjee Tamang.
The car was returning from Jorethang after watching the ongoing CM’s Gold Cup at Jorethang and was driven by Purna Tamang. Jorethang Police with the help of locals rescued the injured who were brought to Namchi district hospital. The injured have been referred to Gangtok.
The autopsy was carried out today after which the body was handed over to the family. The deceased was an employee of RM&DD.
The car belongs to one Sallaudin Md. of Namchi, South Sikkim and Purna Tamang had it borrowed it for the day. The police has registered the case under section 304 (A) at Jorethang Police station and the investigation is under process.
At around 6:30 PM Saturday evening, a Hyundai Eon car bearing registration number SK-04P-3269 met with an accident at Denchung, Namchi-Jorethang stretch, killing 54-year-old Ongchu Lepcha of Namchi on the spot. Three others were injured. Among the injured are Meshak Rai, PurnaTamang and Dorjee Tamang.
The car was returning from Jorethang after watching the ongoing CM’s Gold Cup at Jorethang and was driven by Purna Tamang. Jorethang Police with the help of locals rescued the injured who were brought to Namchi district hospital. The injured have been referred to Gangtok.
The autopsy was carried out today after which the body was handed over to the family. The deceased was an employee of RM&DD.
The car belongs to one Sallaudin Md. of Namchi, South Sikkim and Purna Tamang had it borrowed it for the day. The police has registered the case under section 304 (A) at Jorethang Police station and the investigation is under process.
Workshop on ecotourism held at Melli Dara
Organized under the Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation & Forest Management Project (SBFP), the workshop had Minister Forests, Bhim Dhungel as the chief guest while Melli MLA, Tulsi Devi Rai was present as the special guest.
It was also attended by Upadhakshya South, Devi Maya Baraily, officers from the concerned department along with the members of various NGOs, EDC and JFMC.
While addressing the workshop Minister Mr. Dhungel spoke on the natural beauty of the state and highlighted the need to conserve it. Speaking on Sikkim topping the best regions to visit list published by Lonely Planet, he said that it is as achievement that people should be proud of. “There are people who are alleging that it was a paid article. Those who have set their mindset to critics will always do so, no one can change them. We should instead take it positively”, he said. The Minister further congratulated the Chief Minister on behalf of all the tourism stakeholders of Sikkim for the achievement.
Earlier, the workshop had started with the welcome address by APD-II, SBFP, Karma Legshey while CF (WL). Rushma Rai spoke on the importance of people’s participation in forest management. A skit on SBFP was also staged.
The Minister also launched the SBFP Publicity Van on the occasion.
Ethnic Food, Music and Culture Fest underway at Studio by Lounge 31A
The main idea of the event is to re-create a rural environment in the very urban setup of Gangtok.
In his address, the Minister congratulated the team at Lounge 31A for such a unique initiative to support the tourism activities of the state government. Sikkim has got recognition from all over for its successes in tourism but it still needs more support, he said. He further appreciated the young team at Lounge 31A led by its proprietor Yankesh for taking such a productive initiative.
The inaugural day also witnessed the felicitation of Lepcha folk singer, Mickma Tshering Lepcha, which was followed by performances by different folk singers and artists.
During the fest, the Lounge 31A is offering ethnic food items of Nepali, Lepcha and Bhutia communities.
The initiative aims to give people a taste of ethnic food, music and culture and also to make the young generation aware about their culture and tradition, said proprietor, Yankesh. He informed that 10% of the profit will go to the 31A Group Foundation for the education of underprivileged children of Sikkim. It is informed that the registration of the said foundation is under process.
The fest will continue till 30 November.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)