Northeastern Indian states plan Bangkok investment 'bazaar'

India will showcase the business potential of its northeastern states during a four-day bazaar in Thailand in October, part of a major campaign to open the region to investors in Southeast Asia.

The central ministry of the Department of North Eastern Region in collaboration with the Indian Chamber of Commerce is organising the North-East Investment Week in Bangkok from Oct 1-4. "The idea is to sell the Northeast overseas, mainly to investors in Southeast Asia," said Pradyut Bordoloi, industries and commerce minister of Assam state.

Trade delegations from eight northeastern states, including Sikkim, will participate. Sectors such as power, tourism, inland waterways, processed food, horticulture, rubber, IT and telecoms, handloom and handicrafts and bamboo will be the focus areas.
Thai Commerce Minister Krirk-krai Jirapaet first proposed the idea during a mission to northeastern India in June.

For more information on investing in northeastern India, see http://northeast.nic.in/

PRASHANT TAMANG VIDEO

Enjoy the Prashant Video

Itching Powder is back in Gangtok

Gangtok, August 25: Itching powder is back in the news. Some miscreants used itching powder in broad daylight in the bazaar area on an unsuspecting person and managed to flee with his cash.An old man was robbed in broad day light at Gangtok when he was coming out from UTI bank by encasing Rs. 30,000.00. He noticed itching problem in his back and he kept his bag on the floor, by then his bag was taken away by an unidentified person and ran away. He lodged the complaint in the police and police is searching the culprit but no avail so far.

With the boom of tourism and rapid development, the urban areas particularly, the capital Gangtok and its surrounding Tadong and Deorali are now facing with a new problem of increasing numbers of thieves and looters. Many new faces or strangers are increasing daily in the area and with that, the theft, burglary and loot cases are also reportedly increasing Similarly, many cases of burglary have been reported at Tadong Daragaon area in the past.

Sikkim Government welcomes ACT's gesture

Gangtok, August 25: Government of Sikkim in their first reaction to ACT's recent gesture to call off indefinite hunger strike of duo Dawa & Tenzing has welcomed the move.

The State Government welcomed the decision of Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT)’s Dawa Lepcha and Tenzing Lepcha to withdraw from the indefinite hunger strike.
In a letter to the President of ACT Athup Lepcha, dated August 23, 2007, the State Government has welcomed the withdrawal from the indefinite strike by the two youths. Dawa and Tenzing ended their 63 days indefinite hunger strike on August 21, in response to the appeal of the Chief Minster, Pawan Chamling and reposing faith in his commitment to uphold the sanctity of Dzongu.
The State Government has welcomed this gesture and wished the two Lepcha youth speedy recovery and good health.

It may be recalled that ACT has ended the hunger strike after Chief Minister had appealed to stop the strike to create congenial atmosphere for dialogue.Aggrieved The two Lepcha youths had ended their 63 days long strike after taking the fruit juice provided by Shri Athup Lepcha, President of ACT and Mr. Sonam Palzor Lachungpa in presence of the Government representatives and media persons at STNM hosptital here on August 21 evening.

The Government has further expressed that the relay hunger strike too may be ended.

Meanwhile, Lepchas of Kalimpong under the banner of indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association(ILTA) has started the relay hunger strike since August 23 in support of ACT.

Dr. Chamling in Delhi,Meets Vice President and Former PrimeMinister

NEW DELHI, AUGUST24 :Sikkim Chief Minister Dr.Pawan Chamling called on Vice-President Hamid Ansari congratulated him for being elected as the Vice President of India . During the course of discussion,Sikkim CM apprised the Vice-President at length about the development activities being carried out by his Government in State particularly in the tourism, hydro-power, horticulture and flori-culture sectors.

He further mentioned to VP that Sikkim is a strategic border state bounded by three international borders. Despite the fact, Sikkim is now most peaceful state in India and the State Government is able to maintain the peace and tranquility in the State. Within the past three decade after merging Sikkim into Indian union, the emotional integration and patriotic feelings have been greatly developed among the people of the State. Chief Minister Chamling further apprised some of the demands raised by the state including construction of Airport, Rail link etc.

The Vice President was very keen to know about various activities of Sikkim and expressed his happiness.The Chief Minister invited Vice-President to visit the Sikkim. Mr. Chamling was accompanied by RB Subba, Minister, Commerce & Industry and OT Lepcha, MP (Rajya Sabha).

Meanwhile The Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling, accompanied by Lok Sabha, MP Nakul Das Rai, and OT Lepcha, MP (Rajya Sabha) called on former Prime Minister Atal Vajpayee, at the All India Institute of Medical Science in New Delhi on August 23.

and wished for his early recovery. Shri Vajpayee, 84 was admitted in the AIIMS following the complication in his health who is now recovering gradually.

Gyanendra moves out of Nepal palace

Kathmandu, Aug. 24: A day after the Nepal multi-party government decided to nationalise royal properties, King Gyanendra and Queen Komal moved out of the Narayanhitti Palace.
Palace sources told The Telegraph here this evening that the royal couple moved into Nagarjuna Palace, which is registered in Gyanendra’s name and is located in a forest reserve northwest of Kathmandu.
The palace used to be the summer retreat of the royal family.
The sources said Gyanendra took the decision to vacate the royal premises at Narayanhitti as soon as he learnt about the the government’s intention to nationalise seven royal palaces last evening.
“The royal couple will reside in Nagarjuna Palace till the Constituent Assembly elections are held on November 22,” the sources said. They added that the queen mother, her son and daughter-in-law have moved into the palace with Gyanendra.
A committee set up by the government to nationalise royal properties had yesterday decided to take over the palaces and freeze all royal bank accounts. It also decided that the couple could stay in the Narayanhitti Palace till the fate of the monarchy is decided in the elections.
However, Gyanendra ignored the government’s offer and, instead, moved into the Nagarjuna Palace.
The committee had decided that the Narayanhitti Palace will be run by the government directly.
Six other palaces — Basantapur, Patan, Bhaktapur, Gorkha, Lamjung and Nuwakot — would be handed over to the department of archaeology.
However, sources could not say whether the Nepal army brigade stationed inside the palace will also be asked to leave.
“The army chief will have to take a call on that,” the sources said. Some security personnel have moved to Nagarjuna Palace with the royal family.
However, Gyanendra’s only son, Crown Prince Paras, his wife Himani and their two children will continue to live in their city home, Nirmal Niwas. This is where Gyanendra stayed before he became the king on June 1, 2001, after the royal massacre

ADB conducts study for developing community based Sikkim tourism

Tharpu (West Sikkim), Aug 24: " A pre-feasibility study is being conducted by Asian Development Bank (ADB) to integrate Sikkim in a 500 million US dollar tourism scheme.The scheme is meant for promoting community based tourism infrastructure in India over the next five years. Besides the Sikkim circuit, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and one more circuit in India is being targeted for the ADB proposal, which is in the initial stages, said Mike Sharrocks, a special representative from the ADB and also the consultant for Union Ministry of Tourism.Speaking to UNI at Tharpu in West Sikkim, Mr Sharrocks said he was visiting Sikkim as a part of pre-feasibility study for the ADB scheme, which aims at promoting community based tourism. He said Sikkim fitted in the tourism circuit development measure and was being targeted as a gateway to Eastern India.West Bengal and Orissa are also a part of the Sikkim circuit, he said.After visiting Gangtok, Daramdin and other parts of Sikkim, Mr Sharrocks visited Tharpu yesterday where the 27th foundation day of Limboo Cultural Society were being observed with a cultural extravaganza. Lavishing praise on the unique Sikkimese cultural enormity and plurality presented at Tharpu, Mr Sharrocks said he hoped that Tharpu would also get a part of the ADB funding.He also interacted with the state tourism minister R B Subba at Tharpu. Tharpu, an emerging tourism spot is located near several tourism hotspots like Daramdin, Hee Bermoik and Soreng from where the popular Barsey trekking originates. The ADB representative highlighted the pristine environment, beautiful mountainous landscapes, strong cultural identity and peacefulness as the advantages of Sikkim.After his tour, a Project Preparatory Technical Assessment (PPTA) team would be visiting Sikkim to look into the selected projects in a more detailed manner, said Mr Sharrocks.
--- UNI

Teesta 'army' accident

Jawan’s body

Siliguri: The body of an army jawan who was travelling in the truck that plunged into the Teesta from NH 31 near Sevoke on Wednesday was found near the Teesta barrage at Gajaldoba on Friday. So far, six bodies have been found. Four persons are still missing.

Now, Kalimpong Lepchas launch hunger-strike

GANGTOK, Aug 24: In a bid to express their solidarity with the Affected Citizens of Teesta, eight members of the Lepcha Youth Association started an indefinite hunger-strike at Tricon Park in Kalimpong town yesterday. The Lepcha youths are protesting against the upcoming hydroelectric power projects at Dzongu in North Sikkim. They believe that the hydel power projects will disturb the sanctity of Dzongu. “We have written several letters to governors and chief ministers of West Bengal and Sikkim, prime minister, president, and UPA chairperson Mrs Sonia Gandhi, but to no avail,” said Mr Ajuk Tamsangmo, chief coordinator of LYA.

The LYA is planning to stage similar hunger strikes in Darjeeling, Kolkata and Delhi, Mr Tamsangmo, added. “First we will organise peace rallies in Kolkata and Delhi. If our demands are still not fulfilled, we will sit on indefinite hunger-strike in these places,” he said. “Dzongu is a holy place and we will not allow the Sikkim government to disturb the sanctity of the area by setting up hydel power projects there,” he added. The LYA president, Mr Dorjee T Lepcha, claimed that members of the Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association are also supporting their indefinite hunger-strike.“The ILTA president has already left for New Delhi to discuss the issue with Mrs Sonia Gandhi,” Mr Lepcha, said.

Support for hill idol from across the border

More Support for Prashant Tamang

Darjeeling, Aug. 24: Roki Man Rai has travelled for two days carrying the hopes and aspirations of his fellow villagers.
A resident of Damak, a village in eastern Nepal, Rai has come all the way to Darjeeling exclusively to vote for Indian Idol aspirant Prashant Tamang.
“We in Nepal cannot vote for Prashant but he has now become a household name in our country. I have come here just to register my vote through SMS and express our solidarity,” Rai informed.

Prashant, who works with Calcutta Police, has already booked his place among the top five contestants in the music reality show and needs votes through text messages to maintain his position. The voting takes place every Friday night. An Indian Idol will not only be given a contract worth Rs 1 crore by Sony but he will also be allowed to cut an album for himself.
Rai got in touch with his friends who have a band called Astra in Damak and appealed to people to donate money for buying recharge vouchers necessary for voting.
“This was on Wednesday and within one day we collected money that corresponds to nearly Rs 4,000 in Indian currency. Once I go back to Damak, we will conduct a fundraising programme on an elaborate scale and collect at least Rs 30,000 for the next voting round,” he said.
The youth from Damak met Prashant’s family during the day and handed over the donated money.
However, it is not only Damak where people have come forward to support Prashant.
A group of people from Sansara in the Dharan district of Nepal also reached Darjeeling to vote for Prashant. Members of a cultural association — Tamang Gedung Sang — the people handed over a sum of Rs 3,000 to the Tamang family. They said they would be staying here overnight to vote for Prashant.
Kathmandu-based singer Babu Bokati also came over today and performed at Chowrastha (picture) along with local singers like Aditya Raya to garner support.

Limboo culture displayed in Sikkim

THARPU (West Sikkim), Aug 24: Over 5,000 people, including villagers and state government officials assembled here today to celebrate the 27th foundation day of Sirijunga Yakthung Sakthim Phojumbo. The programme was organised by members of the Sirijunga Limboo Cultural Society. Locals performed traditional dances and actively took part in other cultural programmes on the occasion. According to the organisers, today’s programme was aimed at preserving the Limboo tradition and culture. Guest artistes from Darjeeling performed Kawari Nitya and Nepali Lok dance. Nasaan, a book written in Limboo language by Mrs Kamala Subba was inaugurated by the chief guest and state minister Mr RB Subba. People from Soreng, Hee-Gaon, Sombarey, Gangtok, Geyzing and Jorethang took part in the cultural programme which was judged by four local judges. “We organise this function every year to boost our tradition and culture,” said Mr RB Subba, state tourism minister. He added that they want tourists to know about our culture and tradition. “We are planning to offer village food, home stay with colorful traditional function every evening to the tourists. We will soon take the tourists to Sombarey, Daramdin, Jurelee Dara and Barsey,” he added.

NATIONAL PAINTING COMPETITION OBSERVED

Gangtok, August 24: Sikkim State Council for Child Welfare affiliated to Indian Council for Child Welfare is registered NGO in the state. The Council organized the National Painting Competition (Sit and Draw) on 19th August 2007 at Taekwandow Hall at Palzor Stadium for some of the schools in Gangtok. The objective of organizing such competition is to provide opportunities for the students to participate at the national level Painting Competition. Guidelines were provided by ICCW. Children were grouped in five according to age including special group for differently able children (Hearing Impaired). 15 painting were selected in each category of painting who were asked to paint as per the theme provided. 50 children participated from Senior Secondary School of Deorali, Enchey, Modern, Tadong, T.N.S.S., West Point and Padam Ozor Choeling and School for hearing Impaired Sichey under D.D.R.C. The judges for the painting were Mr. T.K. Lahiri and Mr. Bijoy Pradhan.These paintings will be sent to the Indian Council for Child Welfare, New Delhi where they will be further exhibited with rest of the States some time in October 2007. The selected painting of children will be provided scholarships.

The Horticulture Growers Meet @ Gangtok

Programme to stress on flori-culture and special crop patterns

Gangtok: The Horticulture Growers Meet was held today at ChintanBhawan under the banner of department of horticulture, government of Sikkim to discuss plans to form an 'Apex Co-Operative Society for marketing various horticulture produce of Sikkim.The meet is Chaired by agriculture minister Shri Somnath Paudyal.

The imminent personalities in horticulture and floriculture Smt. Tika Maya Chamling grace the occasion as Chief guest while Shri K.C.Pradhan as special guest attended the Meet along with Secretary agriculture R.Telang,IAS.

It was informed more than 5000 groups involving 50000 families are now actively engaged in field of this specialized agriculture in state.

The Sikkim horticulture and cash crops development department has become the first government agency to implement the state self-reliance mission undertaken by the government. The department has started conducting training sessions across the state to augment human resource.

“The objective of the programme is to develop skilled, competitive, versatile and technically competent manpower. It will also enable them to harness potential opportunities for attaining self-sufficiency and contribute towards effective resource management and policy decisions,” said Somnath Poudyal, the horticulture and cash crops development minister. The training programme initiated there included construction of green houses and its management, pest management and technology.

The training will cover 18 agriculture disciplines with emphasis on floriculture, off-season vegetables and protected cultivation. This capacity development exercise will stress on effective utilisation of natural resource focusing on production of “high value-low volume” crops and switch to non-traditional cropping patterns.
In order to make this capacity development programme a success, officials in the rank of additional director have been designated as nodal officers in each subdivision.
To drive home the importance of this initiative and popularise the schemes, people — youths, entrepreneurs and farmers — who have completed this training exercise will be given preference in government benefits and schemes.

Secretary R.Telang called upon gathering to get involved also in ancillary activities like cold-storage, scientific produce packaging as well as need to further augment easy financial loans from banking sector in state in field of horticulture and floriculture.

workshop on Environmental Justice and Community’s Right to Information

GANGTOK, August 23: A two-day long workshop on Environmental Justice and Community’s Right to Information began here at Bhutia Lepcha House from today.
The workshop has been organised to share experiences on how to use laws and legal laws and legal forums in addressing issues of environmental concerns.
Jointly organized by Affected Citizen of Teesta (ACT) and Legal Initiative for Forest and Environment (LIFE), Delhi, the workshop will discuss different aspects which are fundamental to democratic environmental decision-making process for development projects access to environmental information, effective public participation and access to justice.
The members of Citizen Forum, SAFE, Sangha of Dzongu, Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim (CLOS) along with the other NGOs and the local people attended the seminar.
Two environmentalists from LIFE, Ritwick Dutta and Neeraj Vagholikar will be imparting their deliberations on various subjects pertaining to the importance of environment with human life. The significant topics to be dealt will be the use of the right to information Act 2005, in environmental matters, Understanding the Environment Impact Assessment Notification 2006, relevant provisions of other forest and wildlife laws, legal redressal forums such as the National Environment Appellate Authority (NEAA), Central empowered Committee as well as practical experiences on use of such forums and authorities.
Ritwick Dutta, advocate in the Supreme Court and specialist in Public Interest Environment Law highlighted the experiences in using right to information Act for environmental issues while Neeraj Vagholikar, a member of Kalpavriksh Environmental Action Group spoke on the topic of environmental and social impacts of hydroelectric projects and understanding the environment impact assessment notification 2006 on environmental public hearings.
A substantive focus of Mr. Vagholikar’s work involves advocacy and research on the environmental decision making process for development projects and activities. He has provided support to NGOs, activists and communities to understand and engage with the environmental decision making process. Over the past six years he has closely followed environmental and social issues with respect to large dams in Northeast India.
Ritwick Dutta who has also been assisting environmental NGO, activists and other concerned groups to take up issues before the Supreme Court, the High Court, the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), the environmental appellate authority (NEAA) and other forums is also the convener of LIFE.
Day one of the workshop saw interactive sessions with the resource person with people raising several queries.
Day two will feature a brief over view of relevant provisions of forest and wild life laws related to clearance of development projects, Forest Conservation Act 1980, Wild Life (Protection) Act, Forest and Wild Life Laws related to clearance of development projects, legal redressal forums (NEAA).

CITIZEN FORUM JOINS THE CHORUS

GANGTOK, August 23: Thukchuk Lachungpa, President, Citizen Forum has expressed his displeasure towards the decision of the Affected Citizen of Teesta (ACT) to withdraw the indefinite hunger strike without discussing the matter with the Citizen Forum.
He said this in a meeting today held at BL House. The meeting was attended by the members of ACT, Citizen Forum, Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim, Sangha of Dzongu and a huge number of people from Rey Mendu and Rumtek constituencies.
While addressing the gathering, Mr. Lachungpa resented against ACT for not consulting him in the decision of withdrawing the hunger strike.
“I don’t have any objection against ACT’s decision but should have at least consulted the Citizen Forum as well,” Mr. Lachungpa said, who has chipped in help towards the cause of ACT since its inception.
Meanwhile, the people of Rey Mendu also expressed their solidarity and offered khadas to all the members of ACT including Dawa and Tenzing for their effort towards protection of the environment.
Athup Lepcha, President, ACT in his part accepted the solidarity extended by the people of Ray Mendu. “It has boosted up our morale and has given us more confidence to pursue our cause,” Lepcha added.
Gyatso Lepcha, President CLOS also addressed the gathering and maintained that their purpose is to save Mother Nature from being hampered by the hydel projects in the name of development.

Cipla to make 180 crores Investment in Sikkim

Mumbai: Pharma major Cipla today announced a capex programme of Rs 930 crore over the next two years for setting up manufacturing facilities across the country.The company will pump in Rs 180 crore for a tablet and injectible facility in Sikkim.

Chairman Y K Hamied, told shareholders at its annual general meeting held today.

SURVEY FOR SIKKIM RAIL LINK COMPLETED

NewDelhi: In Sikkim, Survey for new line from Sivok to Sangpo has been completed recently. As per survey report, cost of construction of this 52 kms. long line has been assessed as Rs.1329 crore.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri R.Velu in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.

Sikkim workshop to groom future leaders

GANGTOK, Aug 23: A two-day workshop on “leadership development”, organised by the Sikkim State Cooperative Union, was held at Rongli in East Sikkim recently. Over 25 managing committee members of various cooperative societies attended the seminar. “The main objective behind organising the training programme was to inform the managing committee members about their roles and responsibilities in leading the cooperative societies and achieve success,” said Mr KN Pradhan, the chief guest. The trainee participants were taught about the role and responsibility of managing committee members, qualities of a good leader, implementation of business development plan, books of account to be maintained by the cooperative societies, cooperative law, its values and principles and cooperative management. Highlighting the importance of cooperative movement in rural areas, Mr Pradhan, said: “You all should adopt cooperative society as a means to procure consumer items, marketing of village produces. You should also adopt disbursement of loan so that every members of cooperative society could benefit and improve their socio-economic status.” The participants called for more such training programmes on a regular basis. “No doubt, we learnt a lot during the two-day training programme. However, the programme should have been longer. A time of two days was not enough for us to learn everything,” said Mr Bhim Bahadur Gurung, one of the participants. “We have requested the authorities concerned to organise more such programmes in future with more duration so that we could learn more,” said Ms Mamta Subba, another participant. The participants also took part in the open discussion session.

Sikkim Opposition Parties Sore Over 'ACT' action

Dismay over ACT pause

Gangtok/Kalimpong, Aug. 23: The Opposition in Sikkim has expressed disappointment at not being consulted by Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) before calling off the indefinite hunger strike.
“We are in no position to say as to what should be done considering the deteriorating health condition of the satyagrahis. Our action will be confined to see that the right as provided by the democracy is not trampled upon. Though we appreciate the cause for which your organisation has come forward we do not wish to become a part of the action of NGOs like yours for political gains,” reads the letter written to ACT president Athup Lepcha.
The five-page letter has been signed by Sikkim Congress chief Nar Bahadur Bhandari, BJP president H.R. Pradhan, CPM state secretariat member P.P. Koirala and general secretary of Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad Tara Shrestha. It also lists the stand taken by the Opposition during the movement including courting arrests, the burning of effigies and rallies.
ACT members Dawa T. Lepcha and Tenzing Gyatso had called off the fast on Tuesday after abstaining from oral intake of food for 63 days. The move came after several appeals by Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling to call off the fast and provide a congenial atmosphere for talks.
ACT is opposing the proposed construction of seven mega hydel power projects in the Lepcha reserve of Dzongu in North Sikkim on religious and environmental grounds. The protests, that have spanned over the last two months, have been actively supported by the opposition parties and some NGOs.
In Kalimpong, 10 Lepcha men today began an indefinite relay hunger strike under the banner of Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association (ILTA) at Tricone Park to protest the “desecration” of Dzongu.
The ILTA protest has been organised to express solidarity with the ACT movement.
ILTA president L.S. Tamsang said the hunger strike will continue till the hydel projects in Dzongu are scrapped. “We have no objection to hydel power projects. In fact, they are welcome to execute the project elsewhere on the Teesta, but not in Dzongu.”
Explaining the significance of Dzongu, Tamsang said everything Lepcha, from their traditional brew to the marriage ritual, originate there.
“In fact, for us there is no heaven and hell. When we die, our soul returns to Dzongu,” he said.

Teesta Rescue team fails to make progress

Sevoke, Aug. 23: Daylong search operations along the Teesta today proved futile as none of the missing jawans could be traced.
A Sevoke-bound army truck carrying jawans skidded off NH 31 and fell into the Teesta between Sevoke Coronation Bridge and Mongpong, about 30 km from Siliguri, yesterday morning.
Five bodies were recovered from the river during the rescue operations yesterday. Six injured jawans had also been rescued. Police sources had said there were 18 people in the truck, but army officials today put the figure at 16.
All the army personnel in the truck were from the Sixth Maratha Regiment. The four bodies recovered late in the evening yesterday were identified as those of Sanjoy Nel, Amol Solanki, Baba Saheb Lalwa and Buket Pawar, all constables in the regiment, said Uday Tamang, the officer-in-charge of the Rambhi police outpost.
“We found the bodies about three to four kilometres downstream from the accident site,” said an army official monitoring the search operations.
This morning, an eight-member team of army divers from Jorhat in Assam started the search operations with members of the Teesta Bazaar-based Action Adventure and Rescue Group. Two rafts and a speedboat were pressed into service.
“We tried to retrieve the truck that had drowned, but it would not budge,” said Sukhbir Tamang, a member of the rescue team. “None of the missing men could be traced.”
The missing army personnel have been identified as S. Desai, Mithun, Deepak Nikam, Shailshankar and Ram Bahadur Thapa.
Residents and daily commuters of Bagrakote, Sevoke and Malbazar blamed the bad condition of the roads for the accident.
NHAI officials admitted the failings and said Rs 5.44 crore has been sanctioned for repairs.

Heaven - 12,400ft above sea level!

Changu or Tsongmo lake is a 40km uphill from gangtok at about 12,400ft. It takes about 90 minutes to get there. Every curve, every view on our way up there is truly exotic. One would be spellbound when one reaches Changu lake. It should be around -3 , -5 Deg. C. during december.The lake gets frozen!

New Industrial Training Institutes in Sikkim

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today gave its approval for the following:

(a) Continuation of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme relating to ‘Establishment of new Industrial Training Institutes (I.T.I.s) in North Eastern States and Sikkim [outlay Rs.100 crore] and incur expenditure of Rs.18.31 crore under various components, till 31.3.2008, after which the State Governments will bear the recurring expenditure.

(b) To incur expenditure of Rs.13.70 crore for setting up of three new I.T.I.s – two in Sikkim and one in the State of Assam. As additional allocation, within the existing North East scheme, for next two years during the XI Plan from 1.4.2007 till 31.03.2009.

Building in flexibilities for change of trades in the identified I.T.I.s within the State and for allocation of funds from one scheme of the project to another and from one component of the scheme to another and between the major components, within a upper limit of 10%. Secretary, M/o Labour and Employment will have the power for approving such changes within the original project cost of Rs.100 crore for North Eastern states.

The project aims at creating and developing infrastructure for training of youth in the identified skill areas as per the demand pattern of Sikkim, North Eastern States

Don't Miss Darjeeling Youth Fest

Darjeeling, Aug. 21: College-goers from across the hills and the plains will converge on this town on August 31 for three days of fun mixed with serious business.The first-ever inter-college youth festival in Darjeeling, Confluence 2007, is expected to draw around 4,000 students from 12 colleges. “The overwhelming response from the students has forced us to change our venue from Captiol Hall to a larger auditorium at Gymkhana Club,” said Rajeev Thatal of Threshold Entertainments, which is organising the event.
The fest will have a plethora of events ranging from extempore speech, or JAM (Just a Minute), to dance competitions like Shakalaka, along with various awareness programmes. “In the past, we have seen that student steer clear of awareness campaigns and workshops on social issues. So we decided to marry fun with serious business by inviting resource persons from various fields to the meet to talk about their work. We have also tied up with representatives of the hospitality industry and IT and tourism sectors so that students can learn about job opportunities from them,” added Samir Sharma, another organiser. While members of Shankar Foundation, the only association of HIV positive persons in Darjeeling, will conduct sessions on the deadly disease, Kripa Foundation, one of the oldest rehabilitation centres here, will organise discussions on substance abuse. Fun and creativity remains the motto though. Lots of prizes will be up for grabs, including Confluence King and Queen (best-looking boy and girl), Confluence Idol (best singer in Eastern solo) and Rockomaniacs (best band in Western music).
Some of the innovative events lined up this year include a photo and art exhibition and a poster competition on social issues. “We are also holding a competition called One Shot where students can submit a mobile video shoot on the theme of love and hate,” Thatal added. Fifth Dimension, a popular rock band from Calcutta, promises to pump up the volume at the fest, along with a local group, Reincarnation. “In fact, the event will mark the revival of Reincarnation, which has not performed in the past couple of years,” said Sharma.

Power Promotions

No. 589/G/DOP
Dated: 18/08/2007

The Governor is pleased to promote the following members of the State Electrical Engineering Service with immediate effect:-

1. Shri P. B. Subba, Additional Chief Engineer (Electrical), Energy & Power Department is hereby promoted as Chief Engineer on officiating capacity in the scale of Rs. 14300-400-18300.


2. Shri D. P. Deokota, Superintending Engineer (Electrical), Energy & Power Department is hereby promoted as Additional Chief Engineer on officiating capacity in the scale of Rs. 12500-375-17000.


3. Shri K. J. John, Divisional Engineer (Electrical), Energy & Power Department is hereby promoted as Superintending Engineer on officiating capacity in the scale of Rs. 11000-350-16250.


4. Shri H. B. Pradhan, Assistant Engineer (Electrical), Energy & Power Department is hereby promoted as Divisional Engineer Engineer, on officiating capacity in the scale of Rs. 9000-300-13800.

Sikkim Government Transfers & Promotions

Gangtok: Department of Personnel, AR & Trg. PGCOESD & CM’s SES. ,Government of Sikkim has announced following promotions and transfers as per information posted.

• On return from Central deputation Shri A Shankar Rao, IPS ( SK:87) is hereby transferred and posted as IGP /Training with immediate effect.


• Shri P.K.Rai, Deputy Registrar, Cooperation Department, Gangtok is hereby transferred and posted as Deputy Registrar, Cooperation Department District Office, Namchi with immediate effect.


• The Governor is pleased to promote the following Deputy Directors, Human Resource Development Department as Joint Director in the scale of Rs. 11000 – 350- 16250 in the Sikkim State Educational Training Service in an officiating capacity against the post upgraded vide Notification No.140/Gen/DOP, dated 18.8.2007 with immediate effect:-
  Shri Jem Pandi Targain,
  Smt. Indira Singh,
  Smt. Monashree Pradhan,
  Shri K.K. Pradhan


• The Governor, on the recommendation of the Sikkim Public Service Commission is pleased to promote Smt. Doma Tshering Bhutia, Assistant Director to the post of Deputy Director in the scale of Rs. 9000 – 300- 13800 in the Sports and Youth Affairs Department with immediate effect.


• The Governor, is pleased to promote the following members of the State Civil Engineering Service as Divisional Engineer (Civil) in the scale of Rs. 9000-300-13800 in on officiating capacity with immediate effect:-
  Shri S Murugesan, Assistant Engineer, Rural Management & Development Department.
  Shri Sonam Dorjee Bhutia, Assistant Engineer (Planning I), Roads & Bridges Department


• The Governor, is pleased to promote the following members of the State Civil Engineering Service as Superintending Engineer (Civil) in the scale of Rs. 11000-350-16250 in on officiating capacity with immediate effect:-
  Shri K.P. Sharma, Divisional Engineer (South), Buildings & Housing Department.
  Shri Prakash Chhetri, Divisional Engineer, Tourism Department

ACT organise awareness campaign on Right to Information & Environment Concerns

Gangtok: Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) in association with Kalpavriksh Environment Action Group is conducting an awareness seminar on the subject of "Use of Right of Information act to address problems and issues with the seeking of information from government and its authorities on environmental related details.

The programme aims to create better awareness about the rights of citizens to receive information through the usage of 'Right to Information Act' to environmental queries or any other concerns.

The programme is conducted by eminent national personalities from the field of Law & Environment activism .

Other associations also participating in the Seminar includes Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim(CLOS) ,Sangha of Dzongu (SOD) ,SIBLAC, & Sikkimese Association for Environment
(SAFE).

Sikkim Member of Parliament O.T.Lepcha Questions

"U.C." essential for continuity of central fund


Gangtok:A central assistance of Rs. 600 lakh has been released till date for Samlick Marchak Growth Centre in Sikkim. The project was sanctioned in the year November 2003 with an estimated cost of Rs. 3175.88 lakhs of which the central government share will be Rs. 1500 lakhs.This information was given by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Mr. Ashwani Kumar in answer to a question in the House by Mr O. T. Lepcha, Rajya Sabha MP from Sikkim, on Ausgust 22. Mr Lepcha’s question was pertaining to pending subsidy and fund for growth centres in Sikkim.The Minister further informed that due to non-submission of utilization certificates in respect of funds earlier released, the remaining assistance could not be released. On a question related to transport and capital investment subsidy, Mr. Kumar said that Rs. 311 lakhs and Rs. 126 lakhs respectively have been released in the tenth five year plan. To another question in Rajya Sabha by Sikkim MP, Minister for Rural Development Dr. Raghuvansh Prasad Singh informed that a sum of Rs.212.6 lakhs has been released to Sikkim under Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yozna to provide connectivity to all unconnected habitations in rural areas with a population of 500 persons. Funds for upgradation of 137.80 kilometre roads and 108.04 kilometres new connecting roads under Bharat Nirman Yozna have been released

Session of Sikkim Assembly convened

Gangtok: A One day session of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly would be held next month on September 6th to discuss matters related to finance and general business. The session if required maybe extended for two days.

It may be recalled that session of SLA earlier scheduled for August 9 was cancelled due to some unavoidable circumstances. The Assembly session assumes significance as it is being held after protest hunger strike on hydel projects in Dzongu which was called off after 63 days on personal appeal of Dr. Chamling.

SIKKIM CHIEF MINISTER MEETS UNION MINISTER FERNANDES

New Delhi,Aug23: Sikkim Chief Minister Dr.Pawan Chamling accompanied by Health Minister Hissay Lachungpa and Sikkim Member of Parliament Shri O.T.Lepcha called on the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour and Employment, Shri Oscar Fernandes today in New Delhi as per information from IPR.

The Chief Minister apprised the Union Minister about all-round development pursued by his government in Sikkim and discuss projects and issues related to The State during the meeting.

The Union Minister Fernandez has appreciated efforts of state government and assured his co-operation and all help on demands and needs of Sikkim.

The meetings with Labour Union Minister was very cordial and positive .

SIBLAC & Opposition Parties Welcomes ACT gesture

Call Off of 63 days old Hunger Strike a Big Step Forward : SIBLAC

Gangtok:The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) welcomed the calling off of indefinite hunger strike by Affected Citizen of Teesta (ACT). SIBLAC at the same time, appreciated their decision to continue with the relay hunger strike at BL house. In a press release, SIBLAC states that it now depends on how the Chief Minister will respond to this noble gesture made by the people of Dzongu. The four political parties on the other hand stated that the decision of withdrawing hunger strike by ACT is their internal matter, therefore, there is nothing to comment on it. Since, Chief Minister Chamling is on his official tour to New Delhi, the action from Government is not immediately known, but optimistically with the withdrawal of hunger strike, some rays of hope are there to initiate dialogue and find out the solution.
Meanwhile, the people of Dzongu has started prayer for the proper development and amicable solution of the area. They offered the prayer to the guardian deities of Dzongu and puja was performed by Bonghing Lavi Sangay.

MRS. CHAMLING TO INAUGURATE HORTICULTURE MEET

HORTICULTURE GROWERS MEET ON AUGUST 24

GANGTOK, August 22: The Department of Horticulture is organizing a growers’ meet at the Chintan Bhawan here on August 24.
The meet will pave the way for the forming of an Apex co-operative society for marketing of various Horticulture produces.
Ms. Tika Maya Chamling will be the Chief Guest of the function. The Minister for Horticulture, Somnath Poudhyal will preside over the function.

SIKKIM OPPOSITION PARTIES SEEKS CORRECTION IN VOTER'S LIST

OPPOSITION PARTIES POINT OUT 'DISCREPANCIES' IN SIKKIM VOTERS LIST

GANGTOK, August 22: The Opposition parties in the State has asked the State Government to immediately correct the discrepancies in the delimitation of Panchayat and Municipality wards before the finalisation of the Panchayat and Municipality voters list.
In a press release signed by Nar Bahadur Bhandari, President, Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee, HR Pradhan, President, State Bharatiya Janata Party and Tara Shrestha, General Secretary, Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad, the Opposition have said that the demarcation/delimitation of the wards should be made such that the variation in the population or voters does not differ by a margin of 10% between the wards in all the Gram Panchayat, Municipality Corporation, Municipality Council and Nagar Panchayats as necessitated by the situation. “In any case the voters of Nagar Panchayat is not expected to be lower than of a Gram Panchayat as the former is urban area and the latter a rural area.”
As citied in the release, in the Gangtok Municipal Corporation 01, Bojoghari has 288 voters, 04- Rongynek has 1220 voters, 09-Sichey has 6130 voters and Gangtok B has 7251 voters and Gangtok A has 8087 voters, where in the Opposition leaders has stated that these variations are huge and cannot be accepted.
The release has cited several other examples, including 03-West Padam – 3 Sakhu has 330 votes and 6-Swaney has 20 voters, Pakyong Nagar Panchayat 2 – Dikling-Tsalamthang has 902 voters and 4-Naibutar has 5 voters, Singtam Municipal Council 4 – Lal Bazaar has 1369 voters and 6 – Lower Namphing has 366 voters, Jorethang-Naya Bazar Municipal Council 1–Lalshore has 72 votes and 5-Mazigoan has 1244 votes, Gyalshing 6 – Lower Umchung (507 votes), 31-Sukdung, Kamling 1 – Rehsi Tinzerbong has 527 voters.
The release also shows variations like Naibutar under Pakyong Nagar Panchayat with only 5 votes and Panchey-Samsing with 84 votes thus presenting that the number of votes is less than the votes of a gram Panchayat. It goes on to argue that the 32-Martam Nazitam 2-Upper Martam has as high as 811 votes.
Stating that Constitution on India does not speak of bifurcation, the party heads have demanded that the reservation of Backward Classes if made as OBC and MBC should be extended for the Scheduled Tribe also as Bhutia-Lepcha and Limboo-Tamang in both cases.
Instead of having a separate Municipality Corporation, Municipality Councils and Nagar Panchayats, the Opposition parties have suggested whether “Sikkim Municipality Corporation” could be formed with all the towns and bazaars of Sikim as its wards. According to the release, the “Sikkim Municipality Corporation could be a satellite type of Municipality Corporation with its wards located at different places so that the requirement of population of 70,000 or more for the Municipal Corporation, 5,000 and more but less than 70,000 for Municipal Council and 3,000 or more but less than 5,000 for Nagar Panchayat as per section 13 of the Sikkim Municipalities Act, 2007 (Act No. 5 of 2007) and can also be fulfilled besides the compliance of Article 243 of the constitution of India and safeguard of the subsection (k) of Article 371F of the constitution of India.”

Finance Company Cheats Sikkim depositors

TINA FIN LEASE FAILS TO PAY MATURITIES, DEPOSITORS SEEK GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION

RABONG, August 22: The people of Namchi, Rabong and Jorethang have once again expressed their resentments over the failure of Tina Finlese Private Ltd of Namchi to provide the maturity amount of their deposits in time.
It has been over six months that the people have been duped by the company.
Relating to the issue, a meeting of depositors and agents of the company was held on August 20 where in the meeting decided to constitute a committee to solve the problem.
According to the committee members, about one crore and thirty thousand rupees deposited within the company has not been recovered. However, with the aim to revive the cash lost, the committee had taken over a hotel established by BISCO Company. The valuation of the 5 storied hotel building was done by the committee members.
“As per the various schemes shown by the company we have deposited an amount of Rs 12 lakhs, for which our maturity date has completed six months and still the company has failed to refund,” said Dawa Bhutia of Rabong.
Despite several attempts, the Managing Director could not be contacted as his mobile was not reachable. He could not be contacted in the office too.
Earlier, while talking to journalists, the MD said, “BISCO Company has made huge investments with the money from Tina Finlese. But we were not able to pay the maturities in time to our customers as the outcome of the company was less then the output of the company.” He also assured that the maturities would be paid in phase wise manner, till August 20, earlier this year.”
With still no signs of getting their money back, depositors are demanding for the intervention of the state government.

PANG LHABSOL CELEBRATION 2007

GANGTOK, August 22: Pang Lhabsol or the worship of Mt Khangchendzonga will be observed in a grand manner here in Gangtok at the Statue of Unity park.

Calling a press conference today, Thukchuk Lachungpa, President, Pang Lhabsol Celebration Committee (Statue of Unity) said that this year being the eleventh year of celebration will be done in a special way with Governor V Rama Rao as the chief guest.

The chief minister of Sikkim, Pawan Chamling is likely to attend the celebration as the guest of honour, Mr Lachungpa said.

The main function will start from the evening of August 27 at the vicinity of statue of unity in MG Marg where the spiritual leaders will perform offerings and prayers.
On August 28 from 8 am onwards, cultural presentations will be shown by different NGOs, associations and school students.
Besides highlighting the importance of the festival by the committee, the agenda features Essay writing competition on the topic “Significance of Pang Lhabsol in Sikkim”.
The festival of Pang Lhabsol is held every year on the fifteenth day of the seventh Buddhist month.

Pang Lhabsol has its origin in the worship of the snowy ranges and became influential when the blood brotherhood pact was signed between the Lepchas and Bhutias with Thekong Tek, Nekong Nyal and Khye Bumsa keeping Mt Khangchendzonga as the witness to the treaty.
Moreover, Pang Lhabsol is also marked with a Pangtoed Chaam, which is known to be introduced by Chogyal Chador Namgyal, the third king Sikkim.
Pangtoed Chaam will be performed every year in Pemayangtse monastery, Ralang monastery and Mani Chokerling in Rabong, South Sikkim.

Assam Wants Increased Power Share from Sikkim Projects

50 pc power from Central projects demanded

GUWAHATI, Aug 22 – The Assam Government has demanded that the North East States should get at least 50 per cent of the power generated by the projects established by Central sector undertakings in the region. This demand was placed by the State Power Minister Pradyut Bordoloi in the fourth meeting of the North East Regional Power committee, held under the chairmanship of the Arunachal Chief Minister in Itanagar.Addressing the meeting, Bordoloi said that recently the Central Electricity Authority had recommended that the region should get 35 per cent of the power generated by the power projects in the region should be allotted to the States of North East. He said that the recommendation was not acceptable and the region must get at least 50 per cent of the power generated by the power projects set up in the region. He said that only availability of adequate power would help the region to attain industrial growth.Bordoloi said that Assam already received commitment for allocation of 600 MW of power from the Lower Subansiri project and 300 MW from the Kameng Hydro power project and demanded that the state should get 6 per cent of the power generated by the units at free of cost, as Assam would have to face the adverse effects of the projects. The State Power Minister pointed out that there were reports of excess water release from Ranganadi power project creating floods in the districts of Dhemaji and Lakhimpur, while, release of excess water from the Hydro power projects of Bhutan created havoc in lower Assam districts. He expressed the view that these issues should be addressed through proper study. He said that the Government of Bhutan is laying a power transmission line though Rangiya sub station to transmit power to other parts of India and demanded that Assam should get a share of the power to be transmitted through the State.Bordoloi said that over dependence on power generated in the hydropower projects created scarcity of power during the winter season and pointed out that this trend should be changed and allocation from the thermal power projects should be increased. In this context, he demanded that Assam must get at least 60 per cent of the power to be produced in the thermal power station, which is being implemented by the NTPC in Bongaigaon. As Sikkim is now considered part of the North East, the other States of the region must get an allocation from the power projects set up in that state by different Central sector organizations, he demanded.

Advertising Standards Council of India prohibits surrogate liquor ads

MUMBAI: Action taken by the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) on surrogate liquor advertisements in the last few months, puts the spotlight on the rising number of consumer complaints against such advertisements. Between April and June this year, three liquor ads which were termed as 'surrogate' by the consumer complaints council (CCC) of ASCI, have been withdrawn. In case of a few other advertisements which ASCI felt were surrogate, assurance of compliance is awaited from the advertiser. Among the ads which were withdrawn, is United Breweries' Kingfisher Premium ad which showed a visual depiction of a dancing couple with "packaged drinking water" written in fine print. ASCI felt that the visual and the headline ("the night rocks") did not bear any relevance to the product advertised - packaged drinking water. In the absence of specific information, ASCI felt the advertisement appeared to be a surrogate advertisement for a liquor brand. Another ad which was withdrawn after being declared surrogate, was from Diageo India. The complaint against this ad was that while it mentioned the brand name 'Johnnie Walker', it talked about CDs and cassettes, which bears no relation to the product or service being promoted. ASCI upheld the complaint against the advertisement, which was subsequently withdrawn. Similar was the outcome of United Spirits' Antiquity ad. Though the ad stated "indulge in Blue Antiquity", it mentioned CDs and cassettes without showing any visual depiction of the same. After ASCI's decision that it was indeed a surrogate advertisement, the advertiser informed the watchdog about the temporary suspension of the campaign as regards new ads. The existing advertisements of Blue Antiquity have been withdrawn. Complaints against Seagram India's Royal Stag ("Make it large") and Chivas Regal (which mentioned CDs and cassettes in fine print) were also upheld by ASCI. The complaint against Seagram's Royal Stag ad was that it showed photographs of sports personalities, though the line "make it large" has a connection with alcoholic drinks. In absence of any visual depiction of cricket gear, and the mention of the brand name 'Royal Stag', the complainant felt that the advertisement was a surrogate ad for a liquor brand. One of the Chivas Life ads mentioned "ice fishing in Alaska". The complaint against the ad was that while it mentioned CDs and cassettes in the fine print, there was no visual depiction of the same. ASCI is awaiting response from the company.

Indian Idol adds Music to Delhi's ears

Contestants from Indian Idol performed recently at an amusement park in the capital, and needless to say, got a great response.

Crowd puller: It isn't just film stars who draw huge crowds when they visit Delhi or perform here. Recently, contestants from the show Indian Idol also came to perform, and the turnout both upped their morale and made them a little nervous! The children in the crowd, especially, loved their performance.

Fun ‘n’ frolic: The venue for the event was an amusement park, and the contestants first enjoyed the rides. After having their share of fun and mast i, they got ready for the stage. With their energy and zing, the show was a sellout and the crowd cheered after each song.

Judge Malek: No, the judiciary did not make its presence felt. Instead, it was Anu Malek, one of the judges on the show, who was naturally all praise for the performers. "These young singers are raw talent, with no prior training, and they have sung their hearts out. It is commendable," he said.

Host aur dost: Hussain Kuwajerwala and Mini Mathur were also there , and they glammed up the event. Mini looked great in a green top and a golden belt,and Hussain was his usual charming self.

No TV? The contestants told us they would not get to watch TV till the show ended. They took it well, though, as one of them said, "Watching television is not allowed for our benefit. We should not get distracted from our goal ." They were all excited to be in Delhi and said that it was "wonderful to be here." Well, it was obvious Delhi loved them too!

Ladykiller: Hussain looked smart in a white jacket, and there were quite a few female fans trying to catch his eye. The gentlemanly anchor was quite polite to them, and didn't blush even once at all the attention. Ladykiller, huh?

Army vehicle falls into Teesta, 5 die

Sevoke, Aug. 22: Five army men died and seven went missing today after their truck skidded off National Highway 31 between Mongpong and Sevoke Coronation Bridge and fell into the Teesta.
Six injured jawans were rescued from the river, while it took almost seven hours just to locate the truck. It has not yet been hauled out of the river.
The dead include at least one junior commissioned officer, whose identity has been disclosed along with those of the rescued six. However, the army has remained tight-lipped about the names and ranks of the remaining 11.
It was around 8.30am when 18 army men — all from the Sixth Maratha Regiment — were heading for Sevoke from Binnaguri in Jalpaiguri district. Shankar Saha, a civilian, was travelling in another truck just behind the army vehicle when the accident took place, around 30km from Siliguri.
“The truck in front of us suddenly went off the road, broke through the parapet and hurtled into the river 300ft below,” Saha said.
Saha immediately jumped out of his truck, ran back towards a spot where the highway and the river are almost on the same plane and stopped at the water’s edge.
“I could see some of the army men, struggling to stay afloat,” he said. “I found no rope to throw to them, but managed to get hold of some bamboo poles. There were a few other people around and we held the poles out to the jawans. A couple of them got hold of them and scrambled to the bank.”
Within the next couple of hours, army officials from Sevoke, Bagrakote and Kalimpong reached the spot. Two Indian Air Force choppers hovered over the area trying to locate the vehicle and the missing persons, while a fire-engine from Malbazar, rafts from Teesta Bazaar in Kalimpong and members of NGOs from Siliguri launched a rescue operation.
Soon, the lifeless body of Parshuram Tandey, the junior commissioned officer, was hauled out of the river.
The six rescued jawans were identified as Tanvir Yadav, Jyoti Ba, Sandip, Malkar, Silvashankar and Pradip Gorkha, all constables in the regiment. They were taken to Binnaguri army hospital for treatment. The rescuers also recovered four INSAS rifles from the river, probably just a small portion of all the arms the jawans were carrying.
“According to preliminary investigation, the front left tyre of the truck had burst, throwing the vehicle out of control,” said the inspector-general of police (North Bengal), R.J.S. Nalwa.
The Teesta is quite deep at the spot and rescuers initially found it difficult to locate the truck. “We started our rescue and search operations at 10am and finally managed to locate the vehicle around 4.30pm,” said Santosh Lama of Action Adventure and Rescue Group, which pressed two rafts into service.
“We have tied ropes to the truck to prevent it from being swept away. Tomorrow, we will try to get it out of the river, while the search for the missing persons will also continue,” he added.
The incident held up traffic on the highway for a few hours.

Traffic woes of Gangtok

GANGTOK, Aug 22: There seems to be no end to traffic woes here. The town faces acute traffic snarls at almost all the turns. The root cause is the narrow width of the roads and increasing number of vehicles. “Students are finding it difficult to reach schools in time following traffic snarls in the town. The office-goers, patients and tourists also face difficulties,” said Mr Tshering Lepcha, a local. Mrs Doma Tenzing who live far away from Gangtok, said: “We come to the town every weekend for shopping and face acute traffic snarls. There is no traffic rule here. Owing to lack of proper parking place, people park their vehicles almost everywhere at will.”Members of the grievance cell of Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee today held a meeting here to discuss the issue.“The town’s traffic mess is yet another example of the state government’s directionless functioning. The government is taking no measure to improve traffic system here,” said Mr SK Bardeva, a Congress leader. “It is difficult to accommodate additional vehicles at the Gangtok Motor Stand at Old Children Park,” Mr Bardeva, added.He said that the Congress has urged the state government to make better use of the existing facilities and end traffic problems in the town. “The government should also take initiative to widen the roads here,” Mr Sardeva, said. Commenting on the traffic snarls here, a Gangtok-based doctor, said: “Even the ambulances carrying patients find it difficult to ply on roads here a during emergency hours following traffic jam.”

Sikkim Minister G.M Gurung Attends ICOM-2007 in Austria

G.M Gurung and S.D. Dhakal attended the Function at Vienna ,Austria

Gangtok:, 22 August : Shri G.M Gurung ,Minister of Cultural Affairs & Heritage and Human Resource Development Department and Shri S.D. Dhakal Additional Secretary, Cultural Affairs & Heritage Department, Government of Sikkim attended the opening ceremony of the General Assembly and the general conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) at Vienna ,Austria,on 19th August 2007. The general conference will be concluded on 24th August and the assembly is being closed on 25 th August 2007. The ICOM after offering the membership to the participating team from Sikkim Invited to attend the Conference and the General Assembly at Vienna,by the Mr.Armin Wehdorn,Chairman of the Organising Committee who is also the member of the ICOM Austria National Committee. The visiting Minister and the Official was welcomed by the President and the Secretary of the ICOM in the conference and the General Assembly on 19th August. During the General Conference , ICOM will present the initiative to forge the "Universal Heritage" to create new long-term relationship between the social stakeholders on the conservation of Heritage and the Public Institutions. It may be recalled that the ICOM Secretariat,in conjunction with the relevant International and National Committees is currently developing projects on Capacity Building by supporting and promoting professional training as their primary objectives. The another important theme of the ICOM is to give "Recognition of the intellectual,cultural and social diversity and respect for the difference as forces for cross-cultural understanding and social cohesion". The Honble Minister and the Official participate in the different sessions of discussion and deliberation in the conference and the Assembly.