Darjeeling: What was so far a bastion for Indian Idol finalist Prashant Tamang, is now witnessing fractures.
Fans of his rival Amit Paul are taking to the streets of Siliguri in large numbers to garner support for him.
And Amit, who was born and raised in Siliguri before moving to Shillong, could now take heart with the kind of a fan following that he is receiving.
"Anyone can win or lose in a competition. But if Amit loses we will be heartbroken because we love him with all our hearts,” says a fan.
But the scene is completely different, just a few hundred meters above the plains of Siliguri. Makeshift SMS booths, which the fans of Prashant use to vote for him, dot the roads of Darjeeling now.
They rely on generous donations from vehicles passing by to send countless SMS votes for Darjeeling's Darling.
"So far we have collected more than Rs 10,000 all from SMSs,” says a fan, Dipak Rai
Some 50 dedicated telephones are working round the clock in Darjeeling alone to vote for Prashant.
Others including Prashant’s friends are taking the mellifluous route to spread the message.
We can call it madness, or unadulterated love and support for Prashant. But the bottom line is that the people of Darjeeling are in no mood to even consider the possibility that the title of India's singing idol may also just slip from the hands of their hero.
Sikkim Served Fresh Daily
Saturday, September 22, 2007
PMO kick-starts process for 'New Delhi Meeting' on NH-31A
Gangtok& New Delhi, Sep 22 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is convalescing after a prostate gland operation last week, today received several visitors who wished him a speedy recovery.Shipping and Road Transport Minister T R Baalu also met Dr Singh, a PMO spokesman said.
The PM has taken a serious note of the letter from Sikkim Chief Minister Dr.Pawan Chamling deploring the poor conditions of the NH-31A which is maintained by the Project Dantak and its deteriorated conditions impacting everyday lives of people of Sikkim. The Prime Minister's Office has called a meeting of the Sikkim Chief Secretary ND Chingappa and other state officials along with the officials of the Border Road Organisation at the PMO office itself on September 26.
Senior government officials while confirming the PMO's gesture and further added that main agenda of the Meeting at New Delhi would revolve around the conditions of NH-31A and solutions that could possible implemented to solve the issue.
It maybe recalled that The Chief Minister, Dr.Pawan Chamling has written a letter to the Prime Minister, Dr.Manmohan Singh drawing his attention to the poor state of maintenance of the 31A National Highway and other general staff roads located in Sikkim. The Chief Minister has pointed out in his letter that although the 31A NH is the lifeline for the people of Sikkim yet Border Roads Organisation(BRO) are not keeping required manpower and machinery to deal with natural calamities like landslides that occur frequently along the 31A NH. In fact, the location of the headquarter of the Chief Engineer, Project Dantak at Thimpu, Bhutan, which also looks after the 31A NH, have not helped the matter a bit as the Chief Engineer, Project Dantak has completely failed to appreciate the problems of 31A NH and other general staff roads in Sikkim..The Chief Minister has apprised in his letter that recent incessant rains have triggered major landslides along the 31 A NH in a number of places cutting off Sikkim completely from the rest of the country for the last nearly a month till date. He has further stated that dislocation of this vital national highway has not only affected the movement of people to and fro Siliguri-Gangtok but also the transportation of essential commodities which has put the people of Sikkim in severe hardships. The Chief Minister has rightly pointed out that knowing fully well the fragility of the entire area along the 31A NH BRO should have anticipated such mishaps, specially during monsoons, and kept the required number of manpower and machinery for clearing the debris promptly and attending to the repairs of damages which, sadly, was missing. No wonder, important points near Kali jhora and Coronation bridge, Hathisuray, Chitray, Labor -botey, Tar Khola located along the 31A NH and Lava-Algaraj road connecting Rishi in Sikkim as well as Mangpo-Rangpo road remained breached even after a month.The Chief Minister has therefore requested for Prime Minister’s kind intervention urgently to mitigate the severe hardships being faced by the people of Sikkim. He has also requested the Prime Minister to kindly depute a Central Team to Sikkim to see the state of affairs and assess the extent of damages along the 31A NH falling within Sikkim and North Bengal for urgent restoration.The Chief Minister has also pointed out the delay in pavement/blacktopping of Indira Bye-pass from Amdogolai to Tashi View Point as well as the construction of the drain which clearly reflects the lack of appreciation on the part of the Border Roads Organisation.
Sikkim Government Asks ACT to allow Athup Lepcha to join Review Committee
Gangtok,Sept22: The 'suitable reply' as per directive of Sikkim CM and Cabinet in response to letter from ACT president Athup Lepcha has been delivered by the high powered committee as response to ACT's communication refusing inclusion of its President as member of state government review committee instituted to study and report within 100 days about hydel projects proposed in Dzongu of north Sikkim and also several other points.
The main content of the reply consists of asking the ACT president,again to become a member of the review committee set up recently and examine issues related to the implementation of the hydel projects in Dzongu.
It is informed that committee chaired by the Chief Secretary ,who also heads the proposed review committee,has urged the Affected Citizens of Teesta to enable its president Athup Lepcha to accept a seat on review committee although it has not responded to all the points reflected in earlier letter from ACT except one point refer ed by ACT president that "on27th July,the State Government tried to raid BL House and arrest members of ACT but the Sikkim police officers refused to carry out the illegal raid".To this specific point,State government has stated that it had no intentions to carry out raids at BL House or effects arrests and has explained that the deadline of the 27th July issued by the government mentioned that ACT lift its hunger strike by that date or action as per law would be taken."Though at that time it had apprehended that 'action as per law could mean forceful evacuation of the protests' it has now been clarified that the phrase actually meant that the required process of hydel project related works would be allowed to begin with and so the disbursement of the land compensation for the acquisition of land which has begun for the Panan project in Dzongu and Stage III in north Sikkim .
Similarly ,ACT has also clarified that has never communicated that it would withdraw relay hunger strike on October 2 on Gandhi Jayanti although it has stated that 'The AC T's Satyagraha presented in the form of the relay hunger strike will continue till 2nd October,2007 - Gandhi Jayanti - because the year 2007 has been declared as year of Satyagraha by government of India".
Sikkim Governor's Gold Cup from October 24
Gangtok,Sept22: Sikkim Football Association has announced the dates for the 29th edition of the Governors Gold Cup Football Tournament will begin on 24 th October with the final game slated for November 06 at Palzor Stadium of Gangtok.
SFA has informed that it is doing its best to ensure that variety of best football teams from clubs across India and neighbouring countries Nepal,Bhutan,etc for the participation in the upcoming tournament and negotiations are on with top clubs at the moment as per SFA secretary Menla Ethenpa.
Chances are bright for the participation of 3 star clubs and another club from Nepal,Air India,Army XI, Manipur,Kerela,and JCT academy of Punjab besides efforts to bring in a team from Goa and Nigerian Eagles,he added.
Tina Finlease Private Limited buy time again as depositors runs from pillars to post in Namchi & Mangan
NAMCHI, September 21: Tina Finlease Private Limited, a private financial company of Sikkim with its head office at Namchi is once again under the scanner of the local people and the depositors.
The company who during its establishment had promised to provide the depositors with the interest of 48 % annually has now tried to breach the terms by not paying their maturity amount since last December.
Agitated over the delay, the depositors lost their patience and cool when the Managing Director of the company, Bishnu Rai failed to turn at the office here today.
They had been assured by the MD during the meeting on August 9 that they would be paid dues from September 21 onwards.
However, after a long wait, office staffs barring the MD of the company, reached the office at about 1 pm. The staff informed the depositors that Bishnu Rai was at Soreng presently. They also said that he does not have money to pay the due amounts to the depositors. After hearing this, the gathered people started to demand for the immediate release of their money from the management.
When the Public Relation Officer of the company, Pabitra Singh was contacted she informed that the MD has filed an assurance letter at Soreng Police Station where he had stated that he will pay the entire due amounts of the depositors within one month and that he would be summoning a meeting of the agents, office bearers and the directors at Soreng on September 25. The same has been forwarded to the O/C Namchi Police Station by the O/C Soreng and following the same, Bishnu Rai was told by O/C Soreng not to leave Soreng till September 25.
The PRO further informed that the MD has assured to deposit Rs. 7 crore with the Police for the payment of the due amounts as well as gave the permission to sell the entire asset of the company for the rest payment which according to him was of worth Rs. 4 crores.
He has handed a written document to the board of director regarding the transfer of the asset in the name of the company which is in his name.
The company who during its establishment had promised to provide the depositors with the interest of 48 % annually has now tried to breach the terms by not paying their maturity amount since last December.
Agitated over the delay, the depositors lost their patience and cool when the Managing Director of the company, Bishnu Rai failed to turn at the office here today.
They had been assured by the MD during the meeting on August 9 that they would be paid dues from September 21 onwards.
However, after a long wait, office staffs barring the MD of the company, reached the office at about 1 pm. The staff informed the depositors that Bishnu Rai was at Soreng presently. They also said that he does not have money to pay the due amounts to the depositors. After hearing this, the gathered people started to demand for the immediate release of their money from the management.
When the Public Relation Officer of the company, Pabitra Singh was contacted she informed that the MD has filed an assurance letter at Soreng Police Station where he had stated that he will pay the entire due amounts of the depositors within one month and that he would be summoning a meeting of the agents, office bearers and the directors at Soreng on September 25. The same has been forwarded to the O/C Namchi Police Station by the O/C Soreng and following the same, Bishnu Rai was told by O/C Soreng not to leave Soreng till September 25.
The PRO further informed that the MD has assured to deposit Rs. 7 crore with the Police for the payment of the due amounts as well as gave the permission to sell the entire asset of the company for the rest payment which according to him was of worth Rs. 4 crores.
He has handed a written document to the board of director regarding the transfer of the asset in the name of the company which is in his name.
SIKKIM TRANSPORT DEPT'S ORDER TO STICK TO EIGHT TON LIMIT
RANGPO, September 21: The State Transport Department has issued a notice to all the truck drivers not to load their truck above eight tons.
This move has been initiated by the Department taking into consideration the condition of the National Highway 31A.
The Department has instructed the officers on duty at various check-posts of Sikkim to check and take necessary action for those trucks loaded over eight ton. All the truck drivers plying regularly in the Highway have welcomed this decision.
“By seeing the condition of the road, it was necessary to issue notice for the proper maintenance of the road,” one of the truck drivers said.
“If this rule is strictly followed then the people Sikkim will not face this type of road problem in future. The officers on duty should also follow the rules and be impartial,” the driver added.
This move has been initiated by the Department taking into consideration the condition of the National Highway 31A.
The Department has instructed the officers on duty at various check-posts of Sikkim to check and take necessary action for those trucks loaded over eight ton. All the truck drivers plying regularly in the Highway have welcomed this decision.
“By seeing the condition of the road, it was necessary to issue notice for the proper maintenance of the road,” one of the truck drivers said.
“If this rule is strictly followed then the people Sikkim will not face this type of road problem in future. The officers on duty should also follow the rules and be impartial,” the driver added.
DD BHUTIA TAKES OVER AS ACTING CM
GANGTOK, September 21: The Minister for Land Revenue & Disaster Management, Urban and Housing Development Department and Irrigation and Flood Control Department, DD Bhutia, has taken over the overall charge of the State Government administration with effect from September 21.
This has come into effect with the notification from the Governor V Rama Rao today.
Mr Bhutia would be officiating as the acting Chief Minister during the official tour abroad of the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.
This has come into effect with the notification from the Governor V Rama Rao today.
Mr Bhutia would be officiating as the acting Chief Minister during the official tour abroad of the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.
SIKKIM CHIEF MINISTER ASSURES TO REMOVE NATHULA TRADE BOTTLENECKS
Concerned dept asked by CM to prepare status report
GANGTOK, September 21: The State Government has assured local traders engaged in trading over the Nathula Pass of all possible assistance and cooperation to remove existing bottlenecks hampering the trade.
This has come in response to the three-day protest undertaken by the local traders, against the non-fulfilment of the assurances made by the Central Government to revise the obsolete list of items for trade over the Nathula Pass and other related demands.
The traders, led by the Indo-China Traders Association of Sikkim, had not taken part in the trade for three days on September 13, 17 and 18.
After the report of the protest appeared in SIKKIM EXPRESS, the State Government geared up is act and the concerned departments have been directed to immediately sort out the problems plaguing the historic trade.
The District Collector, East, Vishal Chauhan, who is also the chairman of the Nathula Trade Nodel Agency, had called the members of the ICTAS for a meeting over the issue. The members of the Association met the DC here today and handed him a memorandum of their demands and grievances. Anil Kumar Gupta, general secretary, ICTAS, told journalists that the DC has assured them of immediate help in resolving the matter. “We were assured that he would initiate immediate action and resolve our pending demands,” he said.
The traders have more reasons to celebrate. Mr. Gupta revealed that the one of their demand for extension of vehicle permits to Nathula for at least a month at a stretch have been fulfilled. “The DC immediately agreed to this demand and we have been issued vehicle permits for a month,” he said. Earlier, vehicle permits to traders were given only for a week and had to be renewed on a weekly basis, much to their inconvenience.
Mr. Gupta said that the other demand for the implementation of the provision for travel permits for helpers and family members of traders have also been taken up positively by the DC. It is learnt that a proposal in this regard has been send to the Home Department for approval.
The ICTAS members also met the Director, Industries Department and also apprised him of the issue.
Following the three-day protest, the vice-president of ICTAS, Uttam Kumar Gurung had met the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling in Namchi, during which he had apprised the CM about the various bottlenecks plaguing the trade, including the demand for the immediate revision of the list of items for trade. “The CM gave us a patient hearing and has directed the concerned Department to prepare a current status report on the Nathula trade,” Mr. Gurung said.
Sources have revealed that the Director, Industries Department, will be leaving for New Delhi on September 25 to meet the officials of the Ministry of Commerce. The Director is likely to take up all the relevant issues including the demands of the traders during the meeting, most important of which would be the revision of the list of items for trade.
The ICTAS has thanked the Chief Minister and the DC for the “prompt action taken to mitigate the problems of the traders.” It has also thanked all its member traders for the “cooperation and support” during the three-day protest. “We are hopeful that once the list of items is revised, Nathula trade will flourish,” Mr. Gupta said.
Meanwhile, it has been brought to light that the allegation of harassment of traders in the hands of custom officials in Sherathang trade mart and Nathula Post is again because of the redundant list of items for trade, which is causing confusion amongst the traders and unnecessary headache to the custom officials. The traders, restricted by the obsolete items listed for trade, have no choice but to bring in items that are not listed in order to do some business. This leads to the confiscation of the items which is perceived as harassment by some traders, a reliable source has said.
GANGTOK, September 21: The State Government has assured local traders engaged in trading over the Nathula Pass of all possible assistance and cooperation to remove existing bottlenecks hampering the trade.
This has come in response to the three-day protest undertaken by the local traders, against the non-fulfilment of the assurances made by the Central Government to revise the obsolete list of items for trade over the Nathula Pass and other related demands.
The traders, led by the Indo-China Traders Association of Sikkim, had not taken part in the trade for three days on September 13, 17 and 18.
After the report of the protest appeared in SIKKIM EXPRESS, the State Government geared up is act and the concerned departments have been directed to immediately sort out the problems plaguing the historic trade.
The District Collector, East, Vishal Chauhan, who is also the chairman of the Nathula Trade Nodel Agency, had called the members of the ICTAS for a meeting over the issue. The members of the Association met the DC here today and handed him a memorandum of their demands and grievances. Anil Kumar Gupta, general secretary, ICTAS, told journalists that the DC has assured them of immediate help in resolving the matter. “We were assured that he would initiate immediate action and resolve our pending demands,” he said.
The traders have more reasons to celebrate. Mr. Gupta revealed that the one of their demand for extension of vehicle permits to Nathula for at least a month at a stretch have been fulfilled. “The DC immediately agreed to this demand and we have been issued vehicle permits for a month,” he said. Earlier, vehicle permits to traders were given only for a week and had to be renewed on a weekly basis, much to their inconvenience.
Mr. Gupta said that the other demand for the implementation of the provision for travel permits for helpers and family members of traders have also been taken up positively by the DC. It is learnt that a proposal in this regard has been send to the Home Department for approval.
The ICTAS members also met the Director, Industries Department and also apprised him of the issue.
Following the three-day protest, the vice-president of ICTAS, Uttam Kumar Gurung had met the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling in Namchi, during which he had apprised the CM about the various bottlenecks plaguing the trade, including the demand for the immediate revision of the list of items for trade. “The CM gave us a patient hearing and has directed the concerned Department to prepare a current status report on the Nathula trade,” Mr. Gurung said.
Sources have revealed that the Director, Industries Department, will be leaving for New Delhi on September 25 to meet the officials of the Ministry of Commerce. The Director is likely to take up all the relevant issues including the demands of the traders during the meeting, most important of which would be the revision of the list of items for trade.
The ICTAS has thanked the Chief Minister and the DC for the “prompt action taken to mitigate the problems of the traders.” It has also thanked all its member traders for the “cooperation and support” during the three-day protest. “We are hopeful that once the list of items is revised, Nathula trade will flourish,” Mr. Gupta said.
Meanwhile, it has been brought to light that the allegation of harassment of traders in the hands of custom officials in Sherathang trade mart and Nathula Post is again because of the redundant list of items for trade, which is causing confusion amongst the traders and unnecessary headache to the custom officials. The traders, restricted by the obsolete items listed for trade, have no choice but to bring in items that are not listed in order to do some business. This leads to the confiscation of the items which is perceived as harassment by some traders, a reliable source has said.
TV shows & mobile telephony set SMS turf on fire
KOLKATA: With an average 1.5 billion SMSes generated nationally every week, the Indian SMS saga is already the stuff of legend. If anything, the marriage of reality TV shows and mobile telephony now promises to set the national SMS turf on fire. Check this out — an 11-hour voting window (between 9 pm and 8 am) during last Friday’s Gala Round in Sony Entertainment TV India’s popular Indian Idol 3 music contest raked in well over three million SMSes from across India and key overseas locations like London, Dubai and Singapore. This was confirmed by a senior SET India official. But here’s the juicy bit. The unofficial number doing the rounds is that at least five million votes hit Sony’s SMS gateway. Neither SET India nor the mobile guys are willing to confirm this. But at a flat Rs 3 per message, the SMS revenue alone during that 11-hour voting slot would work out to a cool Rs 1.5 crore. Add to that revenues from a few million voice message votes at Rs 6 each which also hit home. SET India circles confirmed that “bulk of the SMS traffic stemmed from Hutch and Airtel networks”. Top honchos at SET India are truly gung-ho. “The total SMS-driven voting levels during the September 7 Gala episode itself was far in excess of three million. And these SMS votes came in just 11-hour voting window. Now that we’re down to the wire and people have to make a choice between the two finalists, Amit Paul and Prashant Tamang, I anticipate SMS-based voting to be 8-to-10 times the three million-plus SMS levels scaled last Friday. This is since the voting will be spread over two weeks till the Grand Finale on September 23,” said Mr Albert Almeida, who is executive vice-president and business head at SET India. ET also spoke to a cross-section of the mobile flock, including Hutch, Airtel and BSNL, to get a fix on the real SMS impact of Indian Idol 3. While there’s a tight lid on all Indian Idol-related SMS numbers, leading mobile operators confirmed that SMS volumes were huge. It’s a different matter that SMS data trickling in from mobile operators tended to be more conservative than SET India’s projections. Even as Indian Idol 3 hits the final stage, mobility circles expect voting lines to nationally generate five million SMSes in the final stretch from September 14-to-23 which will see several face-offs between the two finalists — Shillong’s Amit Paul and city cop, Prashant Tamang. For instance, a director at one of the country’s biggest cellular service providers said: “The two-and-a-half month long Indian Idol 3 context is likely to generate a shade over 15 million SMSes nationally, which is huge for a single TV show, but merely a drop in India’s SMS ocean, given that the national mobile market generates over 1.5 billion SMSes every week. In ARPU (average revenue per user) terms the increase will be a tiny 10 paise in gross revenue terms for mobile operators.”
(Economic Times)
(Economic Times)
West district of Sikkim still delinked
GANGTOK, Sept. 21: The West district is still cut off from the rest of the state owing to a series of landslides over the past few days. Landslides triggered by heavy rainfall have blocked Geyzing-Jorethang road and Naya Bazar-Legship road, making things difficult for the residents of the area."We tried several times to remove heavy boulders but failed to do so as the villages are situated just below the landslide area," said Mr Nitesh Kumar Jha, DC, West. "The process would take time owing to the risk factor," he added.Mr Jha said essential commodities are being supplied to the landslide-hit villages."We have supplied fuel and LPG for the use of the residents of the area. There is a scarcity of essential commodities in the area but the situation is not beyond control," Mr Jha, said.It may be recalled that one Dilip Rai (37) was killed and two others ~ Mangal Singh Mangar and Pema Dorjee Bhutia ~ were injured in recent landslides in the West district. Road communication is yet to be restored in the area.
Dr.Chamling Will be in Bangkok after NY
Tough ask for CM minus team- Dr. Chamling on Mission US without logistical support New Delhi, Sept. 21: The Sikkim government is nervous about the tourism promotion-cum-business trip to the United States, apparently with good reason.
Caught between three events — IncredibleIndia@60, a tourism ministry extravaganza in New York from September 23 to 26, the Northeast India Investment Conference in New York on September 25 and an investment conference in Bangkok from October 1 — officials are said to be confused. The two latter events have been inserted into the itinerary by the DoNER ministry.
To begin with, Delhi has denied chief minister trusted lietenants ministers —permission to accompany him on the four-day trip to New York from September 23 to 26.Moreover, officials fear that the tourism stall hired by the state in the US could embarrass Sikkim. Sources said the government has paid the Indian Tourism Development Corporation hiring charges for the stall, but is now wondering who will man it.
Promotional material, like Khadas and Posters, is being shipped to New York, but there is no one to even unpack the materials or erect the stall.
Sources said Sikkim had applied for political clearance of more people, of many were rejected by the DoNER ministry. When clearance came from the ministry of external affairs, only limited names were approved such as Dr. Chamling , his principal secretary Basnett and representative of Tourism department - sources added.
Some are trying to draw consolation from the fact that states like Tamil Nadu had applied for political clearance of 45 people, but got the green signal for only three. Assam applied for 12 but got clearance of 3.
As for the tourism stall, officials are trying to outsource work in the host country through the Indian embassy, but expect the going to be tough.
Indian embassy officials are going to be extremely hardpressed, as they will have to take care of more than 500 delegates from India. They will also be busy with the UN General Assembly that coincides with the programme.
The tourism ministry extravaganza in the US has Assam, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Madhya Pradesh as major players. Sikkim dancers have already left for New York to participate in the programme.
“We wonder why the DoNER ministry organised this investment event when the programme is already packed. These investment summits should not be clubbed like this,” rued an official.
DoNER minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, however, feels otherwise.
After the US trip, the Northeast delegates will head straight for Bangkok to attend another business summit.
Among those who will try to make a mark in New York and Bangkok will be Sikkim chief minister Dr.Pawan Chamling.
Prisoners pitch in for Indian Idol
DARJEELING: There was never any love lost between cops and criminals. But the magic of Prashant Tamang has managed to bridge the divide. Inmates at Darjeeling Correctional Home are contributing their daily wage to send SMSes voting for the Indian Idol finalist. According to sources, 13 inmates are playing their part to ensure that Prashant comes out trumps. As the clock ticks away towards the hour of reckoning on Sunday, the inmates are pooling in their meagre daily wage - Rs 18. This amount is then being passed on to booths from where SMSes are being sent. Sources said the jail staff are using their personal landlines to vote for Prashant, who is a constable with Kolkata Police. Understandably, the personnel do not want to be left out of the frenzy for the son of the soil and a fellow cop. The excitement has reached a fever pitch inside the jail and inmates are keen to campaign for the idol finalist. According to sources, the inmates have requested the jail officials to arrange for a television set to be installed so that they could watch the finals on Sunday. However, the jail superintendent is yet to give his approval to this request. Deepak Kumar Sarki, the correctional home jailor refused to affirm that the inmates were parting with their money to send votes for Prashant. But he confirmed that the inmates had put forward a proposal for a television and cable connection.
Dr.Chamling for early road repair
GANGTOK, Sept. 21: Sikkim chief minister Mr Pawan Chamling held a review meeting with heads of various departments at his residence here recently.Mr Chamling instructed the officials concerned to expedite restoration of NH-31A and other feeder roads. "The HODs should lay stress on providing essential commodities, such as food grain, petrol and LPG to the people of landslide-hit areas," the CM, said.He directed the health officials to take precautionary measures to prevent outbreak of epidemic in landslide-affected areas. The land revenue and disaster management department have also been instructed to remain alert and fully equipped to deal with any eventuality."Though the state government is trying hard to avoid short supply of essential commodities, the NH-31A blockade at 27th Mile is a major obstacle. I appeal to all concerned to extend their corporation in dealing with the current situation," the CM, said.Mr Chamling has also written letters to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and other Union ministers, seeking Centre's support in improving the condition of NH-31A and other roads in the state.Those who attended the review meeting convened by the chief minister, included urban development and housing development minister Mr DD Bhutia, health minister Mr Hissey Lachungpa, commerce and industries minister Mr RB Subba and chief secretary Mr ND Chingapa. Meanwhile, Mr Chamling left for USA yesterday to attend a DONER-sponsored conference on investment opportunities in North-eastern states. The conference will be held in NewYork.
Satyagraha For The Teesta
Protestors from across Sikkim are on hunger strike against projects on the river. NEERAJ VAGHOLIKAR reports
The Sikkim government’s plans to expedite a major plumbing exercise — involving 26 large hydroelectric projects in the ecologically and culturally sensitive Teesta river basin — is meeting with resistance. Protestors have joined together in an organisation called the Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT); they have been on satyagraha against these plans since June 20. The ongoing protests are focused on projects proposed in North Sikkim, particularly in Dzongu, the holy land and exclusive reserve of the Lepcha tribe. The satyagraha has been characterised by a prominent youth presence; another important feature was the support lent by the state’s Buddhist monks, who have been offering prayers to protect the satyagrahis and the sacred landscape threatened with desecration.
While Sikkim has seen dam-related protests before, there have never been any on this scale. The 1990s saw the construction of the 60MW Rangit project, clearances for the 510MW Teesta V project (currently under construction) and the scrapping of the Rathong Chu project following protests about its impact on a sacred landscape. But in the last three years, the state government has signed MOUs for no less than 26 large hydroelectric projects in the state.
On December 12, 2006, ACT met Chief Minister Pawan Chamling. They demanded the scrapping of the projects in Dzongu, and sought a review of the other projects in Sikkim. Based on an assurance from the CM that these issues would be looked into, they called off a proposed rally in Gangtok. But ACT’s concerns were not addressed and in the months preceding the satyagraha, the state government started land acquisition procedures for the 1200MW Teesta III and the 280MW Panan projects, both of which involve construction work inside Dzongu. This was the last straw and ACT started its satyagraha on June 20, with 34-year-old Dawa Lepcha and 20- year-old Tenzing Lepcha on an indefinite fast, while others supported them with a relay hunger strike.
The arguments used to justify these large projects in Sikkim are: exploitation of the state’s perennial water system to produce power for the nation; economic benefits to the state through power export; employment generation and low displacement of local communities. However, several unique features of the state — its ecological and geological fragility, its indigenous communities, their cultural and spiritual association with the river system and the landscape — pose a challenge to these ambitious plans.
The erstwhile kings of Sikkim had accorded special legal protection to Dzongu and North Sikkim, further reinforced after the merger with India through constitutional protection of old laws and traditions. “The spurt of large hydel projects in Sikkim is in direct contradiction of the constitutional and legal protection given to us. The simultaneous construction of so many projects is going to involve an influx of a huge number of outside labour for a long period of time. These demographic changes are going to have a serious socio cultural impact, particularly in North Sikkim. We want the seven proposed projects in Dzongu scrapped and others in Sikkim reviewed,” says Dawa Lepcha of ACT.The ministry of Environment & Forests (MOEF), while granting environmental clearance to the 510MW Teesta V project in 1999 asked for a detailed ‘carrying capacity’ study of the entire Teesta river basin. The clearance letter states: “No other project in Sikkim will be considered for environmental clearance till the carrying capacity study is completed.”Pemzang Tenzing, a civil engineer and ACT member, says: “We were hopeful that this process would enable a comprehensive assessment of the cumulative impact of the many proposed hydel projects and a serious options assessment for ecologically and culturally sensitive development in Sikkim. But even as the study is being finalised, the MOEF has already granted environmental clearance to at least six hydel projects in Sikkim since 2004 in violation of its own condition.” At least two of these — the 1,200 MW Teesta III and the 280 MW Panan — are on the border of the Khangchendzonga National Park. A large part of the first is, in fact, inside the biosphere reserve and the second involves carrying out ancillary works inside the national park in violation of Supreme Court orders.
Tenzing adds, “Even as per official figures, the projects involve diverting up to 85-90 percent of the river flow in the lean season through long tunnels before the water is dropped downstream. Not only will this destroy the riverine ecology but a cascade of projects will mean the Teesta is in full flow only in brief stretches between the two hydel projects. That is why we are saying that the Teesta is being converted into an underground river.”
There have been repeated appeals from the state government to withdraw the satyagraha and at least six rounds of talks were held between the government and ACT, but none led to a conclusive breakthrough. After a personal appeal from the CM, Dawa and Tenzing withdrew their indefinite fast on August 21 after 63 days, but the satyagraha continues with the relay hunger strike by other members.On September 6, the government informed ACT that a seven-member review committee is being set up to “examine various issues related to implementation of hydel projects in Dzongu area of North Sikkim” and that until the submission of a report by the committee within 100 days all activities related to five projects in Dzongu would be stopped with immediate effect. The government has conveniently left out two major projects directly impacting Dzongu — TeestaIII & Teesta IV. While it has chosen to leave out Teesta III where land acquisition procedures have been on, four of the five projects it claims to stop work on are yet to get necessary clearances to start work. On September 10, ACT rejected this proposition and renewed the demand for scrapping all hydel projects in Dzongu.
During this entire period there has been tremendous support to the satyagrahis from around the country and the world. The Lepchas in the Darjeeling hills have also lent their support to the cause, with a road blockade of NH31A as well as ongoing relay hunger strikes in Kalimpong and Darjeeling. Opposition parties have also taken up the issue, but this has been conveniently used by the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front government to dismiss the entire protest as being “politically motivated”. In a speech on Independence Day, the CM made personal attacks on several individuals associated with the protests, including respected Buddhist monk Sonam Paljor Denjongpa. The attack was condemned even by those who support the hydel projects.
Sikkim’s Information and Public Relations secretary MG Kiran says: “We do not yet know what their (ACT’s) problem is. These are benign projects and we can handle them well.” It is ironic that just a few months ago, the state Chief Secretary admitted to an environmental governance crisis in the 510MW Teesta V project in an affidavit to the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee. The affidavit says the power company has “grossly violated the terms, conditions and guidelines” of the MOEF and dumped excavated material “into the river Teesta obstructing its free flow causing thereby huge damage to the forest and environment.”
While Sikkim has seen dam-related protests before, there have never been any on this scale. The 1990s saw the construction of the 60MW Rangit project, clearances for the 510MW Teesta V project (currently under construction) and the scrapping of the Rathong Chu project following protests about its impact on a sacred landscape. But in the last three years, the state government has signed MOUs for no less than 26 large hydroelectric projects in the state.
On December 12, 2006, ACT met Chief Minister Pawan Chamling. They demanded the scrapping of the projects in Dzongu, and sought a review of the other projects in Sikkim. Based on an assurance from the CM that these issues would be looked into, they called off a proposed rally in Gangtok. But ACT’s concerns were not addressed and in the months preceding the satyagraha, the state government started land acquisition procedures for the 1200MW Teesta III and the 280MW Panan projects, both of which involve construction work inside Dzongu. This was the last straw and ACT started its satyagraha on June 20, with 34-year-old Dawa Lepcha and 20- year-old Tenzing Lepcha on an indefinite fast, while others supported them with a relay hunger strike.
The arguments used to justify these large projects in Sikkim are: exploitation of the state’s perennial water system to produce power for the nation; economic benefits to the state through power export; employment generation and low displacement of local communities. However, several unique features of the state — its ecological and geological fragility, its indigenous communities, their cultural and spiritual association with the river system and the landscape — pose a challenge to these ambitious plans.
The erstwhile kings of Sikkim had accorded special legal protection to Dzongu and North Sikkim, further reinforced after the merger with India through constitutional protection of old laws and traditions. “The spurt of large hydel projects in Sikkim is in direct contradiction of the constitutional and legal protection given to us. The simultaneous construction of so many projects is going to involve an influx of a huge number of outside labour for a long period of time. These demographic changes are going to have a serious socio cultural impact, particularly in North Sikkim. We want the seven proposed projects in Dzongu scrapped and others in Sikkim reviewed,” says Dawa Lepcha of ACT.The ministry of Environment & Forests (MOEF), while granting environmental clearance to the 510MW Teesta V project in 1999 asked for a detailed ‘carrying capacity’ study of the entire Teesta river basin. The clearance letter states: “No other project in Sikkim will be considered for environmental clearance till the carrying capacity study is completed.”Pemzang Tenzing, a civil engineer and ACT member, says: “We were hopeful that this process would enable a comprehensive assessment of the cumulative impact of the many proposed hydel projects and a serious options assessment for ecologically and culturally sensitive development in Sikkim. But even as the study is being finalised, the MOEF has already granted environmental clearance to at least six hydel projects in Sikkim since 2004 in violation of its own condition.” At least two of these — the 1,200 MW Teesta III and the 280 MW Panan — are on the border of the Khangchendzonga National Park. A large part of the first is, in fact, inside the biosphere reserve and the second involves carrying out ancillary works inside the national park in violation of Supreme Court orders.
Tenzing adds, “Even as per official figures, the projects involve diverting up to 85-90 percent of the river flow in the lean season through long tunnels before the water is dropped downstream. Not only will this destroy the riverine ecology but a cascade of projects will mean the Teesta is in full flow only in brief stretches between the two hydel projects. That is why we are saying that the Teesta is being converted into an underground river.”
There have been repeated appeals from the state government to withdraw the satyagraha and at least six rounds of talks were held between the government and ACT, but none led to a conclusive breakthrough. After a personal appeal from the CM, Dawa and Tenzing withdrew their indefinite fast on August 21 after 63 days, but the satyagraha continues with the relay hunger strike by other members.On September 6, the government informed ACT that a seven-member review committee is being set up to “examine various issues related to implementation of hydel projects in Dzongu area of North Sikkim” and that until the submission of a report by the committee within 100 days all activities related to five projects in Dzongu would be stopped with immediate effect. The government has conveniently left out two major projects directly impacting Dzongu — TeestaIII & Teesta IV. While it has chosen to leave out Teesta III where land acquisition procedures have been on, four of the five projects it claims to stop work on are yet to get necessary clearances to start work. On September 10, ACT rejected this proposition and renewed the demand for scrapping all hydel projects in Dzongu.
During this entire period there has been tremendous support to the satyagrahis from around the country and the world. The Lepchas in the Darjeeling hills have also lent their support to the cause, with a road blockade of NH31A as well as ongoing relay hunger strikes in Kalimpong and Darjeeling. Opposition parties have also taken up the issue, but this has been conveniently used by the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front government to dismiss the entire protest as being “politically motivated”. In a speech on Independence Day, the CM made personal attacks on several individuals associated with the protests, including respected Buddhist monk Sonam Paljor Denjongpa. The attack was condemned even by those who support the hydel projects.
Sikkim’s Information and Public Relations secretary MG Kiran says: “We do not yet know what their (ACT’s) problem is. These are benign projects and we can handle them well.” It is ironic that just a few months ago, the state Chief Secretary admitted to an environmental governance crisis in the 510MW Teesta V project in an affidavit to the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee. The affidavit says the power company has “grossly violated the terms, conditions and guidelines” of the MOEF and dumped excavated material “into the river Teesta obstructing its free flow causing thereby huge damage to the forest and environment.”
Frequent landslides in Bengal, Sikkim damage highways
Tarkhola (WB)/Singtam (Sikkim), Sept 21: Frequent landslides due to heavy rains in West Bengal and Sikkim have damaged national highways connecting with other states.
National Highway 31A, which connects Siliguri in West Bengal to Sikkim, is in a deplorable condition following heavy downpour over the past few days.Sikkim has been cut off from rest of the country following a major landslide at Sevoke in West Bengal. The situation worsened after a fresh landslide in Sikkim's Tarkhola area in Kalimpong district.Meanwhile, incessant rains have hampered repair works. Officials handling the repair work said they were working as hard as they could to finish clearing the debris from the road, so that regular vehicular traffic can resume."To tackle this situation, we had already provided a diversion through the forest. The only restriction in that approach is that it is one way. So, we had already requested the West Bengal Government as well as the Sikkim Government to regulate the traffic on either side," said A K Dikshit, commanding officer of the border road task force.He added that otherwise there was no restriction for any type of vehicle, and a bridge has been provided for light vehicles.With the national highway being blocked, the supply of essential food articles and vegetables has been severely hit.Residents in Sikkim said that if immediate measures were not taken, there would be further scarcity in the market."The problems that we are having to face because of this forced shut down are colossal. The things we used to buy for 10 rupees, we now have to buy them for 20 rupees, which is double the price. We want them (government) to fix this problem as soon as possible," said Bahadur, a local.
National Highway 31A, which connects Siliguri in West Bengal to Sikkim, is in a deplorable condition following heavy downpour over the past few days.Sikkim has been cut off from rest of the country following a major landslide at Sevoke in West Bengal. The situation worsened after a fresh landslide in Sikkim's Tarkhola area in Kalimpong district.Meanwhile, incessant rains have hampered repair works. Officials handling the repair work said they were working as hard as they could to finish clearing the debris from the road, so that regular vehicular traffic can resume."To tackle this situation, we had already provided a diversion through the forest. The only restriction in that approach is that it is one way. So, we had already requested the West Bengal Government as well as the Sikkim Government to regulate the traffic on either side," said A K Dikshit, commanding officer of the border road task force.He added that otherwise there was no restriction for any type of vehicle, and a bridge has been provided for light vehicles.With the national highway being blocked, the supply of essential food articles and vegetables has been severely hit.Residents in Sikkim said that if immediate measures were not taken, there would be further scarcity in the market."The problems that we are having to face because of this forced shut down are colossal. The things we used to buy for 10 rupees, we now have to buy them for 20 rupees, which is double the price. We want them (government) to fix this problem as soon as possible," said Bahadur, a local.
(ANI)
Friday, September 21, 2007
It is time for Incredible India in NewYork,USA
Sikkim Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling to Reach NewYork Tomorrow
NewYork,Sep21: Coming out of the busy Grand Central terminal Wednesday morning, Steve White, a young corporate executive, chanced upon a number of colorful banners on the streetlights while walking down to his office on Lexington Street. Though the pictures were different, but the written text was the same - Incredible India. ''Incredible India!'' he thought and asked to himself: ''What is this?'' The same question he asked to one of his Indian-American colleague at his work place. ''I know, India is now an emerging economic power. But what is incredible India?'' Steve asked. ''I am planning to go to attend one of these events to know more about India,'' he told reporter Wednesday evening on his way back home. ''There are a series of events,'' he said as he checked the website listed on the colorful ads outside the Grand Central terminal.In his early 30s, Steve might or might not go to any of the events being planned by the 
Indian government beginning September 23, but the thought process he underwent Wednesday surely was reflected that the multi-million publicity blitz launched in Manhattan this past week has generated at least some curiosity among Americans about India and Indians. In the past few days, banners and hoardings of Incredible India campaign has come all across New York City at all important tourists destinations.The same have also been put in and around the United Nations, which is going to be the hub of the international community and the media for the next couple of weeks because of the 62nd session of the UN General Assembly that formally started September 18. The general debate involving heads of states would start next week.A public-private joint venture of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and CII, the four-day India@60 beginning September 23 would showcase the best of India among the New Yorkers and the large international community at the UN, which the organizers claim would not only lure them to visit India at least once, but also generate awareness about the changing face of India - an India that is incredible. ''Our objective is two present the best of India,'' Amitabh Kant, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, told in New York, when he was here as part of making preparation for the mega event - the first of its kind in several years by India in the Big Apple. ''We are bringing the best of everything from India to New York, be it folk, classical, musicians, food or the Bollywood,'' he said. While the events are spread out all over New York, Bryant Park, Pier Sixty, Lincoln Center, and South Street Seaport would be hosting most of the events. ''This time the people in New York would be able to witness for themselves the finest Indian classical artists and the finest Indian folk artists,'' Kant said. More than 150 artists are coming from India for the series of cultural shows - folk dance and music, classical dance and music and contemporary dances from India films. The Tourism Ministry in association with the hotel industry is flying some 20 best Indian chefs for the food festival at South Street Seaport. ''It is experiential in character,'' he said. One of the major attractions of the event, organizers expect, is going to be the sand sculpture of Taj Mahal - recently declared as one of the seven wonders of the world - at Port Authority, another place in the city that attracts thousands of people daily. A min-Prabasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is also being organized as part of the India@60 wherein various issues about Indian Diaspora and its contribution in India's development would be discussed at a day-long event on September 23. The National Geographic Channel is hosting a photographic exhibition ''Incredible India by Steve McCurry.'' Nearly half-a-dozen Indian ministers are expected to attend the event including the Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee. Besides cultural events, a number of panel discussions on various issues related to business, economics, and academics too have been scheduled all the four days.
Indian government beginning September 23, but the thought process he underwent Wednesday surely was reflected that the multi-million publicity blitz launched in Manhattan this past week has generated at least some curiosity among Americans about India and Indians. In the past few days, banners and hoardings of Incredible India campaign has come all across New York City at all important tourists destinations.The same have also been put in and around the United Nations, which is going to be the hub of the international community and the media for the next couple of weeks because of the 62nd session of the UN General Assembly that formally started September 18. The general debate involving heads of states would start next week.A public-private joint venture of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and CII, the four-day India@60 beginning September 23 would showcase the best of India among the New Yorkers and the large international community at the UN, which the organizers claim would not only lure them to visit India at least once, but also generate awareness about the changing face of India - an India that is incredible. ''Our objective is two present the best of India,'' Amitabh Kant, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, told in New York, when he was here as part of making preparation for the mega event - the first of its kind in several years by India in the Big Apple. ''We are bringing the best of everything from India to New York, be it folk, classical, musicians, food or the Bollywood,'' he said. While the events are spread out all over New York, Bryant Park, Pier Sixty, Lincoln Center, and South Street Seaport would be hosting most of the events. ''This time the people in New York would be able to witness for themselves the finest Indian classical artists and the finest Indian folk artists,'' Kant said. More than 150 artists are coming from India for the series of cultural shows - folk dance and music, classical dance and music and contemporary dances from India films. The Tourism Ministry in association with the hotel industry is flying some 20 best Indian chefs for the food festival at South Street Seaport. ''It is experiential in character,'' he said. One of the major attractions of the event, organizers expect, is going to be the sand sculpture of Taj Mahal - recently declared as one of the seven wonders of the world - at Port Authority, another place in the city that attracts thousands of people daily. A min-Prabasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is also being organized as part of the India@60 wherein various issues about Indian Diaspora and its contribution in India's development would be discussed at a day-long event on September 23. The National Geographic Channel is hosting a photographic exhibition ''Incredible India by Steve McCurry.'' Nearly half-a-dozen Indian ministers are expected to attend the event including the Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee. Besides cultural events, a number of panel discussions on various issues related to business, economics, and academics too have been scheduled all the four days.
Sikkim Panchayats Elections to be held on 26 October
Gangtok:, 21 September :Whereas the elections to the 163 Gram Panchayats and 4 Zilla Panchayats has been announced to be held on 26.10.2007 vide Press Note of the State Election Commission dated 17.09.2007. And whereas, as a consequence thereof, all members of the Gram Panchayats and Zilla Panchayats as afore-said shall vacate their offices with effect from the date of announcement of the enforcement of the model code of conduct i.e.17.09.2007. Now therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 115 of the Sikkim Panchayat Act, 1993, hereby appoints the following administrators to exercise, discharge or perform all powers, duties and functions of such Panchayats as such, under the provisions of this Act or the rules made there under or any law for the time being in force in respect of the Gram Panchayats and Zilla Panchayats in the state: Sl.No. Administrator Jurisdiction of the Administrator 1. Block Development Officers All Gram Panchayat Units falling in the adminis trative jurisdiction of the concerned Block De velopment Officer. 2. District Collectors The Zilla Panchayat falling within the administra- tive jurisdiction of the concerned District Collec- tor. All properties vested in the Gram Panchayats and Zilla Panchayats shall remain vested in the State Government until the reconstitution of the Gram Panchayats and the Zilla Panchayats, as per law.
Indian Idol: It's Darjeeling's darling vs Meghalaya's Pin-Up boy!
Guwahati (Assam): As the nation sings and swings with him, Amit Paul knows he is the king.
Not only has he got a huge fan following rooting for his selection as the next Indian Idol, but in Shillong — in his Khasi warrior outfit — unknowingly he is doing the impossible, bridging the divide between the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes of Meghalaya with that of the non-tribals.
Little wonder then that Meghalaya wants Northeast's new pin-up boy to be their brand ambassador.
Amit's journey began in a local band called Yuva in Shillong in 1992 and in 15 years, the boy from the hills has certainly moved mountains with his voice, making it to Indian Idol's final round.
Meanwhile, the residents of Darjeeling & Sikkim are cheering for their favourite finalist, Prashant Tamang.
Not only has he got a huge fan following rooting for his selection as the next Indian Idol, but in Shillong — in his Khasi warrior outfit — unknowingly he is doing the impossible, bridging the divide between the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes of Meghalaya with that of the non-tribals.
Little wonder then that Meghalaya wants Northeast's new pin-up boy to be their brand ambassador.
Amit's journey began in a local band called Yuva in Shillong in 1992 and in 15 years, the boy from the hills has certainly moved mountains with his voice, making it to Indian Idol's final round.
Meanwhile, the residents of Darjeeling & Sikkim are cheering for their favourite finalist, Prashant Tamang.
The constable with the Kolkata Police enjoys a huge fan base in his hometown and neighbouring state Sikkim and they are willing shell out thousands through SMS to see him as the next Indian Idol.
People say they are sending up to 2,000 messages a day to make Prashant win.
Prashant is everywhere in Darjeeling to Gangtok , from streets to walls.Hills' housewives have even come out with collection boxes to raise money to send SMSes for him.
But to find out who will be the next Indian Idol — Darjeeling's Darling or Meghalaya's Pin-Up Boy — one will simply have to wait till September 23 for the grand finale.
People say they are sending up to 2,000 messages a day to make Prashant win.
Prashant is everywhere in Darjeeling to Gangtok , from streets to walls.Hills' housewives have even come out with collection boxes to raise money to send SMSes for him.
But to find out who will be the next Indian Idol — Darjeeling's Darling or Meghalaya's Pin-Up Boy — one will simply have to wait till September 23 for the grand finale.
Idol frenzy leads to booze ban in Darjeeling
DARJEELING: As voting for Indian Idol finalist Prashant Tamang climbs to a frenzy in Darjeeling, the administration has ordered all liquor shops closed from September 22 till September 24 to prevent riotous celebrations or mourning. The no-booze order may, in fact, lead to more votes for Tamang because many Hills residents can now approach voting booths without the fear of drunken fans. The shut-down order on liquor shops comes into effect at 5 pm on Saturday. It is being enforced as a precautionary measure, apprehending a backlash for whatever maybe the result on Sunday — ecstasy after Tamang’s victory or agony over his defeat. “The liquor sale ban is normally enforced during important festivals but with the Hills engulfed in Prashant frenzy, it is best to keep things under control,” said an official. “We have reports about drunken people creating ruckus at night when voting for Prashant, which is why we enforced this order,” said district magistrate Rajesh Pandey. “The ban has been enforced as per the Bengal Excise Act. It will be lifted after September 24. Bars and hotels serving liquor are exempted from the order, said Pandey. It was the Prashant Fan Club, which had appealed for the ban on sale of liquor, Darjeeling SP Rajesh Suborno said. “Whether Prashant wins or loses, trouble is definitely on the cards which will be compounded if there are drunken people around,” said Tenzing Khambachay, president of the Fan Club. “We want to keep the situation normal. Many students and elderly people come out to vote at night and we don’t want them to be troubled,” added Khambachay. The liquor ban has enthused Prashant’s fans. “I wanted to be part of the crowd going out to vote from booths at night but was afraid of the drunkards. The ban is good,” said Deepa Singh, a student. The Hill boy’s fans are leaving no stone unturned to crown him the Idol. Round-the-clock voting is on in Darjeeling and Sikkim since Friday. Free booths have been set up across the hills, Sikkim and in parts of the Dooars. People from Kathmandu and Nepalese towns like Dharan, Biratnagar, Birta and Pashupatinagar have been coming to Darjeeling with donations. Nepali-speaking people from south Bhutan are also visiting the Dooars in Jalpaiguri to vote for Prashant.
Sikkim CM Chamling’s chimera fading in the burst of hydel hysteria
SIKKIM chief minister Pawan Chamling would appear to have a Yes Minister-type of cabinet. He has been ruling the state for 13 years and has to contend with just one opposition legislator in the 32-member assembly. Though Chamling has many an election-winning pledge to fulfil, his list of achievements has been impressive. Sikkim today is the darling of domestic and foreign tourists and the state has also made tremendous progress in the field of education. Chamling envisions his fiefdom as one where citizens will traverse macadamised roads and villagers, even in the remote areas, will have electricity. There are whispers, though, that his government has done precious little in areas where his party — the Sikkim Democratic Forum — has no influence. He has even predicted such prosperity that will, in a few decades, result in every Sikkimese being a crorepati (by hitting the jackpot in Sikkim’s online lotteries?)! Realising that electricity is the key to development and progress, the government is concentrating on harnessing the state’s power potential of 8,000 MW. Having abandoned the ambitious 530-MW Rathrongchu hydel project in north Sikkim halfway through in the late 1990s following stiff opposition from local inhabitants, the government has decided to implement the Teesta state hydro project in Lachen valley, in north Sikkim. But the Lachenpas are determined not disallow this and have vowed to protect their “cultural and natural heritage”. Another hydel project at Dzongu, also in north Sikkim, is facing strong opposition from the Lepchas. Some are reportedly on a hunger strike in Gangtok since June and protests have cascaded to Kalimpong and Darjeeling and also Kolkata. According to Kolkata Rong Sejum, “Dzongu embodies the spirit of the Lepchas. The origin of the Lepchas, the different clans, customs and rites are all traced to Dzongu. Every birth, marriage and death ritual in a Lepcha family is firmly based on references to Dzongu.” It says the Lepchas’ spiritual sanctum sanctorium will be destroyed once the hydel project comes up. A KRS spokesman alleged that if any government employee is heard opposing the project he is punished with immediate transfer to a remote area. But why were the Lachenpas and Lepchas silent when these projects were conceived and in the planning stage? Surely, if the government had consulted the locals on matters as important and emotional as these and taken them into confidence, perhaps it would not have found itself in an embarrassing situation. Both sides appear to be at fault. A way out must be found wherein neither side is seen to lose
(The Statesman)
A suicide in Gangtok
GANGTOK, Sept. 20: A policeman named Purna Bahadur Rasaily (44) hanged himself in his residence at Chuksin in Arithang, a suburb of Gangtok yesterday. The deceased originally hailed from 13 Mile in Kalimpong and was working as a constable in Sikkim Police (Special Branch).
Workshop on culture begins in Gangtok
GANGTOK, Sept. 20: A 10-day workshop on "Indian tradition and culture" began at Janata Bhawan here today. Over 120 participants from across the country are taking part in the workshop.The workshop includes creative teachings, regional contribution to Indian culture, learning of traditional crafts and culture, role of crafts and craftsperson in society, glimpses of natural and cultural heritage of North-east with special reference to Sikkim, introduction to CCRT activities, heritage of dance and final evaluation. "Sikkim is like tri-colour where we find green in base, white in the mountains and red/yellow during sunrise and sunset," said Mr SD Dhakal, joint secretary, cultural affairs and heritage department. "It is a small state in the country with 11 languages which reflects unity in diversity," he added. Speaking on the occasion, Gangtok MLA Mr NK Pradhan, said: "People from all parts of the country stay in Sikkim. The state is a mini India. Sikkim is known for its varied tradition and culture and we are developing in all aspect to preserve it because our identity is our culture." The national level workshop is being organised by Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, New Delhi, in collaboration with the state cultural affairs and heritage Department. Addressing the workshop, speakers said that the national policy on Education of 1986 states that the basic emphasis in interlinking education and culture should be on helping a child to discover his/her talent and to express their creativity which can be achieved through participatory process. "Handicrafts is the index of our rich cultural heritage, which serves to satisfy the aesthetic needs of the human being and provide a vehicle for self-expression. The real significance of handicrafts lies in the newness and surprise of each object," they said.
Sikkim Rashtriya Morcha(SRM) Wants Darjeeling & Dooars Back to Sikkim
Darjeeling, Sep 20 : Sikkim Rashtriya Morcha(SRM) president R Moktan today declared that he would file a PIL in the Supreme Court demanding the return of Darjeeling district and the Duars region of Jalpaiguri to Sikkim.While addressing a press conference, Mr Moktan said that British India had rented these places for the comfort of British soldiers and added that before leaving India, the British handed over the governance of these lands to West Bengal without prior consent of the people, who were pricipally Nepali-speaking Gorkhas. Displaying a memorandum submitted by the ruler of Sikkim late Sir Tashi Namg to former prime minister late Jawaharlal Nehru in 1948, Mr Moktan tried to prove that the ruler demanded the return of these areas to Sikkim in 1948. He also showed a white paper published by West Bengal government during the height of Gorkhaland movement dated October 20,1986, declaring these areas as once belonging to Sikkim. He further claimed that Bengal had no moral authority to rule Darjeeling and Dooars, where people want there own separate state.
--- UNI
--- UNI
Sikkim police Takes measures to strengthen its Nepal border outposts.
Gangtok, Sep 20: Even as a security alert has been sounded in five border states, following political disturbances in Nepal chances of spill over into Sikkim is slim due to its topographical and demographical disadvantages, key officials said here.Sikkim's west district shares a 99km border with east Nepal at around 10,500 ft out of which only 54 km is negotiable but very remote. Rest falls under areas over 11,000 ft in the foothills of Singalila range where conditions are very harsh.Population within the border areas on both sides is negligible with only few shepherds moving around with their yak herds. The nearest populated area on the India-Nepal border is Utteray in West Sikkim which is around three hours walking distance over a steep gradient. Another area Ripdi in West Sikkim has a sizeable population and is almost the same distance from the border.Recent downpour has triggered several slides along the borders thereby making it difficult for cross border movement, said West District officials. People from Nepal need to posses proper documents before crossing into West Sikkim where they share matrimonial alliances with the locals. Sikkim Armed Police(SAP) has an outpost at Chewyabhanjyang(10,500 ft) near the border where all documents of the Nepalese nationals are scrutinised. The 24th Battalion of Sashatra Seema Bal(SSB), which looks after the border security aspects is well positioned to guard the Sikkim-Nepal border. It had its outposts in Utteray, Ripdi and Nambu, which are all major arterial routes leading to the border.Though chances of spillover from Nepal are slim due to remoteness of the area, SSB has intensified and beefed up its presence at the border, official sources said. ''No additional forces have been deployed there and we have enough manpower,'' said a senior SSB official.West District Collector NK Jha said that all necessary measures were being taken as per the instructions of the government.Sikkim police has also taken necessary measures to strengthen its border outposts.
--- UNI
--- UNI
NH-31A Road repair by October
Kalimpong, Sept. 20: Darjeeling district magistrate Rajesh Pandey has asked all agencies looking after different roads in the hills to complete their repair and resurfacing work by October 15.
However, given the extensive damage caused to NH31A by the monsoon rain, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which maintains the major portion of the highway, has sought time till December.
The NHPC, which has taken over the responsibility of maintaining a small stretch of the badly damaged road above its project site at 27 Mile, has been given an extended time as well.
A high-level review meeting called by Pandey in Siliguri with representatives of different agencies maintaining the roads today took stock of the prevailing condition.
Talking over phone after the meeting, Pandey said given the approaching festivities which coincide with the autumn tourist season in the hills, it was imperative to get all the roads back in running condition.
The two main road links between Kalimpong/Sikkim and Siliguri — NH31A and the Damding-Algarah-Reshi road — remained closed for days together due to landslides and cave-ins.
Pandey also said the only operating petrol pump in town has been asked to keep its stock full at all times.
However, given the extensive damage caused to NH31A by the monsoon rain, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which maintains the major portion of the highway, has sought time till December.
The NHPC, which has taken over the responsibility of maintaining a small stretch of the badly damaged road above its project site at 27 Mile, has been given an extended time as well.
A high-level review meeting called by Pandey in Siliguri with representatives of different agencies maintaining the roads today took stock of the prevailing condition.
Talking over phone after the meeting, Pandey said given the approaching festivities which coincide with the autumn tourist season in the hills, it was imperative to get all the roads back in running condition.
The two main road links between Kalimpong/Sikkim and Siliguri — NH31A and the Damding-Algarah-Reshi road — remained closed for days together due to landslides and cave-ins.
Pandey also said the only operating petrol pump in town has been asked to keep its stock full at all times.
The Calcutta Police Barracks abuzz for chosen Idol
Calcutta, Sept. 20: The cellphone is now the most vital weapon at Alipore Bodyguard Lines. With 72 hours to go for D-Day, the cops are firing text messages day and night to crown colleague Prashant Tamang the next Indian Idol.
“Voting stops at 6pm on Sunday and so we have been sending SMSs constantly to the designated number to ensure that he wins Indian Idol 3. It is a do-or-die situation for us,” said Sudipto Das, a guitarist with the Calcutta police orchestra, of which Prashant was the star singer till the Sony musical reality show came calling five months ago.
With Prashant, the boy from Darjeeling, locked in a fight to the finish with Amit Paul from Shillong, his mates back at the Alipore barracks are literally burning the midnight oil.
“One of us stays up to send SMSs through the night. Prashant has made Calcutta police proud and we must ensure that he wins,” said Amit Das, a constable at Alipore Bodyguard Lines.
Prashant had spent four years as a Calcutta police constable and vocalist with the Calcutta police orchestra. “We created a fund and have been contributing Rs 10 every day so that we can send text messages supporting him. Even our family members and friends are helping us. Prashant winning Indian Idol 3 would be the perfect Puja gift for all of us,” said Nabo Adhikary, the drummer with the orchestra at Barrack No. 3.
The SMS craze has smitten cops at all 48 police stations in the city and even the Lalbazar top brass. Zulfiquar Hasan, the special additional special commissioner (armed police), whom Prashant considers his mentor, is gung-ho. “We are so proud of him. His colleagues as well as policemen from across the state have been extending support to him. He is a fighter and has come a long way,” he said.
Police chief Prasun Mukherjee praised Prashant for “doing so well” and said “all colleagues and everybody in the police department are praying for him”.
“Voting stops at 6pm on Sunday and so we have been sending SMSs constantly to the designated number to ensure that he wins Indian Idol 3. It is a do-or-die situation for us,” said Sudipto Das, a guitarist with the Calcutta police orchestra, of which Prashant was the star singer till the Sony musical reality show came calling five months ago.
With Prashant, the boy from Darjeeling, locked in a fight to the finish with Amit Paul from Shillong, his mates back at the Alipore barracks are literally burning the midnight oil.
“One of us stays up to send SMSs through the night. Prashant has made Calcutta police proud and we must ensure that he wins,” said Amit Das, a constable at Alipore Bodyguard Lines.
Prashant had spent four years as a Calcutta police constable and vocalist with the Calcutta police orchestra. “We created a fund and have been contributing Rs 10 every day so that we can send text messages supporting him. Even our family members and friends are helping us. Prashant winning Indian Idol 3 would be the perfect Puja gift for all of us,” said Nabo Adhikary, the drummer with the orchestra at Barrack No. 3.
The SMS craze has smitten cops at all 48 police stations in the city and even the Lalbazar top brass. Zulfiquar Hasan, the special additional special commissioner (armed police), whom Prashant considers his mentor, is gung-ho. “We are so proud of him. His colleagues as well as policemen from across the state have been extending support to him. He is a fighter and has come a long way,” he said.
Police chief Prasun Mukherjee praised Prashant for “doing so well” and said “all colleagues and everybody in the police department are praying for him”.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Sikkim Government Promotions & Transfers
The Governor is pleased to promote the following Assistant Director, Commerce & Industries Department as Deputy Director, Commerce & Industries Department in the pay scale of Rs. 9000-300-13800 in an officiating capacity with immediate effects:
1. Shri Durga Pd. Chettri 2. Shri S. T. Gyatso
- The Governor is pleased to order the following with immediate effect:
1. Shri H. N. Singh, Assistant Engineer (Civil), Rural Management & Development Department is hereby transferred and posted as Assistant Engineer (Civil), Tourism Department.
2. Shri Kunzang Jigdel, Assistant Engineer (Civil), Roads & Bridges Department, Mangan is hereby transferred and posted as Assistant Engineer, Tourism Department. - Shri Manoj Tiwari, IPS, ADC to H.E. the Governor is hereby transferred and posted as CO/SAP, Pangthang with immediate effect.
- The Governor is pleased to promote Shri N. Sridhar Rao, IPS (SK-94) CO/SAP, Pangthang, Police Department as DIGP/PHQ in the scale of Rs. 16400-450-20000 with immediate effect.
Indian Idol 3 : Its Darjeeling vs Shillong
Shillong's Amit Paul and Prashant Tamang of Darjeeling are the duo to have entered the grand finale of this musical talent show in Sony Entertainment Television. One of them would get the title on September 23
The 'Indian Idol' fever has gripped entire Darjeeling in North Bengal and Shillong as people are busy sending SMSs for their favourite singer.
Shillong's Amit Paul and Prashant Tamang of Darjeeling are the duo to have entered the grand finale of this musical talent show in Sony Entertainment Television. One of them would get the title on September 23.
Not only the common man, but even politicians and bureaucrats are cheering and supporting their own contestant as every shop in the streets of Kurseong, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Shillong, Nonngpoh and Jawai is rooting for the duo.
''I have made Amit Paul brand ambassador of Meghalaya. He has brought laurels to the state,'' proudly announced Meghalaya Chief Minister D D Lapang adding that he had recently got a new mobile to SMS for him.
The ministers in Meghalaya are setting up PCOs in their localities so that anyone could easily vote for Amit Paul, he added.
''This is bizzare. Nothing is working at this moment as Amit mania is driving everyone crazy,'' said Marc Marbanianag, a coal trader, who was initially not enthused by the whole thing but fell in line seeing his family members using five mobiles to vote for Amit.
The scenario in Darjeeling is also similar but Prashant is definitely enjoying a better advantage as he is garnering support from Darjeeling, Gangtok, Kolkatta and Kalimpong.
Prashant is basically from Gangtok, settled in Darjeeling and serving with Kolkata police. Mobile phone service providers have informed that SMSs worth Rs 450,000 were sent every hour from across the state during the past few days.
The local administration in Darjeeling has enforced a ban on sale of liquor from September 22 to 24, apprehending the 'wild parties' among the youngsters if he wins.
Shillong's Amit Paul and Prashant Tamang of Darjeeling are the duo to have entered the grand finale of this musical talent show in Sony Entertainment Television. One of them would get the title on September 23.
Not only the common man, but even politicians and bureaucrats are cheering and supporting their own contestant as every shop in the streets of Kurseong, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Shillong, Nonngpoh and Jawai is rooting for the duo.
''I have made Amit Paul brand ambassador of Meghalaya. He has brought laurels to the state,'' proudly announced Meghalaya Chief Minister D D Lapang adding that he had recently got a new mobile to SMS for him.
The ministers in Meghalaya are setting up PCOs in their localities so that anyone could easily vote for Amit Paul, he added.
''This is bizzare. Nothing is working at this moment as Amit mania is driving everyone crazy,'' said Marc Marbanianag, a coal trader, who was initially not enthused by the whole thing but fell in line seeing his family members using five mobiles to vote for Amit.
The scenario in Darjeeling is also similar but Prashant is definitely enjoying a better advantage as he is garnering support from Darjeeling, Gangtok, Kolkatta and Kalimpong.
Prashant is basically from Gangtok, settled in Darjeeling and serving with Kolkata police. Mobile phone service providers have informed that SMSs worth Rs 450,000 were sent every hour from across the state during the past few days.
The local administration in Darjeeling has enforced a ban on sale of liquor from September 22 to 24, apprehending the 'wild parties' among the youngsters if he wins.
Airtel extends support for Indian Idol
Agartala, Sep 20 : Bharti Airtel,India's leading mobile service provider, has extended its support to Shillong's singing sensation Amit Paul in Sony's musical talent show, 'Indian Idol'.In a company release here today, the Corporate Chief for the Northeast said 200 voice disabled SIM cards have been introduced for the people here to vote for Amit.Airtel had also erected ten 15x16 ft flex-boards in various parts of the region to allow the people scribble their wishes for Amit.These boards would act as open kiosks for the ten polling booths, which are meant to vote for Amit, the statement added.
--- UNI
--- UNI
Indian Idol: Tamang frenzy in Darjeeling & Sikkim
Ever since Shillong's Indian Idol contestant Amit Paul was named Meghalaya's brand ambassador by the state's chief minister, Darjeeling along with Sikkimhas gone on an overdrive to ensure that its own candidate Prashant Tamang wins on Sunday. Darjeeling & Sikkim are now putting its money where its mouth is. Till now, the hill station was cheering for Prashant Tamang, verbally. But now his fans have collected serious money, bought hundreds of cell phone cash cards and set up booths all over the place where you can drop by and sms your support for the Indian Idol finalist for free."Not everyone has a handset in Darjeeling & Gangtok. So people of all communities have contributed money to make these phone booths to ensure Prashant wins. All communities, Biharis, Muslims, Bengalis and Marwaris have come forward to help," said Tenzing Khambachey, Prashant's fan."We have set up this booth at Singhhbari motor stand to vote for Prashant. School children, college students are all coming here to vote. This booth is open 24 hours," said Bimal Gurung, Prashant's fan.
Divine intervention
Divine intervention is also being sought and havans are a daily feature in Darjeeling these days. "There is support pouring in for Prashant from America, UK, Hong Kong, Dubai. There is so much support coming in from everywhere, I am sure he will become the Indian Idol and return home with the title," said Archana Tamang, Prashant's sister.But everybody will have to wait till Sunday to see if the Almighty has heard their prayers or not.
Prashant Tamang, already an idol
The hills of Darjeeling are burning again. But this time with mobile phones and landlines instead of guns and kukris.
And all because of one boy, Prashant Tamang, a resident of Darjeeling and the finalist on the third Indian Idol contest on Sony Entertainment Television. The other finalist is Amit Paul from Shillong.
Prashant seems to have succeeded where the politicians have failed -- and that is to successfully unite the Nepalis, not only in Darjeeling but across the country. Just recently, a ban on liquor was enforced in Darjeeling to curb trouble during voting. Talk about star power!
Before all the hysteria, few had heard of Prashant, who hails from a humble family. Like most families in the hills, his father was the sole breadwinner, employed with the Calcutta police.
His father's untimely demise forced Prashant to join the Calcutta police when he was a student at St Roberts High School, Darjeeling. "He is a very responsible person," says a neighbour who vows to vote and make Prashant the next Indian Idol.
After joining the force he joined the police orchestra and was encouraged by his friends. Says policeman Niten Pradhan, "He has always been a down-to-earth person and has not changed a bit even after so much of success and fame."
And all because of one boy, Prashant Tamang, a resident of Darjeeling and the finalist on the third Indian Idol contest on Sony Entertainment Television. The other finalist is Amit Paul from Shillong.
Prashant seems to have succeeded where the politicians have failed -- and that is to successfully unite the Nepalis, not only in Darjeeling but across the country. Just recently, a ban on liquor was enforced in Darjeeling to curb trouble during voting. Talk about star power!
Before all the hysteria, few had heard of Prashant, who hails from a humble family. Like most families in the hills, his father was the sole breadwinner, employed with the Calcutta police.
His father's untimely demise forced Prashant to join the Calcutta police when he was a student at St Roberts High School, Darjeeling. "He is a very responsible person," says a neighbour who vows to vote and make Prashant the next Indian Idol.
After joining the force he joined the police orchestra and was encouraged by his friends. Says policeman Niten Pradhan, "He has always been a down-to-earth person and has not changed a bit even after so much of success and fame."
It was his colleagues on the police force who urged him to participate on Indian Idol 3. He never imagined he would qualify. Since then life has never been the same.
A Nepali celebrity, he has just been appointed brand ambassador for the Nepali-majority Sikkim state.
Such is the fever in Darjeeling that everybody is rooting for Prashant's success, leading to the mushrooming of Prashant fan clubs.
People collect money and stay awake the whole night to vote for him. Voting often takes place in shifts with some folks voting at night while others do so during the day.
A member of Prashant's fan club tells us, "We are grateful to the mother who has given birth to this fellow who has united and brought Nepalese society" to the notice of the rest of India.
Prashant's fan clubs are not restricted to India but exist abroad as well. Money for the SMSes has come in from the US and UK as well as Nepal. One citizen of Nepal said, "since the cost of SMS is high in Nepal, we have to come to Darjeeling."
A group from Nepal recently performed in Darjeeling and Kurseong and collected money for SMS votes for Prashant. Offices too are collecting money. The Prashant fever is so high in the area that kids are saving their pocket money so that they can SMS Prashant
A Nepali celebrity, he has just been appointed brand ambassador for the Nepali-majority Sikkim state.
Such is the fever in Darjeeling that everybody is rooting for Prashant's success, leading to the mushrooming of Prashant fan clubs.
People collect money and stay awake the whole night to vote for him. Voting often takes place in shifts with some folks voting at night while others do so during the day.
A member of Prashant's fan club tells us, "We are grateful to the mother who has given birth to this fellow who has united and brought Nepalese society" to the notice of the rest of India.
Prashant's fan clubs are not restricted to India but exist abroad as well. Money for the SMSes has come in from the US and UK as well as Nepal. One citizen of Nepal said, "since the cost of SMS is high in Nepal, we have to come to Darjeeling."
A group from Nepal recently performed in Darjeeling and Kurseong and collected money for SMS votes for Prashant. Offices too are collecting money. The Prashant fever is so high in the area that kids are saving their pocket money so that they can SMS Prashant
Sikkim is leading the way to make sure that Prashant returns home triumphant.
The business community of Namchi in Sikkim is said to have donated Rs one crore (Rs 10 million) towards this end. Every town in Sikkim has set up a number of booths to vote for Prashant.
People, who are financially weak, are said to be selling assets to vote for Prashant while those who do not know how to send SMSes buy vouchers and give it to people who do.
The Himalaya Darpan newspaper, which started the campaign for Prashant, has declared it will give him a motorcycle on his return home.
Not to be outdone, Sikkim's Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has already donated a Maruti SX4 car to the boy. M K Subba, the Nepali MP from Assam, has announced that he will send SMSes worth Rs 15 lakh for Prashant.
In the SMS race, the Calcutta police is not far behind. Says Niten Pradhan, "Vouchers are sent from 48 thanas (police stations) in Kolkata as well as the headquarters of the Calcutta police. The duty is given to 10 to 12 sepoys to send these SMSes."
Gurkha personnel posted at the Indian Army's eastern headquarters in Fort William, Kolkata, are also said to be voting in large numbers.
The business community of Namchi in Sikkim is said to have donated Rs one crore (Rs 10 million) towards this end. Every town in Sikkim has set up a number of booths to vote for Prashant.
People, who are financially weak, are said to be selling assets to vote for Prashant while those who do not know how to send SMSes buy vouchers and give it to people who do.
The Himalaya Darpan newspaper, which started the campaign for Prashant, has declared it will give him a motorcycle on his return home.
Not to be outdone, Sikkim's Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has already donated a Maruti SX4 car to the boy. M K Subba, the Nepali MP from Assam, has announced that he will send SMSes worth Rs 15 lakh for Prashant.
In the SMS race, the Calcutta police is not far behind. Says Niten Pradhan, "Vouchers are sent from 48 thanas (police stations) in Kolkata as well as the headquarters of the Calcutta police. The duty is given to 10 to 12 sepoys to send these SMSes."
Gurkha personnel posted at the Indian Army's eastern headquarters in Fort William, Kolkata, are also said to be voting in large numbers.
Fuel crisis protest @ Kalimpong
Kalimpong, Sept. 19: Supporters of the Citu-affiliated Hill Motor Driver Workers’ Union today gheraoed the office of the subdivisional officer (SDO) here demanding proactive steps by the administration to end the fuel crisis plaguing Kalimpong.
The shortage of petroleum has resulted from the fact that tankers and petroleum carriers are finding it difficult to reach the hill town as rains and landslides continue to disrupt roads in the hills.
“Fuel is being sold in bulk to hoarders who in turn are making a killing by selling it in the black market at a premium. Besides, the petrol pumps are also taking unusually long in placing fresh orders,” alleged Tara Sundas, the president of the Citu’s Kalimpong unit. “If the problem is not resolved soon we will bring the entire traffic in the hills to a stop.”
Of the three petrol pumps in the town, two have been closed for different reasons. The one at 8th Mile is facing charges of adulteration, while the 11th Mile petrol pump suffered extensive damage in a landslide earlier this month.
Sundas also came down heavily on the NHPC for damaging NH31A at 27th Mile. “We can’t let the NHPC survive at the expense of the people of Kalimpong and Sikkim.”
Members of the GNLF-affiliated Gorkha National Drivers’ Front echoed Sundas. A delegation of front members met the SDO today and expressed concern over the damage done to their trucks by bulldozers and excavators of the NHPC while negotiating the landslide-hit stretch of road at 27th Mile.
The SDO, P.T. Sherpa, promised to look into the problems at the earliest. “I will take up the issue at the meeting called by Darjeeling district magistrate Rajesh Pandey in Siliguri tomorrow. The meeting has been called to review the condition of the road network in the hills.”
The shortage of petroleum has resulted from the fact that tankers and petroleum carriers are finding it difficult to reach the hill town as rains and landslides continue to disrupt roads in the hills.
“Fuel is being sold in bulk to hoarders who in turn are making a killing by selling it in the black market at a premium. Besides, the petrol pumps are also taking unusually long in placing fresh orders,” alleged Tara Sundas, the president of the Citu’s Kalimpong unit. “If the problem is not resolved soon we will bring the entire traffic in the hills to a stop.”
Of the three petrol pumps in the town, two have been closed for different reasons. The one at 8th Mile is facing charges of adulteration, while the 11th Mile petrol pump suffered extensive damage in a landslide earlier this month.
Sundas also came down heavily on the NHPC for damaging NH31A at 27th Mile. “We can’t let the NHPC survive at the expense of the people of Kalimpong and Sikkim.”
Members of the GNLF-affiliated Gorkha National Drivers’ Front echoed Sundas. A delegation of front members met the SDO today and expressed concern over the damage done to their trucks by bulldozers and excavators of the NHPC while negotiating the landslide-hit stretch of road at 27th Mile.
The SDO, P.T. Sherpa, promised to look into the problems at the earliest. “I will take up the issue at the meeting called by Darjeeling district magistrate Rajesh Pandey in Siliguri tomorrow. The meeting has been called to review the condition of the road network in the hills.”
Prashant Tamang : Hill idol cry echoes in the plains
photo:The yajna organised for Prashant’s success
Siliguri, Sept 19: Indian Idol finalist Prashant Tamang now has the law on his side.
Members of the Darjeeling Bar Association (DBA) today came out in support of the hill singer who will take on Amit Paul of Shillong in the final of the music reality show on Sunday. The lawyers claimed his win would symbolise the coming together of people across communal lines both in the hills and plains.
“This will be a test of Bengal’s unity,” said Tarang Pandit, president of the DBA’s ad hoc committee, formed to campaign for the Idol hopeful. “In Darjeeling and in Siliguri people across communal lines have come together to vote for Prashant. Now we want the people from other parts of Bengal to do the same.”
Pandit was speaking at a news conference called by the committee today. The lawyers, who hail from Darjeeling, are here to campaign for Prashant.
Sankar Majumder, a lawyer of Calcutta High Court, and a member of the committee, said: “The Calcutta Police constable belongs to the whole state, not just the hills.”
Majumder has come to the hills from Calcutta to help Pandit with the campaign.
The members, however, did not stop playing the discrimination card. “The national TV channel broadcasting the programme has used cheap and mean techniques to demoralise and insult the hill people. Their portrayal of Prashant as a watchman should never be mistaken for entertainment,” said Niraj Tamang, another member.
A mahayajna was organised by a hardware merchant from Darjeeling More here to pray for Prashant’s success. The singer’s sister Archana was present at the programme. His mother too was scheduled to come, but she could not make it because of ill-health. The puja was performed by Durga Prasad Bhandari, a priest from Sonada near Kurseong. The yajna was followed by a feast.
“Prashant is a son of the soil. We all want him to win,” said Asok Mimani, the main organiser of the ceremony.
Today several rallies were taken out in the trade hub to campaign for the Idol finalist. Some clubs have made preparations to watch the grand finale on large screens with the help of projectors.
The voting spree continued all over the town. More than 100 residents at a village in Champasari raised about Rs 6,000 last Sunday. The money was supposed to last till the Indian Idol D-Day. All the funds were, however, exhausted after non-stop voting on Monday itself. “We are now raising funds for the next round of voting,” said Lalit Joshi, a resident of the area.
350 seats out of 888 seats reserved for Sikkim women @ grass-root level
Gangtok, Sep 19 : With a view to empowering women and ensuring their role in decision-making at the grassroots level, 350 seats out of total 888 wards have been reserved for them in the ensuing Panchayat elections.Official sources said here today that it was a legislative measure by the Sikkim government to give 40 per cent reservations to women in the Panchayat body.The rural body election is proposed on October 26 this year.There are 161 Gram Panchayat Units (GPU) in the state - 40 in East Sikkim, 53 in West Sikkim, 45 in South Sikkim and 19 in North Sikkim.As per the notification of the state rural management department, women in South and West Sikkim have been given 106 seats each while 96 seats and 42 seats have been reserved for women in East Sikkim and North Sikkim respectively.Similarly, 38 seats have been reserved for women in the 93 Zilla Panchayat seats in the forthcoming Panchayat elections.Scheduled Tribes in the state have been given 44.49 per cent reservation out of total 396 seats while the Scheduled Caste community received 5.85 per cent reservation with 52 seats.After giving reservation to Most Backward Classes and Other Backward classes, only 22 seats remained unreserved for general category in the Panchayat elections.
--- UNI
--- UNI
Sikkim Women quota hike boost for rural poll
GANGTOK, Sept. 19: The Sikkim government's decision to increase seats for women candidates to 40 per cent in the panchayat system has generated huge interest among the women to represent their areas."Women are now actively taking part for the upcoming panchayat elections. Many are enrolling their names as probable candidates," said Mrs Manita Pradhan chairman of Grievances and Social Service-cum State Commission for the Women. "We are expecting a large number of participants," she added. "Women of Sikkim will enjoy the highest reservation in the whole nation because of the present state government's historic decision," claimed chief minister Mr Pawan Chamling. "This reservation will improve women power and help in leading Sikkim to greater heights," he added. "Being fully aware that no state can progress without the participation of womenfolk, the state government has not spared any effort to ensure that the women of Sikkim receive their due status and dignity with opportunity to work alongside their male counterparts in all spheres of activity," Mr Chamling pointed out."A number of welfare oriented schemes for women have been launched. Women were also appointed to the highest post of Speaker, Cabinet Minister, Adhakshya in government departments and public sector undertakings," he added.
China pushes south, says remove Nathula bunkers
KOLKATA: Moves by the Chinese army along the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet trijunction, culminating in a demand for removal of two Indian army bunkers near an outpost called Batang La, indicate that Beijing is pushing south for more elbow room in the area, a senior official in charge of security of the international border said in Kolkata on Wednesday. Chinese soldiers have been nudging southward to Torsa Nala beyond the international border for the past 8 to 10 years, the official said. "They have already occupied 80 sq km on the southern side of the border. We want the international boundary along Batang La, while the Chinese want it at Torsa Nala," he added. Batang La is located about 50 km southeast of Nathu La, the main border post in Sikkim. The Chinese moves assume significance, coming as they do soon after authorities in Beijing in recent months reiterated their claims to Arunachal territory and even denied visa to a member of a delegation of IAS officers as he mentioned Arunachal as his native state on the form. The Indian army finds it difficult to lodge a formal protest against the Chinese push as the area is located at the trijunction with Bhutan
SIBLAC SEEKS BL SEATS IN THE PANCHAYAT POLLS
Monk body wants immediate withdrawal of monastic estates from the proposed Municipality, calls for protection of Dharma
GANGTOK, September 19: The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has reiterated its demand for reservation of Bhutia-Lepchas of Sikkimese origin in the ensuing Panchayat election to be done as BL seats on the lines of the Assembly seat reservations.
Basing its demand on the historical, social and political evolution and as per the Supreme Court Order, SIBLAC has deemed fit for the inclusion of BL seats in the Panchayat and Municipality polls.
“It must be remembered here that democracy is rule of the majority and protection of the minority,” a press release issued by SIBLAC reads.
Since the issue in question is purely a State subject, SIBLAC hopes that “the State Government would see wisdom in the demand and notify the BL seat reservation in the ensuing Panchayat Body, before the electoral process to constitute the ensuing Panchayat Body is started,” the release states further adding that “this would be in consistence with Article 243 T and Article 371F of our sacred Constitution.”
On the other hand, the Monk body of SIBLAC, Denzong Lhadi, has also expressed discontent with monastic estates being clubbed in the proposed three tired Municipalities across the State following different notifications of the UD&HD, Government of Sikkim dated May 22, 2007. This for the monk body is absolute encroachment, diversion and dilution of the existing Old Laws and traditional monastic authorities of premier monasteries of Sikkim hitherto protected by Article 371F of the Constitution. “It is an encroachment on the part of the State Government on the powers and authority, hitherto enjoyed by the premier Monasteries such as the Pemayangtse and Ralong,” the release states.
According to the release, the Denzong Lhadi has adopted a resolution in this regard mentioning that the areas which have been incorporated from the Monastic Estates to the proposed Municipality must immediately be withdrawn.
The monk body has also urged the Governor of Sikkim to invoke Section 9 of the Sikkim Municipalities Act 2007 to facilitate the same in upholding the Sikkimese dharma.
GANGTOK, September 19: The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has reiterated its demand for reservation of Bhutia-Lepchas of Sikkimese origin in the ensuing Panchayat election to be done as BL seats on the lines of the Assembly seat reservations.
Basing its demand on the historical, social and political evolution and as per the Supreme Court Order, SIBLAC has deemed fit for the inclusion of BL seats in the Panchayat and Municipality polls.
“It must be remembered here that democracy is rule of the majority and protection of the minority,” a press release issued by SIBLAC reads.
Since the issue in question is purely a State subject, SIBLAC hopes that “the State Government would see wisdom in the demand and notify the BL seat reservation in the ensuing Panchayat Body, before the electoral process to constitute the ensuing Panchayat Body is started,” the release states further adding that “this would be in consistence with Article 243 T and Article 371F of our sacred Constitution.”
On the other hand, the Monk body of SIBLAC, Denzong Lhadi, has also expressed discontent with monastic estates being clubbed in the proposed three tired Municipalities across the State following different notifications of the UD&HD, Government of Sikkim dated May 22, 2007. This for the monk body is absolute encroachment, diversion and dilution of the existing Old Laws and traditional monastic authorities of premier monasteries of Sikkim hitherto protected by Article 371F of the Constitution. “It is an encroachment on the part of the State Government on the powers and authority, hitherto enjoyed by the premier Monasteries such as the Pemayangtse and Ralong,” the release states.
According to the release, the Denzong Lhadi has adopted a resolution in this regard mentioning that the areas which have been incorporated from the Monastic Estates to the proposed Municipality must immediately be withdrawn.
The monk body has also urged the Governor of Sikkim to invoke Section 9 of the Sikkim Municipalities Act 2007 to facilitate the same in upholding the Sikkimese dharma.
WEST SIKKIM REMAINS CUT OFF DUE TO LANDSLIDES
District administration working round the clock to maintain supplies
GANGTOK, September 19: The incessant rains continue to cause havoc across the State, with the West District still reeling under the impact of several landslides and breaches in the road network. Gyalshing, the West District headquarters remained cut off from the rest of the country for the 7th day today with continuous rain causing widespread damages and impeding restoration of roads across the District.
The main arterial link to Gyalshing, the Jorethang-Nayabazar-Legship-Gyalshing road is still blocked with a sizable stretch of the road damaged by a number of landslides.
District Collector, West, Nitish Jha informed that despite massive efforts, the road has not been cleared due to continuous rainfall. “The incessant rain is impeding the repairing of main connecting road, which has breached at several places. It may take another seven days for the road to be cleared for normal traffic,” he said.
The West District road network has major breaches at Reshi and Sishney along the Jorethang-Gyalshing road and at Kewzing and Hingdam along the Rabong-Legship-Gyalshing stretch.
The DC, however, maintained that there is no scarcity of essential commodities in the District as of now. “There was a shortage of petrol and LPG earlier, but we have been able to tide over the situation for the time being. We have managed to bring in fresh supplies of LPG, which were distributed to the public yesterday,” he said.
Supply of essential commodities, albeit on a small scale, is being done through tranship. “We are working overtime and the situation is under controlled now,” the DC said.
Gyalshing is still connected through Kaluk but large vehicles cannot ply on this road.
“We are doing our best to maintain the supply of essential commodities so that the public do not suffer. We will be distributing some LPG cylinders tomorrow,” the DC said.
The West District administration has decided to set up vegetable stalls in coordination with the Horticulture Department to sell vegetables directly to the public. This is to ensure that vendors do not sell vegetables at exorbitant prices to the public taking advantage of the non-supply from Siliguri market. The DC maintained that there was no need for panic, as there is sufficient stock of essential commodities.
The DC, along with officials from the District administration will be going for a spot inspection of the road conditions in the District tomorrow. “We will inspect the entire roads network in the District,” the DC revealed.
GANGTOK, September 19: The incessant rains continue to cause havoc across the State, with the West District still reeling under the impact of several landslides and breaches in the road network. Gyalshing, the West District headquarters remained cut off from the rest of the country for the 7th day today with continuous rain causing widespread damages and impeding restoration of roads across the District.
The main arterial link to Gyalshing, the Jorethang-Nayabazar-Legship-Gyalshing road is still blocked with a sizable stretch of the road damaged by a number of landslides.
District Collector, West, Nitish Jha informed that despite massive efforts, the road has not been cleared due to continuous rainfall. “The incessant rain is impeding the repairing of main connecting road, which has breached at several places. It may take another seven days for the road to be cleared for normal traffic,” he said.
The West District road network has major breaches at Reshi and Sishney along the Jorethang-Gyalshing road and at Kewzing and Hingdam along the Rabong-Legship-Gyalshing stretch.
The DC, however, maintained that there is no scarcity of essential commodities in the District as of now. “There was a shortage of petrol and LPG earlier, but we have been able to tide over the situation for the time being. We have managed to bring in fresh supplies of LPG, which were distributed to the public yesterday,” he said.
Supply of essential commodities, albeit on a small scale, is being done through tranship. “We are working overtime and the situation is under controlled now,” the DC said.
Gyalshing is still connected through Kaluk but large vehicles cannot ply on this road.
“We are doing our best to maintain the supply of essential commodities so that the public do not suffer. We will be distributing some LPG cylinders tomorrow,” the DC said.
The West District administration has decided to set up vegetable stalls in coordination with the Horticulture Department to sell vegetables directly to the public. This is to ensure that vendors do not sell vegetables at exorbitant prices to the public taking advantage of the non-supply from Siliguri market. The DC maintained that there was no need for panic, as there is sufficient stock of essential commodities.
The DC, along with officials from the District administration will be going for a spot inspection of the road conditions in the District tomorrow. “We will inspect the entire roads network in the District,” the DC revealed.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
PRASHANT TAMANG : A LOCAL HERO
PRASHANT LOCAL HERO: Prashant Tamang,24,hails from Darjeeling is one of a proud singer to represent all Nepalese in one of India's Most popular musical TV Show 'Indian Idol'. The people of Darjeeling want to see Prashat become the Indian Idol . From streets to walls, the Prashant craze is everywhere in Darjeeling & Sikkim.
Indian Idol: Contest gets tougher for Prashant, Amit
Darjeeling& Sikkim: The finals of talent show Indian Idol is just days away.
And finalists, Prashant Tamang and Amit Paul, are getting huge support from fans in their hometowns.
It is a sight that Darjeeling has never seen before with hundreds of people busy on phones in every nook and corner of the town.
The truth is that they are all SMSing with a single purpose in mind and that is to help local boy Prashant become the next Indian Idol.
Prashant enjoys so much support in Sikkim & Darjeeling that his fans are spending thousands of rupees to message their votes for him.
And finalists, Prashant Tamang and Amit Paul, are getting huge support from fans in their hometowns.
It is a sight that Darjeeling has never seen before with hundreds of people busy on phones in every nook and corner of the town.
The truth is that they are all SMSing with a single purpose in mind and that is to help local boy Prashant become the next Indian Idol.
Prashant enjoys so much support in Sikkim & Darjeeling that his fans are spending thousands of rupees to message their votes for him.
We want Prashant to win that is why all the people are working till grassroot level to make him win,” says a resident of Gangtok.
The Prashant craze is everywhere in Darjeeling and Gangtok , from streets to walls. The housewives have even come out with collection boxes to raise money to send SMSes for him. Not just that, 24-hour SMS booths are now working overtime for the purpose.
However, Prashant's rival in the finals, Amit, is not far behind. He has achieved what many thought was impossible.
Support for him in his home state Meghalaya is so great that at only for him the Khashi, Jaintia and Garo tribes stand united with non-tribals.
“All the Khasis are extending their support to him and the Bengalis are also supporting him,” says a resident of Shillong.
"Amit Paul is the best. He is a boom!” adds another resident.
But will Darjeeling's Darling or Meghalaya's Pin Up boy be the next Indian Idol?
That is something fans will have to wait till September 23 to find out
The Prashant craze is everywhere in Darjeeling and Gangtok , from streets to walls. The housewives have even come out with collection boxes to raise money to send SMSes for him. Not just that, 24-hour SMS booths are now working overtime for the purpose.
However, Prashant's rival in the finals, Amit, is not far behind. He has achieved what many thought was impossible.
Support for him in his home state Meghalaya is so great that at only for him the Khashi, Jaintia and Garo tribes stand united with non-tribals.
“All the Khasis are extending their support to him and the Bengalis are also supporting him,” says a resident of Shillong.
"Amit Paul is the best. He is a boom!” adds another resident.
But will Darjeeling's Darling or Meghalaya's Pin Up boy be the next Indian Idol?
That is something fans will have to wait till September 23 to find out
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