25 Sikkim Government Officers Transferred

The Governor is pleased to order the following with immediate effect:-

1.Shri Bhim Thatal, SCS, Deputy Secretary, AATI, Gangtok is hereby transferred and posted as SDM, Mangan.

2.Ms. Karma Doma Youtso, SCS, Deputy Secretary, Home Department is hereby transferred and posted as Deputy Secretary, Chief Minister’s Office.

3.Shri Ujjwal Rai, SCS, Under Secretary, Development Planning Economic Reforms & North East Council Affairs Department is hereby transferred and posted as BDO, Rhenock, BAC.

4.Shri Yadav Krishna Sharma, BDO, Rhenock, BAC, is hereby transferred and posted as Editor, Information & Public Relations Department.

5.Ms. Cheeki Ongkula Bhutia, SCS, Under Secretary, Food Security & Agriculture Development Department, is hereby transferred and posted as BDO, Regu BAC.

6.Shri Dhiraj Prahdan, BDO, Regu, BAC, is hereby transferred and posted as Deputy Director, Food Security and Agriculture Development Department.

7.Shri Jigmi Wangchuk Bhutia, SCS, Under Secretary, Commerce & Industries Department is hereby transferred and posted as BDO, Temi Tarku, BAC.

8.Ms. Anita Subba, SCS, Under Secretary, Rural Management & Development Department is hereby transferred and posted as BDO, Kabi Tingda, BAC.

9.Shri L.B. Das, SCS, BDO, Kabi Tingda, BAC is hereby transferred and posted as Under Secretary, (Tech. Education) Human Resource Development Department.

10.Ms. Rohini Pradhan, SCS, Under Secretary, Health Care Human Services & Family Welfare Department is hereby transferred and posted as Under Secretary, Home Department.

11.Shri Satyan Kumar Pradhan, SCS, BDO, Temi Tarku, BAC, is hereby transferred and posted as Under Secretary, Health Care Human Services and Family Welfare Department.

12.Ms. Tashi Choden Bhutia, SCS, Under Secretary, Energy & Power Department is hereby transferred and posted as BDO, Rakdong Tintek, BAC.

13.Shri Tenzing Dorjee Denzongpa, SCS, BDO, Rakdong Tintek, BAC, is hereby transferred and posted as Under Secretary, Home Department.

14.Ms. Rinchen Doma Bhutia, SCS, Under Secretary, Cultural Affairs and Heritage Department is hereby transferred and posted as BDO, Yangang BAC.

15.Shri Mahesh Sharma, SCS, BDO, Yangang, BAC is hereby transferred as posted as Under Secretary, Department of Development Planning Economic Reforms & North Eastern Council Affairs.

16.Ms. Koshi Kapil, SCS, Under Secretary, Social Justice, and Empowerment & Welfare Department is hereby transferred and posted as BDO, Mangan, BAC.

17.Ms. Tashi Yangden Shartso, SCS, BDO, Mangan, BAC, is hereby transferred and posted as Under Secretary, Human Resource Development Department, Mangan.

18.Shri Dhiraj Subedi, SCS, BDO, Martam, BAC, is hereby transferred and posted as BDO, Pakyong, BAC.

19.Shri Shyam Kumar Pradhan, SCS, BDO, Pakyong is hereby transferred and posted as Under Secretary, Social Justice, Empowerment & Welfare Department.

20.Shri Abinash Rai, SCS, Under Secretary, Transport Department is hereby transferred and posted as BDO, Ranka, BAC.

21.Ms. Urbashi Poudyal, BDO, Ranka, BAC, is hereby transferred and posted as Deputy Director, Commerce & Industries Department.

22.Shri Depen Sharma, SCS, Under Secretary, Home Department is hereby transferred and posted as BDO, Khamdong, BAC.

23.Shri Karma Loday Lepcha, BDO, Khamdong BAC, is hereby transferred and posted as Assistant Director, Information & Public Relations Department.

24.Shri Gopal Rai, BDO, Namchi BAC, is hereby transferred and posted as Deputy Secretary, Urban Development & Housing Department, Namchi.

25.Shri Jigmi Samdup Basi, SCS, Under Secretary, Human Resource Development Department, is hereby transferred and posted as BDO, Namchi, BAC.

Sabji Mandi :a temporary alternative STNM Hospital Site

CM inspects alternative site for Gangtok STNM hospital
GANGTOK, November 6 (IPR): The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling visited Sabji Mandi located at Sichey, few kilometers from here today to examine the possibilities for a temporary alternative STNM Hospital site.
During the visit, the Chief Minister directed the State Health Department to submit the detailed project report as per the requirements of department of the Hospital before December 15, 2009 including the renovation of present infrastructure of Sabji Mandi. Mr. Chamling expressed that it should be made in such a way that it should have all the facilities including the Staff Quarters, Parking place, Gardens, Meditation Room, Mental and Psychological health care with holistic approaches.
The Chief Minister was companioned by State Health Minister DN Takarpa, State RMDD Minister CB Karki, State Building and Housing Minister Tilu Gurung, Secretaries of State Health Department, Medical Superintendent of STNM Hospital, Doctors, Officials from East District Administration, Engineers and other officials

One jawan dead, seven others injured in Nathula road mishap

pic:SikkimExpress
GANGTOK, November 7: One army jawan was killed and seven others of the Rajputana Regiment were injured in various degrees today afternoon when their vehicle slipped down the road at 9th Mile along Jawarhal Nehru Marg connecting Gangtok with Nathu La border.
The mishap took place at around 3:30 pm but the reasons for the accident are not known yet.
Police sources said that the army vehicle was coming from Nathu La to Gangtok and all the eight jawans were injured in the accident.
Among the injured jawans, three are taken for treatment at STNM hospital. They are Ugan Singh, Sudhir and Prem Singh. The other five were rushed to the army hospital at Libing army cantonment here and their names have not been yet disclosed.
STNM director Dr IL Sharma said that the condition of one jawan at STNM hospital was serious while the conditions of the other two are also weak.
Later it was informed that Sudhir succumbed to his injuries at the STNM hospital while the other two were also taken to the army hospital at Libing. The deceased was from Uttar Pradesh, it is informed.
After the accident took place, Sherathang police led by the in-charge officer rushed in for rescue and relief operation. The army jawans and locals of 15th Mile and 3rd Mile also came forward in the rescue operation.
The injured were sent to Gangtok for treatment in the tourist and army vehicles.

Dalai Lama sends greetings to “Tibet Festival” in Sikkim

Gangtok, Sikkim, 6 November - His Holiness the Dalai Lama sent his greetings to the first ever Tibet Festival today in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim that has strong cultural and religious ties with Tibet. The 1989 Nobel peace laureate said it is befitting that the festival was being held to coincide with the 50 years of the Tibetan people’s life in exile.

“I too have fond memories of my several visits of Sikkim. In particular, I have been deeply moved when undertaking pilgrimage to sacred sites like Tashiding and Pemayangtse,” read the message from the Tibetan leader who is currently touring Japan. Mr. Dhondup Dorjee, Tibetan Settlement Officer of Gangtok, read out the message at the opening function of the festival today at Kanchenjunga Complex in Gangtok.

His Holiness further writes, “I am therefore pleased to send my greeting on the occasion of a Tibet Festival that is being held in Gangtok from November 6 to 10, 2009 by the Tibetan Community in Sikkim to express their gratitude to the state government and the people of Sikkim. It is befitting that this festival is being held to coincide with the 50 years of the Tibetan people’s life in exile.”

The Tibetan Community of Sikkim in association with three Tibetan NGOs from Dharamsala are hosting the event to express the Tibetan people’s gratitude to the government of India and its people for 50 years of hospitality.

T.T. Bhutia, the Minister of Transport & Public Health Engineering, presided over as the chief guest for the inaugural function, and appreciated the impressive work put up by the Tibetan community of Sikkim, and stressed on the importance of preserving Tibet’s rich cultural heritage. He also spoke on possible joint venture between the Tibetan and Sikkimese religious groups. Since Sikkimese people and Tibetans share a common religion, he urged, “the young Sikkimese lamas have much to learn and seek guidance from Tibetan lamas on the intricacies of Buddhist rituals”.

Mr. Karma Yougyal, Organising Secretary of the Tibet Festival, said, “The festival showcases the rich cultural identity of Tibet that has been conserved for the past 50 years in exile with kind assistance from the Indian government and its people. It will exhibit the spirit of Tibet in its original form.”

Mrs. Kirti Dolkar Lhamo, President of the Tibetan Women’s Association said, “We take this opportunity to convey our sincere gratitude to His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama has provided an unwavering and visionary leadership for all Tibetan people everywhere in the world.”

“Sikkim has a special place in the hearts of Tibetan people. The hospitality extended to us is invaluable,” added Mrs. Lhamo.

Lectures and exhibits on Tibet’s environment, Buddhism, Tibetan medicine, astrology, traditional music and dance, costumes, crafts, and cuisine will be showcased at the festival.

Tibetan Women’s Association, Gu-Chu-Sum Movement for Tibet, Students for a free Tibet – India, U-Tsang Association Gangtok, Dotoe Association Gangtok, Domey Association Gangtok, Tibetan Youth Club Gangtok, Tibetan Women’s Association Gangtok and Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement Gangtok have jointly arranged the festival that is expected to draw several thousand people

Tibet Festival Starts @Gangtok

Gangtok,Nov07: With a banner saying “Thank you Sikkim for 50 years of hospitality”, a Tibetan festival is being held in the capital town to commemorate 50 years’ stay of the Tibetans in Sikkim who came from Tibet in 1959.
The festival at the top of Kanchenjunga Shopping Complex in Lall Market was inaugurated by chief guest Mr. TT Bhutia, Minister SNT and PHE, on Friday, November 6. Mr. NK Pradhan, Minister HRD, Mr. DB Thapa, Minister UD & HD, Mr. Sonam Gatyso Lepcha MLA, Mr. Dorjee Namgyal Bhutia, MLA, were present, among others. They all are visited the stalls exhibiting Tibetan traditional food, handloom and cultural features. Dancers and singers from Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, Headquarter of Tibetan Administration in exile, are performing live.
Chief Guest said, in Sikkim, we all Nepali, Lepcha, Bhutia stay in unity and the government provides the same status to Tibetans also who are considered as guest by both India and state government.
Items of culture, tradition and Buddhist religion, seminar, traditional and modern fashion show are in the agenda of the festival which will continue till November 10. This commemorative festival is being celebrated throughout India

Workshop on Project Snow Leopard in Sikkim

GANGTOK, November 6: The first stakeholders’ workshop on Project Snow Leopard (PSL) for North Sikkim was conducted at the Forest Conference Hall on October 31 by State Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Department jointly with The Mountain Institute-India (TMI-India) and Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF), Mysore under CEPF small grants project.
The workshop was chaired by the Chief Wildlife Warden cum Additional PCCF, NT Bhutia IFS along with other senior officials including Jt. Director Khangchendzonga National Park. Other participants included Chewang (Lachung Pipon), Tshering Dorjee and Norgay Lachungpa, Yaver Lachenpa, Gyambo, Lachen Dzumsa, members of Lachen Tourism Development Committee, Dr. Thinley Bhutia representing State Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department Dr. Yash Veer Bhatnagar, Senior Scientist, NCF, Dr. Ghanashyam Sharma, Programme Manager, TMI-India and his team, informs a press release.
Welcoming all the participants, C. Lachungpa, IFS CCF Territorial and Land Use talked about the importance of Snow Leopard conservation. He said that mountain people have strong cultural attachment with the mountain and its wildlife. “This platform is important for all of us to build up a strong effort towards conservation of Snow Leopard in Sikkim which is as charismatic for the mountains as the tiger in the forests,” he said.
Dr. Yash Veer Bhatnagar, Senior Scientist with Nature Conservation Foundation and member of the National Steering Committee for PSL, a flagship programme of the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India also gave an overview of the PSL. Informing that the project is unique in the country and being implemented in five Himalayan range states of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarkhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, Mr. Bhatnagar said PSL aims to provide the necessary framework and support to strengthen overall wildlife conservation using innovative programmes fully involving the local communities who share the snow leopard's home.
Speaking about local initiatives, the Chief Wildlife Warden said that the department has identified five potential landscapes spread over West, North and East Sikkim including West and North KNP, Lhonak Valley, Tso Lhamo-Lashar-Yumesamdong complex and Tembawa-Jelep La. State level Society, Landscape level implantation committee and Village level wildlife conservation committee are now under formation involving the participation of all levels of people including security forces. He mentioned that the department needed the support of all stakeholders and the value of flagship species like Snow Leopard and Yak whose natural home is the high altitude wilderness area of Sikkim.
Usha Lachungpa, Senior Research Officer on her part gave a presentation on the key issues pertaining to wildlife conservation in the high altitudes of Sikkim. She defined the current potential landscape for snow leopard conservation and presented the lists of stakeholders representing the state, landscape and village level committees, mentioning that all important stakeholders like the military/paramilitary, government departments, tourism industry, Dzumsa of Lachen and Lachung, and NGOs most of whom have expressed their keen interest to support the project.
Dr. Ghanashyam Sharma, Programme Manager of TMI-India presented the key findings of the collaborative TMI-I - NCF - Forest Department project. He also spoke about the value of rotational grazing practiced in the high altitudes of North Sikkim.
The last session included a fruitful discussion where Chewang, Pipon Lachung agreed to extend all necessary support of the Dzumsa. He stated that the key persons whose livelihoods are directly linked to the alpine area such as yak herders need to be involved. Representatives of Lachen Dzumsa agreed to discuss these issues with Lachen Dzumsa.
Dr. Thinlay from AHLF&VS department also spoke about ongoing SARAH project to control stray dogs in Sikkim which would have direct impact towards snow leopard and wildlife conservation in general.
While summarizing the workshop, Dr. Bhatnagar further said this is a great beginning. Sikkim has the potential to develop a model PSL programme for the country due to its relatively small size, strong local institutions, and responsive government, he added.

Union Power Minister Shinde In Sikkim Today

Sushil Kumar Shinde to visit Sikkim today

Gangtok,Nov06: The Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde will be on a two day visit to Sikkim from tomorrow.
Mr. Shinde is likely to land at Libing Helipad tomorrow at 2:45 pm. The union minister will be attending and addressing the 16th Power Utilities meeting where he will also interact with the host of Power Department heads from all the States.
The meeting is being organized by Power Finance Corporation and will be held at a local hotel on November 7.

QuikQuip

Sikkim IT office issues assessment notices to non-exempted

KNOCKOUT PUNCH TO THE “LEFT OUTS”
GANGTOK, November 6: The Income Tax Office of Sikkim has started issued notices with much fuss to those individuals coming under the purview of the Income Tax Act 1961 to file their return of their incomes in connection with the assessment for the assessment year 2008-09 even as the triad of the ‘left outs’, State Government and Centre play a game of musical chair over the non exemption provided to the non Sikkim Subject holders.
The notice issued by Income Tax Officer LD Lepcha asks the concerned individuals to prepare a true and cored return of their income in respect of which they are assessable under the Income Tax Act during the previous year relevant to the assessment year 2008-09.
“The return should be in the appropriate form as prescribed in Rule 12 of the Income Tax Act Rule 1962”, states the notice issued under section 142 of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The return should be duly verified and signed in accordance with the provisions of the Act as delivered to the Income Tax Office before December 1, 2009.
The latest development apparently deals a fatal blow to the aspirations and movement of those not exempted from paying income tax, particularly the old settlers who do not have the Sikkim Subject certificates, the only ground in the arrangement between the State government and Finance Ministry for becoming eligible for income tax relief.
The Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had recently stated that only Sikkim Subject certificate holders are exempted from paying income taxes. Rest has to pay. Period.
Mukherjee had stated that the Union government has targeted to collect Rs. 4 lakh crores as revenue from taxes and there will be no compromise on this target.
The mood of the Centre is reflected in the issuing of notices to the ‘non-exempted’ people here to submit their returns delivering probably final blow to around 9,000 old settlers of Sikkim who have been clamouring for exemption at par with Sikkim Subject holders.
(MINGMA BHUTIA)

In Pictures - Vice President M.Hamid Ansari visits to Sikkim

Sikkim Government Transfers

• Shri Dhan Bahadur Bista, Asst. Malaria Officer, Health Care, Human Resources & Development Department, shall retire from service w.e.f. 28.2.2010 (A.N) on superannuation in terms of rule 98 of the Sikkim Government Service Rules, 1974. Further, he is confirmed in the Government Service for the purpose of retirement benefits.
•  Shri Raj Vikram Gurung, Addl. Secretary, Transport Department shall retire from service w.e.f 31/03/2010
• Shri J. B. Subba, Principal Chief Architect, Buildings & Housing Department is hereby posted as Secretary, Buildings & Housing Department on deputation.
  
• Shri Rakesh Khanna, Chief Engineer (Civil), Tourism Department is hereby promoted as Principal Chief Engineer in the scale of Rs. 17200-450-21250 on officiating capacity.
  
• Shri P. Shrestha, Chief Engineer (Civil), Roads & Bridges Department is hereby promoted as Principal Chief Engineer in the scale of Rs. 17200-450-21250 on officiating capacity and transferred to Human Resource Development Department.
  
  
  
  

Dry run: No liquor in Darjeeling from Nov 7

DARJEELING: There will be no liquor in Darjeeling from November 7 — not a sip for tourists, not a sip for locals. Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM)
issued this diktat, apparently to deprive state government of the revenue it earns from liquor sale in the Hills.

Bars, restaurants and liquor shop owners in Darjeeling have little choice but to toe GJM’s line, even if it means giving up their sole means of livelihood. This means no more Kangchenjunga sunsets, nursing a glass of whiskey. Locals have it worse - a bitter winter without spirits. And what’s the Darjeeling administration - that has virtually allowed Bimal Gurung and GJM a free run - doing about it?
Apparently nothing. ‘‘We are not worried about the GJM diktat,’’ said an excise department official.

‘‘We are more concerned about the health of the Darjeeling people because they will turn to illicit liquor.’’

Gurung’s claim that he wants to stop the flow of liquor revenue to the state coffers has no logic, say excise officials. ‘‘It’s absurd to think that way. In fact, all taxes are paid in Siliguri before the liquor is brought to the Hills,’’ said an official.

Gurung insists the government made Rs 40 crore through sale of liquor during Puja alone. Last month, he announced closure of licensed liquor shops as part of the ‘non-cooperation movement’ against the state. Import of liquor from Sikkim (which is cheaper), too, was stopped. Gorkhaland Personnel have been deployed on NH-31A to check vehicles for liquor.

When another excise official was asked about the impact of the closure, he said: ‘‘Revenue-wise it will not make much of a difference as Siliguri is a much bigger source. In Darjeeling, import will be hit and also supply to army.’’

The real losers will be those who depend on the liquor business to run their family. In the three Hills subdivisions, there are 53 licensed bar and restaurants, 19 licensed shops and 24 country spirit outlets. Licensed shop owners refused to talk on the issue, saying they would have to obey the GJM diktat, no matter what.

‘‘We will suffer heavy losses but we can’t do anything about it,’’ said an off-shop retailer. In the past four weeks, liquor shops are incurring a loss of Rs 30-35,000 each day.

The Darjeeling Bar and Restaurant Owner’s Association also refused to talk. ‘‘We tried to meet Bimal Gurung to request him not to close the liquor shops, but could not. We have no choice but to shut shop,’’ said association secretary Dharmendra Poddar.

For many in Darjeeling, it’s now a question of survival. Some bar owners are thinking of converting into restaurants, but with tourist inflow drying to a trickle after GJM started its agitation, restaurant and bar owners are already scraping the bottom of the barrel. ‘‘What about our staff? They have families to feed?’’ said a bar owner. Some are holding on to the hope that Gurung will lift the ban after a few months

Tiff over sari claims 7-yr-old Kid

Gangtok, Nov. 5: An argument between two women over a sari has allegedly claimed a seven-year-old boy. The bludgeoned body of Arpit Sharma was recovered from a Sikkim jungle today.

Arpit had gone missing from Rangpo Junior High School on Monday. He used to live with his grandparents in Rangpo’s Lower Bazar, while his parents were in Bihar. Police said the family was engaged in the carpentry and masonry.

Investigations revealed that the school authorities had told Arpit’s grandparents that a woman posing as his mother had taken away the boy from the institution to the Singtam hospital around 10.30am on Monday on the pretext of visiting a doctor.

The next day the boy’s guardians filed a missing person’s diary.

Asked whether the family suspected anyone, Arpit’s aunt told the police an incident involving a neighbour, Bina Devi Sharma, 24, whom the boy had seen stealing a sari from their home.

“The boy’s aunt embroiders saris and one such item strung out in the balcony of the house was stolen during Diwali. Arpit had seen Bina Devi wearing the sari a few days later. This led to an argument between the boy’s aunt and the accused woman,” an officer of the Rangpo police station said.

The investigations zeroed in on Bina Devi as a prime suspect and she was interrogated today by the Rangpo police. “Even though she did not admit the crime initially, she gave us some clues that led us to search the Sawney jungle (near Singtam, about 35km from here) and we found the bludgeoned body,” the officer said. “The woman later confessed the crime saying that she had kidnapped and killed the boy to take revenge.”

The police also recovered the school shirt and the bag of the boy near a stream. The body was handed over to the boy’s guardians after a post-mortem.

Ranka Sports complex: first phase completion by December

Gangtok,Nov05: 95% work of Khel Gaon (sports complex) at Ranka-Resithang under Upper Burtuk constituency is completed. The remaining work will be completed within a month in Dececeber, said Mr. R K Rai, Joint Secretary of Sports & Youth Affairs department on Wednesday. National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) is doing the work which began on 12 October 2007 and slated for completion by 11 April 2009

Rangpo’s kidnapped child brutally murdered

photo:VoS
05 Nov, Rangpo: A case has been registered against a women who allegedly killed a child after kidnapping. The child named Arpit Sharma aged 07 years doing his schooling at Rangpo Government School was missing since Monday 10:00 am on his way to school, a search operation was conducted by Sikkim Police after a missing report was filed at Rangpo PS. Today Rangpo police conducted a interrogation with a suspect women who is a neighbour of said child’s family. A partial decompoed body of a child was recovered from Sawney Busty, Singtam some few kilometers from Rangpo.
A women Bina Devi Sharma finally confessed that she killed a child because few months earlier there was a domestic dispute between herself and the family of child. She confessed that she killed a child in verge to pacify her anger. Sikkim Police has filed a charge against the said women under IPC. Further information is awaited on this report.

Curtains fall on Namchi Mahotsav

NAMCHI, November 5: Curtains fell on the three days long Namchi Mahotsav today, which showcased ethnic cultural extravagance.


Tourists, both local and foreign entertained themselves to the tunes of Lok Dohori while surfing through the traditional stalls, selling ethnic cuisines and locally made liquor like Chhang.

At the same time, with the local artisans selling their wares, taxi drivers getting enough people to ferry around and hotels with good occupancy, the festival turned out to be economically and socially advantageous.

Evening was fun as well, what with presentation of different kinds like ‘Lok Dohori’ by artists from Nepal, musical presentation by the instrumental band ‘Kutumba’ of Nepal, presentation by different dance troops of Nachyo Babari, dance by local talents and exclusive musical night by guest artists from Kathmandu, namely Sishir Yogi, Juno Rizal along with local talent like Anita Moktan.

The last day of the Namchi Mahotsav 2009 also saw the presentation by Taal Music and Dance Academy Namchi along with performance of other local talents.

Sikkim Rock Face Pic

Sikkimexpress Photo

The essence of love and compassion – Om Mani Padme Hung Rhi carved on a rock face in Kupup in East Sikkim signifies Buddhist faith of praying for the deliverance of all sentient beings from the realms of Samsara. These are common sights in the Himalayan State – be it on the prayer wheels in motion or prayer flags that flutter in the air.

Gangtok Gurudwara

The Gurudwara at Deorali, Gangtok on Guru Nanak Jayanti on Monday. (Pic by Prabin Khaling)

7 yr old boy kidnapped by an imposter

GANGTOK, November 5: A seven year old boy is reported to have been kidnapped by a woman posing as his mother from Rangpo Junior High school on November 2.
The missing boy, Arpit Sharma had gone to school as usual in the morning but did not returned back in the evening. The guardians contacted the school authorities who informed that boy had been taken away from the school at around 10:30 am by ‘his mother’.
The ‘mother’ it turns out to be was an imposter.
A woman posing as the mother took away Arpit from the school with an excuse for medical treatment at Singtam district hospital, the guardians of the missing boy said in their written complaint to Rangpo police station.
The parents of Arpit stay outside the State for their work and had left their son entrusted to the care of his grandparents.
We have asked the parents and other relatives whether that Arpit landed up with them but he has not gone to them, said Dinesh Sharma, the uncle of the missing boy requesting the police to investigate on the case of the missing boy.
Till now it is learnt that the boy had been spotted in Singtam but no other information have filtered down leading to the suspicion that Arpit may have been kidnapped

‘Tibet Festival’ at Gangtok from Nov 6

GANGTOK, November 5: The Tibetan community in the Himalayan State of Sikkim is set to host their maiden five day ‘Tibet Festival’ in Gangtok commencing from November 6 on the occasion of the 50th year of ‘Tibetans in exile’.


The festival will be held at Kanchenjunga Shopping Complex, Lal Bazaar here, informed the organizers, in a press statement. The festival will display the Tibetan culture, religion, Buddhist rituals, medicine and astrology, music and dance, costumes, arts and crafts and cuisine.

“This festival has been organized to acknowledge, honour and sincerely thank the government and people of India and especially the State of Sikkim and its people for providing a refuge in which the Tibetan community has thrived. Tibetans both inside and outside of Tibet are deeply conscious of the safe sanctuary that India has provided for us. We will remain ever grateful for all that India has done for us”, said the organizing committee.

“The festival expresses the preservation of Tibetan cultural identity that has been kept intact for the past 50 years. It will exhibit the spirit of Tibet in its original form”, the committee added.

The Tibetan community here also expressed its sincere indebtedness to the XIV Dalai Lama ‘who for 50 years has provided an unwavering and visionary leadership for all Tibetan people everywhere in the world’.

“Every Tibetan has a deep and inexpressible connection with His Holiness. He symbolizes Tibet in its entirety: the beauty of the land, the purity of its rivers and lakes, the sanctity of its skies, the solidity of its mountains, and the history and strength of its people”, said the Tibetan community here.

The community added that Sikkim has a special place in the hearts of Tibetan people. Its warmth of hospitality extended to us since the Chogyal’s era to the present popular government lead by Pawan Chamling, has generated a social bond that is so deeply intertwined, it is almost inseparable, said the Tibetan community.

The first day of the festival, November 6, will be graced by State PHE minister TT Bhutia as the chief guest who will declare the festival open. The message of the Dalai Lama will be read out by Dhondup Dorjee, Tibetan Settlement Officer, Gangtok followed by a ‘Thank You India’ song by Thumi Sambhota Tibetan School and traditional dances by Ghangjong Doekar.

Two films ‘Undercover in Tibet-Channel 4’ and ‘What remains of us’ will also be screened on the inaugural day.

On Saturday, a panel discussion on ‘Tibet’s Environment’ will be chaired by Dalip Mehta while Khenpo Tsewant-la will be presenting a discourse on Buddhism in English.

On Sunday, a panel discussion on ‘Tibet in Exile’ will be chaired by Claude Arpi, discourse on Buddhism by Chamba Choepal followed by cultural presentations and a special appearance by Miss Tibet, Tshering Chungtak during a traditional Tibetan costumes pageantry show.

On Monday, Vinod Saighal will be chairing a discussion on ‘Significance on Tibetan culture’ followed by special screening of three films ‘Jigdrel (Leaving fear behind)’, ‘Nangpa La killing’ and ‘Strange Spirit: One country’s occupation’ after which the festival will be declared closed.

There are around 3,500 Tibetans in Sikkim who have settled in most parts of the State. A settlement of the Tibetan community is at Rabongla in South Sikkim while a group of the Tibetans have settled in Tshoka on the way to the Dzongri trek in West Sikkim. Most of them are entrepreneurs while some of them have taken up jobs in the State Government and organizations of the Union government, it is informed

One killed, 12 injured in vehicle accident in Sikkim

GANGTOK, November 5: A 45-year-old lady was killed and twelve others were injured when a Savari vehicle they were traveling from Rangpo to Rongli fell down some 100 feet from the Rangpo-Rongli road in East Sikkim today afternoon.
SDPO (Rongli) SK Sundas told the media over phone that the mishap took place at around 3:30 pm at Kali khola along the Rangpo-Rongli stretch.
The deceased has been identified as Passang Phutti Sherpa, 45, from Lingtam, Rongli. The driver, Lakpa Sherpa suffered head injuries and he has been rushed to a private clinic in Siliguri.
Two passengers, Wangchuk Sherpa (55) from Lingtam and a GREF employee Santosh Kumar (47) have sustained severe injuries and have been referred to STNM Hospital in Gangtok. The other passengers sustained minor injuries and were discharged after first aid at Rongli primary health centre.
It is informed that the vehicle (SK04-3147) had skidded into a ditch before plunging down the road.
Unconfirmed reports add that the driver was forced to skid into ditch while giving side to an army vehicle coming from the opposite direction.
A case has been registered at Rhenock police station against the driver.

IT RELIEF ONLY FOR SIKKIM SUBJECT HOLDERS: PRANAB MUKHERJEE

GANGTOK, November 5: Delivering yet another blow to the old settlers of Sikkim, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today made it clear that the income tax relief has been granted only to the Sikkim Subject holders and no one else.
The Finance Minister said that the income tax exemption has been given only to the Sikkim Subject holders and not for others, informed Pabitra Bhandari, Executive Editor of Nepali daily Hamro Prajashakti over phone from New Delhi.
Bhandari had questioned the Finance Minister during the inaugural session of the Economic Editors’ Conference today whether the old settlers of Sikkim can be exempted from the income tax as provided to the Sikkim Subject holders here. The meet is being organized Press Bureau of Information at Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi.
Speaking to the media here over phone from New Delhi, Bhandari said in reply, Mukherjee made it clear that the income tax exemption was meant only for the Sikkim Subject holders.
The Finance Minister said that the Union government is targeting to collect Rs. 4 lakh crores as revenue from direct tax in one year and there will be no compromise on this target, informed Bhandari.
Similarly, revenue secretary PV Baidya added that the income tax relief modality had been made in consultation with the Sikkim government where only those names in the Sikkim Subject register and their descendants are eligible for income tax relief in Sikkim, informed Bhandari. Excluding them, Baidya said that others in Sikkim have to pay income tax, she informed.
The latest admission from the very top levels of the Union government deals another blow to the aspirations of the 9000 odd old settlers of Sikkim who have been clamouring for income tax exemption at par with the Sikkim Subject holders.
The Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim (AOSS) had been recently told by the State government to seek legal and constitutional advice so that it can forward the income tax exemption demand to the Centre. The State government had also communicated with AOSS about the conclusion of the committee, which had been formed to look into their demands, there were ‘no provision’ in the Income Tax Act, 1961 for grant of income tax exemption to the left out individuals of Sikkim.

Sikkim Government Transfers

• On the recommendation of the Sikkim Public Service Commission, Shri P. N. Sherpa, presently on deputation as Superintending Engineer (Mech.), SPDC is hereby promoted as Additional Chief Engineer (Mechanical) in the scale of Rs. 12500-375-17000 with immediate effect.
• On the recommendation of the Sikkim Public Service Commission, Shri B. K. Singh, Additional Chief Engineer (Mech.), Roads & Bridges Department, is hereby promoted as Chief Engineer (Mechanical) in the scale of Rs. 14300-400-18300 with immediate effect
• Shri L. K. Vijayan, Divisional Engineer (Civil), Water Security & P.H.E. Department, Ravangla, shall retire from service w.e.f. 28-02-2010 (AN) on superannuation in terms of rule 98 of the Sikkim Government Service Rules, 1974.
• Shri Padam Bdr. Pradhan, Assistant Engineer (Civil), Rural Management & Development Department shall retire from service w.e.f. 28-02-2010 (AN) on superannuation in terms of rule 98 of the Sikkim Government Service Rules, 1974.
• Shri Pratap Tewari, SCS, Special Secretary, Building and Housing Department, is hereby transferred and posted as Secretary State Election Commission, on deputation with immediate effect.
• Shri T. R. Dhakal, Assistant Engineer (Elect.) Energy & Power Department, shall retire from service w.e.f. 31-10-2009 .

Sikkim Girls trained in motor mechanism

Gangtok,Nov5: Six month long training on souvenir making from fiber glass and motor mechanism concluded on November 2 at Conference hall of Khadi and Gram Udyog Board, Deorali. The training was organized by Sikkim Motor Training and Engineering Institute and Sponsored by Department of Commerce and Industries and Directorate of Skill Development and Capacity Building.
Total 50 local unemployed youths were trained of whom 20 girls out of 30 got training in motor mechanism, for the first time in the state, and 20 youths were trained in souvenir making.
Ujjawal Gurung, Director of Commerce and Industries addressing the participants as chief guest congratulated them for successful completion of their training. He appealed to them to utilize their knowledge and skill for making a livelihood. These fiber goods are cheaper than those imported from China, he said. Mr. Gurung handed over certificates to the participants.

After night at zoo, Gangtok bear goes back to wild

Gangtok, Nov. 5: The Himalayan black bear that mauled two forest officers yesterday was released in the wild after spending a night at a zoo.

The animal had ambled into Setey Bazar near Gangtok early yesterday and was caught after a hide-and-seek played out for over six hours. During the confrontation, two forest officers were clawed while the third was injured when he fell while fleeing and the bear was taken to Himalayan Zoological Park in Bulbuley, 5km from here, after it was darted.

This morning, it was sent to the reserve forest at Kupup close to the Memencho lake, about 70km from here, to be released. Kupup in East Sikkim is close to the Chinese border and Nathu-la. Sources at the Bulbuley zoo said the bear had fully recovered from the effects of the tranquilliser and had been fed meat.

Chief wildlife warden N.T. Bhutia said the animal had started for the wild in a truck at 8am. “The decision (to release it) was taken since there was not enough area in the zoo to house the bear and we feared that there would be infighting in the single enclosure where a male and a female bear are presently kept,” Bhutia said. He was present yesterday when the bear was darted very close to the administrative complex of East Sikkim.

Nearly eight darts were fired. The joint director of the state forest department, J.B. Subba, divisional forest officer (territorial) East Sikkim, B.B. Gurung and the medical assistant of the Bulbuley zoo, Sonam Tshering Lepcha, were injured when they approached the bear, which they thought had fallen asleep. But proving them wrong, the animal came after them and Subba was the first person to be attacked. A witness had said Subba could have been killed had not a police sub-inspector hurled stones at the bear to distract it. But the flailing claws caught Subba on the face and Gurung on the left leg and thigh. Lepcha dislocated his arm when he fell while fleeing.

Subba and Gurung were flown by a helicopter to a nursing home in Siliguri at 3.30pm yesterday.

Senior forest officials said the bear might have come in search of food from the nearby Rateychu reserve forest. The Himalayan black bear is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act and is among the most endangered species.

Biharis in Sikkim deprived of all Central Govt benefits

GANGTOK, November 4: Sikkim Bihari Jagran Manch today resented on the one point that the Bihari Community in Sikkim has been deprived of all the Central Government benefits over the years.
In a press meeting called by the newly formed executives of the Manch to thank all those who had supported in conducting a free and fair election last month, the newly re-elected president Swaminath Prasad said that although there has been immense support from the government towards Bihari community there are certain issues which needs to be addressed seriously keeping in view the welfare of the community.
He pointed out that the Central government benefits for the SCs and STs of Bihari community are also not been given in Sikkim.
“Renewal of trade license has become a major set back for the Bihari businessman as they have to procure Sikkim Subjects and residential address which most of the business people does not have despite being voters of the State for many years,” Mr. Prasad said.
The Manch president further said that a meeting with Chief Minister Pawan Chamling would soon be fixed up to apprise him of the above issues. “We hope Mr. Chamling would take up the step in issuing a special identity card for the purpose of renewal of the trade license,” he added.
As far as the development of the members of the Manch is concerned, Mr. Prasad said they would focus on educational upliftment and poverty elevation within the Bihari Community.
Sikkim Bihari Jagran Manch has 32 branches across the State.
The press conference was also attended by the Manch general secretary Nanda Kishore Prasad and other members