Sikkim media sensitized on HIV, AIDS

GANGTOK, 03 Feb: A sensitization workshop for media on HIV/ AIDS was organized by the Sikkim State AIDS Control Society [SSACS] here at Gangtok. The programme was organized in order to garner support from the media in disseminating information and spreading awareness regarding HIV AIDS at the grass roots level.
Addressing the programme, Joint Director of ICTC under SSACS, Dr. KT Lepcha, said that the role of media in disseminating information at the grassroots level is very important and should be a continuous process.
Media can work as a bridge between SSACS and the people at the grass root level so media sensitization is extremely important, he stressed. Disseminating information and motivating readers are some things that can be done by the media, added Dr Lepcha.
Project Director of SSACS, Dr. Uttam Pradhan informed about the various safety measures to prevent HIV infections. He also highlighted through presentation the present scenario of AIDS patients in Sikkim.
Dr Pradhan said that every month one or two cases of infection are reported which, although not alarming, is an issue of serious concern.
Among the high risk groups are female sex workers, injecting drug users and homosexuals. Incidence of HIV AIDS is greater in rural areas [57%] than urban areas [43%] while it is higher among males than females, he informed.
The cumulative figures since 1995 of people living with HIV AIDS till the end of 20 January is 298, informed Dr Pradhan.
Consultant, Youth Affairs of SSACS, Chung Chung Bhutia, urged the media to volunteer for blood tests and also to inform people regarding voluntary blood testing and other preventive measures.

Us versus Them, Always

Editoral:-
The latest incident in New Delhi, this one ending in an unfortunate fatality, could, as an individual case, be a confrontation gone horribly wrong, but in the larger scheme of things, is a progression of the racist responses which recently painted the Africans living in Khirki extension as drug peddlers and pimps. Nido Taniam was in Delhi to study, but did not live to get through his teenage years because provincial machismo intervened, and what clearly started off as prejudicial name-calling ended in a death. One could argue that Nido was not targeted because he was from the North East, and he probably was not, but he was obviously ribbed because he wore his hair differently; and it is this attitude which lies at the core of the basic problem of intolerance and clear racism which infects us a nation. One sees much the same prejudices in the blanket painting of all Delhites as ‘racist’ by the northeastern groups protesting the incident and we have displayed much the same traits in how we engage the mainstream in our own domains, whether in Sikkim or Arunachal or anywhere in the margins. The latest death has attracted so much media attention that the perpetrators in the case will at least be charged and their cases processed properly. But the protest is about more than that and now that it has attracted attention, more concerted efforts should be made to devise ways by which people, especially the young, become less provincial, more open and less defensive.
It is obvious that the elders and policy-makers have collectively failed in their responsibilities towards the young in failing to address inherent insecurities, adjustment problems and attitude issues among them, especially when they move to new places or receive people from different communities and cultures among them. As a result, simmering discontent and unresolved differences explode on the streets and sometimes end in fatalities like was the case with Nido. And now, there is a protest underway at Jantar-Mantar, with even Rahul Gandhi in attendance and making headlines everywhere. This release might work to settle nerves for the present and after a few days, the young might return to their classes and work with the aggression levels under control. But instead of just being about ‘justice’ for Nido [which, make no mistake, is important], the situation needs to be taken a step further and used to make better introductions and make better, more tolerant citizens out of all of us. If the Jantar-Mantar demonstration remains just a North-East affair, it will only reinforce the prejudices and expand the communication gap which brought things to such an ignominious pass in the first place.
What is required, and is definitely a very challenging ask, is for all sections – people, governments, residents and institutions to sit down and thrash out the issues. Everyone needs to make better introductions and make more concerted efforts to know the other. On our part, it is important that when the young are sent out, they are encouraged to create wider circles of friends and now settle into familiar circles of home, creating their Little Sikkims, Little Arunachals etc. The world has been opened to them [when the move out], and we do them a disservice if we allow them to withdraw into the smallest corner of the familiar there. Apart from constricting their development, we also allow prejudices to get even more reinforced, adjustments even more difficult. Don’t allow such openness, and another generation is groomed with a chip of their shoulders and growing into society leaders who reduce every situation into us versus them collapse into regressive parochialism. It needs to also be accepted that this disturbing chip on the shoulder is reinforced by constant hammering by short-sighted do-gooders when the focus really should be on healing such insecurities. The young, as they take over from the older generation, will anyways be hemmed in by obnoxious insularity, but while they are still young, we should encourage them to experiment with being less provincial and more open, less insular and more social.

Teenager arrested for burglary

GANGTOK, 03 Feb: In Rangpo the rented house of Panna Lall Prasad, located at Mandi Bazaar, was burgled. The incident reportedly took place on 01 February. During the burglary the culprit made away with Rs. 30,000 in cash from the house.
Later the police rounded up a suspect, a 16 year old resident of Chanatar, Rangpo. He later, reportedly, confessed to having committed the burglary and the cash amount was also recovered by the police. He was then placed under arrest.

Two burglaries in Church Road-DPH stretch

GANGTOK, 03 Jan: Residents of Church Road and DPH area in the capital have requested increased police patrolling in their area following two burglaries in the past few days.
Last night, miscreants broke into a beauty parlour on the DPH Road through the main door and made away with cash from the counter. It is informed that although no other articles have been stolen, an unsuccessful attempt was made to take the television of the parlour as well.
It is informed that the shop was closed at around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday and at around 9:30 AM this morning an employee of the parlour found the main door open and the cash missing. The window of the parlour’s washroom was also found open from where, it is believed, the burglar escaped.
In another daring robbery at Church Road, Gangtok on 01 February, Alley Niwas was burgled sometime during the day and the culprit/s made away with a significant amount of cash and other items.
According to reports, the house was ransacked and silver bowls, silver utensils, cameras along with cash have been reported stolen. A case has been registered by the Sadar police; no one has been arrested so far.

Blasting at Rongnichu hydel project site stopped till next court hearing

GANGTOK, 03 Feb: Blasting works at the tunnel site of the Rongnichu hydel project has been stopped till the next court hearing. It is informed that after the initial orders to suspend blasting works at the tunnel site at Sumin, East district, the orders have been now extended to the next date of hearing of the case which falls on the last day of February.
The DC, East, J Raje, had suspended the blasting works on the complaints of locals of the area on 22 January pending verification of the grievances of the locals.
The grievance of the locals of the area was that the company, Madhya Bharat was violating some of the conditions of resuming the blasting at the head race tunnel at Sumin as stipulated by the DC, East. Subsequently a few days ago officials comprising the SDM, East along with Joint Director, Mines & Geology, visited the blasting site to understand the grievance of the locals as well as verify the same. They also interacted with the project site officials, it is informed.
Locals inform that the inspecting officials made it known to the Madhya Bharat personnel that they had to stick to the stipulations and other conditions of blasting as in the order of the DC, East made on 16 January. These pertained to the strength and amount of explosives used, no nighttime blasting and reporting each blasting event on a daily basis among others.
However locals put up a stiff protest, it is informed, and submitted that the Madhya Bharat personnel, while in the presence of the inspecting officials always agreed to the conditions but continued violating the terms in practice later.
The locals protested that since the tunnel went directly under several of their houses it posed a real threat to the stability of their dwellings and further sought that the blasting works be suspended till the next date of the court hearing. Locals inform that this was finally agreed upon by the inspection team and as of now, the blasting works at the tunnel site has been suspended till the court date of 28 February.
The blasting works for the construction of the head race tunnel of the project at Sumin had been stopped for the past almost one month and only on 16 January had the company received permission to resume. Then on 22 January locals petitioned the administration to stop it again on ground of violations and threat to their houses.
Among the conditions alleged to have been violated by the developer was the stipulation that there should be no night blasting. Further more there was also the stipulation in the order granting resumption of 16 January that the local police had to alert people beforehand that there was blasting going to happen in the area. These conditions were alleged to have been violated by the residents.

Put basic amenities before beautification: BJP Sikkim

GANGTOK, 03 Jan: Bharatiya Janta Party state-unit president, Padam Chettri today stated that bazaars across the state are in need of basic amenities instead of beautification works.  

Mr Chettri was speaking to media persons today on the Rhenock fire incident.

“Rhenock, an old and important bazaar of Sikkim still does not have a fire station despite major fire incidents in the past”, he said and demanded that a fire station be set up in Rhenock at the earliest.

He also demanded for a proper enquiry into the incident and the cause of the fire.

Claiming that firefighters from Kalimpong reached Rhenock earlier than the team from the Rangpo fire station, Mr. Chettri demanded that this aspect also be enquired into.

BB Muringla conferred Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture Samman

GANGTOK, 03 Feb [IPR]: Writer, poet and musician, BB Muringla was conferred Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture Sanman (VKIC) 2014 at Guwahati, Assam on 31 January on the occasion of VKIC’s foundation day celebration.
The VKIC Sanman was instituted in the year 1999 to honour people from North East India in recognition of their significant contribution to the society in the field of protection, preservation and advancement of one’s own culture. The award consists of a Citation, a Plaque and Cash award of Rs. 2,500.
VC, Gauhati University, Dr. Mridul Hazarika, who is also the recipient of prestigious awards viz. Rajive Gandhi Rashtriya Ekta Samman 2012 and Mahatma Gandhi Samman 2012, was present on the occasion as the chief guest and presented the award to BB Muringla.
BB Subba belongs to the Muringla sub-community of the Limboo community. He was born to Late Lall Man Subba and Late Sancha Rani Subba at Lingchom village, West Sikkim. He did his schooling from Tashi Namgyal Academy and joined Darjeeling College for higher studies. He served as a Govt. Servant in HRD Deptt, Govt. of Sikkim and retired as Additional Director.
He has contributed immensely towards the promotion of Limboo language and literature. He has tirelessly served the community for over three decades to build a better understanding about the indigenous faith and culture of Limboo.
He was one of the pioneers to ensure that the formal temple dedicated to “tageraaningvaphuma” and “Yummamaang” are built. He writes and speaks on various aspects of Limboo culture which has inspired others to confidently reconnect with the grassroots.

Former bureaucrat joins SKM

GANGTOK, 02 Feb: Former Labour Additional Commissioner, Chewang Gyatso Bhutia joined Sikkim Krantikari Morcha party on Saturday at a function held at Amdo Golai here.

An SKM release informs that Mr Bhutia joined the party in the presence of senior vice president Phuchung Bhutia, Kiran Chettri and others. Retired bureaucrats of the state government are joining SKM in support of change, the release contends.

AVECS thanks CM and State govt

GANGTOK, 02 Feb: Association of Various Ethnic Communities of Sikkim [AVECS] held a meeting on Saturday to thank the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and the state government for their efforts in getting the eleven left-out communities of the state recognised as Scheduled Tribes.
A press release informs that member of the association from Khas (Chettri-Bahun), Newar, Gurung, Mangar, Dewan (Yakha), Sunuwar-Mukhia, Thami, Bhujel, Jogi-Sanyasi and Kirat Khambu Rai communities thanked the Chief Minister of Sikkim and the Government of Sikkim for having recommended their communities for recognition as Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution of India.
The members also thanked the CM and the Sikkim Government for having constituted several Committees of renowned Anthropologists and Sociologists like Prof BK Roy Burman, Prof AC Sinha, Prof TB Subba, etc for compilation and submission of Executive Reports in 2008, etc.
The Chief Minister has submitted several memorandums to the Prime Minister of India, Dr Man Mohan Singh, Chairman UPA, Sonia Gandhi, the Union Tribal and Home Ministers and even the President of India on the issue through the Social Welfare Department, GOS.
“It is heartening to know that the Govt. of India has scrutinised(Studied) the various memorandums and Ethnographic Reports and recommended 58 communities from seven States of India, including the eleven left out communities of Sikkim for Scheduled Tribe status under the Constitution of India and that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Govt of India has forwarded the recommendation to the RGI (Census) for consideration”, the release states.
The association has expressed confidence that the RGI(Census), GOI will give a positive feedback and that all the eleven left out communities of Sikkim will be recognised as Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution of India; along with the various communities from the other six states; at the earliest.

ASSA condemns Delhi attack on Arunachal student REBYNA RANA

GANGTOK, 03 Feb: All Sikkim Student Association [ASSA], Gangtok, has strongly condemned the fatal attack on Arunachal student, Nido Taniam in New Delhi which led to his death.
Addressing the media here in the capital today, ASSA president, Pritam Singh accompanied by vice-president cum spokesperson, N Tseten Lepcha demanded speedy justice for Nido.
There are many students from Sikkim as well studying in Delhi and such an attack over someone’s looks is horrifying, they said.
ASSA will soon be setting up branches [students association] in other states, they informed. The association further thanked the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling, MP Lok Sabha, PD Rai, and MP Rajya Sabha, Hisshey Lachungpa for voicing their concern on the Delhi incident.

District ASHA Training of Trainers concludes

GANGTOK, 03 Feb: The six-day “District ASHA Training of Trainers” [Round-3] concluded on 01 February here at STNM Hospita’s EU Hall organized by the State Health Society, NRHM, Sikkim.
Addressing the valedictory function, Mission Director, NRHM, Dr. PM Pradhan said “In order to reduce maternal and infant deaths, we need to work together with dedication. Reduction in the Maternal Mortality Rate is very important as it means the safety of both mother and child”.
Dr Pradhan stated that the aim is to reduce Infant Mortality Rate to less than 8% by 2017. He also expressed gratitude all the team members of ASHA and NRHM for their support and contribution
Observer for ASHA cum Retd, Bela Cintury, State Facilitator for NRHM, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare also addressed the function.
24 ASHA trainers from all four districts had participated in the training. During the function, it was also mentioned that, 22 batches of ASHAs and VHSC members will be undergoing a two-month training [February-March].

Indian Army takes underprivileged children on excursion

GANGTOK, 03 Feb: The Black Cat Division of Army conducted a three-day excursion for 47 children from Black Cat Boys Hostel, Padamchen and Little Angels Children Home, Algarah from 31 January to 02 February.
A press release informs that the excursion was organized by the Indian Army as part of its endeavor to reach out to local population of the farfetched areas of the country and to motivate children of the area to become responsible citizens of the nation.
During the excursion the children were taken to an Army Helicopter Unit, Jalpaiguri Railway Station, City Centre Mall and Sed-Gyued Monastery. The excursion was flagged off by Brig Vikram Singh at Pedong on 31 January, the release informs.
The parents thanked the Army for organizing the trip and providing exposure to their children, it adds.

CM meets affected families, announces interest-free loans for reconstruction of razed houses

Gangtok, 02 Feb [IPR]: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, immediately on completing his attendance at the Gram Swaraj Mela here, rushed to Rhenock to meet the victims of the fire there. Eleven houses were fully damaged and 9 partially damaged due to the fire.
The Chief Minister distributed ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each to the 11 houseowners who houses were completely damaged by the fire, Rs. 50,000 each to house owners whose houses were partially damaged, Rs. 50,000 each to those 18 tenants whose possessions were damaged by the fire, Rs 25,000 each to those 6 people who sustained minor injuries during the fire and Rs. 50,000 to the one Home Guard personnel who was more severely injured.
Mr. Chamling while interacting with the victims assured full cooperation from the government for relief and rehabilitation, and also assured that to rebuild the houses, the owners will get interest-free loan from the government.
It may be reminded that among those houses which were damaged by fire 8 houses had met with same fateful incident of fire few years back, and to those 8 house owners who had taken loan to rebuild their house the Chief Minister announced that government will initiate action to waive off the interest which they had taken to rebuilt their houses.
He also assured the gathering that the Government will immediately consider the proposal for setting up of fire station at Rhenock.
It may be mentioned here that Minister for Forest Env and WL Management Department who is also the area MLA Bhim Dhungel was monitoring the relief and rehabilitation since midnight while DC East reached the spot at 5 a.m. in the morning. The Sub Divisional Magistrate, Rongli and BDO Rhenock were in the spot since 1 am in the morning.
The public during the interaction with the Chief Minster appreciated the commendable job and prompt action taken by the SSB, Army, and Kalimpong and State fire service.
The Chief Secretary Mrs R Ongmu who is also the Chairman of the State Disaster Agency along with the Relief Commisioner KS Tobgay made a spot visit to Rhenock early in the morning to take stock of  the  situation arising out of the fire outbreak. The Chief Secretary made a detailed inspection and discussed details with the SDM of Rongli and Panchayat members and other officials. She also interacted with the victims and assured them of all help and aid in rehabilitation of the affected persons.
The Chief Secretary immediately directed the Relief Commissioner to immediately sanction funds for immediate relief.  Mrs Ongmo was appreciative of the Sikkim Fire Services, the SSB and Army. She also commended the youth and public of Rhenock who helped in the rescue operations. Bhim Dungel area MLA and Minister Forest Kalpana Moktan Upadhyasha East along with other senior officials and dignitaries also partook in the inspection.

Fire guts 17 houses in Rhenock Bazaar, renders 27 families homeless

GANGTOK, 02 Feb: A blazing midnight fire at Rhenock bazaar has changed the landscape of the main bazaar area. The fire has totally gutted 17 houses/ shops and partially damaged another around 5 buildings which had extensions into the bazaar area.
While no serious injuries were reported, three people suffered minor injuries as a result of a cylinder blast. The cylinder which had been kept in one of the blazing houses exploded with a blast in the night injuring some. However, as the BDO, Rhenock, BL Adhikari, informs, there were no serious injuries.
The fire broke out at around 1:45 a.m. in one of the shops at the bazaar area and soon spread to other adjoining buildings. Some of the houses were of ekra, wood and partly pucca and caught fire easily.
Rhenock has no fire station so fire brigades rushed in from Pakyong, Rangpo, Singtam and Kalimpong as well. A firefighting team also arrived from Gangtok, informed Dy CFO, Prakash Rai. He stated that the fire was fought by around 30 to 40 fire personnel and it took nearly 4 hours to completely douse the flames. The town was then covered in dense smoke for the most part of the morning.
While the actual cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained the initial suspicion is that a short circuit in one of the house could have led to the fire.
BDO-Rhenock further informed that apart from local residents who helped douse the flames, army personnel from Chalisey along with SSB personnel also helped in fighting the flames.
Area MLA, Bhim Dhungel also rushed to the spot as did the DC, East, J Raje to assess the situation.
A total of 17 houses have been completely damaged and about 27 families are informed to have been affected due to the blaze. Many of the houses had tenants residing in them. The affected families have been provided an alternative temporary shelter. A few neighbouring buildings have suffered partial damage.
The residents of the area later took out a rally as a show of support for the victims of the fire as well as to make a demand for a fire station for the town. Chief Minister Pawan Chamling also visited the area later in the day. Before leaving for Rhenock he announced ex gratia relief of Rs. 2 lakh for each totally gutted house and Rs. 1 lakh for partially damaged house in Rhenock. In addition he announced Rs. 50,000 for the injured. He also commented that the government has been planning a firehouse at Rhenock for the past three years, but has not been able to do so because no one has agreed to provide the land for it. Now, the process of setting up a fire station in Rhenock will be expedited, he had announced.

JANTA MELA 2013-14 KICKS OFF FROM EAST DISTRICT

Govt has been fair in selecting beneficiaries, CM reassures
GANGTOK, 02 Jan: Gram Swaraj Mela 2013-014 under the Gram Swaraj Abhiyan kicked off from East Sikkim today. The Gram Swaraj Mela, earlier known as Janta Mela, was organized by the Rural Management and Development Department today here at Tashi Namgyal Academy playground and had Chief Minister Pawan Chamling as the chief guest. The CM handed over tokens of various schemes to beneficiaries of the East District. The schemes included car loans, house up-gradation grants, induction stoves, pensions, cattle, GCI sheets, solar lights etc.
Addressing people who had come in from the from different parts of the East district, the CM mentioned that the government would be providing benefits to all beneficiaries named in the list prepared by the Panchayat and MLA and then passed in the Gram Sabha.
He added that in some areas, a section of people were misleading people where they are being told that their names are not in the list or are being erased from the beneficiaries list. On the same, he urged the people not to listen to such elements and to have full faith in the government.
“I know all the difficulties of the poor as I have my roots in the village. I wanted to uplift the poor and have been working on it for the past 20 years”, said the CM. He listed out various works done by the SDF government in its 20 years to uplift the poor in the state.
On the distribution of induction stove this time, he again stated that there are some trying to mislead people by saying that the induction stove would increase their electricity bill and this section, he alleged, had even tried to stop this Janta Mela by writing to the Election Commission. Here, the CM announced to provide free electricity upto 100 units and 50% subsidy from 100 to 300 units.
He also announced to provide ½ acre of land to all landless people under the land bank scheme. He stated that GCI sheets and rice at the subsidized rate of Rs 2 per kg would also be provided to all voters. He also mentioned that Sikkim is the first state to provide social allowance and pensions for disability, and other sections.
“The government wanted to start cervical cancer vaccination in Sikkim in order to make the state cervical cancer free but some sections here created doubt among the people so the programme had to be kept in abeyance,” he informed.
On the same, he stated that people should speak and write more responsibly so the people are better informed instead of being misled. He also called on the people to stay on alert against concerted attempts afoot to spread misinformation and confusion among them.
On the sanctioned works, the CM directed that all works should be people-centric and not contractor-centric. “We wanted to make people self-governed and self-reliant,” he added. He stated that the government has been supporting the youth to make them self reliant in different sectors.
Speaking on the fire at Rhenock bazaar, he expressed his deep grief and assured to extend all possible support from the government. He announced to provide Rs 2 lakh for fully damaged house, Rs 1 lakh for partially damaged house and Rs 50, 000 to the injured. He mentioned that the government had been trying to set up a Fire Brigade in Rhenock for some years but it has not happened because land could not be acquired for it. However, he announced that a Fire Brigade will be established in Rhenock this year.
“The SDF government is in the process of developing Sikkim and showing the right and productive way to the youth but at present another power is also working actively to mislead people and to damage the state. In such a situation people should choose the right path to help the government in developing Sikkim and to move forward on a constructive path”, said the CM.
Stating that the government has given equal right and status to all communities in the state, Mr Chamling alleged that the opposition party is trying to create communal disharmony, terror and unrest in the state. He added that people should not tolerate such action and should stay united otherwise there will be widespread unrest in the state.
The CM further alleged that the opposition is full of outsiders and if the people support such a party then there would be no security in the state.
“The election is approaching and the people have seen the good governance in these 20 years, so forgetting all differences you should work towards the victory of the Sikkimese people in the coming election,” he urged.
Earlier, RMDD Minister, CB Karki mentioned that the Janta Mela was started by the SDF government to uplift the status of the people in all fields. He added that the government has been organizing this Mela in all four districts to uplift the economical, political, social status of the people and the government is committed towards working for the people.
The programme started with the welcome address by RMDD Secretary, DR Nepal and concluded with the vote of thanks by DC [East].

Cut to the Chase

Editorial:-
The debate over what constitutes ‘proper’ journalism has always been frenetic, growing even more so in the present times of a multitude of 24-hour news channels from diverse backgrounds addressing diverse audiences with their own spin on reportage. Be it Opinion Polls or Exit Polls on national news channels or raising of issues and coverage of public meetings in local newspapers, grand debates have been held over which media provided balanced reports and which has been too sensational or which news report subverted journalistic ethics. The debates will never resolve because journalistic ethics are not codified enough to throw absolute answers on what is right and what wrong. The sheer scale of information available is so huge that it becomes difficult to fault one when they start ‘editing’ for space or time constraints. Priorities, after all, differ from person to person and different people will receive the same news differently. Matters get complicated when journalism puts a spin on information and manipulates, in Bollywood fashion, the audience. Come on, news now comes with background music on television for instance, hence all debates on journalism are valid and even necessary. It is important for the audience to evaluate the media, critique its role and even, from time to time, weigh its significance. This will keep us sharp and accountable, because admittedly, sensationalism is stealing space from significance too often in newsrooms and copy. Take for instance the Republic Day address of the President and how most news channels had reduced its essence to a comment on “populist anarchy”, completely ignoring other references which will affect people more significantly since the comments covered the socialist underpinning of governance. The President remarked that the “State is not a charity shop”, “the illegitimacy of questioning the sanctity of defence forces”, “opportunistic coalitions eroding the trust in governments and resource loot” etc [read accompanying essay on this page for details]. No channel focused on these comments, so yes, please discus us more often.
Journalism is essentially about reportage, and not so much about the greater disputes of rights and wrongs. And not because journalism has no responsibility towards propriety and other social virtues, but because it is not advisable to have the messenger also play the role of the judge because doing so will encourage distillation of information to suit individual biases. Rights and wrongs and resolutions are challenges which require application of serious and deep thought, and a reporter, by virtue of her/ his job-description is not expected to be the expert with all the solutions. That does not go to say that reporters cannot help in resolving issues. In fact, this is what a good journalist should be committed to. They do not, however, resolve conflicts by suggesting remedies. They do so by providing information since in most cases, conflict exists in the absence of information and abundance of misinformation. Once all sides have access to complete information, they become equipped to work out solutions. To disburse information, however, a journalist is required to procure it first and on this path are the most pitfalls. Since information has to be sourced, there is always the danger of a “plant”. People with personal vendettas are known to release selective information causing many journalists to stumble [in the long run]. While the general argument goes to say that information is information irrespective of where it came from, a journalist is expected to glean through it carefully. If at all someone needs to let off a shot, why should it be from the shoulders of a journo? Information, at the end of the day should serve the needs of the people and not individuals. And there are still those who think journalism is easy and simple?

Karatekas bag two bronze medals at Senior Nationals

GANGTOK, 02 Feb: Two Sikkimese karatekas have won bronze medals at the KAI Senior National Karate Championship held at Talkotara Indoor Stadium, New Delhi from 23-26 January. The championship was hosted by Delhi Karate Association under the banner of Karate Association of India [KAI].
A press release informs that Mandira Karki and Hem Kumari Rai won a bronze medal each in the under 45 kgs [Fight] and 68 kgs plus [Fight] categories respectively. 29 teams including Indian Army, Paramilitary forces and State Police participated in the championship.
Three female karatekas of the state team have also qualified for the forthcoming 35th National Games to be held in Kerala this year, the release informs. The team was accompanied by coach, Bhim Bahadur Subba.
Also, nine members of Sikkim State Karate-do Association [SSKA] attended a Referee Seminar-cum-Examination conducted by World Karate Federation [WKF] referee commission Chairman, Lowinger Rowland. Four members of the association, Bijoy Gurung, Dichen Lepcha, Dina Rai and Krishna Prasad Rai have qualified in the Seminar or National Judge Examination.
Sikkim was represented by SSKA general secretary cum chief technical director, Shihan Bidhan Ballav Subba.
The association has congratulated the medal winners and National Judges [NJ]. A felicitation programme was also organized by SSKA president, BB Tamang at the SSKA office at Sichey on 29 January.

Radha Krishna temple inaugurated in Khesey

MANGAN, 02 Feb: The area MLA cum Chief Whip, Ugen T Gyatso Bhutia inaugurated the newly constructed Radha Krishna Temple at Khesey Village under Tumin Lingee Constituency in East Sikkim on Saturday.              
The MLA also attended the week-long Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran at the temple premises which had started from 31 January and will conclude on 06 February 2014. Pandit Jyoti Swarup Maharaj and Pandit Churamani Sapkota are the main Pandits who are leading the Bhagwat Mahapuran. The president of the Organizing Committee, ML Koirala on behalf of the committee has invited all devotees and well wishers to attend the Puran.

Off-season vegetable seeds and fertilizers distributed in Lachung

GANGTOK, 02 Feb: The Horticulture and Agriculture department distributed off-season vegetable seeds and organic fertilizers and micro nutrients to farmers of Lachung in the presence of the Pipon on 31 January.
A press release informs that Jt. Director Agriculture, TT Lepcha and Dy Director Horticulture, North, Dawa Tshering Bhutia and HDO, Rinzing Bhutia were present on the day and explained the future scope and importance of organic farming to the farmers of Lachung.
Around 175 farmers were also trained on seed treatment with Beeja Amrit and Jeewa Amrit. The role and use of soil application of micro nutrients and bio fertilizers for organic farming was explained to the farmers, the release informs.
90% farmers were registered in the ICS for organic farming and the rest will be covered very soon informed PI of the Project. The Pipon informed that practical demonstration for making herbal pesticide will be given to the farmers in the month of April by service providers ITSL, the release adds.

Excise Deptt frames new rules for IMFL shops and bars

GANGTOK, 02 Jan: Liquor shops have now been allowed to operate up to “50 feet of hospitals, places of worship, factories and other places of public resort”. As per new rules framed by the Excise Department, liquor shops will now be allowed for retail, wholesale and consumption of liquor within 50 ft walking distance of such places.
However, in the vicinity of schools, the earlier limit of 200 ft still stands.
The Excise Department had earlier issued draft notification on the matter inviting objections and suggestions. With no such comments forthcoming at the end of the stipulated 45 days the new department has gone ahead and announced the new rules. There has not been much by way of explanation to the rationale behind the amendments to the earlier rule.
Furthermore, the department has also eased the rule of liquor shops operating near police check posts at the border. While earlier the limit for such shops to operate was 200 metres it has now been reduced to 200 feet. Retail, wholesale and liquor bars can now operate within a minimum distance of 200 feet from police check posts situated at the interstate as well as international borders.
In another adjustment made by the Excise department the bars in the casino will have to pay less for operating on dry days. Earlier the department had notified bars in the casinos to be allowed to be open on dry days. However they had to pay Rs. 5000 per day to avail this facility. This has been brought down to Rs. 4000 per day. The timings for the operation of such bars have also been modified. While earlier casino bars could be open on dry days from 6 pm to 4 am the new timings for such bars are from 11 am to 4 am.
The ordinary hotels and bars have to abide with the rules mentioned under the ‘Form V’ and the licensee has to keep a regular and correct daily account in the prescribed form of all the sales and have it ready at all times for inspection by the officer of the Excise Department who will periodically check the sales account within the first week of every month.
The account book is required to be page numbered and sealed with the seal of the Excise office and is to be kept in the licensed premises showing position: sale of each brand of liquors every day.
However, bars of casinos at star hotels will have to fill up the ‘Form V-A’ to furnish details in the seventh day of every month in a prescribed format. The Licensee can sell liquor registered by the Excise (Akb) Department within the premises of the Casino Bar and not in any area outside it as per the new rules.

NE students rally for Nido Taniam

GANGTOK, 02 Feb: The students of Northeastern states today gathered here at Gangtok Titanic park and took out a protest rally demanding justice for Nido Taniam of Arunachal Pradesh who was beaten to death in New Delhi on 29 January. The rally was also held to demand security for students from North East studying in the capital. The rally began from Titanic Park at Gangtok and went via Tibet Road, Bhanupath, Zero Point and back to Titanic Park.

6,000 paragliding tourists took off in Sikkim in last 3 years

GANGTOK, 02 Feb: Sikkim is fast emerging as a sought after paragliding destination in the country. The state has registered 6000 paragliding tourists in the last three years. In its first year, the state registered only 500 paragliding tourists and the numbers have increased steadily each year.
A press release informs that by 2020 the state hopes to attract 5000 paragliding tourists each year and the state government aims to generate annual economic activities worth Rs 10 crore from paragliding events by 2020.
At present the state has more than 35 qualified commercial pilots who are conducting paragliding sessions at the backdrop of mountain ranges in its three paragliding sites at Bulbuley dara, Ranka and Chakung.
The state government is further planning to expand and beautify the existing takeoff at Bulbuley dara and Chakung, so that the carrying capacity of the takeoff increases, as the number of Sikkimese pilots is increasing and number of tourists coming to fly is on the rise.
Paragliding services in the state are also being diversified after the Sikkim Paragliding Festival and a new hike and fly route in West Sikkim has been established. A new paragliding route from Phoktey dara (Nepal/India) border and Dentam has also been identified, the release informs.
At present around 100 youths are associated with paragliding which generates annual economic activities of around Rs 1 crore in a year. The state government plans to actively associate around 500 youths with the paragliding sports by developing two more modern paragliding sites at Yumthang and Soreng with latest world class facilities by spending Rs 10 crore during the 12th five year plan. The state also plans to develop at least two paragliding sites with the latest safety, medical and infrastructural facilities at each district of the state by the year 2020, it is added.

Sikkim MPs to press for justice for Nido Taniam in New Delhi

GANGTOK, 02 Feb: Lok Sabha MP, PD Rai along with Rajya Sabha MP, Hishey Lachungpa and other members of the North-East MP’s Forum will be meeting all concerned including Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, to force all action possible to bring the culprits behind the attack on Nido Taniam of Arunachal Pradesh to book.
In a press release issued today, MP, PD Rai has condemned the incident stating “We wholeheartedly condemn this kind of racist slur and violence that happened in the middle of a major market in New Delhi”.
As per news reports, on 29 January Nido a student from Arunachal Pradesh was brutally beaten by shopkeepers at Lajpat Nagar in New Delhi following an altercation. Nido, the son of an MLA, later succumbed to his injuries.
“We have already expressed our solidarity with the father, Nido Pavitra, an MLA, and his family on behalf of the Chief Minister of Sikkim and the people of Sikkim at large. We have also sent our messages of solidarity with the MPs of Arunachal Pradesh, Mukut Mithi [Rajya Sabha] and Takam Sanjoy and to Ninong Ering, Minister of State in the Ministry of Minority Affairs”, Mr Rai informs.
The North East MPs Forum of which Mr Rai is one of the General Secretaries will be meeting all those concerned in Delhi.

SKM prepares for grand foundation day celebration at Jorethang

GANGTOK, 02 Feb: Sikkim Krantikari Morcha secretary general, MK Subba, said that the party’s recently held parivartan rally was conceptualized by the party to go door-to-door and meet the people in order to know what changes the people of the state want. This is why the theme of the parivartan rally was ‘Sikkim needs change’, said Mr. Subba while addressing a press conference held at the SKM party office on Saturday.
The rally was flagged off on Republic Day and rally covered more than 1,292 kilometers in a span of six days. “The rally took us through all the four districts, covering all the 10 divisions and visiting 31 constituencies in the process”, he stated and added that during the rally they distributed more than 25,000 pamphlets and invitations to the people for their 04 February first year anniversary celebrations scheduled to be held in Jorethang in South Sikkim.
Speaking on the remarks of the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling regarding the rally, he stated that this parivartan rally was not in any way illegal as the party had got the required permission for it. It is not the work of the Chief Minister to check the identity of the people taking part in the rally but the job of the district administration, he added.
Here he stated that the rally was to interact with the people and of a peaceful nature and not to instigate anybody anywhere. This can be proven by the fact that there are no FIRs lodged against any SKM party followers anywhere in any of the police stations the rally visited, he stated.
“We are ready for the upcoming general elections 2014 and the parivartan rally was a part of it and 04 February being our first foundation day celebrations will be celebrated in a grand manner in Jorethang which will be attended by more than one lakh people”, he stated and added that on the day the oath taking ceremony of the president will also be held, along with announcement of agendas and future course of actions to be taken by the party.
Regarding the 04 February foundation day celebrations by the party, he alleged that the present government was trying to create tension unnecessarily by organizing the Janta Mela at Namchi on the same day.
“This is the first foundation day celebration of the SKM party and it cannot be postponed but there is no reason why the Janta Mela cannot be shifted to a later date,” said Mr Subba. The Janta Mela is the last desperate attempt by the ruling party to woo the people before the upcoming general elections, he added.
He also accused the state government of insensitivity on the issue of safety of Sikkimese students studying outside the state. He cited the example of the recent case where around 50 to 60 students studying in Himachal Pradesh returned to Sikkim due to security reasons and alleged that no action was taken by the government.

State grant for marriages with disabled persons

GANGTOK, 31 Jan: A married couple where one or both partners suffer from disability is now entitled to a grant from the state government. For this purpose the State Government, through the Social Justice Department, has framed regulations to encourage more people to accept disabled persons as their life partner.
Furthermore, the other objective is also to enable assimilation of handicapped persons into mainstream society. This is now possible under the Sikkim Grant of Award for Marriages with Disabled Persons Rules, 2013. The quantum of the grant will be notified by the state government.
In the context of applicability of this grant the state has defined disability to include visual and hearing impairment, locomotor disability, mental retardation and mental illness and also leprosy cured.
Disabled Married couple relates to a couple in which either one or both partners are disabled with minimum 40% disability. Further they would have to belong to the Below Poverty Line category. However should the beneficiary enter into re-marriage and in the event of death or divorce of the spouse, the award of grant would cease.
Applications for grant are required to be accompanied with marriage certificate, medical certificate and certificate issued by the Gram Vikash Adhikari stating that the couple have been married and living together for more than 2 years.
The department is required to put in place a selection committee headed by the Secretary for the purpose of beneficiary selection.  This committee is to scrutinize all the relevant documents. The Social Justice department is also the competent authority to sanction grant of award.
Further more it has been stipulated that each beneficiary is to submit a ‘Life Certificate’ in the prescribed format in the month of November each year failing which it will be presumed that the beneficiary is either dead or migrated outside Sikkim. In such an event the payment of the grant or pension shall be stopped.

SMU launches health scheme

GANGTOK, 31 Jan: ‘Sikkim Manipal Swasthya Suraksha’, a health scheme, was launched at Central Referral Hospital, Tadong today. The scheme is meant for the people of Sikkim and especially designed to provide the latest and quality healthcare facilities to the people of Sikkim, which are not only affordable but accessible as well.
Informing about the scheme, Medical Superintendent, CRH, Dr. Shamsher Singh said that this scheme is basically for people who cannot afford to pay for treatment especially specialized treatment. This scheme will cover hospitalization expenses in General Ward only at CRH and only those who do not qualify for any other hospitalization benefits provided by the State Government are eligible, he said.
Mentioning about the aims of this scheme, Dr Singh said that it seeks to cater to those not covered by any other health scheme. In fact, this scheme will cover the excluded but vulnerable population hitherto not covered under any scheme, he said, and also added that, this scheme is a noble initiative of SMU to assist the Sikkim Government in providing liabilities arising out of health setbacks.
Adding further, Dr Sing said that SMU has been playing a pro-active role in the socio-economic growth of Sikkim and its people, especially in the education and health care sectors since its inception. “We are trying to contact different social groups and NGOs, to connect to those who are not covered by any government scheme”, he added.
Similarly, Vice-Chancellor, SMU, Brig. Dr. Somnath Mishra, in turn, said that, this scheme is a unique initiative of SMU which provides universal health care benefits to the people. “In fact, it is one of its kind health care scheme to be launched anywhere in the country, and I ensure that SMU will continue to strive in its efforts to support the Government and be a partner to its development as well”, he added.
“CRH is poised to be a major health care provider in the entire North-East region of the country”, said the VC.
The highlights of the scheme are the cashless facility, entry age-no limit, coverage upto Rs. 1, 50,000 on a family floater basis [family of five members]. The enrollment of beneficiaries starts from 01 February 2014 and will continue till the last week of February. Applicants need to bring an Aadhar Card and have to pay Rs. 800 annually for the health card which is valid for one year.
The function was also attended by the Prof. Dr. Ashish Sharma [Registrar, SMU], Air Marshal [Retd] Dr. GS Joneja, SMIMS, Brig. Dr. Somnath Mishra, Insurance Consultant, SMSS, Pompy Sridhar including PRO, Sarikah Atreya.

SKM’s parivartan rally concludes

GANGTOK, 31 Jan: Sikkim Krantikari Morcha’s Parivartan Rally concluded today after covering all four districts of the state. The rally had started on 26 January.
An SKM press release informs that the rally moved from Namchi and then to Mamring under Namthang-Rateypani constituency and officially concluded at Rangpo today. The rally was welcomed by people at different places along the route, the release adds.
At Rangpo, the party’s secretary general, MK Subba, who led the rally, thanked the participating youth and announced that an even larger rally will be organised in the future.
At Poklok-Kamrang constituency, which is the Chief Minister’s constituency, the people of the area gave a grand welcome to the motorcade and shouted in favor of change in the area, the release claims.
The release further claims that the people of the area placed various grievances and complaints against the present government.

SKM’s Bharati Sharma tours Rhenock

GANGTOK, 31 Jan: Sikkim Krantikari Morcha’s working president, Bharati Sharma visited Taza, Kaijaley, Takchang, Mamring, Amba of Rhenock constituency on Thursday accompanied by her party workers.
An SKM release informs that during her visit, she accused the SDF government of failing to address the needs of the people of the area due to which these areas have remained underdeveloped.
The people of these areas also expressed dissatisfaction over the pace of development and alleged that the area MLA, Minister Bhim Dhungel has been unable to develop the area, the release claims.
Ms Sharma also accused the SDF party of nepotism, neglecting the public and failing to empower women in the state.
She further urged the public to come forward to fight for change.

Awareness on organic farming and certification

GANGTOK, 31 Jan: An orientation-cum-awareness programme on Organic Farming and Certification under Sikkim Organic Mission was conducted by SIMFED on the 29 January 2014 in West Pendam, Gram Panchyat Unit, East Sikkim. The programme also covered a chapter on intensive organic technology for control of pests and diseases in various Kharif crops (both agricultural & horticultural).
A press release informs that the programme highlighted the importance and future scope of organic farming in the state. Managing Director, SIMFED, Kuber Bhandari apprised the gathering on the C 3 Certificate being awarded to the Gram Panchayat Unit by Sikkim Organic Mission, thereby declaring total certification of the area covering 522 hectares, for which he congratulated the farmers and Panchayats of the unit for their cooperation.
The HDO, Duga BAC, Pintso Wangyal Bhutia also addressed the gathering and clarified many questions put to him by the farmers during the interactive session. ICAR, Jr. Scientist, Dr. N. Johnson Singh gave information on the organic method of controlling pests and diseases of kharif crops (both agricultural & horticultural).
Manager (ICS) of SIMFED explained the certification process and marketing of organic products. There was an interaction session between members of the Organic Growers Group Committee of the area and the visiting Departmental officials. The programme was attended by all the SIMFED, ICS field functionaries and officials.

East Zone Santosh Trophy qualifying round concludes with West Bengal and Services through to final round

GANGTOK, 31 Jan: West Bengal has also secured its place in the final round of the ongoing 68th edition of the National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy. With this Services and West Bengal have qualified from the East Zone for the final round of the tournament.
Playing the last match of Group ‘B’ for East Zone here at Paljor Stadium today, West Bengal held Odisha for a goalless draw. Topping Group B with 7 points from its 3 matches, the Services has qualified for the final round, while Odisha is in second position with 5 points from 3 matches.
Similarly, in the other match of Group ‘B’ played today, Chhattisgarh outplayed Bihar 2-1. Vijayendra Kumar scored the lead for Chhattisgarh in the 13th minute while his teammate Athnes Baxla extended the lead in the 40th minute to finish the first half with a 2-0 lead. In the second half, the face saver for Bihar was scored by Md Aftab Alam in the 74th minute.
In Group ‘B’, Chhattisgarh stood in the third position with 4 points and Bihar finished last with no points.
In Group ‘A’, Services is on the top with 6 points followed by Sikkim in the second position with 3 points and Jharkand in the last position with no points.

Everesters thank CM for Sikkim Khel Ratna recognition

NAMCHI, 31 Jan: The three Everesters from South Sikkim have expressed gratitude towards Chief Minister Pawan Chamling for conferring the prestigious Sikkim Khel Ratna on them during the Republic Day celebrations in Gangtok.
The awardees stated that it was a great honor to receive the prestigious award from the Chief Minister on the special occasion.
Thanking the Chief Minister, the awardees said that the vision of the CM to make Sikkim a world class adventure tourism destination has received a boost with this award and it will further inspire and encourage the upcoming generation to take adventure tourism seriously. They further said that Sikkim has huge potential, especially in the field of adventure tourism which needs to be tapped.
Amongst the awardees are Kazi Sherpa [OSD, Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Eco-Tourism, Chemchey], Ravindra Kumar [IAS, SDM Namchi] and the youngest Everester from Sikkim Anand Gurung of Damthang.
They also thanked the Minister, Tourism Department and the department.

Gangtok-leg of Himalayan Drive-2 flagged off

GANGTOK, 31 Jan: The Gangtok-leg of the Himalayan Drive-2, a four-wheeler and two-wheeler rally, was flagged off by Tourism Minister Bhim Dhungel and former Indian football skipper, Bhaichung Bhutia from the Sikkim Tourism Complex here at Tadong this morning. Twenty-eight cars and eight motorbikes have participated in the drive.
Earlier, the first leg of the rally was flagged off from Siliguri to Lattaguri on 29 January and then the second from Lattaguri to Gangtok. From here the rally headed towards Darjeeling via Namchi and the final leg will be flagged off from Darjeeling to Siliguri. The rally also aims at spreading awareness on polio.
Organizers inform that the rally was a test of driver’s agility in handling rough roads and the strength and endurance of the vehicle. It is further mentioned that the rally also hopes to send a strong message that such rallies can be held even in hilly terrains.
The Tourism Minister stated that such motor rallies would help to boost adventure tourism in the state. Likewise, Bhaichung expressed that it is nice to see that Sikkim is developing as a adventure tourism destination as well.
Similarly, participating drivers expressed that they have been enjoying the drive in the hilly terrain along the Teesta river.

Awareness on marketing held for farmers at Namthang

GANGTOK, 31 Jan: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Namthang organized an awareness programme on marketing of hill grass (kucho/ broom) and fresh ginger in coordination with NERAMAC at the conference hall of KVK, Namthang on 30 January.
A press release informs that valuable marketing suggestions for the post harvesting season and ideas of marketing were shared with farmers during the programme.
Sr. Zonal Manager, NERAMAC, PC Roy highlighted on the role of NERAMAC and its objective which he said is to purchase the marketable surplus of fruits and vegetables from the growers, make necessary arrangement for its processing and marketing and to support farmers and producers through input supplies for better productivity under the aegis of Central Sector Schemes.
The release informs that around 25 progressive farmers from in-and-around the Namthang area participated in the programme. An interactive session led by Field Officer (Marketing), Rohini Dangal regarding the present situation and problems faced by farmers in terms of marketing was held, the release adds.

Notice Climate Change

Editorial:-
Studying climate change, understanding what’s happening around the world and comparing it against how Sikkim is faring is much more important now than it was, say even two decades ago.
Till the time when people lived more ‘organic’ lives, their lifestyles more in tune with their immediate environs, changes in weather patterns and the corrective adjustments were instinctive. Now, most of the people, even in what are considered rural belts, live lives too distanced from weather patterns to make one realise even a dramatic change in climate before it is too late. Having a department [the Department of Science & Technology is now also in-charge for Climate Change] dedicated to charting this for the people, sharing its findings and recommending ‘adjustments’ thus becomes a necessary initiative which has been well taken in Sikkim. What is awaited though is delivery by the Department. Among the changes which appear to have already taken place, but have not yet even attracted raised eyebrows is the complete absence of fog from Gangtok this winter. The season is already on its way out, and might go out with a wave of intense cold [given what northwestern India is experiencing], but the heavy fog which used to make driving around Gangtok at night fraught with danger, decided not to envelope the hill this year. Contrast this with the hyperventilating coverage on news channels of fog in Delhi and elsewhere in North India to realize that this phenomenon has subsided. There are other canaries in the climate bubble that are going largely unnoticed and completely unaddressed; Bees, for instance. When was the last time you remember being stung, or meeting someone stung by a bee? One does not see enough of these pollinators around anymore; and even as farmers complain and experts deliberate of failing orchards and plantations, no one is discussing bees enough. Where are the bats? Ask farmers in the Saramsa to Rhey Khola belt about bats, and they will reminisce about how they used to take over trees and invade the area during Spring. No one’s seen them for a while now. And these are only two instances, along with them, there must be many more insects which are rarely seen anymore, crops no one grows anymore and foods we no longer eat; each was an important part of the biodiversity that makes Sikkim a hotspot, and we will lose more if more sensitivity and awareness is not generated.
Clearly, not all loss or change is because of climate change, but not even noticing and discussing things that have gone missing will make Sikkim’s adjustment to Climate Change that much more difficult.

SDF Chelis from Dzongu pledge support to party

MANGAN, 31 Jan: “The chelis of Dzongu should be united for the development of Dzongu as we have been given special priority by the SDF government under the aegis of party president, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling,” said North Zilla Adhakshya, Anguli Lepcha, while addressing the women of Dzongu constituency here at Namprikdang ground in Upper Dzongu on Thursday in a constituency level meeting.
“Our only mission is the victory of SDF in the upcoming 2014 election and it’s the responsibility of all chelis,” she added.
She further highlighted that women in the state were backward and suppressed in the past but now they are no longer oppressed and can contribute to the society in various aspects of development. Ms Lepcha also pointed out that various facilities for women are being provided by the SDF government in terms of reservation, proper health care, education etc and further appealed to all women of Dzongu to help underprivileged women. She also urged the women wings of Dzongu to conduct ward and GPU level meetings.
Similarly, Cheli vice convenor, North, Dawa Phuti Lepcha informed that the Chelis should be the main pillar of the SDF party in the upcoming election. “We should show our gratitude to party with our unconditional support for everything we have been given”, she said. She also highlighted the different schemes and development being provided by the government.
Likewise, Zilla member, Tingvong GPU, Chungden Lepcha highlighted the demand for the construction of mobile tower in Dzongu while Member Primitive Tribe Welfare Board, Phurmit Lepcha highlighted about the different facilities under Primitive Tribe Welfare Board and urged the people to obtain the primitive tribe certificate as soon as possible.
Earlier, the function was welcomed by Panchayat President, Saffo-Passingdang GPU, Pema Lhamu Bhutia and ended with vote of thanks by constituency convenor, Lhakit Lepcha.
A three-km rally was also conducted to show the chelis’ solidarity to the party from Namprikdang ground to Lingdong village.
Also present in the meeting were district convenor, Khimoo Lepcha, zilla and panchayat members and women from the different GPUs of Dzongu.