CM reiterates commitment to people’s issues

GANGTOK, 03 Dec: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling announced free electricity for the people of Dzongu, Chungthang, Lachen and Lachung once the Teesta Stage III hydel project in North Sikkim is completed.
He was addressing the people of North Sikkim here at Sichey while inaugurating the community house Yul Dru Sum for Lachen, Lachung and Chungthang.
The Chief Minister took on the opposition parties today countering their various allegations against hydel projects as untrue and baseless. On allegations of politicizing the Karmapa issue, he said that the State government has consistently pursued the matter with the Centre.
“The Karmapa issue is related to international and national security and we have been putting all efforts to convince the Centre to allow him into Sikkim,” he stated. He further informed that the state government has sought an appointment with the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister sometime in January next year and a high level delegation including the monk bodies would press for permission to be granted for Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje’s visit to Sikkim.
SDF will not engage in politics based on religion and will fulfill commitments made to the public, said Chamling.

Vehicle torched in West Sikkim

GANGTOK, 03 Dec: A private vehicle belonging to Jai Bahadur Subba of Salley Lingchom, Gyalshing in West Sikkim was set on fire late last night. The case has been registered under sections 435/ 34 of IPC against unknown person(s).
It is reported that the Maruti Alto vehicle was parked on the roadside and on seeing the car on fire, villagers informed its owner whose house is situated around 300 meters down the road. Mr Subba with the help of the villagers put the fire out but the car was totaled by then, it is informed.
Police investigation reveals that the victim is a supporter of the ruling party and works as a contractor.

Burglary in Singtam

GANGTOK, 03 Dec: Some unknown persons broke into a house and stole gold ornaments and cash in Singtam on Monday.
It is informed that 4 tolas of gold and Rs 2,000 in cash were stolen from Ramji Prasad Bhagat’s house in New Market, Singtam on Monday afternoon. The burglars broke the lock on the main door to get into the house. Police are investigating the case and no arrests have been made so far.

Two suicides

GANGTOK, 03 Dec: A 27-year-old man of a village near Timberbong in West Sikkim is reported to have committed suicide by hanging on Monday. The dead body of the victim was found hanging from a tree yesterday at around 11:30 AM. Meanwhile in South Sikkim, another case of suicide was reported at Melli police station. As per the police, a woman had committed suicide by hanging in her house near Melli Gumpa.

SDF Jan Samparka Abhiyan in Tadong concludes

GANGTOK, 03 Dec: Two-month long Jan Samparka Abhiyan of the Sikkim Democratic Front [SDF] party which had started on 24 November at Prerna Gaon near Government College, Tadong successfully concluded on 01 December.
An SDF press release informs that the Abhiyan was conducted in the presence of area MLA, DB Thapa, Daragaon Ward Councillor, Bhaskar Basnett, member of Planning Commission, Madan Chettri, Councillors, Udai Lama, Prabhat Gurung, youth convenors, Cheli Morcha convenors, CEC members and other active party workers.
During the Abhiyan, the public actively interacted with the MLA and placed their grievances and demands like construction of jhoras, street lights, drinking water and others.
The MLA assured the public to fulfill their demands at the earliest. He urged the youth to work actively and contribute for the betterment of the society. He also informed the public about various beneficial programmes and policies of the government. The Abhiyan received a positive response from the public, informs the release.

One booked under SADA

GANGTOK, 03 Dec: One person was arrested after being found in possession of contraband substances at Melli Check Post on Monday. It is informed that a 22-year-old youth from West Sikkim was found carrying 219 capsules of Spasmo Proxyvon by Melli police. He was on his way home from Siliguri. The accused has been taken into custody and booked under sections 9/14 of Sikkim Anti-Drugs Act.

Training on poultry farming in South Sikkim

NAMCHI, 03 Dec: Turuk-Panchgharey Blossom Youth Association, Turuk, South Sikkim organized a day-long skill upgradation training programme on poultry farming. The programme was organized with the support of Nehru Yuva Kendra Namchi wherein a total of 25 women of the locality took part.
Poultry farming expert of Melli Constituency, LB Chauhan was the main resource person of the training. The participants were educated on the modern way of poultry farming through which they can earn more profit in less time.

Nathula Border Traders Welfare Association elects new body

GANGTOK, 03 Dec: Nathula Border Traders Welfare Association conducted the election of its executive body at Hotel Golden Pagoda on 02 December.
A press release informs that 95% of the member traders were present in the election and participated in the voting process.  The newly elected executive body of the association for the trading year 2014 comprises of Lopsang Tshering Bhutia and Dorjee Chwang Bhutia [advisors], Nimaphuty Lachungpa [president], Kessang Chukee [working president], Sonam Bhutia and Karma Laden [vice presidents], Anil Kumar Gupta [general secretary], Tenzing Bhutia [joint secretary], KN Bhutia and Wangdi Sherpa [treasurers].
The executive members are S. G. Gyatso [Kupup], Pema Gyaltsen Dopthapa, R. D. Bhutia, Sonam Donka Bhutia, Ratna Chettri, Aacha Chimila, Sonam Choden, Tenzing Sumtso, Ravi Chettri, Pema Seden, Sang Zangmu, Namgyal Bhutia, Anju Bhujel and Sonam Tshering Bhutia [Kupup].
The election concluded with a vote of thanks and assurance to work for issues related to traders, the release mentions.
After the grand closing of border trade through Nathula on 28 November at Sherathang, a get-together function was also organised for the suppliers, manufacturers and border traders at Marchak, East Sikkim on 30 November by the Association, it is added.

Orientation programme held for Mid Day Meal cooks

NAMCHI, 03 Dec: An orientation programme for cooks and helpers was organized by the Mid Day Meal Cell, Human Resource Development Department today at the auditorium hall of Namchi Girls’ Senior Secondary School, South Sikkim on 02 November. The programme was attended by Joint Director (HRDD) MK Rai, Deputy Director DK Rai, Assistant Project Coordinator, Pema Thinley Bhutia, AEO (MDMIC), KK Sharma and the AEOs of different GVKs of South District.
The resource persons of the orientation programme were Director Nutrition Cell, Bharati Basnett and AD Sanitation Namchi, Sandhya Rai.
Addressing the programme, Dy. Director, DK Rai apprised the house that the objective of this training programme was to sensitize the participants towards hygiene, nutritional values and safe cooking of the mid day meal.
Joint Director (S), MK Rai spoke on the responsibility of the cooks and the care they should take while cooking mid day meals for the students. Pema Thinley Bhutia presented an overview of the mid day meal scheme. He informed about the aims of the scheme, role of cooks and helpers and possible enhancement of honorarium from the next financial year.
Director Nutrition Cell, Bharati Basnett spoke on the nutritional value of food grains and vegetables to be cooked and also stressed on maintaining cleanliness during the preparation of meals. AD Sanitation Namchi, Sandhya Rai made the participants aware on personal hygiene, domestic hygiene, safe storage of rice and safe cooking.
The programme concluded with the vote of thanks presented by AEO, KK Sharma.

NAMCHI OBSERVES WORLD DISABILITY DAY Seeking a more inclusive society

NAMCHI, 03 Dec: Along with the rest of the world Namchi too observed World Disability Day today with differently-abled children here at Central Park. Vice Chairman, Namchi Municipal Council, NH Ansari was present as the chief guest accompanied by the HRDD Joint Director, South MK Rai, Deputy Director BR Bista, the teachers of Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Institute for the blind (JNMI), Boomtar Namchi, Assistant Education Officers & Resource Teachers from all 8 BACs of South district and inclusive education volunteers of all BACs.
Organised by the Inclusive Education, SSA HRDD, South on the theme “Break Barriers Open Doors for An Inclusive Society and Development for All”, the programme started with a rally at Central Park where the participating students carried placards around the area. The welcome address was delivered by Deputy Director HRDD South, BR Bista which was followed by opening song by the students of JNMI. Solo song, one act play and dance by the differently abled students made the programme more colourful.
While addressing the occasion chief guest, Mr. Ansari said that Sikkim has the lowest rate of disability in the country and if schemes like CATCH can be followed properly then one day it may come down to nil.
Reshma Tamang [Resource Teacher, Namchi BAC] while highlighting the aims and objectives of the programme said that this programme at Central Park Namchi has provided a platform to the differently abled to showcase their talents. This programme is being held to spread awareness among the common people about disability and the differently abled, she added.
Joint Director Mr. Rai in his address said that Sikkim at present has 0.8% disability which is the lowest in the country. The state government has started number of schemes for the differently abled students including employment schemes. Principal, JNMI Boomtar, Jeewan Rai also addressed the programme where he highlighted the rights and responsibilities of a differently abled person in a society. On the occasion two wheelchairs were donated to differently abled children by the HRDD, South Namchi.

Jan Sunwai held for MGNREGA works in Ravangla GVK

NAMCHI, 03 Dec: The Jan Sunwai of Social Audit of MGNREGA works implemented at Barfung-Zarong Gram Panchayat Unit and Ravang-Sangmo Gram Panchayat Unit under Ravangla Gram Vikas Kendra was conducted on 29 and 30 November at the respective Gram Prasashan Kendras.
The Social Audit was facilitated by the District Resource Institution, South District viz. Pacific Club, Yangang. Besides the Job Card holders, the programme was also attended by the Gram Panchayat members, ADC-cum- District Programme Coordinator (South), Additional District Collector (Ravangla), Gram Vikas Adhikari and other field functionaries.
Earlier, a Jan Sunwai of Lingi Sokpay Gram Panchayat Unit was conducted by the DRI on 23 November. During the Jan Sunwai, issues found during documentation verification, door to door interaction and work site visit was discussed.
An exit conference to discuss the above findings was held at Conference Hall of DAC, Namchi on 02 December between the officials, Panchayats and District Resource Institution (South). An action taken report on the findings will now be submitted to the Social Audit Unit within a month.

One arrested for sexual assault on minor

GANGTOK, 03 Dec: Police have arrested one person for sexually assaulting a minor here at Chandmari on Monday.
Bhim Tamang, currently residing in Chandmari, was arrested by the police on the complaint of the victim’s mother. It is informed that the 5-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by the accused a week ago but the matter was not reported as the accused had allegedly threatened the victim with dire consequences if she reported it to anyone. The matter came to light only on 01 December, it is further informed.

PIL demands termination of Madhya Bharat PCL hydel project

GANGTOK, 03 Dec: Madhya Bharat Power Corporation Ltd which is developing a 96 MW hydel project in East Sikkim finds itself fighting yet another legal battle for its survival in Sikkim. This time, a public interest litigation has been filed by Karma Thinley Lama in the High Court, seeking, among other things, termination of the project.
The project developer is alleged to have violated various conditions leading to degradation of environment and adversely affecting the people in the affected area. In the year 2008, the State government had itself terminated its MoU with the developer but later the power developer approached the Courts and the matter was ‘settled’. The company has been continuing construction of the power project since then.
Today, a division bench of the High Court comprising acting Chief Justice NK Jain and Justice SP Wangdi heard the matter and verbally it was made known to the developer that it has to cater to the interests of the citizens as well as the environment.
While no interim order was passed today, the court did express that such companies could not just plunder the wealth of the state leaving the people as well as the natural resources high and dry.
It has been alleged that muck from the construction activity, instead of being dumped at a pre-designated site, as per the conditions, was being dumped into the Rani Khola; moreover it was brought to the notice of the court that the running water which irrigated the fields in the area had dried up due to the relentless construction activity thereby affecting the environment as well as the livelihood of the people of the area.
The court expressed that interests of the citizens was a priority and that suggestions made by the people had to be taken into account by the power developer.
The next date has been set for 12 December. It also needs to be highlighted that all hydroelectric projects have a multidisciplinary committee for monitoring and ensuring that guidelines and conditions are adhered to. This particular aspect of hydel power development in the state has been an acute and unfortunate failure.
As for the case concerning Madhya Bharat Power Corporation it is also alleged that its failure to start generating power is resulting in financial loss to the state. The project was supposed to start generating power in the year 2012 as per the MoU. However it is informed that the developer has sought time from the government till the year 2016. Had the project been commissioned the state would be earning close to Rs. 10 lakhs in revenue per month from it, it is informed.
In 2008, the MoU with the developer had been terminated as it had not met its financial closure or forwarded its Techo economic reports nor had it properly conducted its geological studies; its DPR, too, had not been properly prepared, it was alleged.

Lachung Dzumsa draws fresh list of REDRH beneficiaries

MANGAN, 03 Dec: A Gram Sabha was conducted on 29 November by Lachung Dzumsa regarding selection of fresh list of REDRH beneficiaries. The meeting was attended by the Pipon Lhakpa Tshering and Pipon Nedup Lachungpa accompanied by the Chultimpas and executive members, public of Lachung.
The list of beneficiaries was unanimously passed by members of Lachung Dzumsa in the gram sabha. The sabha also discussed the setting up of food godown for the convenience of the general public of the area.

Construction company donates traffic cones to South cops

JORETHANG, 03 Dec: BVSR Constructions Pvt. Limited donated traffic cones to South District Traffic Police. BVSR Constructions is a company which is working for the widening of Jorethang-Melli Road. The cones were handed over to the Traffic Police at Jorethang, South Sikkim. On behalf of the Traffic Police, Head Constable, Ganesh Pradhan thanked the construction company and said that their support and cooperation will definitely help the traffic police to function smoothly.

South district Group ‘D’ employees dismayed over delay in promotion

NAMCHI, 03 Dec: South District members of the All Sikkim Group ‘D’ Government Employees Association have expressed their dismay over the delay in their promotion to the post of LDCs.
According to the association, on 05 May earlier this year during a meeting with the association in Gangtok, the Chief Minister had assured that all LDC vacancies would be filled through promotion. They have stated that the Chief Minister had announced that Group ‘D’ Government employees who have passed Class X would be provided with one-time relaxation and given this promotion.
However, seven months have passed since and there has been no progress in the matter, they said. Employees from various parts of South Sikkim like Melli, Namthang, Jorethang, Ravangla, Temi Tarku and Namchi have blamed it on the lack of interest on the part of the concerned department and the central body of the association as well.
They further mentioned that the central body of the association and the concerned department should take the initiative and follow up on this matter as the employees from districts cannot take leave time and again for the same.

Socially Challenged

Editorial:-
The last month of the year is now underway and another year is drawing to a close. This was another year during which, predictably [given that elections are due in the first half of 2014], much happened in the political arena which, while high in pitch packed no surprises. The year, in that sense, was like any other in reinforcing the general lack of excitement or absence of surprises in how Sikkim moves on. This is not necessarily good, because while no one has complaints with politics playing to an expected script since it is in uncertainties that trouble brews; it is in Sikkim’s continuing refusal to deliver social engagement on the state’s perennial challenges of suicides and addiction that things need to change. It is all very well for instance that PS Tamang finally quit the ruling party and joined his former colleagues in SKM even as NB Bhandari booted Congress out of Congress Bhawan and invited SSP back in and Dr. AD Subba realized the benefits of being in a national party after 12 years as a regional outfit. Along the way there were many minor players at work breaking apart, joining up and realigning. There were no surprises in any of these political developments because every single one of them had been in gestation for a while and were expected anyway in the final six months run-up to the next Assembly elections; if anything, some of these moves might have come too late. So no surprises there; unfortunately, while Sikkim could have done with some surprises at the social engagement level, even these did not happen. As two brief news-reports in today’s edition bear out, the problems remain. Two suicides, both by young people in rural Sikkim and a drug bust at the check-posts.
Neither suicides, nor addiction or for that matter peddling has received a social response. Whatever has happened with regard to these issues have been state-sponsored initiatives, not people driven efforts. And now that elections are round the corner, there is every possibility that social issues will be appropriated by political parties, which, instead of offering solutions, will put a spin on things and blame each other for the situation. Since people refuse to engage, that will become the dialogue which takes over the public domain and another year will go by without anything substantial being done to address social issues. The politics will receive one level of closure by May 2014 after Sikkim has voted, but the concern that demands more attention is the direction that the Sikkimese society is headed. The Sikkimese society has failed itself miserably. Crime appears to be on the rise as do suicides and addiction continues to convert more people at younger ages. Much as the people would like to convince themselves, these are not problems erupting from poor governance, they are ills that a poor social fabric foments. There have been few, very few instances, where people have come together to further a good cause. There have been too many indications of a disinterested society more comfortable at sweeping its responsibilities under the carpet than addressing issues and solving them. The lethargy one often associates with the bureaucracy is as acute among the people who should make up the civil society and Sikkim remains the poorer for it. There has been no consolidated effort by the people for anything. Every initiative that should have come from the people has come from the government instead. This does not always work, because if the people themselves are not motivated enough or concerned enough, then mere legislations are of little help. The present times are times of change, rapid change, and unless the society remains involved in this change, tracking it, it will soon realize that they have mutated into something ugly when they could have metamorphosed into something much prettier. With our vacuity, we also cripple the chances of an improved future for the coming generations. That will be guilt difficult to live down.

DC chairs coordination meeting for East Sikkim

GANGTOK, 03 Dec [IPR]: District Collector East, Jitendra Raje chaired a District Co-ordination Meeting today at the Conference Hall of the East District Collectorate. The meeting was attended by ADC (Development) Gangtok and Pakyong, ADC (Reforms), ADC (Headquarters), SDMs, SDPO Gangtok, Gram Vikas Adhikaris, senior officers from all Line Departments, and an officer from the Election Department.
The meeting took stock of all ongoing schemes of the Government and the progress of works in schemes like MPLADS, Prime Minister's Employment Guarantee Programme, Midday Meal, Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, REDRH, CMRHM, and Old Age Pension.
In his address, the District Collector called on the officers of concerned departments to address all the issues diligently and constitute a mechanism for consistent monitoring and grievance redressal. He called for frequent inspection of Bazaar areas, in coordination with area officers, to check problems of black marketing and hoarding.
The DC further maintained that all issues relating to the army be brought to the notice of the Collectorate for redressal. He instructed Line Departments to take prompt action with regard to mutation of Government lands. The DC urged all the officers for completion of all the ongoing programmes of the Government within the stipulated time and timely submission of progress reports.
The meeting also discussed issues relating to disaster management and upcoming Assembly election.

STATE LEVEL BANKERS’ COMMITTEE MEETS Poor functioning of ATMs in Mangan and RBI’s Clean Note Policy highlighted

GANGTOK, 03 Dec: The 39th State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) Meeting for Sikkim was convened by State Bank of India (SBI), the SLBC Convenor bank in Sikkim on today in Gangtok. The meeting was chaired by the new SBI Zonal Manager (ZM) from Siliguri, Satish D Patwardhan.
A press release informs that the meeting was convened to review the performance of commercial banks in achieving their Annual Credit Plan (ACP) targets in Sikkim for the quarter ended September 2013.
The meeting was attended by DR Nepal [Secretary, RMDD], RP Bhargawa [GM, NABARD, Gangtok] and Anil Kumar Yadav [DGM, RBI, Gangtok]. The meeting also had the attendance of controllers of Central Bank of India, Union Bank of India from Siliguri, other bankers from Sikkim and officials from the Line Departments of the State Government.
Delivering his welcome address the SBI, ZM highlighted the various achievements of the Lead Bank in Sikkim during the last quarter. He also stated that SBI will be setting up 9 new ATMs in Sikkim in the coming months.
Mr Nepal in his address stressed the need for more credit to the weaker and poorer sections of the society. He also informed about the launching of the World Bank sponsored North East Rural Livelihood Project (NERLP) in two districts of the State recently. NABARD, GM spoke on the various schemes of his bank and informed about the poor utilisation of subsidy linked schemes in the State.
DGM, RBI, Mr Yadav informed the house about the recently conducted Financial Outreach Programme at Mangshila village in North Sikkim which was attended by Anand Sinha [Deputy Governor of RBI]. He also informed that United Bank of India has proposed to open their branch in the village.
Reacting on recent news items appearing in some local dailies regarding non acceptance of scribbled banknotes from the public after 01 January, 2014 by commmercial banks, Mr Yadav clarified that as of now there is no such RBI notification, hence the members of the public need not panic.
However, he stated that the RBI directive on Clean Note Policy of 2001 and the recent circular of 14 August 2013 was addressed to the banks wherein they were asked to sensitise their dealing officers and tellers/staff to stop writing/scribbling of any kind on any part of the banknote to ensure the achievement of the objectives of RBI’s Clean Note Policy and also the mechanised processing of banknotes, the release mentions.
Mr Yadav also shared the concern of the District administration of North Sikkim regarding the non-functioing of ATMs of some banks in Mangan and urged their controllers to ensure the smooth functioing of the ATMs at the earliest. He also apprised the status of opening of a Currency Chest in Mangan by SBI.
The officials from UD&HD apprised the house about the Rajiv Rinn Yojana (RRY), Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) and NURLM (replacing the present SJSRY) and urged the bankers to extend credit to the weaker sections in urban areas for housing purpose. They also requested the SLBC to allow HUDCO to become a member of the SLBC.  The representative from SKVIB raised his concern about the delay in processing of PMEGP loan applications by some banks in Sikkim, it is added.
The meeting also reviewed the other agenda items such as the Credit Deposit Ratio, recovery of banks’ dues, Government Sponsored Schemes, Kisan Credit Cards etc. Mr A. K. Ghosh, RM, SBI, Gangtok, who conducted the proceedings of the meeting, also urged all the banks to furnish their mandatory returns/reports in time to the Lead Bank for timely conduct of the SLBC meetings.

Ex-servicemen call on CM in run-up to Armed Forces Flag Day

GANGTOK, 03 Dec: Col DN Bhutia, Secretary, Rajya Sainik Board, and Welfare Officers of Zilla Sainik Boards called on the Chief Minister today in the run-up to the Armed Forces Flag Day coming up on 07 December.
A press release informs that expressing happiness over the various activities being carried out by the Rajya Sainik Board, the emphasized that ex-servicemen are like serving soldiers except that they are no more wearing uniform but continue to serve the Nation as they were doing when they were in service.
He urged all ex-servicemen to come forward and join hands in fighting against the enemy facing Sikkim - drugs. He said that the ex-servicemen should motivate the younger generations in their respective areas to make Sikkim a Drugs-Free State.
Col Bhutia briefed the CM on recruitment activities in the State for the year 2013, a year when Sikkim recorded the largest number of recruitments in the armed forces. The total tally comes to about 800-plus, the release informs.
The CM handed over Rs 50,000 to the Rajya Sainik Board Secretary as Armed Forces Flag Day contribution and conveyed his respect and sincere tribute to the veterans and their families.

SMASHED:

A speeding Tata Spacio reportedly headed towards Deorali downhill crashed at the Development Area intersection here at 8 p.m. this evening. According to eyewitnesses, the driver of this mainline taxi lost control, crashing first into the iron railings of the foothpath on the highway, breaking through the cement parapets and falling onto the lower road opposite Manan Kendra. Police personnel on patrolling duty with the help of some residents, first rescued the driver who was the only occupant in the vehicle and rushed him to STNM Hospital. Traffic resumed after an hour when the broken iron railings were removed from the lower road. The accident could have taken bigger proportions if it had occurred a few hours earlier when the Development Area road and the footpath along NH 31A see many pedestrians and the road has substantial traffic.

Archers take over Paljor Stadium

WINTER COACHING CAMP BEGINS
GANGTOK, 02 Dec: A Winter Archery Coaching Camp in Recurve, Compound and Indian Round got underway here at Paljor Stadium today. This is an annual feature of the Sikkim Archery Association [SAA] and is an advanced course held for the best archers picked from all four districts.
The first day of the camp today had fifteen archers in training. More are expected to join the camp in the coming days. The coaching is being led by State Chief Archery Coach, Zigmi Y Lepcha and coach Thupden Rongkup.
The SAA is also organizing the State Open Archery Championship at Paljor Stadium on 07 and 08 December.
Archers at the camp shared that the summer and winter camps held by SAA have always proved helpful to them to learn new techniques and refine their skills under the guidance of the coaches and in the company of fellow archers. They stated that the camp also helped boost their confidence and prepare for national level competitions.
SAA general secretary, Dr KB Gurung, added that the summer and winter camps [held during school vacations] were mainly to hone the skills and techniques of local archers and to prepare them for the national level competitions. He expressed that these camps always given a positive outcome.

BAN-BAJ badminton derby plays in Namchi NAMCHI SHUTTLERS LIFT WINTER TROPHY

GANGTOK, 02 Dec: The Namchi leg of the Badminton Derby Challenge Series between Badminton Association of Jorethang (BAJ) and Badminton Association of Namchi (BAN) was held at Indoor Gymnasium Hall, Namchi, on 01 Dec.
The inaugural match of this unique derby series between these two badminton associations was held in July 2013 at Jorethang, it may be recalled. As per the rules for this Derby, the two associations are to host one leg each every year on a summer and winter basis.
There were a total of 89 matches played between 8 men’s doubles team and 5 mixed doubles teams from either side. These were played on a round robin league basis. The Namchi team included the South District Collector Prabhakar Verma and ADC (Dev) Benu Gurung.
At the end of the day, the Badminton Association of Namchi emerged victorious winning the most number of games and therefore lifting the winter Derby trophy.   Tashi Dadul, the BAJ president, handed over the best Mixed doubles trophy to   Rajen Pradhan & Sanju Rai of BAN, while Durga Rai, president BAN, handed over the best men’s doubles pair to IK Rai &  Raju Rai also of BAN. Jigmey Namgyal, SE Power [South], handed over the winner’s trophy to the Badminton Association of Namchi
As per the rules of this derby, BAN will host the summer series while Jorethang Association will host the winter leg every year and in line with the motto of the Derby - “2013 to eternity”, it is hoped that this series will continue forever. This Derby has been initiated with a view to promote camaraderie and spirit of competition between these two Associations with an overall perspective of uplifting the game among the youth and veterans of these two regions. The games are held in an “IPL style” with live music and local sponsors chipping in with valuable contributions.

West Sikkim farmers learn from Wadi project implementation in South district

GANGTOK, 02 Dec [IPR]: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, South Sikkim, played host to a group of farmers from the recently inducted WADI villages of  West district on 25 November. The farmers were at Namthang on an exposure tour to the project areas where the WADI project was being implemented.
While the WADI project has been implemented by KVK Namthang in South district for the past three years in the villages of Rabitar, Rabikhola, Manghim, Kabrey, Kateng and Bokrong; in West district, it was launched recently with KVK West as Project Implementing Agency. The project in both districts is funded by NABARD.
The group led by Bhison Pradhan, Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) at KVK West, comprised of two panchayat members, 30 beneficiaries and 03 Field Assistants from the project area covering 227 acres in the villages of Nesurgaon, Jambudara, Magarjung, Lungthung, Arubotey, Upper Timburbong and Karthok under Soreng Sub-division in West district.
The main objective of the visit was to introduce the new WADI farmers to established orchards (Bagan) developed through WADI approach of NABARD in South district.
A function was organized at the training hall of KVK Namthang to welcome and brief the farmers. The programme was presided over by Binu Subba, Manghim ward Panchayat and also attended by Budhi Rani Lepcha, Panchayat Secretary and Jagmaya Limboo, Panchayat member of Karthok ward under Soreng subdivision. Field Assistants from the project areas in South district were also present to interact and share experience with their counterparts and farmers from West district.
Tracing the genesis of WADI project started in South district during year 2010-11 under the leadership of the then Programme Co-ordinator, SL Dorjee (presently Director SAMETI, Department of Food Security and Agriculture Development Department), IP Shivakoti SMS KVK Namthang presented a brief history of the project under implementation in South district by KVK Namthang as Project Implementing Agency.
Expressing gratitude to NABARD for the grant under Tribal Development Fund component, Tilak Gajmer, Programme Co-ordinator KVK Namthang highlighted important components of the WADI project and explained how a small mixed fruit orchard comprising of guava and orange plants could provide an opportunity for income generation and employment in addition to bringing about positive socio-economic change in the lives and livelihood of Tribal farmer beneficiaries in remote villages of the state.
He highlighted that WADI was a unique model of area specific development project aimed at holistic development  of the tribal households through activities such as plantation of fruit plant orchard, intercropping, soil and water conservation and management activities, health camp, women development, capacity building etc. which  ultimately helped in amelioration of poverty in the rural areas.
“We had never seen such a well maintained orchard. We should also adopt the same practices,” exclaimed the jubilant farmers Padam Singh Limboo of Jambudara-Suntalay and Kul Prasad Sharma of Karthok from West District.
Bishnu Ghising from Lungthung and Birbal Limboo of Nesurgaon in turn remarked, “It was possible to maintain the same type of plantation as in the orchard of Shri Mani Kumar Pradhan of Upper Kabrey in our Bagan too if the agronomic practices viz. manure schedule, training and pruning, soil and water conservation methods including stone mulching around the tree trunk were followed in Kabrey was adopted earnestly.”
Nar Bahadur Karki of Jambudara, Budhiman Subba of Arubotey endorsed that the orange plantation maintained organically was exemplary and expressed that they too would like to replicate it in West district.
Budhi Rani Lepcha, Panchayat Secretary of Karthok ward expressed gratitude to both KVKs for the opportunity to Bagan farmers of West district to visit the orange plantations.
To the Bagan farmers of West district, the exposure visit provided a unique opportunity for one on one interaction amongst farmers thereby facilitating interchange and exchange of ideas, knowledge and experience which in turn should help in motivation of the Bagan farmers and adoption of proven technology and in reinforcing the conviction of farmers.
It is hoped that such an informal learning experience through exposure visit and farmer-to-farmer level interaction should motivate farmers of West district to replicate and take up various activities under Wadi project effectively in West Sikkim too as in South Sikkim.

Suicide

GANGTOK, 02 Dec: A case of Unnatural Death [UD] was registered at the Sadar Police Station this morning when a 27 year old man, a resident of New Market, committed suicide by hanging inside a storeroom. Police sources inform that the suicide was discovered by the victim’s mother.

SKM continues door to door campaign

GANGTOK, 02 Dec: In continuation of its door-to-door visit campaign, a Sikkim Krantikari Morcha team led by Yapchung Bhutia visited Mangchak basti under Barfung constituency in South Sikkim today. An SKM press release informs that during the tour, 15 houses of the area quit the SDF and joined SKM. The release further informs that an SKM team also interacted with the people of Lumsey under Upper Tadong constituency in East Sikkim today.

SDF mourns passing away of founding member

GANGTOK, 02 Dec: Sikkim Democratic Front has conveyed its deep condolences on the passing away of one of its founding members, HR Gurung of Phong-Bhanjyang under Rateypani constituency in South Sikkim. The party held a condolence meeting, chaired by vice-president [administration], KB Chamling, at the party head-office here today.
An SDF press release informs that the late Mr. Gurung had been keeping unwell and was under treatment for a long time and passed away this morning. The release adds that the late Mr. Gurung was a senior and active member of the party and contributed a lot to the growth of the party.
The meeting observed a two minute silence in the memory of the departed soul.

24th installment of Bharat Nirman public info campaign in Sikkim to be held in Rongli

GANGTOK, 02 Dec: The 24th Bharat Nirman Public Information Campaign will be held at Rongli community hall in East Sikkim from 04 to 06 December. The last PIC for this financial year is being organized by Press Information Bureau [PIB], Gangtok in collaboration with the media units of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting including the DAVP, DFP, Song & Drama Division, Doordarshan, AIR and the East District administration.
This three-day multimedia public outreach programme is scheduled to be inaugurated by the East Zilla Adhyaksha, Bimal Dawari.
Addressing a press conference today, PIB [Gangtok] Director, CK Dorjee, informed that that this PIC will cover all GPUs and wards of the area. He adds that the event will have the participation of Panchayats, Self Help Groups, NGOs, school students and local people.
He also mentioned that the aim of the PIC was to create wider awareness on the various flagship programmes and schemes of the Central Government.
“The PIC is an initiative to take the right information to the doorsteps of the people and also to clarify any doubts in peoples mind over government schemes. The campaign will also help reduce the gap between the administration and the people,” he said.
The Director informs that over 700 Bharat Nirman PICs have already been organized across the country and this would be the 24th in Sikkim. During the three-day long campaign, PIB, DAVP, DFP along with different central & state government departments will put up stalls on the various developmental and welfare schemes initiated by the central government while the Sikkim AIDS Control Society and Panchayat bodies, Self Help Groups and NGOs will also put up stalls displaying their products and services.
Likewise, Sashastra Seema Bal is also organizing a three-day free medical-cum-veterinary camp at the venue, which will also be providing free medicines.
On the first day of the PIC, resource persons from various state government departments responsible for implementing various flagship programmes of the Central Government will give talks on MGNREGA, PMGSY and DBT Aadhar.
Similarly, the second day will see deliberations on Right to Education, RTI, Total Sanitation, Indira Awas Yojana and PM’s 15-Point Programme for Minorities. The concluding day will have sessions on National Rural Livelihood Mission, ICDS and NRHM, the recent initiative of the central government like Food Security Act and Land Acquisition Bill will also be in focus during the session.
The Director informs that the Directorate of Field Publicity started pre-PIC publicity today at villages and schools surrounding Rongli to highlight the major flagship programmes and garner people’s participation at the PIC with distribution of publicity materials.
Artists from the Song & Drama Unit, Kolkata, along with local artists will perform a number of cultural programmes besides magic and puppet shows during the three day public outreach programme. DFP will also organize essay writing, poetry recitation & elocution along with debate competitions among school students on various themes of the flagship programme. A healthy baby competition will be organized on 05 December by DFP.
The valedictory function will have the Chujachen MLA, Puran Gurung as the chief guest, while Chujachen zilla panchayat, Srijana Rai will preside over the second day of the PIC.

Lit butt smokes paddy

GANGTOK, 02 Dec: Paddy crop valued at approximately Rs. 1.26 lakh was reportedly destroyed in a fire at a storehouse in Daramdin, West Sikkim. Around 2,100 kg of the crop belonging to three farmers stored in the storehouse was destroyed when a carelessly left cigarette butt transformed into a raging fire ravaging the place.
The incident took place on 26 November at a village falling under the jurisdiction of the Daramdin police outpost. On investigation it was reportedly found that the fire was the result of some school students hiding and smoking.
As alleged, a group of students were smoking in the area, this was noticed by one of the victims as well. However, they were not in school uniforms. The fire ravaged for some time and during this time it consumed all the harvested paddy crop of Deo Kumar Pradhan, Raju Pradhan and S Pradhan.
There has only been a general diary entry with the Daramdin police as complaint. It is a matter of speculation whether the victims can be compensated by the administration as this is not a loss due to natural calamity.

NERAMAC organizes third auction of current large cardamom season

GANGTOK, 02 Dec [PIB]: The North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Ltd [NERAMAC], a Govt. of India enterprise under the Ministry of DoNER, successfully conducted the third Large Cardamom Auction for the current season on 27 November at Spices Board Auction Hall in Singtam.
The maximum arrival of Seremna Variety (GI) came from Hee-Goan (West Sikkim) and also substantial quantities form other district of Sikkim. Ram Bahadur Bista from Hee-goan (West Sikkim) received the highest price of Rs. 1,070 per kg of the export quality Seremna veriety and the lowest price [of Rs. 800 per kg] was offered to Paras Bista, also from Hee-Gaon, for the medium and ungraded quality he brought to the auction.
The local farmers have expressed their satisfaction over the prices [Rs. 200-300 above the prevailing local market prices]. A team of farmers form Dzongu in North Sikkim with the Spices Board officials also visited the auction.
The next auction hosted by NERAMAC is scheduled for 18 Dec and expects even higher participation of farmers, dealers and bidders.

MGNREGA Joint Secy from Delhi impressed with Sikkim’s focus beyond wages and on village-building

GANGTOK, 02 Dec [IPR]: Joint Secretary (MGNREGA), Aparajita Sarangi, visited Sikkim from 27-30 Nov to inspect MGNREGA works. Accompanied by a team of officers from the Ministry of Rural Development, Ms. Sarangi, over three days, inspected 21 works covering five blocks in South and East districts.
She visited ongoing and completed works relating to land development, dhara vikas, IAY/ CMRHM, water storage tanks, cattle sheds, village footpaths, large cardamom plantations, G5P planning approach for labour budget and also had detailed interactions with PRIs in Gram Prashashan Kendra and functionaries in the Gram Vikas Kendra.
She commended the State for projecting MGNREGA works as a village building activity and not just as a wage employment programme.
She also observed that the working relationship between the PRI functionaries and the officials at the ground level was very strong. She praised the concept of Gram Vikas Kendra (Cluster Support office) with proper positioning of adequate manpower.
Another activity she was impressed with was the Gram Panchayat Pro poor Perspective Planning (G5P) activity being implemented in all the gram panchayats, which once institutionalised would be showcased by the Ministry as a model. The springshed development (dhara vikas) works implemented under MGNREGA in the state was an example which all the hills states in the country could replicate. She participated in the Social Audit at Namcheybong GPU and was very impressed with the transparency and the process followed by the Social Audit Unit. She also highlighted the need to take up convergence projects in partnership with line departments to promote sustainable livelihoods. Towards the end, a wrap up meeting was held wherein she promised full support to Sikkim State in the implementation of the MGNREGA programme.

7,500 students to get laptops in second phase distribution starting Friday

GANGTOK, 02 Dec: Around 7,500 students are all set to be enabled with a foothold in the world of information technology in the second phase of the government’s laptop distribution programme. The second and last phase of the laptop distribution to government school students will begin on 06 December in West District and conclude on 09 December in North District and will cover the South District as well.
After the initial announcement and distribution of laptops by the State government to students of East district in October laptops were distributed to school students in Pelling in early November; thereafter there had been a stall in the distribution process. Students as well as teachers and parents were awaiting and even speculating as to when the laptops would finally reach them.
The wait ends this weekend.
In all, nearly 18,500 laptops have been procured by the State government for distribution to government school students of senior secondary schools particularly students of Class XI and XII and college students. Nearly 11,000 laptops were distributed in the first phase.
The second phase of the laptop computer distribution is to begin with Kaluk in West Sikkim where the government school has scheduled its Platinum Jubilee celebrations for 06 December. Here the students of the remaining 10 schools of West District will be provided with laptops. A total of 2,261 laptops are to be handed over on the day.
The next day, on 07 December, the distribution will move to South District to the playground of the Singithang Senior Secondary School. Here, students of 14 government schools of South District and those of the Namchi government college will be handed their computers. On the day, a total of 4,294 machines will be handed over by the Chief Minister.
Thereafter, on 09 December the students of the government schools of North district will be enabled with their due laptops. This is to be done at the Mangan School playground for the 3 senior secondary government schools of North district and 798 laptops are due to be handed out to the students of North district.
In October, when the scheme was started by the state government the students of private schools had also raised demands to be accorded with the same benefit as the government school students were being provided. However it has been informed that as yet there has been no decision in this regard; a decision to that end would also depend on the budget allocated for this scheme. Students of Paljor Namgyal Girls School, a government aided school, who had requested the CM to provide them with laptops as well are likely to get their laptops in the next financial year, the budget having been allocated only for government schools and colleges this year.

Health awareness through magic and puppets

GANGTOK, 02 Dec: Jadukar Ashok Biswas & Troupe, Dhumketu Puppet Theater from Kolkata performed a number of magic & puppet shows  themed on Mother & Child care as well as family  welfare, national integration, HIV/AIDS, literacy, MGNREGA  etc at Maneybong, Sopakha and Karmatar in West Sikkim. This programme, an official press release informs, was organized by the Song & Drama Division of the Information & Broadcasting Ministry. The troupe arrived in the Dentam BAC area on 22 November and is scheduled to remain there with its performances till 04 December.

Four-month training begins for homestay operators REBYNA RANA

GANGTOK, 02 Dec: The Department of Tourism & Civil Aviation, in collaboration with the Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition, Sajong, is organizing a 4-month long ‘Capacity Building Training Program for Homestay Operators’ here at Hotel Mt. Jopuno. The training began today.
This is the second time that such a training program is being conducted. The first training was held last year where 350 participants had been trained.This year, a total of 360 participants have been invited from all the four districts of the state.
The training will go on till 31 March, 2014 here at the same venue. The training will cover topicslike Tourism Industry, Hospitality, Communicating, Safety & Security, Environment, Hygiene in Home-stay, House Keeping, Front Office, Cleaning, Foods, Drinks, Preparation of Local & International food, Lunch & Breakfast as well. IHM [Sajong] faculty members will be the resource persons for the training.
Addressing the inaugural session of the training program, Minister for Tourism, Bhim Dhungel informed that eco-tourism in villages can be a good source of income for the educated unemployed youth of the state which is why such training is being organized.Homestays also provide an opportunity to showcase local culture to visitors, he added.
The Minister urged all trainees to work hard and take full advantage of the training. He also suggested that tie-ups with hotel operators could help homestays to attract more tourists.
Tourism Secretary, C. Zangpo said that both educated and uneducated people can earn from homestays. He also suggested that if homestays could grow their own food then it would be an added attraction. We need to value what nature has given us and we can do that through eco-tourism, he stated further urging homestays not to use plastic.
The inaugural day of the training was also addressed by the Joint Director for Tourism department, Uzir Man Rai where he highlighted about the program. Also present were Joint Secretary/Administrator, Diki Yonzon, officials from the concerned department, and participants.

Truck runs over pedestrian in Rangpo

GANGTOK, 02 Dec: A pedestrian was killed in Rangpo today after being hit by a truck. As per reports, the truck, SK01D-1034, was on its way from IBM Rangpo to Lower Rangpo when it hit the pedestrian near Traffic Point at Rangpo Bazaar along the national highway. The incident took place this morning at around 6:15 a.m. The victim, reportedly a destitute, could not be identified. The driver of the truck as been taken into police custody and charged under section 304 A of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to culpable homicide.