Teachers Driving Taxies During School Hours

Some teachers are even up to driving taxies during school hours instead of going to school: Secretary to HRDD
NAMCHI: “Today more than 70 percent teachers are taking their profession just for livelihood. But teaching as a profession calls for commitment and ardor. This is the reason we are lacking behind to provide quality education to the students”, GM Gurung, Minister for Human Resource Development Department has observed.
Speaking at a constituency level teachers’ workshop and awareness programme held at Tingley Junior High School at Temi-Tarku on 5 May, Mr. Gurung invited teachers to put their hearts, hands and heads together towards their responsibilities because teachers are guiding lights of the society.
“Today, teacher are not serious in their duties, so their products are not productive, but only degree-centered and running just after the government jobs”, he said. Further, he stressed that Sikkim is only the state where teachers are highly paid with very less work load. “Teachers, as such have to work up to the mark to achieve the mission of the Government to provide quality education to all,” he said.
Addressing the teachers, KP Adhikari, Secretary, education Department, said that today the society was lacking in quality education because none of the teacher have ever been dismissed for negligence in duties.” He added that some teachers were also working as taxi drivers instead of going schools.
Mr. Adhikari said that many teachers were not competent and efficient in their own subjects which they teach, that being one of the biggest deterrent to achieving quality education in the State. He informed that the department has a proposal to initiated teachers’ evaluation soon.
The State Project Officer cum Director, Education Department, PM Tamang highlighted the modern concept of education in India. During the programme, teacher representatives of various schools place their grievances and demands.
The demands chiefly included the implementation of vocational education from Class VI, decrease in the age of admission from 5-3 years in Pre-primary, and significantly demands of no pressure from the department, political parties and school heads over the teacher, decrease of time from the election and census duties and computer education from primary levels, amongst others.
Various speakers presented their views on different issues related to modern concept of quality education. A total of 264 teachers from 33 schools including 2 Senior Secondary, 2 Secondary, 8 Junior High School, 15 Primary and 6 Lower Primary Schools participated in the workshop. This is said to be the first of its kind in Sikkim where teachers, departmental heads and policy makers came on one platform deliberating on quality education.

LACHEN SAYS NO TO HYDRO ELECTRIC POWER PROJECT

Lachen vows to “adopt extreme measures” to oppose the Teesta Stage-I hydro-electric power project
GANGTOK: The discontentment of local people over mega hydro electric power projects in the State, especially those planned in North Sikkim seem to be gathering more steam, with Lachen joining in the protests against the Teesta Stage-I hydro electric power project, proposed to come up in the area.
The Dzumsa of Lachen has rejected the Teesta Stage-I hydro electric power project, saying that the project will have “far-reaching adverse affect on the people of Lachen.”
In a strong-worded letter to the Himalayan Green Hydro Energy Pvt. Ltd, a private consortium handling the Teesta Stage-I project, a copy of which was faxed to the local media, the Pipons of Lachen Dzumsa, Chowo Rabjor Lachenpa and Goekay Lachenpa, while expressing their apprehensions over the Project, has said that the people of Lachen do not accept the Project in their area and stand firm in their determination to do so.
“In the capacity as the elected Pipons of Lachen we, on behalf of the people of Lachen strongly reiterate the stand of the local people for non acceptance of the project in our area. To protect our land, forests, age old tradition and places of worship where our Gods and Goddesses reside we will even sacrifice our lives. We may even adopt extreme measures if need be,” the Pipons have said.
Bringing the attention of the implementing agency’s communiqué H.G./LHP/08 of 27.04.07 to the District Collector, North Sikkim, on the Survey and Investigation at Teesta Stage-I Hydro Electric Project sites, the Lachen Pipons have termed the “attitude” of the State Government as “arrogant” in the implementation of Teesta Stage-I Hydro Electric Project at Lachen. “The motive behind the State Government's insistence to have the Project implemented much against the will of the people of the area by hook or by crook is perhaps to destabilize or completely annihilate one of the oldest living communities of Sikkim from the face of Sikkim. We have tendered our reservation or obligations on the implementation of the said project umpteen times on various valid grounds but the State Government seems to be determined to proceed ahead with the project for the reasons best known to the people at the helm of affairs and the implementing agency,” the letter read.
Voicing their apprehension over the Project and outlining their main areas of concern, the Pipons have said that the Project would “not only interfere with the tradition being followed from the time immemorial but also dilute the customs and tradition of the people of Lachen.” “It is a well known fact to all that Lachen remains covered with snow for six months in a year and during other six months the people sustain their livelihood through cultivation of high altitude crops like potato, cabbage etc. They have no other source of income and are fully dependent on the land and forests as they have become totally inseparable. The people of Lachen perform a series of religious as well as traditional rituals to appease the Deities through annual regular ceremonies, who provide them protection against all types of adversaries.” Any disturbances through implementation of the Project in question will have detrimental affect on the customs and traditions of the people, it added.
The letter further states that the traditional Pipon system has been allowed to function undisturbed by the Central Government considering its “uniqueness” and has been accorded protection to this system of local governance, despite Constitution 73rd amendment facilitating reorganization of the Panchayati Raj Institution all over the country. The people of Lachen have also expressed their apprehension in view of the resultant influx of population in the event of implementation of the project could not only disturb the Pipon system but such system may get replaced by some other system of that could be totally alien to the local people. The Project would bring in adverse demographic changes wherein the local population will be out numbered by the people coming from outside,” the letter added.
Security concerns have also been adequately highlighted in the letter. Sikkim has been peaceful despite its strategic position with three international borders and disturbances in its neighbourhood. “But the authorities should not compromise with the nation's security in the name of development particularly when they know that situation may turn fluid and explosive if the otherwise peace loving, simple and god fearing people of Lachen are pushed too far to the extent of losing their patience,” the letter said. “Let us not create another Kashmir or Nagaland by forcible implementation of the project which has not been accepted by the local people. We have not signed the MoU pertaining to the Project and as such we should not be held responsible for any untoward incident resulting from the implementation of the project in question,” it has warned.
The letter further adds that while the people of Lachen “are ful1y aware about the importance of the Project, the authorities concerned must bear in mind the Order of the highest Court of the country whereby acquisition of land for public purpose cannot be done without the consent of the concerned people of the area. Such Order must be honoured to uphold the dignity of the Highest Court of the country. The Project is certainly going to have far reaching adverse affect on the poor, peace loving, god fearing people of Lachen.”

Six Projects have been envisioned on the Teesta in Sikkim out of which Stages I-IV are in North Sikkim with an installed capacity of 2315 MW. Stage V (510 MW), which is located in North and East Districts is already under construction. Stage VI (360 MW) will be located further downstream in East and South Districts.

A DINNER WITH DR. CHAMLING

CHAMLING CHEERS NIRMAL GRAM PURUSKAR AWARDEES

GANGTOK: The Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling, on the evening of 4 May hosted a dinner to felicitate 27 Gram Panchayat Units led by respective Sabhapaties who were awarded Nirmal Gram Puruskar, a national award under Total Sanitation Campaign, in New Delhi.
According to a IPR press release, the awards were given out by the President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on the same day.
The awards were given to the GPUs for providing all households of respective Gram Panchayat Units with access to toilets with full usage, no open defecation, sanitation facilities in all schools of the GPUs, separate toilets for girls and boys in schools including all Anganwadi centres with access to sanitation facilities and general cleanliness all around in the GPU area.
The Chief Minister congratulated the Gram Panchayat Unit Sabhapaties for the commendable performance and expected that all remaining Gram Panchayat Units to work hard to get Nirmal Gram Puruskar next year.
During the dinner party, Mr. Chamling also congratulated 70 Sikkim IRB personnel posted in New Delhi for law and order duties in various central government establishments for their hard work and dedication being rendered by them which in turn has brought name and fame to Sikkim.
The 70 Sikkim IRB personnel are a part of 500 strong IRB personnel posted in New Delhi for such duty who were off duty yesterday to partake in the felicitation dinner hosted by the Chief Minister

Summer Tourism Rush to Hills

Siliguri: “As the weather is humid, the chances of sunstroke are low, but one should always be on guard,” a doctor here said. He added that the number of patients suffering from fever and gastro-enteric problems is on the rise.
The dry spell had also left tea researchers and officials of the state agriculture department worried about low yields.
The rise in temperature across the state, however, had resulted in a windfall for tour operators.
“Thousands of tourists are swarming to Darjeeling, Gangtok and other hill stations to chill out,” said Gopal Lama, the deputy director of tourism (north Bengal). “People from the plains of north Bengal are also joining this brigade.”
Lama added that currently around 5,000 people were making a beeline for the hill towns every day, which is at least 1,000-1,500 more than the footfall recorded in the same period in previous years.

SDF rally to counter rival claims

1500 vehicles converge on Singtam

Gangtok, May 6: The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) yesterday took out vehicle rallies across the state to “expose” the allegedly malicious campaign of the opposition parties in the state.
More than 1,500 vehicles filled with party workers and supporters drove around the state as part of the mass awareness drive. According to SDF publicity secretary T.N. Sharma, party supporters from the East and North districts gathered in 500 vehicles at the SDF headquarters on Indira Bypass here.
The convoy travelled through Ranipul, Singtam, Rangpo and Melli, before entering Jorethang in South Sikkim. In Jorethang, they were joined by their counterparts from the other districts, and the entire rally then traversed through Namchi, Damthang, Rabongla and Temi Tarku before culminating at Singtam in East Sikkim.
Sharma said the rally’s objective was countering the Opposition’s tirade of misinformation aimed at inciting the public. “The rally was peaceful and successful,” Sharma said.
Opposition leaders were not available for comments on the SDF’s accusations

Pic Of The Day

PRIDE OF PLACE: Minister for Major Irrigation Ponnala Lakshmaiah shows Sikkim Chief Minister Pavan Kumar Chamling photographs of the ongoing irrigation projects in the State, in Hyderabad on Sunday.

PHOTO: P.V. Sivakumar

Bhaichung Bhutia loves the fast life

Tucked away in the leafy and tree-lined Cooperage Road, Mohun Bagan (Asia’s oldest football club) and Air India got set to battle it out on the soccer field even as a smattering of local soccer die-hards who knew their Mahindra United from their Manchester United cheered and jeered the combatants on. Okay, it wasn’t quite Wembley Arena, but the creaking floorboards in the bleachers didn't prevent the spectators from feeling the heat (literally!) when the impassive Bhaichung Bhutia strode onto the green for Bagan. Ninety minutes later and under a partly cloudy sky, the referee blew the whistle on an inconclusive 0-0 game. Bhutia strode off the field and flopped down on a tattered sofa in the locker room, his face tired, but a picture of studied introspection. He surmised that what the game needed was more talent. “We’ve got to get more talent scouts out there to find players at grassroots levels. And once that is done, the players should tour. Nothing makes a raw player more seasoned than touring,” said Bhutia, the most photogenic ambassador for Indian football and captain of the national side. But surely with the cricketing gurus now striving to find a new identity it must augur a chance for football to kick off? He’s realistic about the fact that abroad, people don’t think we even play football! “There have been so many times when I’ve been playing a match abroad, and some people have been surprised that we even play the game,” he admitted. Moving on from football to matters off-the-field, what would one find Bhutia doing most when he’s not dribbling a ball? “When I’m not playing, I just love watching movies. I don’t restrict myself to any one genre. I watch them all — Hollywood as well as Bollywood. I have a good collection of DVDs. Sundays evenings are movie-time for me!” And does the part-time couch potato habit go down well with his passion — his wife Madhuri, who is an army officer’s daughter? “She doesn’t really mind,” said Bhutia, as he managed a smile. Considering his wife (his “ideal, complete woman”) is a Mumbai girl, hasn’t he ever flitted with the idea of settling in this city? “Well I’m too connected with where I’m currently staying. There was a time when I seriously considered it, when my wife was involved in her hotel business. She gave that up some time ago,” replied Bhutia. When he’s not popping in DVDs, you’ll mostly find Bhutia getting a guffaw out of comedies, as he loves the Brit variety. Although not much of a foodie, he’s got a soft spot for momos, which is only natural, since they’re to Sikkim what the vada pav is to Mumbai! But the way to this man’s heart is truly via the soccer field. His favourite sportsman is Diego Armando Maradona and, no, he doesn’t really watch cricket when it comes to other sports. He’s more of an “F1 and tennis” kinda guy. And this romantic’s dream date? “A Champions League final with Arsenal in it.” Are the ladies listening?

(Reagan Gavin Rasquinha)

JAPANESE DELEGATION MEETS AMBIKA SONI FOR PROJECT FOR SIKKIM

During their half-an-hour meeting both the leaders recalled long and traditional relations between India and Japan. The Tourism & Culture Minister Smt. Ambika Soni while mentioning the Indo-Japan Tourism Exchange Year 2007 stressed the need to bring more tourists into each other’s country. She said that 90% of the package tour itineraries for Japanese tourists include Delhi-Agra (Taj Mahal) - Jaipur ‘Golden Triangle’. Varanasi, Khajuraho, Ajanta and Ellora are the destinations also frequently visited by Japanese tourists. She said India is promoting Buddhist Circuit and a special train is also launched recently to cover major attractions of Buddhist sites in India. She said Japanese tourists can also take advantage of MICE and Golf Tourism in India.
Recalling the assistance of JBIC (Japan Bank for International Cooperation) Smt. Soni said Ajanta-Ellora Conservation and Tourism Development Project is being successfully implemented and phased II is expected to be completed by 2009.
She said JBIC officials had expressed their keenness to start the project for infrastructure development on Buddhist sites initially in the states of Sikkim, Ladakh and Madhya Pradesh only. She said that to meet the growing room requirement in India, her Government is making efforts to build Budget Hotels in Public Private Partnership. Mr. Tetsuzo Fuyushiba said his country is committed to promote tourism and cultural ties between the two countries. He said from first of September, 2007 ANA will have seven flights a week to India and with increase of JAL flights from first October 2007, a total number of 12 flights will be available for passengers. Mr. Tetsuzo Fuyushiba urged New Delhi to make visa availability easy for tourists from Japan to India. Japan is one of India’s top tourist generating market. In 2005 the figures of tourists arrival from Japan to India reached 102000. Outbound traffic from India to Japan in 2004 was 53000.

Kanchenjunga Mountain Biking Championship

Sports enthusiasts will be flocking to the India in region of West Sikkim this May for the first ever Kanchenjunga Mountain Biking Championship.Bikers will race through the Kanchenjunga range, with spectators likely to be as engrossed in the backdrop as they will be the race itself.The route taken is around 30 kilometres in length, with a mixture of flat roads, rough tracks and most challenging of all, trek routes.Riders will reach an altitude of 8,000 feet but will get the chance to experience some of the most breathtaking views on offer in India.Organisers Hee-Bermoik Tourism, the Development and Heritage Conservation Society and the Nepal Mountain Tour say that they are expecting around 30 to 40 riders to compete in the event.The race is due to take place on 12 May and coincides with the Kalez valley heritage festival which kicks off on 10 May.

Poor cricket from BCCI in Sikkim

Gangtok, May 4: The BCCI has drawn flak from Sikkim High Court for the delay in granting a full membership to the state cricket association.
On May 1, Chief Justice A.N. Roy dismissed the cricket board’s application for more time to settle the matter and also came down heavily on the cricket board for its tardiness.
“It is well known to all Indians that there might be a lot of money with the BCCI but they have no cricket. Why they should hesitate to grant membership to a state cricket association without there being any state rivals, is not understood,” the chief justice said in the order.
The cricket board may also be charged with contempt of court for not complying with an earlier order, which directed it to consider and dispose of the membership issue within three months, ending on March 14, 2007.
The chief justice observed that the BCCI had promised to send a team to Sikkim for inspection before making a decision regarding the full membership plea. “This visit has not yet taken place,” he said.
The chief justice added that the BCCI should have arranged matches between top Indian sides and the best team Sikkim could muster well before March 14 and resolved the membership issue on the basis of the result. “But now the time has gone by,” he said.
The cricket board, on its part, has said it could not meet the deadline because it was busy with tournaments and other matters.
However, BCCI officials can breathe easy because, as the chief justice said, the high court usually dose not issue rules of contempt suo motu. At the same time, the chief justice added, Sikkim Cricket Association (SCA) had the liberty to file a contempt case against the BCCI in the court.
Last year in September, the SCA had filed a writ petition in the high court alleging that the BCCI was not granting it full membership though it had completed the three-year regulation period as an associate member of the cricket board way back in 1996.
(The Telegraph)

MPs demand rail link to Sikkim

NEW DELHI, May 4 – The Members today gave vent to their frustration, when Minister of State for Railways, R Velu, failed to justify the reasons for keeping the north eastern State of Sikkim out of the railway map of the country. An anxious Velu’s explanation that several surveys conducted by his Ministry has shown that a new line to link Sikkim was not economically viable, found few takers among the Members, particularly those from the North-east.The Minister’s reply prompted Ram Jethmalani to rebut Velu and assert that the Railways should link the picturesque State. He pointed out that tourist traffic alone would make the line economically viable. He also mentioned about the strategic importance of linking Sikkim, which borders China.Karnendu Bhattacharjee and Dwijendranath Sarma soon joined in and confronted the Minister. An agitated Sarma wondered whether the Minister has ever visited the State, arguing that when China could link Tibet with rail link, what prevented the Ministry of Railway to construct a line to Gangtok. OT Lepcha, who was the questioner, mentioned that the of Sikkim was neither connected by air nor railway and people faced great difficulty in travelling to and from the State. He further said that railway reservations were also hard to come by, pleading some seats should be kept reserved for Sikkim.Soon other members joined in criticising the Minister before Chairman Bhairon Singh Sekhawat intervened and requested Velu to at least ensure that the people of Sikkim get railway reservation. Interestingly, the Minister of State said that the criteria fixed by Government of India for laying new lines included project-oriented lines, missing links, lines required for strategic reasons and lines for establishment of new growth centre or giving access to remote areas. The criteria were fixed according to guidelines of the National Transport Policy Committee in 1980.The Minister similarly listed five guidelines followed by his ministry for conversion of gauge.Many new lines and gauge conversion projects have been taken up on socio-economic consideration for development of backward hilly, remote and underdeveloped areas. Velu also admitted that there were railway lines in the North-east, which were yet to be converted to broad gauge.The gauge conversion of metre and narrow gauge lines is being done throughout the country keeping in the availability of resources. The pace of conversion has been expedited and majority of MG lines are proposed to be converted in Eleventh Plan period.

NB TIWARI HONOURED 'SERVANT OF THE POOR 2007'

Sikkim representation included Menuka Bhutia, President and Mani Kumar Gurung, General Secretary to Youth Development Society of Sikkim (YODESS) and representatives from Himalayan Green Group Pakyong, Human Development Foundation Chongay and North Sikkim Schedule Caste Association
GANGTOK, May 04 : Sikkim’s persona is high at national fore again. General Secretary to Sikkim Viklang Sahitaa Samiti, NB Tiwari earned ‘Servant Of The Poor’ award for the year 2007. The award was given in a three days long seminar from 24 to 26 April held at New Delhi instituted and organised by Confederation of NGOs of Rural India (CNRI).
Organized with the theme ‘equity and social justice in the era of knowledge economy in association with coalition for rural empowerment’, the event was organised in collaboration with National Legal Services Authority, Ministry of Rural Development, and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Department of Science and Technology and Life Insurance Corporation of India.
The inaugural session was attended by Justice KG Balakrishnan, Chief Justice of India as the chief guest. Likewise the same afternoon MV Rajeskharam, Union Minister of State for Planning declared open the display outstanding producer of NGOs and Self Help Groups and Dr Raghuvansh Parasad Singh, Minister for Rural Development gave away the ‘Servant Of The Poor’ awards to the members of various NGOs.
The meeting saw 4200 members of SHGs and NGOs from CNRI state chapter. From Sikkim, representations were made by Menuka Bhutia, President and Mani Kumar Gurung, General Secretary to Youth Development Society of Sikkim (YODESS) and representatives from Himalayan Green Group Pakyong, Human Development Foundation Chongay and North Sikkim Schedule Caste Association.
An elaborate presentation was made by the Sikkimese representatives emphasising to reach with education and other social activities in rural India. The concluding ceremony was attended by Chief Minister of New Delhi Ms Sheila Dixit, Union Minister for Minority Affairs AR Antulay, Union Minister Dr Sunil Joshi and Union Minister for Overseas Affairs Vayalkar Ravi.

FOREST FIRE : FIRE-FOREST-POLICE DEPTT.CRY HELPLESSNESS

NAMCHI, May 04: Disaster risk management – that had always been a priority of the state government revealed signs of its real situation following grim experience of Deekila Bhutia, President to Adarshila Nari Sangathan, Namchi seeking initiatives from state machinery in controlling a forest fire near Nayabazaar, in a place called Khareydara in West district.
Deekila Bhutia reportedly identified the forest fire at Khareydara on 1 May evening on her way back to Namchi from Sombaria. Ms Bhutia thereafter visited Jorethang fire office requesting immediate measures against the looming disaster. With responses of helplessness at Jorethang fire office, she went to Jorethang Thana reporting the forest fire.
Jorethang Thana thereupon directed her to Nayabazaar Thana to report the crisis. By the time Ms Bhutia went around locating the right authority to put off the forest fire, she reportedly came across few staffs of Forest Department of South district who also voiced helplessness.
According to Deekila Bhutia, at around 8 pm the same evening she left for Namchi from Jorethang and till then none from the Forest and Fire Department were seen to admit the forest inferno seriously.
In the information letter she placed at Nayabazaar Thana, she informed of witnessed a forest fire near Nayabazaar and despite notifying Jorethang fire station the latter neglected the gravity of the event saying that they have no relation with forest lands. Ms Bhutia also informed that while meeting forest officials and fire officials, they ruled out possibilities of any action on their part.
With criticisms as such received from a member of NGO (Adarshila Nari Sangathan, Namchi), questions thereof surfaced as under whose jurisdiction comes the responsibility to tame such probable disasters and what should be the apposite protocol for informers of such incidents that calls for urgent overhaul.

NURSES GROOM FOR HEALTH CARE REVAMP

GANGTOK, May 04: The valedictory function of ten days long training on ‘Quality Nursing Services’ was marked today at the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences (SMIMS) witnessing Dr Uma Pradhan, Director to Family Welfare Department, government of Sikkim as chief guest along with Dr AK Sengupta, Medical Superintendent to SMIMS as guest of honor.
Organised by SMIMIS in collaboration with STNM hospital the training focused on every aspects of nursing profession. Addressing a congregation of nurses today, chief guest Dr Pradhan said the workshop should enhance and enable the quality of nurses.
Declaring nurses as the back bone of health care systems, she emphasised that nurses should also be equipped with the knowledge of hospital management and administration. Calling for joining hands in making a better health care system, she appreciated the spirit and patience of the trainees.
AK Sengupta, placing his acknowledgment to Esther S Roy, co-coordinator and the team members considered the training as an excellent effort in reaching the new heights of nursing profession.
Thirty nurses from SMIMS and STNM hospital acquired training on ‘Quality Nursing Services’ who were later handed with certificates. Esther S Roy, the co-coordinator, placed the workshop remarks while the participating nurses also shared their experiences and testimonies.

FARMING GRANTS FROM MENLOM LEPCHA

GANGTOK, May 04: The ill-effect of global warming on the ecological balance, in major with melting of glaciers is now apparently evident on affected farming practice facing steady deficit in water supply.
In a bid to bring in more consciousness among farmers aswell to enhance cultivation against storage water, a rapid process is in its way to equip indigenous farmers with terrace farming and other methods. Water harvesting is said to be a new and innovate scheme being encouraged throughout the state lately.
In order to tackle adverse effects of global warming, 67 beneficiaries of Rumtek constituency today were handed over with subsidies for water harvesting and terrace farming. 52 farmers for terrace farming and 15 for water harvesting were handed over by the area MLA Menlom Lepcha.
The amount distributed for water harvesting was Rs 10,000 and Tulsi Ram Gautam, a progressive farmer received the highest amount of Rs 10,335 for terrace farming. The area MLA while addressing the farmers said, the tremendous increase in the deforestation has lead to ecological imbalance ultimately affecting the fertility of the soil as well as the environment.
“It’s high time to join hands with the contemporary method of farming”, said Menlom Lepcha putting in the information that the state has witnessed a 2% increase in forest. He also called on the people towards self reliance rather depending on government incentives

Eleanor takes last of Sikkim Kingdom memories with her

Eleanor Hopkinson, wife of the last British political officer and resident in Sikkim, who was one of the very few western women to have travelled extensively in the old Tibet, has died at the age of 101.

London, England, 10:31 AM IST : In 1947, her 20th year in India, Eleanor and her husband A.J. Hopkinson undertook a month-long tour of the Tibetan administrative centres of Shigatse, Gyantse and Sakya to tell them that the British were gone and thenceforth they would be dealing with an independent India.
She once recalled that in 1926, her future father-in-law sent his son, Arthur, who was on leave from India, to call on her parents who were known to have two eligible daughters. On Arthur's next leave two years later they were married.
In 1928, aged 22, she joined her husband in India, first in Kathiawar and later in the North West Frontier Province, according to her obituary in The Times.
She found herself in 'part of Kipling's India'. She recalled: 'In winter tribesmen came down from Afghanistan with their womenfolk and camels, going as far as Bengal. They were moneylenders who extracted their interest with 'the big stick' - literally. The men were tall, burly and much bigger than the small farmers; if they couldn't pay, they beat them with a pole eight-feet-long, as thick as my arm, bound with four brass rings.'
After the war, she travelled from the railhead at Siliguri up the Teesta Valley to Gangtok, and was impressed by what she saw. Her husband was supposed to be in charge of the trade route to Tibet but, as she wrote in her diary, 'that was a bit of a pretence because really it was to control the high border passes and to check that law and order was kept.
'The British Indian Government regarded Tibet as an autonomous buffer between the great powers of Russia, China and India.'
According to the obituary, in Gangtok she found that the residency, supposedly a private house, was always full of visitors; her husband and his predecessor had been posted there alone, so they liked plenty of people around.
While breaking the news about India's independence, the Hopkinsons went via north Sikkim - where very few Europeans, and no British woman, had ever travelled - rather than on the regular route over the Nathu La pass.
By the end of their posting, Sikkim was regarded as an outpost on the fringe of the empire and received no recognition. Eleanor recalled that friends in England thought they had been making a fortune and living very well, 'which was far from the case. We were simply doing our duty'.
On Sep 1, 1948, Arthur Hopkinson handed over his post to his Indian successor. Eleanor's entry in her diary for that day reads like an epitaph for the British Raj: 'Today we are no longer masters of the residency.'
Arthur Hopkinson became an Anglican clergyman in Whitby and died in 1953. His photographs from his visits to Tibet in 1926 and from 1945 to 1948 are now held by the British Museum as the Hopkinson Archive.

SIKKIM GOVERNMENT TRANSFERS & PROMOTIONS

• Promoted Shri Gnawo Chopel Lepcha, Joint Director, Printing and Stationeries Department as Director, Printing and Stationeries Department in the pay scale of Rs. 12500-350-17000 in an officiating capacity with immediate effect.
• Shri P.S. Subba, Deputy Director (Headquarter) Human Resource Development Department is transferred and posted as Deputy Secretary Human Resource Development Department, Sub-Divisional Office, Soreng.
• Mrs. Binita Thapa, Deputy Director, Human Resource Development Department, Gyalzing is transferred and posted as Deputy Director, Text Book Section, Gangtok.
• Shri K.C. Gyatso, Deputy Director, Human Resource Development Department., Sub-Divisional Office, Soreng is transferred and posted as Deputy Director, HRD Deptt, Gyalzing.
• Shri H.P. Pradhan, Deputy Director, Textf Book, is transferred and posted as Deputy Director, Technical Education, Gangtok.
• Promoted the Shri P.G. Ladingpa, ACF (Officiating) in the Sikkim State Forest Service in the scale of Rs. 7000-225-11500 on substantive capacity with immediate effect
• Shri P.K. Rai, SSDMS, Bazaar Officer, Urban Development and Housing Department, Jorethang is hereby transferred and posted as Block Development Officer, Block Administrative Centre, Ravangla, on deputation, with immediate effect vice Smt. Norzing T. Shengha
• Promoted the following Range Officers, in the Junior Grade of the Sikkim State Forest Service. in the scale of Rs. 7000-225-11500 as A.C.F with immediate effect;-
  1 Shri Kharga Bdr. Gautam,
  2 Shri Tashi Tshering Bhutia,
  3 Shri Sonam Pintso Bhutia,
  4 Shri Sonam Gyatso Bhutia,
  5 Shri Norbu Tamang,
  6 Shri Kharka Bdr. Gurung,
  7 Shri Phu Tsh. Bhutia,
  8 Shri Sudhir Gurung,
  9 Shri Karma Tsh. Bhutia,
  10 Shri Prem Kr. Rai,
  11 Shri Ganesh Kr. Rai,
  12 Shri Sanula Bhutia,
  13 Shri Lobsang Bhutia,
  14 Shri Ongyal Tshering Bhutia,
  15 Shri Ashok Kr. Pradhan,
  16 Shri Devendra Chettri,
  17 Shri Krishna Kr. Basnett,
  18 Shri Arjun Kumar Rai,
  19 Shri Phurba Bhutia,
  20 Shri Kiran Kumar Gurung,
  21 Shri Dilli Ram Nirola,
  22 Shri Bishnu Kr. Chettri (Panth)
  23 Shri Ben Singh Rai,
  24 Shri Kharka Dhoj Subba,
  25 Shri Prem Kr. Chettri
  26 Shri Bir Bdr. Subba,
  27 Shri Prahalad Pradhan,
  28 Shri Narpati Gautam,
  29 Shri Mahakal Gurung,
  30 Shri Govind Pradhan,
  31 Shri Nehru Pd. Dahal,
  32 Shri Namgyal Tsh. Bhutia,
  33 Shri Ram Prasad Sharma,
  34 Shri Sangay Kazi,
  35 Shri Dhan Kr. Subba,
  36 Shri Anguir Bhutia,
  37 Shri Dhurba Lohagan,
  38 Shri Dorjee Tamang,
  39 Shri Man Bdr. Subba,
  40 Shri Karsang Lama,
  41 Shri Madan Kr. Rai,
  42 Shri Kharga Bdr. Subedi,
  43 Shri Abidal Chettri,
  44 Shri Arun Thapa,
  45 Shri Mani Ram Subba

GANGTOK AIR JOURNALIST ONBOARD AIRCRAFT OF PRESIDENT OF INDIA

GANGTOK, May 04: A veteran journalist of the state and a man of repute, Vinay Raj Tiwari of All India Radio, Gangtok earned the fame of being the first person from this tiny Himalayan state to escort the President of India in his abroad visit in the same flight.
The President of India APJ Abdul Kalam was on his visit to France and Greece from 24 to 28 April wherein the senior journalist of AIR Gangtok accompanied the former in the tour. The President flew to Strasbourg (France) on Air India’s special flight AI-1 with his entourage from Palam Airport, New Delhi before noon on 24 April reaching his destination at 7.30 pm IST.
As the media delegation was lodged in a hotel at Baden-Baden, a border town in Germany, the President on the same evening addressed the International Space University teachers and students. On 25 April the President addressed a special session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
Dr Kalam is reportedly the first President of India to do so at the 50th anniversary of the European Union. The European Parliament has 781 MPs from 27 European countries. Strasbourg is the third most important city of France after Paris and Leon, with a population of 3 lakhs. The President latter also visited the City Hall being briefed by the Strasbourg Mayor.
The same evening President Dr Kalam flew to Athens, the capital of Greece where Dr Kalam was accorded a ceremonial reception at Presidential Palace at Athens. India and Greece signed two agreements on science and technology cooperation and investment promotion in the presence of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and Greek counterpart Karlos Popoulias.
Following a brief visit to the tomb of unknown soldiers, the President also visited the Greek Parliament wherein he had a chat with President of the Parliament. Dr Kalam also had a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karmanalis participated by Mayor of Athens, Greek Tourism Minister as well with leaders of oppositions.
On 27 April the President visited Greek Defence Establishment Hellenic Aerospace Industries, thereby visited the rehabilitation centre for children with cerebral palsy. He also addressed the Greek scientists at the National Centre for Scientific Research Demokritos followed by a reception from Ambassador of India to Athens where he also interacted with members of Indian community.
Dr Kalam called round the historic Alropolic Ruins above Athens city, thereafter being called on by a member of Greek leader in the Eueninc. On 28 April Dr Kalam flew back to India reaching New Delhi at around 8 pm IST, the tour culminating with a tea party on 30 April for those who accompanied the President in his tour.
Vinay Raj Tiwari was the first journalist from Sikkim to escort the President of India in his abroad tour, who after returning accorded his achievement and opportunity to All India Radio Gangtok and the people of Sikkim. “This is a high time of my career and I attribute this privilege to all the well wishers, my friends, elders and mercy of the almighty”, Tiwari said in Gangtok today.

CANADIAN SALUTATION FOR SIKKIM

GANGTOK : Canadian Ambassador to India, Nepal and Bhutan, Dr.David Malone called on the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling at his official residence Mintokgang on 30 April attracting discussion on development of tourism, hydro-electricity and infrastructure in Sikkim.
Dr.Malone reportedly appreciated the commendable work of the Chief Minister and the government in Sikkim pointing that the performance of Sikkim is comparatively better than his own country, Canada. Malone informed that Sikkim has earned a good reputation in Canada. He also appreciated the infrastructural development and tourist promotional activities being taken up the government of Sikkim.
The Chief Minister welcoming Dr.Malone said Sikkim is a peaceful state inspite of being bounded by three international borders. He also informed about various prospects of development in the fields like tourism, hydro-electricity and Nathula resources thereupon adding that the state government is willing to invite both private and public companies from various sectors that would contribute immensely towards the development of state and the people in times to come.

IEC GRANTED AGAINST SIKKIM VAT/SALES TAX REGISTRATION

GANGTOK : Shortly after increasing trading limits in border trade across Nathula from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1,00,000 on single consignment, the Central government today agreed to issue IEC code number without PAN for exporter/ importer of Sikkim.
Among the few itching problems faced by the Sikkimese traders was to obtain IEC (Import Export Code) number that required PAN (Permanent Account Number) issued by the Central Income Tax authorities. As no PAN was available in Sikkim, no IEC code could be generated by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
But now through public notice No 3 dated 30 April 2007, the Central government has agreed to issue IEC code based on VAT/ Sales tax registration issued by the Commercial Taxes Department of state government as a substitute to PAN.
The Sikkim Chamber of Commerce through its several memorandums to the Union and state government had sought to drawn the latter’s attention to the various impediments to trade through Nathula and push for the early resolution of the quandaries for smooth trade.
“We welcome this move of the Union government to accept VAT/ Sales tax registration number issued by Commercial Taxes Dept, government of Sikkim in place of Permanent Account Number to generate the IEC (Import Export Code) number for the importer/ exporter who are resident of Sikkim”, said SK Sarda, President to Sikkim Chamber of Commerce in Gangtok today. Traders in the capital are now of the opinion that the welcome step will help in raising the volume of trade through Nathula port.

Theft from Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) amounting to Rs 2,83,800

GANGTOK: On 2 May a case was registered against unknown person(s) following written compliant form Ranjan Roy, Regional Manager (East) of G4S Cash Services (India) Private Limited Kolkata at the Sadar Police Station against ATM larceny of the said company at PS Road, Gangtok.
On 28 April morning one of the custodian employed by Group Four Securer (G4S) Biswajit Das come across a theft from its Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) amounting to Rs 2,83,800 while loading cash in the ATM vault attached to the Central Bank of India. Only Rs 13,800 was found left in the vault.
As it was found that the cash was not withdrawn by using any Master Card, the person(s) involved in the theft is assumed to be one of the custodians of G4S or engineer of the diebold ATM machine, since the cash was taken out after opening the vault.
Investigations so far revealed that there are three custodians employed by G4S, namely Gobindo Shil, Dipanker Dasgupta and Bishwajit Das whose duties includes crediting cash in the vault and check the normal functioning of the diebold ATM machine (first party).
There is also an engineer engaged by the diebold company namely Prashanta Sharma whose responsibility is to maintain the machine so as to eradicate any defect in the machine (second party).
The ATM booth has two security guards Rajen Darjee and Shivu Mondal belonging to Visual Secures Limited, Kolkata (third party). Finally the cash belongs to the Central Bank of India (fourth party).
As per G4S rules, the diebold ATM machine’s vault cannot be opened by a single person. Out of three custodians manned by the vault, maximum two custodians are required to be present in the ATM booth as the vault can be opened only through the use of two separate combination pass words that has to be kept secret by each custodians.
The last replenishment of cash was made on 5 April and on 27 April. The ATM vault could not be opened by two custodians viz Gobindo Shil and Depanker Dasgupta nor was the diebold engineer Prashanta Sharma was able to open the same. However the said vault was later opened by the third custodian Bishwajit Das after many trial and errors. It was at that time the facts that a sum of Rs. 2,83,800 was found missing from the vault.
The case was registered under Section 380 against theft in building, tent or vessel of the Indian Penal Code and is under further investigation. Source information reveals that all the custodians were interrogated by the Officer In-charge of the case in Sadar Police Station but the accused individual is yet to be confirmed.

Got a cold? Go to a doc...

NEW DELHI: Don't ignore that common cold, it could turn into chronic sinusitis and if not treated for a long time could affect vision or may harm the brain. Specialists say chronic sinus cases, which have seen a rise due to environment and vehicular pollution, could be caused due to cold, allergies, infections and even virus, fungi, bacteria, toxic medications and nasal abnormalities. Even gulping down chilled drinks could lead to sinus or spaces around the nose, said Dr R C Deka, Head of ENT Department at AIIMS. "To beat the heat, many gulp down chilled beer and drinks, not knowing that it could cause harm and lead to sinus," he said. The doctor said sinus cases are on the rise, mostly due to bacteria and fungus in the environment. "Traffic pollution plays a big role in causing this problem. If the irritation of the throat and nose persists for a long time then one should not ignore the signs," he said. Also facial pain, nasal discharge and blockage, persistent dry cough, sneezing, headaches, running nose and change of voice should warn a person that they need treatment for sinus," he said. Deka said fungal sinusitis could also affect brain and vision significantly as they are close to the nose. "A person's vision, power of smell and brain could be affected. But it is only when it becomes chronic," he said. Deka has conducted a study to find out what medication works well in sinus cases. The ongoing study, which was first conducted in a batch of 88 patients who were divided into groups, showed that combination therapy, anti-fungal tablets and steroid spray, hold great promise to cure allergic fungal sinusitis. According to Ameet Kishore, Senior Consultant at Apollo Hospital, chronic sinusitis and asthma are interlinked. "Nose sinuses and lung are connected. And anything that affects the nose sinuses affects lung," he said. He said diabetics are also more prone to get infections in the body and are thus more prone to get sinusitis due to infections. "Fungal sinusitis is higher on diabetic patients as compared to non-diabetic," he said. It has also been seen that this chronic problem could be one of the reason for a person to snore. "The air passages behind the nose and throat end close when a person goes into deep sleep, resulting in reduced oxygen supply to lung, heart and brain. This could lead to snoring and people could find it difficult to breathe," he added

SIKKIM SNIPPETS

• Sikkim Agro processing zone for Flowers under-performing : Assocham
• Three Satyajit Ray films — Kanchenjungha, Teen Kanya, and Sikkim are under intensive restoration work says DN Ghosh, president of the Satyajit Ray Society, which is involved in the restoration and documentation of Ray’s works
• SIMFED gives Sikkim's first tetra-packed passion fruit-juice "Himalayan Passion".It was launched by Chief Minister of Sikkim Dr. Chamling on May Day.
• Singtam Police detains 5 women after a raid on charge of prescription drugs peddling.
• Ambassador of Canada makes a courtesy call on Chief Minister of Sikkim .

Govt liberalises trade with China through Nathula

Following direction from the Prime Minister's Office, the commerce ministry has liberalised trade with China through Nathula Pass in Sikkim enhancing the limit on value of single consignment to Rs 100,000 from Rs 25,000.
The liberalised rules have been notified by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, meeting the long-pending demand of the Sikkim-based India China Trade Association.
India and China had allowed trade through Nathula in June 2006, but allowed a limited basket of items both for exports and imports.

Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh had visited Nathula pass several times since it opened for trade and interacted with the traders who were facing number of restrictions, including the limit on number of hours traders can stay in each others territory. These concerns were conveyed to the PMO.
The liberalised regime follows report of economic think tank National Council for Applied Economic Research, which was asked to suggest measures to boost trade through Nathula. According to the present arrangement, India can export only 29 items while China can sell 15 commodities to India.
Due to heavy restrictions, the total trade through the pass has stagnated at Rs 19 lakh, of which India’s exports were Rs 9.0 lakh. These are insignificant figures as compared to the total bilateral trade of $18 billion. Historically, Nathula pass had been an important route for the India-China trade.

A sigh of satisfaction was felt among aspiring traders here in the Gangtok later today with confirmations of increased trading limits from SP Subba, Director to Commerce & Industries Department, government of Sikkim. The liberalised rules have been notified by Directorate General of Foreign Trade meeting the long-pending demand of the Sikkim based India-China Trade Association.

At the turn of 20th century, more than 80 per cent of trade between the two neighbours used to be conducted through this route. The route was closed after Sino-India war in 1962.

The prize distribution for Flower Competition 2007

GANGTOK, May 02: The prize distribution for Flower Competition 2007 was held today at White Hall Flower Exhibition Center in a milieu of colourful flowers witnessing Kunga Zangpo, MLA to Assam Lingey as the chief guest.
Placing his opening remark Secretary to Tourism Department, AK Srivastava applauded the initiative of the exhibition committee in coming out with such splendid extravaganza every consecutive years.
Pointing that flower has always been an integral part of all thirteen festivals observed in Sikkim, he said the Department of Tourism is also leaving no stone unturned in attracting the maximum number of flower loving tourists in this tiny Himalayan state, that’s tremendously blessed with bountiful flora and fauna.
Likewise Kunga Zangpo on his part encouraged the youth to diversify their career in floriculture which is developing as one of the pivotal sectors of employment. “Let’s join hands in fulfilling the vision of the Chief Minister in making Sikkim a flori-state”, Zangpo invited.
ST Lachungpa, Chairman to Flower Exhibition Committee in his deliberation informed the congregation that despite increase in the prize money, it came inversely proportional in regards to responses in terms of number of the entries. He requested extension of the exhibition venue making it more spacious and large in the years to come along with organizing mega flower shows.
Chap Guras Nursery of Namchi bagged the first position with a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh in Bishnu Maya Rai Orchid Award instituted by Nayuma Parivar. Likewise, Milan Nursery of Mirik (Rs 50,000) and Buddha Raj Nursery (Rs 25,000) won the second and third prize respectively.
Soreng Nursery was bestowed with special consolation prize. Also present during an award giving ceremony was Managing Director to Nayuma Television who handed over the letters of appreciation. Also present today were Gajendra Ghaley, Manager to Nayuma Television, officials from Tourism and Horticulture Department.

MUSTER ROLLS VOICE FOR REGISTRATION

NAMCHI, May 02: Muster Roll workers of the Power Supply Department in South district finally broke their patience after a prolong demand for regular service against the government and concerned department.
A recent press release of Muster Roll workers of the Power Department requested the state government to provide regular jobs against the fact that they are working as Muster Roll workers for the last 10 years and more.
Opining the same as inefficiency of the department, the workers’ release pointed that they are taking extreme risks working with high-tension electric wires to provide good service to the public on which some of the workers also died of accident in working hours, yet no response from the government & concern department ever reached the MR work force.
Further the note adds, “We are not happy with such activities of department. So we request regularization of our jobs because we are in the field to work and deprived of all the facilities of government”. The release pointed upper officials only giving orders but rarely come down to field to work. Some MR workers of the department who died of fatal accidents on works or acquiring physical handicaps as against accidents got not compensations, the release adds, thereby seeking to attract the government’s attention
(sikkim express)

SIKKIM CM 'S MAY DAY GIFTS

Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling on the occasion of May Day or international labour day on May 1 addressing a mammoth gathering at Tarku announced the various incentives for the interest of Muster Roll workers working in the State. He announced the hike of daily wages of laborers. The minimum daily wage is Rs. 100/- per day and the maximum is Rs. 150/- per day and he directed to the concerned Secretary to issue the order with immediate effect. He also said that Government will provide drinking water and electricity free of cost. Toilet facility for workers in government and non-governmental organization will be set up. He further said that the concerned organization must provide the cooking gars, Kerosene, Food grains etc. to the laborers. The children of the workers must be provided with education facility henceforth, Chief Minister said. He further said that the freedom of expression or freedom of press is being misused in Sikkim by vested interest. Referring to the opposition remark about non implementation of Trade Union Act, Chief Minister Chamling expressed anguish that the people, the workers are being gun down at Nandi gram, West Bengal where there is implementation of the Act. Instead of pointing out the finger to us, SITU must realize the gruesome incident that are being happened in their own land. He further said the his SDF government has taken many initiative in the interest of the working class in the State and during 12 and half years governance, his government was capable to bring hallmark development in the State.

GOVERNMENT OF SIKKIM TRANSFERS

Gangtok May 01,2007 :
The Governor is pleased to order the following with immediate effect :

1. Smt. R. Ongmu, IAS, Principal Secretary, Urban Development and Housing Department is transferred and post Principal Secretary, Ecclesiastical Department.

2. Shri A.K. Srivastava, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism Department is transferred and posted as Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Science and Technology Department vice Shri O. P Singhi since retired.

3. Shri G.P. Upadhyaya, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Transport Department is transferred and posted as Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism Department vice shri A.K. Srivastava.

4. Shri G. Goparma, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Social Justice, Empowerment and Welfare Department is transferred and posted as Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Co-operation, vice Shri Tobjor Dorjee.

5. Shri Tobjor Dorjee, IAS, Secretary, Co-operation Department is transferred and posted as Secretary, Urban Development and Housing Department vice Smt R. Ongmu

6. Shri M.G. Kiran, IAS, Secretary, IPR, Printing and Stationeries and Information Technology Department shall also hold the additional charge of Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department.

7. Shri R.P. Chingapa, SCS, Secretary, Ecclesiastical Department is transferred and posted as Secretary, Transport Department vice Shri G.P. Upadhyaya.

8. Shri K.T Chankapa, SCS, Secretary, Sikkim Legislative Assembly on deputation shall also hold the additional charge of Secretary, Social Justice, Empowerment and Welfare Department vice Shri Girmee Goparma.

9. Shri P.S. Basnet, PCE-cum-Secretary, Roads and Bridges Department is transferred and posted as PCE-cum-Secretary, Water Security and Public Health and Engineering Department vice Shri K.K. Rai since retired.

10. Shri Tej Bahadur Gurung, PCE-cum-Secretary, Building and Housing Department is transferred and posted as PCE-cum-Secretary, Irrigation and Flood Control Department vice Shri G.P. Sharma.

11. Shri G.P. Sharma, who was transferred and posted as CE-cum-Secretary, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, on his own pay and scale is now promoted as PCE-cum-Secretary on officiating capacity and transferred to Roads and Bridges Department, vice Shri P.S. Basnet.

12. Shri D.T. Lepcha, Chief Engineer, Human Resource Development Department is promoted as PCE-cum-Secretary on officiating capacity and posted to Building and Housing Department, vice Shri Tej Bahadur Gurung.

13. Shri Rakesh Khanna, Additional Chief Engineer (S/W), Rural Management and Development Department is promoted as Chief Engineer on officiating capacity and posted to Human Resource Development Department, vice Shri D.T. Lepcha.

14. Shri B.B. Subba, SCS, Joint Secretary (IT and CT) Finance Revenue and Exp. Department, is transferred and posted as Additional District Collector, West vice Shri Dawa Gyatso Bhutia.

15. Shri Navin Kumar Chettri, SCS, Joint Secretary, Home Department is transferred and posted as Additional DC (East) vice Smt. Karma Ongmoo.

16. Shri Tsewang Tobgay Dadul, SCS, Joint Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumers Affairs Department is transferred and posted as Additional DC (North) vice Shri P.P. Gurung

17. Shri P.P.Gurung, SCS, Additional DC (North) is transferred and posted as Deputy Secretary, Buildings and Housing Department.

18. Smt. Karma Ongmoo, Additional DC (East) on deputation is posted as Deputy Secretary Tourism Department on deputation.

19. Shri Dawa Gyatso, SCS, Additional DC (West) is transferred and posted as Deputy Secretary, (IT & CT) Finance, Revenue and Expenditure Department.

20. Shri B.K. Karkidholi, SCS, Deputy Secretary (presently posted as BDO, Temi Tarku) is transferred and posted as Deputy Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumers Affairs Department, vice Shri Tsewang Tobgay Dadul.

21. Shri B.K. Tamang, SCS, Deputy Secretary is transferred and posted as SDM. Namchi, vice Shri Subash Das Rai

22. Shri Ash Bahadur Karki, Deputy Secretary, Home Department is transferred and posted as SDM, East vice Shri A.K. Singh, IAS (Probationer).

23. Shri A.K. Singh, IAS (Probationer) is designated as Assistant Collector, District Collectorate, East.

24. Smt. Dicky Yangzum, Deputy Secretary, Directorate of Handicraft and Handlooms is transferred and posted as Deputy Secretary, Dev. Planning, Eco. Reforms and NECA Department.

25. Mrs. Norzing Tshering Shenga, SCS, Deputy Secretary (presently posted as BDO, Ravangla) is transferred and posted as SDM, Ravangla, vice Shri L.B. Das.

26. Smt. Karma Doma Youtso, SCS, Deputy Secretary (presently posted as BDO, Melli) is transferred and posted as Deputy Secretary, Home Vice Shri Navin Kumar Chettri.

27. Shri Tenzing T. Kaleon, SCS, Deputy Secretary, (presently BDO Mangan) is transferred and posted as SDM, Rongli, vice Shri J.P. Rai.

28. Smt. Cheden P. Ladingpa, SCS, Deputy Secretary (presently posted as BDO, Passingdong) is transferred and posted as Deputy Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department.

29. Shri Tashi Chophel, SCS, Deputy Secretary (presently posted as BDO, Soreng) is transferred and posted as SDM, Namchi vice Ms. Suchitra Rasaily.

30. Smt. Annapurna Alley, SCS, Deputy Secretary (presently posted as BDO, Kabi Tingda) is transferred and posted as Deputy Secretary, RMDD.

31. Smt. Yangchen D. Tamang, SCS, Deputy Secretary, (presently posted as BDO Namchi) is transferred and posted as Deputy Secretary, Dev. Planning, Eco. Reforms and NECA.

32. Smt. Benu Gurung, SCS, Deputy Secretary, (presently posted as BDO, Ranka) is transferred and posted as Deputy Secretary, Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department.

33. Ms. Suchitra Rasaily, SCS, Deputy Secretary (presently posted as SDM, Namchi) is transferred and posted as Deputy Secretary, Home Department.

34. Shri Subash Das Rai, SCS, SDM, Namchi is transferred and posted as Welfare Officer, Namchi, Social Justice, Empowerment and Welfare Department vice Shri Govind Prasad Sharma.

35. Shri L.B. Rai, SCS, Bazar Officer, Gyalshing, Urban Development and Housing Department is transferred and posted as Under Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department.

36. Shri, L.B. Das, SCS, SDM, Ravangla is transferred and posted as BDO, Kabi Tingda vice Mrs. Annapurna Alley.

37. Shri Somnath Adhikari, SCS, Under Secretary, Social Justice, Empowerment and Welfare Department is transferred and posted as BDO, Namchi, vice Smt Yangchen Doma Tamang

38. Shri Bijoy Kumar Rai, SCS, Under Secretary, Irrigation and Flood Control Department is transferred and posted as BDO, Passingdong, vice Smt. Cheden P. Ladingpa.

39. Shri. Ran Bahadur Gurung, SCS, Under Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumers Affairs Department is transferred and posted as BDO, Temi Tarku, vice Shri B. K Karkidholi.

40. Smt. Tshering Yangden Shartso, SCS, Revenue Officer-cum-Assistant Director, Land Revenue and Disaster Management is transferred and posted as BDO, Mangan vice Shri Tenzing T. Kaleon.

41. Govind Prasad Sharma, SSDMS, Welfare Officer, Namchi is transferred and posted as Under Secretary, HRDD, (South) on deputation vice Shri B.K. Tamang.

42. Ms. Urbasi Poudyal, SSDMS, Under Secretary, Rural Management and Development Department is transferred and posted as BDO, Ranka on deputation vice Smt. Benu Gurung.

43. Shri J.P. Rai, SSDMS, SDM (Rongli) is transferred and posted as BDO, Melli on deputation vice Smt. Karma Doma Youtso.

44.Shri Puneat Kansai, IAS, Special Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department is transferred and posted as Special Secretary, Programme Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation, Government of Sikkim, New Sikkim House, New Delhi.
45. Smt. Durga Kaleon, SCS, Special Secretary, Transport Department is transferred and posted as Special Secretary, Urban Development and Housing Department vice H. K. Karki.
46. Shri H. K. Karki, SCS, Special Secretary, Urban Development and Housing Department is transferred and posted as Special Secretary, Health Care, Human Services and Family Welfare Department vice Shri D. R. Kharel.
47. Smt. Wangmu Tenzing, SCS, Special Secretary, Tourism Department is transferred and posted as Special Secretary, Transport Department vice Smt. Durga Kaleon.
48. Shri Kuber Dahal, SCS, Additional Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumers Affairs Department is transferred and posed as Additional Secretary, Police vice Shri Pratap Tewari.
49. Shri Tenzing Bhutia, SCS, Additional Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department is transferred and posted as Additional Secretary, Energy and Power Department vice Shri Dawa Samdup.

NATHULA PHOTO FEATURE

The scene of the first day of trade of Indo-China via Nathula, Sherethang Mart, Chinese boarder and a Chinese girl at Indian side

MAY DAY ECHOES LABOUR INCENTIVE SCHEMES OF GOVT

At the helm of the boat lies the people themselves and it is their responsibility to move to the direction of development, stability and shield democracy against the anti social elements: Chamling
GANGTOK, May 01: As the world today commemorated May Day, the same here in Sikkim was marked with due honour under the banner ‘May Day Celebration’ in its rich tea estate of Lamitar, Timi Tarku, South Sikkim.
The day dedicated to all workers, in its celebration today was attended by GM Gurung, Minister for HRDD and Cultural Affairs & Heritage Department, who in his welcome speech informed that over the years under SDF governance there had been all round development particularly with special attention on upliftment of the downtrodden.
He said that the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has left no stone unturned for the benefit of the rural progressive workers through various schemes that has been accordingly implemented by the concerned persons in office.
Following GM Gurung, BM Ramudamu, MLA Khamdung and Vice President to SDF Labor Front also described the virtuous steps laid under the administration of SDF quoting “SDF has originated out of the soul of poor masses”.
In the list of the day’s programme 101 retired labours were honoured for their steadfast services, amongst them Ratan Bahadhur Gurung, Phul Maya Sheerpa and Roma Tamang were handed cash worth of Rs 49,995 along with certificate of appreciation. “After the down fall of erstwhile government, the people now could foresee new horizon of hopes, a new beginning of democracy and a stable society” opined Ramudamu today.
Further more, the MLA Ramudamu informed that every available natural wealth of the state should be processed, mechanised and captured to market in national and international arena such, as SIMFED today launched the indigenous brand of refreshment juice ‘Himalayan Passion’ exclusively processed out of the local passion fruit abundantly available in the region.
Congratulating Giresh Chandra Rai, Chairman to SIMFED, the chief guest of the day said that such ventures are a welcome omen for the potential development of Sikkim. Along with this, he informed a list of new initiatives is likely to be implemented soon including toilet amenities for the farmers, free of cost supply of water, minimisation of electricity bills, availability of LPG, kerosene oil, appointment of doctors, compounders, head nurses in case of accident of the workers while in work, gratuity to retired servicemen and mothers along with increase of daily wages of employees to minimum Rs 100 to the maximum of Rs 150.
The primary hardworks lies in the laborers and it is through them great inventions takes shape, said BM Ramudamu adding that the development of a state and the country as a whole lies in the bottom line of peaceful ambience and political stability. The golden orator Pawan Chamling today concluded his deliberation saying that at the helm of the boat is the people themselves and it is their responsibility to move to the direction of development, stability and shield democracy against the anti social elements.
The function was also attended by state cabinet ministers, MLAs of respective constituencies and other state bureaucrats.

(sikkim express)

NATHULA UNBOLTS EXPECTING WIDER TRANSACTIONS

Thirteen traders from Sikkim today visited Donquingang trade mart at TAR, situated 17 kms from Nathula eyeing apt survey and assessment of the market scenario at the other side of the border.

GANGTOK, May 01: Marking onset of the second season of border trade, thirteen traders of Sikkim today crossed over to Donquingang in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) amid soaring excitement and anticipations.
However, be it the weather or bulk of Sikkimese traders visiting TAR – ambience at 14,800 fts high international pass today was fairly different from the celebrated reopening of the trade route on 6 July 2006 – sun shown bright but number of traders were too few.
Customs and immigration officers completed the formalities following which Chinese officials escorted Indian traders to the other side of the border. Likewise, 29 traders from Tibet Autonomous Region crossed over to India. Although the Center’s notice of preponing the second trade session came just two days back, the Sikkimese traders involved in border trade expressed their preparedness as ‘more wider transactions and business expected this year’.
Talking to Sikkim Express at Nathula today one among the traders Anil Kumar Gupta, who is also the General Secretary to newly formed Indo-China Traders’ Association of Sikkim expressed his happiness over the start of trade. He said, today’s visit to trade mart at Donquingang (TAR), situated nearly 17 kms from Nathula mainly emphasised survey and assessment of the market scenario.
Inviting revision of trade items in light of better trade this year, Uttam Kumar Gurung, a trader from Sikkim today voiced his expectation of more business turn over if the list of items is revised with the latest market supply.
To accord a warm welcome to the Chinese traders, aside ITBP Jawans, army personals and officials from state Commerce & Industries Department and the District Collectorate East Vishal Chauhan was also present at Nathula today. SP Subba, Director to Commerce and Industries Department informed a speedy process is in its way from both the nations to smoothen the bottleneck in context to the infrastructure and other miscellaneous developments.
Guo Ting, an aspiring trader from TAR seemed much excited taking the trade transactions this year. Communicating through an interpreter to our correspondent, she informed of her stock mostly including biscuits and rice from Sherathang Mart, thereby adding that she is more interested in Indian tea and Sikkim made pickles.
Although the actual volume of trade is expected to be of low means, trader Anil Kumar Gupta took with himself a consignment of fine rice that saw a good demand in TAR. Sharing his experiences later returning from Donquingang, Gupta informed that prepared traders of China accorded a warm hospitality to the Sikkimese traders.
He further added that akin to last year there will be no allotment of shops this year at the mart for the Sikkimese trader. Infact, they appealed Sikkimese traders to tie up with the Chinese shops and display their goods for sale in the mart on partnership basis.
As per norms, the trade will continue four days a week (Monday to Thursday) from morning 7.30 am to evening 3.30 pm. The trade for this year will continue till 30 November.

(Nirmal Mangar from Nathula)

BLAZE SHATTERS YOUTH DREAMS

‘The Leather and Handloom Expo’ turns to ashes taking in fire from some external source

NAMCHI, May 01: They had a dream and together they worked out for it. But fate had something bitter for them – in the form of a devastating fire ruining attempts of the unemployed youth here in Namchi enroute self employment.
‘The Leather and Handloom Expo’ organised by youths of Namchi turned into ashes a day before its formal inauguration marking loss worth Rs 7 lakhs as the expo caught in flames at 1 am today here at Kazitar, Namchi.
“We all are unemployed youths. We were looking forward to become self-employed organising such expo. But the fire turned our dreams into asses leaving us at huge loss”, lamented Robert Rai, one among the organisers of the expo speaking to our correspondent today.
Presently decorations were on and the materials from Kolkata and Agra are on the way to Namchi, but the unfortunate fire that lighted up from some unknown and unconfirmed source had ravaged about 80% of the materials” Rai informed.
As regards the incident, the organisers and salesmen of the expo now smells some foul play – a result of some mischievous act by anti-socials elements because everyone was reportedly sleeping when the fire broke out in a pandal in the middle of the expo premises that cannot be a short circuit.
However, ruling out any possibility of foul play, Namchi police said in case of a foul play the fire would have broke-out from one end of the pandal. But the source of fire was middle of the pandal. “Our other duty staffs were on alert duty at the bazaar”, a police officer informed.
Meanwhile when a team of journalists visited the blistered expo premises along with the organizers found no electric bulbs or electric wires damaged. Opinion, as such came up, in case of a short circuit first the stabilizer in the expo hall would have been damaged but no signs of damage were noticed.
Meanwhile at the main centre of the fire, a piece of cloth was recovered that is presumed to be the source of the fire from outside. The police is investigating the episode and a clear picture of the same is likely in the next couple of days. During the incident the Namchi Fire brigade team and locals acted promptly saving more than 10 salespersons and one-fourth of the expo stalls

MAN MIXES DRINKING WITH PARKING

GANGTOK, May 01: ‘Never mix drinking with driving’ is possibly a common warning. However, drinking and mistaken parking led to the arrest of one Sunil Khati (29) residence of Arithang, Gangtok on 29 April.
Ms Roshni Rai, Deputy Secretary to Home Department, government of Sikkim on 29 April lodged a FIR against her stolen car (Maruti) bearing no. SK-04/ 7062 from Secretariat premises in Gangtok at the Sadar Police Station.
During the course of investigation, the Sadar Police discovered that on 28 April evening Ms Roshni Rai’s driver had not parked the vehicle at old Secretariat complex as reported. Answering to police interrogation, the driver Sunil Khati admitted that on the said evening he was drunk and as a matter of fact, he failed to recollect where exactly he parked the said vehicle.
However, on 30 April morning the missing Maruti car was traced at the Girls School Road, Deorali and was accordingly seized. The accused driver Sunil Khati was arrested under Section 379 against theft of the Indian Penal Code and is under investigation.

NATHULA BECKONS SECOND TIME, ONLY 20 TO CROSS FIRST DAY

The Union Ministry’s communication caught the state government off-guard, giving both the state authorities overseeing the Nathula trade and the traders as well with very little time to prepare for the reopening

GANGTOK: One way it came as the fulfillment of traders’ demand on this side of the frontier, but that same being pre-poned a month ahead also came as a surprise to the unprepared traders. The office of the District Collector, East announced today that border trade over Nathula will resume from 1 May 2007.
This decision came after a series of high-level meetings held in New Delhi last week on issues pertaining to the trade. The Union Commerce Ministry along with Sikkim government officials reportedly discussed ways and means to iron out the creases and make the trade more ‘vibrant and energetic’.
The meeting decided to extent the number of months for trade further by two months till 30 November this year. As local traders are running short of time to prepare for the trade, general mood among merchants seems optimistic with expectations that the trade this time around would translate into hard cash. Extension of the number of months for trade is one of the demands of the Nathula trading community.
Welcoming the news of early trade resumption, the President to Sikkim Chambers of Commerce, SK Sarda said other pending issues concerning the border trade should also be resolved in earnest for the trade to be satisfactory to both countries. “We are optimistic that our additional demands would be considered positively by the Centre at the earliest,” he said.
As no news of pre-ponement of trade resumption was at hand for the Sikkimese traders, reports reveals that hectic preparation was on at the other side of the border at Renquinggang Trade Mart in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) in anticipation of the early re-opening.
As the DC’s office in East district jumped to accept applications for issuance of fresh passes for the new season, 40 applications for trade permits were reportedly received so far allowing 20 traders to get into Renqinggang Mart in TAR.
Trading is open only to traders from Sikkim who are allowed to travel up to Renquinggang for purposes of trade on the basis of a Travel Pass issued by the DC (East)’s office here. The Sikkim Chambers of Commerce has been trying to draw the attention of the Central government to the various impediments that have ‘weakened the Nathula trade’.
Among the various issues that have been placed before the Centre are review of the import-export item list, permission for Indian traders to stay at Renqinggang for at least two days, issuance of IEC code for Sikkimese traders without PAN, issuance of dollars for traders for trade purposes and extension of CFS and CITES offices at Sherathang Trade Mart; and improvement in the road connectivity, especially the National Highway 31A.

GOOROONG CLARIFIES CENTER'S STAND ON TAXES

GANGTOK, April 30: “Now opposition parties cannot blame the state government for improper follow up pertaining the matter of exemption of direct and income taxes for Sikkimese people” said BB Gooroong, advisor to the Chief Minister speaking to Sikkim Express today.
Revealing a letter of intimation from the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh regarding the same, Gooroong today took the opportunity to slam the speculations of few opposition parties who were making hue and cry blowing the issue out of proportion.
The letter reads that the Prime Minister has already received the letter dated 23 February 2007 regarding the extension of direct tax laws in Sikkim and for grant exemption from income tax to the entire Sikkim subject certificate holders and their descendants.
Gooroong informed that the reply from the Prime Minister regarding extension of direct tax is a clear message that is loud and clear for the opposition parties. Stating that government of Sikkim is fully alive to the problem regarding exemption of tax, the veteran politician said there was an active consideration by the Central government regards the same.

HIV PATIENTS ON AWARENESS DRIVE

NAMCHI, April 30: Awareness initiatives on HIV/ AIDS by doctors and other social bodies are widespread, but when the same is being conducted by patients of HIV/ AIDS themselves, it certainly calls for a wider spectrum of listeners.
The same today came about with three HIV positive patients from West Bengal sharing their experiences and views with participants of an HIV/ AIDS awareness programme held at St Peter’s Catholic Church, Tharpu in Namchi. The awareness programme organised by NGO Pragati, Social Service Society of Sikkim (PSSS) of Gangtok today was participated by around 185 group leaders of Self Help Group (SHGs).
The programme named ‘Community’s Role in HIV/ AIDS Awareness Programme’ turned interesting when the participants learnt about the symptoms of HIV/ AIDS, its prevention and its affect in one’s normal life. This special feature of today’s programme – witness by HIV positive patients was received with high admiration by all the participants of the day.
The programme today was attended by the HIV positive patients including a woman and two male counterparts. To make the SHGs aware of HIV/ AIDS, the other resource persons from Anugralaya and Shaker Foundation, Darjeeling also shared their views.
The resource persons educated the participants (of which most were women) on various topics on HIV/ AIDS like, what is HIV/ AIDS, how it occurs, its prevention, treatments, our attitude and responsibilities towards the HIV/ AIDS affected patients and ways of removing social stigmas.